For those of you located in an area where fall is not a splatter of vibrant colors, you probably could care less when the leaves peak or become most colorful. I don’t think we’re quite there yet in the Ville, but the sign of what’s to come is certainly already in place.
Weather is a huge factor — along with temperature variations, light, water supply and a ton of other things — in determining not only the peak, but also what colors you’re going to see when the leaves change. If the temperatures stay low but above freezing, you’re going to enjoy bright red hues in maple trees. If there’s an early frost, you’ll likely not get the brilliant reds. Overcast and rainy days (which we’ve certainly had around here lately) tend to increase the intensity of fall colors.
The photos I’m sharing today were taken mid-afternoon… nothing special. I didn’t look for a great location, but instead just snapped a few shots sitting on the back patio and a few more in the back yard where it meets the bean field (where mice come from!!). For better shots, try early morning and later in the afternoon when the angle of the sun is more pronounced and light is less diffused. The golden hour(s)… from sunrise to one hour after — and one hour before sunset until sunset — will likely produce the best shots you can hope for on a sunny day.
On Exposure:
Since bright fall leaves often reflect light much more than fresh green leaves you may end up with blown-out highlights. Try underexposing about a 1/2 stop to help prevent overexposing the leaves and to help intensify all the colors.
