10 Tips To Taking Amazing Fall Photos In NJ
Fall is such a majestic time of the year! Having to cuddle with your loved ones under the tree while watching the leaves turn from yellow to red is such an awesome vibe. But, you know what else is best to do in the fall season? It is having a photoshoot in an astonishing view of fall foliage! Here are some tips on how to do it.
1. Plan for the shoot
First and foremost, you have to take note of the possible troubles that come with fall. Number one with that is the cold weather. Yes, the cold breeze could be great, but not if you are going to photograph autumn with a thin fabric covering your body.
Getting cold might result in blur shots because of the continuous shaking of your hands. To avoid that, make sure that you plan. Get ready with your hiking gear if you plan to have your shoot on a trail and ensure that you get dressed appropriately to brave the weather.
2. Scout your location before shoot day
Hand in hand with your planning is to pick the best place for your fall photo shoot. Are you going to hike on a trail? Do you dream to shoot in a local park? Or do you want to shoot in a river? Wherever you decide to go on, make sure that you visit the place before your shoot day to get familiar with the area and to prepare for any difficulties you may face in the location.
If you are planning to have your shoot in New Jersey, here are our top breathtaking spots for your fall shoot.
Known for the Black River that flows through it, Hacklebarney State Park stays cool and one of the most favored places for a photoshoot in New Jersey, no matter what season it is.
Located on the border of NJ and Pennsylvania, Mount Tammany is considered one of the best places to capture the stunning fall foliage during the season!
Watchung Reservation is not only known for its various hiking trails for adventurers but also for its jaw-dropping scenery for picnic and photoshoot in the fall season. It is a perfect spot to grab your camera and pose with leaves falling as your backdrop.
3. Keep your eyes on the best ligh
One of the best things about fall besides the magical falling of leaves is the warm and dramatic hues of the golden light. We think no one would disagree that fall has the perfect bright and golden colors best for capturing phenomenal photos. With that said, you must look after the sun and be alert to the lighting it gives to your shot.
4. Timing is the key
Along with the perfect lighting, a great shot also comes with the right timing. A skilled photographer always seeks the precise timing to click the button and take the photo. And taking the falling of leaves along with your subject requires excellent timing skills.
5. Don up your subjects
In any photoshoot, it is significant that your subjects have the appropriate outfit. It is essential that you, as a photographer, inform your loved ones or clients on what clothes they should wear or, most importantly, what they should not.
6. Don't forget details
Before clicking your camera and taking a shot with your subjects, make sure that you take advantage of the leaves around you. Guide your clients to pick out the colored leaves and play with it or take a shot of their feet along with the pile of autumn leaves. Always remember that cohesiveness is as important as every single detail of your autumn photos.
7. Include some drama
Among all the seasons, fall is the one that brings the most dramatic mood to your shot. Use that aspect of the season to deliver stunning photos. The fall season offers the magnificent golden hour, which you can manipulate to use as a backlight. Also, even overcasting may not be your first choice for your photo; it helps eliminate harsh shadows and highlights.
8. Add some reflection
Capturing fall does not only mean having the autumn colors in your shot but also building the entire autumn scene in your photos.
Are you looking for inspiration for your photos? Use the water. Lakes are instant mirrors; work with it to bring twice the color of the season. Try shooting long exposure with a neutral density filter and a tripod.
9. Adjust your camera settings
One common mistake of a photographer is having wrong camera settings when having a fall photo shoot. To make sure that your settings are correct, check the white balance of your camera. For fall photoshoot, it is advisable to set your white balance into "shady" or "cloud" mode. Also, shooting in raw would make it easier to post-process your photos.
10. Play with editing
Do not be afraid to explore different features of Adobe Lightroom in editing your photos. While there are various free presets, no one else knows what suits your shot the best. Play with your editing software; not only would it make your photos look better, but also improve your eyes for effects and hone your photo editing skills. It is a win-win situation.