Ideas For Autumn Photography

The autumn air was crisp, as we entered the nature reserve. My walking stick tapped a gentle rhythm against the path. "Come on Sam. The woods are incredible right now."

My teenage grandson shuffled behind me, hands buried deep in his pockets, looking less than enthusiastic.

The path was a patchwork of fallen leaves - russet, gold, and burnt orange creating a natural mosaic. A woodpigeon cooed softly in the distance, and there was a hint of damp earth and decaying leaves.

Sam mumbled, "Do we have to do this?" 

But I knew that tone - he was bored but didn't want to hurt my feelings.

"See that oak?" I pointed. A squirrel zigzagged across its gnarled roots, cheeks packed with acorns. "Your great-great-grandad would've told you exactly how many nuts that little fellow needs to survive winter."

Sam's eyebrow raised slightly. "Really?"

"Oh yes," I chuckled, remembering my grandfather's patient lessons. "He could read the forest like most people read a book."

Something shifted in Sam's stance. Just a tiny bit, but I noticed.

First Attempt at Nature Photography?

"I brought my camera," I said casually. "Want to try taking some photos?"

I pulled it out of my bag, explaining, "Photography is about seeing the world differently."

He gasped as he saw it. "Seriously? It's huge!"

I giggled. "I guess it is compared to that smartphone you always carry. Put the strap around your neck so you don't drop it."

"Oh look there's a robin! See those gridlines?" I pointed to the screen. "Try positioning the bird's eye where the lines cross. Photographers call this the 'rule of thirds' - it makes photos more interesting."

Sam lifted the camera, and pointed it in the general direction. "Like this?"

Click.

"Not bad," I said, peering at the screen.

Making The Most of Soft Autumnal Light

The path turned into deeper woodland, the trees creating intricate silhouettes against the sky. Sam looked thoughtful.

"Bit gloomy, isn't it? Looks like someone's dimmed the lights." he muttered.

I reassured him. "The sun is getting lower, but don't worry we'll be back out in the open before golden hour."

"Huh?" my grandson looked at me as if I had grown two heads. 

"Its a term photographers use for the time just before sunset. Soft light, no harsh shadows. It's like the world's got a perfect Instagram filter."

Sam snorted. "Gran, do you even know what Instagram is?"

I winked. "You wait and see. Its the best time of day to take photos."

Understanding Camera Techniques

Sam's curiosity began to bloom. "Gran, how do you make the background look so soft in your photos?"

I smiled, recognizing his growing interest. "That's called bokeh - a technique that makes your subject stand out by blurring the background."

Breaking down the technical details, I guided him through the camera settings. "We'll use Program mode - see this 'P' setting? It's semi-automatic, letting us control some aspects while the camera handles others."

I demonstrated how to adjust the aperture. "Opening the aperture lets in more light and helps create that lovely soft background. How soft depends on the distance between your subject and the background."

A blue tit flitted between nearby branches. "Perfect practice subject," I encouraged. Sam raised the camera, his earlier teenage reluctance replaced by genuine concentration.

Photographing Birds in Their Natural Habitat

"How do you find things to take pictures of?" my now curious grandson asked. 

I indicated an elder tree laden with dark berries. "Understanding wildlife habitats helps. Birds have specific feeding patterns. Watch where they eat, and you'll find great photographic opportunities."

“There's a blackcap.” I whispered. "It's stocking up energy at this time of year."

"Why’s it called a blackcap when it’s brown?"

I explained that only the males wear the distinctive black cap.

Sam carefully positioned himself, camera ready. "Wow, this is actually pretty cool!"

Moments later his triumphant shout as he got a good photo startled the bird. “Oops! Guess I should have kept quiet.”

Discovering Signs of Wildlife

As the path opened into a small clearing, Sam froze. "Gran, what's that?" He pointed to a pile of droppings near the edge of the trail.

"Ah, that," I said with a smile, "is muntjac poop. It tells us that deer are nearby."

Sam wrinkled his nose. "You mean you actually look at that stuff?"

"Of course!" I chuckled. "It's like reading a secret code. Animals leave all sorts of clues about their presence—tracks, feathers, nibbled leaves, and yes, even poop. They help us know what’s around, even if we don’t see the animals themselves."

I crouched to show him how the droppings’ size and shape pointed to the diminutive muntjac deer. "If we’re quiet, we might even catch sight of one feeding nearby."

Sam leaned in, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "So... it's like detective work?"

"Exactly," I grinned. "Every sign tells a story. Learning to spot and interpret them is one of the best ways to connect with nature."

As we moved on, Sam's eyes were glued to the trail, scanning for more signs of hidden animals. Though we didn’t spot a muntjac, we did find hoofprints in the mud.

Exploring Macro Photography in Autumn

Our exploration soon led us to another type of hidden world. "Look beside the path," I said, pointing out a cluster of toadstools tucked into the undergrowth.

"They look like tiny umbrellas," he murmured, crouching to snap a picture.

"So they do!" I chuckled. "In autumn, fungi are everywhere, but most people just walk right past them, just like you did. Each mushroom tells a story - some are edible, some are poisonous, and some are just beautifully mysterious."

Noticing his blurry first attempt, I suggested, "Let's switch to a macro lens. It allows closer focusing and captures intricate details."

A moment later, another question. “Should I flip the flash up? It’s getting quite dark now.”

“Natural light works best for macro photography, so let’s avoid using the flash—it can create harsh shadows. Instead, we can use this white bag to reflect and soften the remaining light onto the fungus.”

Sam’s eyes lit up as he looked at the fungi again, repositioning himself for the perfect shot. "It’s like a hidden world" he murmured, carefully framing the scene.

A Moment of Connection

Taking a glance at my grandson, I saw a budding photographer where a reluctant teenager had been.

A gentle breeze sent a cascade of amber and golden leaves dancing around us. Sam's camera clicked, capturing not just an image, but a moment of pure, delicate wonder.

"I get it now, Gran," he said, a note of excitement in his voice, "I think I'll ask for a camera for Christmas. Can I come out with you again?"

My heart warmed. "Of course, there are so many things I can share with you about the natural world and photography."

---

Now it's your turn! We can only enjoy virtual walks together, but I hope I can encourage you, just like Sam, to get out with a camera and enjoy the nature and wildlife where you live. 

Autumn is fleeting, but it offers colours, textures, and wildlife activity that make every walk at this time of year an adventure. Don’t miss the chance to capture its magic before winter sets in!

What autumn scenes do you enjoy photographing? I'd love to hear your experiences and answer any questions about seasonal photography - whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your skills.

Grab your camera, head outdoors, then share your favourite autumn moments with the hashtags #AutumnAdventures or #NatureWalksWithCarol

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