Create beautiful autumn photos by playing with reflections

Autumn is an extraordinarily captivating season, beloved by photographers from every corner of the planet. This love is especially fervent among those residing in regions where the changing of leaves provides spectacular photographic opportunities.

If you live in one of these captivating panoramic areas or are planning a trip to one of these locales, you will undoubtedly want to capture autumn in all its magnificence. One of the most effective ways to do so is by incorporating reflections into your compositions.

But don't fall into the misconception that all reflections are alike, for there are various modes and types of reflections to explore. From the classic images of autumn leaves reflected on the surface of a calm and smooth lake to abstract compositions that highlight autumn colors, or even street lamps reflecting on wet urban cobblestones, the opportunities are manifold to enhance your photographs.

Improving your ability to capture these marvelous autumn reflections will be an extraordinary addition to your photographic repertoire. Below, I offer some valuable tips for capturing and integrating these elements into your compositions:

Capture Mirrored Reflections

The classic image of trees reflecting on the surface of a calm and smooth lake is cherished by photographers worldwide, and for good reason. Mirror-like reflections can create stunning images. If you hope to showcase the beauty of autumn by photographing colorful and vibrant trees reflected on a lake, aim for calm and windless conditions to achieve the best results.

If, however, the water isn't perfectly still, don't worry; simply use a slower shutter speed to gently blur the water's surface and capture a beautiful, softer image. Alternatively, work with what you have and use a higher shutter speed to freeze the ripples in the water, showcasing their intriguing texture.

Create Abstract Reflections

Though you might be tempted to capture the entire scene, sometimes getting closer is more effective. Autumn foliage offers excellent opportunities to create close-up and abstract reflections. Try excluding the trees from the image and focus on capturing a close-up of the water reflecting some of those wonderful and vibrant colors. This could be a close-up of a small pond or lake, or even a slow-moving stream.

This technique works especially well when the lighting is ideal, such as during the golden hour or the soft light of early morning or evening. If you aim to isolate the beauty of a reflection and hope for an image that is not entirely abstract, consider including elements like rocks or a floating leaf to anchor and add stability and context to your composition.

Harness the Light

Light is a crucial element in capturing autumn reflections magnificently. Learn to make the most of the available light to create extraordinary images. Sunrise and sunset, along with the golden hour, offer particularly favorable conditions. Moments following a rainstorm can also provide dramatic lighting ideal for autumn photography. Plan your photo session to take advantage of the best possible light.

Look for Complementary Elements

When capturing autumn reflections, search for elements that enrich your composition. Birds gliding over the water, rocks along the shore, fallen trees, or floating logs can add interest and stability. Include details like waterfalls or fallen leaves to further enrich your composition.

Mist Over Ponds with Autumn Reflections

Mist or fog over ponds creates magical scenes. These events often occur in the early morning when the air above the water is warmer than the surrounding air. Plan to arrive before dawn to seize these opportunities. Mist adds an element of mystery to your photographs.

Prepare Properly

While you don't need an array of extra equipment for photographing autumn reflections, having the right gear can make a difference. A tripod is always welcomed when capturing reflections, as it prevents camera movement and ensures sharp images during long exposures. Using wide-angle lenses can capture the breadth of the composition, providing extraordinary depth to your photos. However, don't overlook zoom lenses when you want to focus on specific details. Additionally, a polarizing filter will help control reflections on the water's surface, while a graduated neutral density filter will balance exposures.

Consider Urban Landscape Reflections

Lastly, consider including reflections in your urban landscape. As daylight dwindles in many parts of the world, seek reflections in elements like street lamps or car headlights reflecting on puddles or wet city streets. Incorporating reflections can brighten your nighttime photos, allowing you to capture dramatic urban landscapes under the rain.

Autumn colors are fleeting, and it's worth capturing them before they fade away. However, even after the leaves have fallen, you can still create compelling images, such as capturing the transition from autumn to winter or photographing bare trees reflected on the water's surface. So be sure to get out there and enjoy capturing the various facets of this season, using reflections to make your compositions even more captivating.