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Autumn is my favourite season. The cold breeze chills my bones, while the fading sun warms my face. I feel torn between the lingering heat of summer and the promise of coming winter storms. There’s something transformative about the seasonal shift in Canada. Nature changes, and so do our minds. I know I need to get out and capture these fleeting moments before the cold sets in, though that urgency often brings a mix of excitement and frustration. Prime “honeypot” locations promise guaranteed beauty, but with hundreds of photographers vying for the same shots, it comes at a cost. This year, with a tight budget and work obligations, I had to choose my days carefully.
Here along the Vancouver coast, autumn isn’t a honeypot. Evergreen forests dominate, and only a few maples and other deciduous trees turn colour. Our season starts later than colder regions, meaning we’re often late to the party. I stick to my annual city spots, usually waiting slightly after peak colour so the fallen leaves on the ground add depth to my compositions.
This year, I wanted to focus on BC’s aspen trees. Their white bark stands out beautifully against dark evergreens, and when their yellow leaves dance in the wind, they create almost painterly scenes. I captured some wide, minimal compositions to reduce clutter, inspired by the many paintings featuring these striking trees.
During Canadian Thanksgiving, I traveled to Ottawa to meet family. Eastern Canada is a dream for autumn photography, so many tree varieties, vibrant colours, and hidden forest scenes. I explored parks and deeper forests, capturing intimate, tight compositions that highlight texture and colour rather than sweeping landscapes.
As the last autumn leaves tumble to the ground, I find myself looking forward to winter. Minimal landscapes, stark lines, and quiet scenes await. Another season, another palette, and endless possibilities for capturing nature’s story.
HERE ARE SOME TIPS
Rise Early
Early mornings are magical for capturing fall colours. The low sun casts dramatic light on your subjects, making leaves glow. Bonus tip: once daylight savings ends, getting out of bed gets a little trickier. Plan ahead!
Play With Contrast
Seek out subjects against darker backgrounds. This makes the colours pop and adds depth to your compositions.
Chase the Weather
When warm fronts collide with cold, the sky comes alive. Unique cloud formations and sometimes lightning can add drama to your shots, so keep an eye on the changing weather.
Get out and explore somewhere new with a theme in mind. Bring your camera, take your time, and really observe your surroundings. Watch how the light shifts across the landscape, you’ll start to notice hidden gems once you begin shooting.
