Written by: Layan Barakat (and all our photographers!)
Pumpkin spice season is officially upon us, and as the crisp autumn air sweeps through the city, it brings a spectacular array of vibrant colours and picturesque scenes that are perfect for capturing in photographs. To help you make the most of this stunning season, we’ve gathered tips from the talented photographers at The DRIVE magazine. Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a hobbyist looking to improve your fall photo skills, these insights will guide you to create beautiful autumn memories.
Anthony Sheardown:
My tips for good fall photos in Windsor, Ontario, are as follows: First, don’t jump the gun on your timing. The leaves don’t change colour until way later than most people realize. I always aim to book my sessions around the third week of October. Some years, the leaves don’t change colours until the following week. Once you notice the leaves have changed, jump on it because they fall shortly after.
I love heavily wooded parks such as Brunet, Optimist, Malden, and Ojibway. You don’t want anything out of place in your background, just nature. You need to find that soft light when doing mid-day shoots on a sunny day. I always look for a good shady area, which is why many of the leaves should still be on the trees, but you also want some on the ground to tie the whole scene together. Once you find your shaded area, you typically want your subject facing the way the sun is, but in some scenes, you may want them facing the opposite way. If you are unsure of direction, you can quickly have your subject face north, south, east and west. It will be clear which way the much nicer, clean light is coming from. I always hold my hand up in each direction to see how the light looks on my hand and then I go from there.
Anthony Sheardown Photography | asheardownphoto@gmail.com
Trevor Booth
Fall is probably the most popular season, especially in Canada, due to the colour changes we see every year. This is especially true in some local areas like Ojibway Nature Reserve or Point Pelee Nation Park (pictured).
The first tip is to dress for the elements. Wearing layers will allow you to stay comfortable and give you versatility if the weather changes quickly, as it does on many fall days. It was very cold for this time of year up at that height, and if I hadn’t dressed properly, I would have rushed this image.
The second is to use a tripod. There is no rush when taking landscape images. Patience is your best friend.
And lastly, the “golden hour” is your best friend. This time of day is when the sun is almost set but not quite. I suggest getting to your favourite location(s) around 5pm to scout some possible spots that will be the “one” for sunset. This boardwalk image is one I’ve taken numerous times at various times of the day and year. And I knew that time of day, late October, when I wanted to get this image. As the sun was setting behind me, the soft glow on the horizon overlooking the marsh was the exact look I was going for. I lucked out that the moon was full that evening as well.
Trevor Booth Photography | Trevorboothphotography.ca
Nicki Bested
Fall is my favourite time of year to do family photoshoots when all the leaves have changed colour. I love heading to a Conservation area with all the trees as a stunning background. I usually suggest that my clients wear solid-coloured clothes instead of wearing a lot of patterns. It’s always nice to wear colours that complement the fall colours. Shooting at golden hour is the perfect time of day as it will reduce harsh shadows, and the sun will illuminate the leaves. If you have the option to take photos around a lake or body of water, this can add an amazing effect as the trees will reflect off the water. Fall is the perfect time for photoshoots, with so many cute clothes options and naturally beautiful scenery to use as the perfect backdrop.
Nicki Lynn B Photography | @nicki.lynnbphotography
Syx Langemann
1. Time Your Shots Evening light (the golden hour) enhances warm tones, softens shadows, and creates flattering skin tones for portraits. Avoid harsh midday sun.
2. Coordinate Outfits For families, suggest cozy fall outfits in neutral tones that complement one another. Skip the matching T-shirts and think like a stylist.
3. Capture Authentic Moments Encourage interaction like tossing leaves, walking hand in hand, or laughing together to create genuine, memorable images.
4. Seek Reflections Great for landscapes and portraits alike, reflections in water or shiny surfaces can add depth and creativity.
5. Focus on Details Close-ups of leaves, boots, or hands holding mugs help tell the full story and add variety to your photo series.
6. Consider Composition Don’t just center your subject. Use the rule of thirds or leading lines to make your photos more visually engaging.
Interested in the technical side of photography? I teach Digital Photography Levels 1 & 2 at St. Clair College every semester on Tuesday and Thursday evenings.
Syx Langemann Photography | Syxlangemannphotography.com
Maximus Reid
Get Ready to Rock Your Fall Portraits
Normally, I’m knee-deep in the rock ‘n’ roll scene, but when the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, I trade stage lights for golden hour glow. My fall sessions treat every subject like the rockstar of their own story, with autumn’s colours as the perfect backdrop.
Before heading out, make sure your gear is ready to roll. Charge batteries, clear and back up memory cards, and give lenses a good clean. Autumn weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast and pack a rain cover… Moody skies can make for some of the most dramatic, cinematic shots!
Lighting is everything. Overcast days create soft, even light, but nothing beats golden hour. That magical hour before sunset when warm tones flatter every subject and give your photos an irresistible glow.
Wardrobe is key to tying everything together. Suggest cozy, layered outfits in natural tones that complement the fall palette. Avoid logos or clashing patterns and bring a blanket for comfort or cozy group shots.
Location scouting is crucial. Botanical gardens, parks, and trails are perfect backdrops, but fall colours change fast; when you find the right spot, capture it while you can.
As you shoot, focus on authentic moments: walking hand in hand, laughing, or throwing leaves. Stay ready for the spontaneous shots that tell the real story.
So grab your camera, embrace the season, and rock your fall portraits.
Maximus Photography | Maximusxphotography@gmail.com
