Fall is one of my favorite times to take pictures, especially here in Minnesota, because it’s so ding dang gorgeous outside. Throw on some plaid, grab some scarves and vests, and it’s hard to go wrong.
Last weekend I met up with my friends Tina and Jill and their families over in Silverwood Park (an amazing park to which I had never been!), for some fun photos.
1. Go Wide
If you don’t have a wide angle lens, rent one! I rented a Canon 20mm f/2.8 from a local photography store, and though I had to write a check for the value of the lens when I checked it out, when I brought it back my actual fee was $15. (They tore up the deposit check.)
Wide angle is great because you can get more of the background (and the background is what makes taking outdoor fall photos so great!), and it allows you to get a lot of people in a close up frame.
(If you don’t have a local shop where you can rent something for the weekend, I’ve had good luck with borrowlenses.com.)
2. Be Creative
Why not bring bags of popcorn, apple cider, and apples into the park? And this adorable little owl?
When we chatted over email about taking fall pictures, Jill mentioned that she had some burlap we could put down over a table, and it grew from there. The kids loved the adventure of it, which led to some fun photo ops.
3. Incorporate Color
The red apples created a great pop against the brown, oranges, and yellows of the fall surroundings. Maybe you have a bright blue scarf, or your kiddo has apple green wellies. Color makes everything better.
4. Find the Light
It’s all about the light. Don’t be afraid to have the sun at your subjects’ backs, especially when you’re in tree cover, because magical things can happen when it peeks through the leaves.
I also love the hazy glow the light can create in the late afternoon as it approaches the horizon. I tend to shoot pretty wide open, and I love the things that can happen.
5. Have Fun!
And most of all. Have fun! Friends can make any shoot fun.
