While out and about over the last week, we’ve noticed the autumn colours really start to come through. These next few weeks are the perfect time to get outside with your smartphone and try out a few nature shots. Although the light is reducing in October, there’s still a good chance of some bright (and dry!) days that will really show off those autumnal colours.
The most common problem people find when trying to photograph autumn colours is that their photos can easily become generic, with wide shots of trees creating an unfocused and bland image. Playing with the scale and perspective in a shot can really up the drama of the image. In this blog, we’ll be focusing on how to make the most of those incredible colours and textures, with 5 top tips for using your smartphone when photographing autumn colours.
1. Underexposure
One very underused method in autumn photography is underexposure. If you’ve managed to get a sunny day and found the most stunning deep orange or red leaves, maximising brightness in your image may seem like the best approach. The issue, however, is about seepage of colour from the background. Under exposing your shot will help the background support the powerful colour in the foreground, which will be enhanced and deepened through the underexposure.
2. Get down low and shoot from the ground
Achieving varying focal points in your autumn images will add a lot of interest. One simple way of achieving this is to shoot from the ground. This angle can instantly transform an image, allowing you to focus on the leaf fall while introducing an interesting setting in the background.
3. Find a good blanket of leaves to stand in
Getting right into the action is another approach to focusing in. Here, you can create an effective contrast with the autumn colours, while showing off all the different shapes and sizes in the leaf fall. Plus there is nothing better than having a good jump in a pile of leaves - no matter how old you are!
4. Go on a treasure hunt and photograph your autumn findings
Another contrasting method to really show off colour and texture is to collect up those beautiful leaves and then present them on a sheet of white paper and create a ‘flat lay’. Each leaf and seed will pop out through the contrast. If you have an iPhone and have your grid lines turned on, as soon as you make the phone flat, you will see two crosses which, when put together, act as a spirit level, meaning your shot will be totally flat.
5. Get in close to see the detail
The detail you can achieve on your smartphone is astounding and easily competes with a DSLR. Getting up close to the autumn flowers and fungi on display presents a fascinating otherworldliness to your seasonal shots. Either use your phone’s ‘close up’ lens, or invest in some clip on macro lenses (around £10-£20) and the results really are stunning.
Although you can enhance your images through editing, good composition when photographing autumn colours is what will transform your images. So, it’s worth taking the time to properly construct your shots for that perfect autumn photo.
If you would like to learn more about using your smartphone camera for photographing autumn colours, our smartphone photography workshops can be tailored to you and what you’re looking to achieve.
For workshops in London, St Albans, Oxford, Cambridge or Brighton, please email Jet at jet@jetblacksqaures.com
For workshops in Newcastle and Durham, please email Becky at becky@jetblacksquares.com