Autumn rarely arrives all at once. First a single branch turns yellow, then a few leaves at the edge of the park glow orange. These early signs are easy to miss, which makes them all the more special to photograph. Take a slow walk around your neighbourhood and look upwards as well as ahead. You will be surprised how much colour is already there.
The best light for autumn leaves is soft and low. In the early morning or late afternoon, the sun sits low and gives the colours a warm glow. A leaf with the sun behind it lights up like stained glass. Stand so that the leaf is between you and the light, and look at the veins.
Choosing what to show
Early in the season, the change is small, and a wide view can look rather green. Move closer and choose one branch, one leaf or a small group of leaves. A single yellow leaf among many green ones tells the story of the season very clearly. Keep the picture simple and let that one leaf stand out.
Fallen leaves make lovely subjects too. A few leaves on a wet pavement, a wooden bench or a garden path can make a quiet picture. Look for contrasts, such as a bright red leaf on dark grey stone. Hold your phone directly above the leaves and take the picture looking straight down. Avoid moving the leaves too much, as the natural arrangement usually looks best.
A row of trees along a road is another good subject. Stand at the start of the row and look along it, so the trees lead the eye into the picture. The first touches of yellow give the row a gentle rhythm. Take the picture again a few weeks later and compare the two.
Autumn colours change quickly, so it pays to look often. A tree that is green today may be golden before you know it. Keep your phone within reach whenever you go out. A small collection of leaf pictures makes a lovely record of the season. Looking at them later on a dull winter day will bring the warm colours back.
