Family in Foliage: A Guide for Vibrant Fall Portraits

by Baines Kinnison

2010-09-28 00:00:00

When fall arrives the air is crisp, the colors are gorgeous and kamikaze foliage bombards the backyard creating a great family playground and palette for superb fall portraits featuring the whole family. And it doesn't stop there. We've packed our fall guide with tips and ideas for getting the best out of the fall season's photo opportunities.

From brisk football games, warm thanksgiving gatherings and kids playing in leaves, classic opportunities for capturing fall memories are all around us. If you're like me, you find the fall to be the most beautiful season we enjoy in Unites States. The vibrant golds, reds and oranges blanket our neighborhoods with a deep, tonal beauty, who can resist all of the activities and getting some great snap shots? Such vibrant portraits make beautiful wall hangings. At Canvas Press we offer the most finely rendered canvas prints so you can rest easy knowing you'll get a brilliant image reproduction that captures every nuance of this vivid season.

Most people head out to take photographs in fall because the leaves are turning. Don't forget the pile of other options out there! Here are some quick tips on how to get the best color and style from your fall photos.

Photograph around sunrise and sunset for the best light and color.
The first and last hours of sun during the day (around both sunrise and sunset) have a brilliant quality to the light that can yield superb results. The Film Industry calls these periods “Magic Hours”. There’s something special about that soft, golden light at these times. The reds and golds in your photos will shine through wonderfully.

Both sunny and overcast days work great!
It can be a wonderful scenario to shoot on an overcast day because the sun isn’t drowning out the colors. And, you'll find the shadows are softer or even non-existent. On a super-sunny day, you might find it neat to make use of that long shadow from the trees or kids in the leaf-scattered yard or street. The effect may work in your favor.

During the fall season there are so many possibilities for photography and family portraits. Spend the weekend with everyone doing these fun activities that will create lasting memories you can capture with your camera…

Road-trip

Depending upon where you live, a mountain range may be near by lending some of the best landscape photography possible. The rolling hills will look ablaze showing off an endless mass of vibrant colors that stretch as far as the eye can see.

Camping

An excellent opportunity to get unobstructed photos of the changing landscape, no houses, fences or powerlines to get in the way. Plus, the brisk, cool season is ideal for “roughing it” in the tent and hiking with the family.

Playful portraits

While you’re busy raking those leaves up in the backyard, don’t forget to start a leaf-heap throwing battle and dive in a few piles…they’re fun and the spontaneity will give you an excellent opportunity for very dynamic portraits of the kids. Use that tripod, set the timer and get the whole family in the action.

Show perspective

For more creative, artsy and textured shots, try different angles and include features in the foreground. Lay on the ground with your kids standing above you next to a tree so you get the fiery leaves and bright blue sky as a backdrop, or switch it around and climb up the tree to capture the kids at play down below.

Try something new

Visit a farmer’s market and snap some of the beautiful colors and shapes of fall fruits and veggies. Go apple-picking or stop by the pumpkin patch. Often times we see clever ideas coming to fruition on multiple canvases. Break up one image into multiple panels or use separate images of leaves, pumpkins and the family among them to create a wall collage that embodies the spirit of thanksgiving and the fall season all arranged on one wall. Guests will be stunned with delight.

Pair these fall photo ideas with the digital services at Canvas Press and you'll find yourself on the way to exceptionally vivid art for your home or office.