Photography 101

Autumn is typically the time of year when we stay more at home, lying on the sofa with a blanket and a hot drink to comfort us. But it's also a time when incredible landscapes are revealed as they turn brown, red and yellow. To make the most of this season of the year, we've compiled 15 creative ideas for photographing autumn here.

15 creative ideas for photographing autumn1. Focus on falling leaves to create impressive compositions

Falling leaves are a classic autumnal photo. But it's so common that you run the risk of getting photos that look like all the others. Avoid repetition by looking for different compositions and perspectives. This will result in much more creative shots and portraits. For example, you don't need to have a clear subject or main object. You can produce something more abstract by setting your camera to the maximum aperture. This will allow you to focus on falling leaves, leaving the background or main subject out of focus for a nice bokeh effect.

2. Throwing leaves at your model while she is posing freely

Another typical autumn portrait image is a person throwing dry leaves into the air. But the poses here are often quite stiff. To freshen up this type of photo, you can throw tree leaves at your model. You can use this to test different angles and perspectives. Triggering your camera while throwing leaves is quite complicated, so ask someone to help you or use a tripod and a remote shutter release.

3. Choose an outfit that matches the autumn colours

In some of the most beautiful autumn photos, the subject is in perfect harmony with its surroundings. This is not always the best effect in all photo disciplines, but it is a safe bet for autumn photos. Before your session, ask your model to dress in yellow, orange or red. Another great touch is to add a clothing accessory such as a hat or scarf. Make sure your portrait shows a welcoming scene.

4. Photograph in the morning to take advantage of the golden hour

Autumn may not be the sunniest time of the year. But you can still capture warm light at certain times of the day, such as the golden hour at sunrise. This light is softer than the characteristic golden hour light, so it will work well for dreamy portraits. Don't forget to make the most of autumn light. Use direct light for more classic portraits, background light for a golden frame and side light for ambient portraits.

5. Shoot low to the ground

Autumn photography should not only focus on the subject. It should also include the surroundings. You can capture the surroundings in a number of ways, the simplest of which is to use low points. If you shoot at a low level, you can capture the subject as well as its surroundings. This creative trick is great if you are shooting at a location full of beautiful trees and a nice blue sky.

6. Photograph babies or children with a Halloween theme

Originally celebrated in the United States, Halloween is now also part of our autumn. You can use pumpkins or other typical Halloween elements to decorate your family or children's portraits. This will add a fun and original touch to your portraits. And you can even dress up your pet!

7. Use a prime cine lens to produce atmospheric landscapes

Autumn is perfect for landscape photos. Especially if you like to travel and go to the countryside. You can take a portrait while capturing the whole environment using a prime cine lens. Cine lenses allow you to take in a larger scene. Keep your subject's location in mind so that it does not suffer from image distortion.

8. Play with reflections for even more striking shots

A landscape with a lake or a river can be the ideal environment to find reflections and achieve even more striking landscapes. You can also test the photo of a landscape with and without reflections. You will need a polarising filter to do this. If you haven't tried them yet, autumn is a good time to start.