5 Tips to Improve Your Autumn Photography

As the summer sun gives way to the crisp breeze of autumn, Exeter transforms into a picturesque canvas of warm hues, inviting every photography enthusiast to capture the beauty of the season.

Whether you're a professional photographer or someone who simply loves to capture moments, Exeter's autumnal charm offers an abundance of photo opportunities that showcase the magic of this time of year.

Your Exeter photography will never look so good.

Embrace the Warmth of Golden Hour

There's a moment during autumn in Exeter when the world seems to pause, bathed in a radiant, golden glow. It's that magical time known as the "golden hour," a brief window shortly after sunrise or just before sunset, when the sun's light takes on a soft, warm quality that casts an ethereal aura over everything it touches.

During this enchanting time, you can transform your Autumn photography into a canvas of colours, textures, and contrasts that beg to be captured through the lens of a camera.

Head over to St Luke's Campus, situated just 15 minutes away from the city centre, and you’ll discover an ideal spot for capturing the essence of autumn through photography.

This historic campus, founded in 1854 as a teacher training college, exudes a unique collegiate atmosphere and a rich sense of history that will make your autumn photography pop.

Step through the traditional arches of North Cloisters, and you'll find yourself in a serene area surrounded by modern buildings and delicate trees. The juxtaposition of old and new will not only result in your photographs having a unique effect, but are sure to also capture the tranquillity and historical charm of the campus.

Framing the Fall Foliage

The transition from summer to autumn in Exeter unveils a captivating palette of reds, oranges, and yellows that can transform your photography into works of art.

For a seamless blend of nature and academia, the Streatham Campus of the University of Exeter offers a captivating backdrop for your autumn photography.

Wander through the campus's tree-lined pathways, where towering trees arch over the walkways, creating natural tunnels of colour.

The combination of architectural elements, like the grand Reed Hall and The Forum's contemporary design, against the backdrop of vibrant leaves, will make your Exeter photography pop.

Macro Magic with Nature's Details

As the air turns crisp and the colours of fall begin to paint the landscapes of Exeter, there's an entire world of intricate details waiting to be discovered through the lens of your camera.

While capturing the grandeur of autumn landscapes is undeniably captivating, focusing on the small wonders that often go unnoticed can lead to equally breathtaking results.

This is where the art of macro photography comes into play, allowing you to delve into the intimate tapestry of autumn's hidden treasures.

Macro photography is all about revealing the unseen details that often escape the naked eye. Fallen leaves, with their delicate veins and mottled textures, become entire landscapes of their own. The fine intricacies of dew-kissed spider webs glisten like delicate jewellery, while the vibrant textures of autumn flowers offer a tactile feast for the eyes.

It's in these details that the true essence of autumn is often found—the delicate, fleeting beauty that whispers of the changing season's charm.

Include People for Scale

When you're out capturing the breathtaking autumn scenes in Exeter, don't forget to include people in your shots – it's more than just a photography trick. It's like adding a touch of life and perspective to your frames.

Firstly, those figures help you show off the sheer scale of the landscape.

Secondly, having people in your photos makes the whole thing relatable. Those human elements add a dash of movement and direction, guiding your viewer's eyes across the scene.

So, next time you're out and about, let those people in – they're not just subjects, they're the heart of your Autumn photography.

Wide Aperture, Shallow Depth

Don't miss the chance to add a touch of artistry to your Exeter photography by experimenting with depth of field.

Setting your camera's aperture to a low f-stop number (like f/1.8 or f/2.8) allows it to let in more light and creates a shallower depth of field.

The result?

A gorgeously blurry background that sets the stage for your subject – be it a single leaf, a cluster of them, or even a charming cobblestone path.

This technique is like painting with light, allowing you to isolate the details that define autumn – the delicate veins on a leaf, the intricate textures of bark, or even the glimmering droplets of morning dew.

For the best results, we recommend taking a visit to Queen’s Building, which is built around a stunning lawned garden that can be accessed from three sides.