My top tips for autumn photography
I can’t remember the last time I took my camera with me on a walk, or went on a trip specifically for photography – hence why my blog so far consists of old projects, with the exception of my iPhone photography post. This is partly because I use my camera every day for work (for those who don’t know, I’m a full-time property photographer), and partly because I don’t have much time to edit these days. However, I think it’s important to break free of your routine and exercise your creativity outside of work. I find this particularly difficult post-university, as I no longer have the luxury of assignments and prompts. But, going into autumn, the opportunity for a seasonal post was practically handed to me.
Over the last two weeks, I made it my mission to get out with my camera and capture the autumn aesthetic. I visited three places and experimented with a mix of landscape and wildlife photography. Below, I have collated my best advice for taking photos at this time of year, including some recommendations for beautiful walks in Suffolk.
Thornham Walks
This was my first time visiting Thornham Walks (that I can remember) and I hope to return very soon. It sits on the outskirts of Thornham Magna in north Suffolk, just off the A140 and roughly three and a half miles from Eye. Part of the Thornham Estate, it offers 12 miles of walking routes with views of lush meadows, arable land and ancient woodland.
Visibility
This image was taken through a clearing just off the main footpath. I didn’t have my long lens on me so I snapped a wide shot just as this bird took flight. I’m 99% sure it’s a Red Kite, although it doesn’t have an obvious curve in its tail - any bird watchers, please let me know! In the autumn/winter months, there are little-to-no leaves on the trees, which can make it much easier to spot wildlife. If you’re like me and also struggle with species identification, this can be a great opportunity to practice.
Framing
The parkland at Thornham is grazed by cattle, sheep and horses, with over 220 trees across the site. This photo was taken a little way up the footpath which runs along the edge of the parkland - it is a peaceful countryside walk with plenty of opportunities for landscape photography. When taking landscape photos, I often make the mistake of overcropping. In autumn, the trees are a vital part of the aesthetic, so it’s important to let them shine and consider what will create the best photo compositionally.
Needham Lake
I've been here a couple of times before but never with my camera. It is a beautiful spot on the edge of Needham Market - a small village east of Stowmarket. You can access the nature reserve via the A14 and there is plenty of free parking, making it ideal for a pitstop or a longer walk. The lake is great for birdwatching and photography as you can sit right on the edge of the lake, with no obstruction from trees or fencing.
Behaviour
I took a 100-400mm lens on this trip as I wanted to get some tighter wildlife shots - I haven’t used this lens in a LONG time, and it’s been even longer since I did any kind of wildlife photography. It was a painful reminder of the patience involved, but also very rewarding. Although wildlife is generally less active in the autumn/winter months, there are still behaviours to observe at this time of year. Around the lake, several birds were foraging for food and nesting material in the autumn leaves.
Lighting
Cloudy weather isn’t always ideal for photography, but sometimes it can be used to your advantage. Cloud is a natural diffuser, so it smooths out your lighting and makes the editing process a little easier. An overcast day is ideal for property photography as we don’t have to worry about crazy reflections! In this photo, the darker lighting creates a moody, autumnal feel. I used natural framing to give the photo a bit more depth – a useful technique for more plain subject matters.
Timing
My one goal with this post was to photograph a ‘classic autumn scene’. About halfway round the lake, there was a clearing in the trees which encapsulated everything I associate with the season – leaves on the ground, some still clinging to the trees. I’d love to say I accounted for this when planning the shoot, but I just got very lucky with the timing. If you’re looking to capture this colourful, transformative stage, now is the time to do it before the trees are completely bare. I also had my white balance set to ‘cloudy’ to help bring out the warm tones and give a bit more life to the colours.
Lackford Lakes
I last came here in 2024 and I’m not sure why I haven’t been back until now. It is a Suffolk Wildlife Trust site just outside Bury St Edmunds with a variety of habitats including lakes, reed beds and woodland. It is best known for its kingfishers and abundant insect life in the warmer months. There are several bird hides perfect for photographers or wildlife enthusiasts, and plenty of free parking (with a slightly dodgy road leading up to it).
Sunrises and sunsets
Being a non-morning person, there’s a chance this piece of advice only applies to me. However, if you also can’t function before 6am, this might be worth knowing! I’ve found the best time of year to photograph a sunrise or sunset is around October/November, as you don’t have to get up ridiculously early or stay out ridiculously late. It’s also fairly warm still, so you can spend that little bit longer outside. I took this around 16:00 as the sun was setting which created a beautiful pink glow over the lake. Usually I’m not one for the rule of thirds, but I actually think it would have improved this photo.
That concludes my top tips for taking photos in autumn. I hope it’s not too late to be sharing these - as I look outside now, there are still some leaves on the trees, so it’s not too late to get out with your camera. A lot of this advice can be carried with you through winter as well, so don’t be put off by the seasons changing. My general advice would be to get out with your camera all year-round, as there are always stories to tell.
Special mentions…
