Pro Photo Tips by Matt Payne

Fall Photography Photo Tip - Leverage the Light

By Matt Payne

Autumn is the season when nature flaunts its boldest colors, and photographers sharpen their senses to capture fleeting moments of gold, amber, and crimson. Yet too often we fuss over whether the sky is clear or clouded, forgetting that fall light offers gifts no matter the weather. Instead of lamenting harsh sun or bland skies, tune your mindset to find magic in three powerful types of light: back light, side light, and reflected light. Each one can transform ordinary scenes into timeless photographs, particularly when paired with the texture and translucence of autumn foliage.

Back light is a fall photographer’s secret weapon. Position yourself so the sun sits behind your subject; you will reveal an inner glow within aspen leaves or the delicate outline of a frost-tipped branch. Back light can turn mundane trees into stained glass windows, especially when the forest floor is still dark and cool. Try crouching low and aiming your lens toward the canopy for a natural halo effect. Let some sun flare sneak through for added drama; just remember to protect your highlights.

Side light works wonders when you wish to showcase depth and structure in a scene. In early morning or late afternoon, this raking light skims across trunks, rocks, and undergrowth, carving out texture and dimension. Aspen groves become a dance of light and shadow, and fallen leaves gain shape beneath their subtle ridges. When exploring streams or lake edges, side light can help reveal the shimmer on ripples and the contrast between mossy stones and autumn reflections. It invites your viewer to feel the crispness in the air and the quiet play between sun and forest.

Reflected light is the unsung hero many overlook. Seek out water: a calm pool, a meandering creek, or even the damp surfaces left by overnight frost. Autumn colors bouncing off these reflective surfaces soften harsh contrasts and bathe your subject in warm tones. Pay attention to canyon walls or rock faces that bounce light back into shaded areas; this gentle illumination can elevate a simple cluster of leaves into an abstract study in color and form. Embrace any weather and any condition, trusting that with an open mind and an eye for these types of light, your fall photographs will feel fresh, original, and true to the season’s fleeting magic.