How to Capture Fall Images During Full Sun Days

It's been a warm and beautiful fall season here in the Canadian Rockies. More often than not, the warm weather has coincided with clear blue skies—perfect fall hiking conditions but not always the best conditions for the landscape photographer side of me. I crave drama in my landscape scenes and love moody and colour-filled sunrise and sunset skies. 

I used to become disappointed when clear skies were prevalent, but nowadays, I don't limit my ability to find beauty based on weather conditions. In fact, that full sun can create stunning fall photography opportunities. 

Here are a few tips on how you can create landscape images during full-sun fall days. 

1. Look for pockets of shade

Sun and shade coexist harmoniously. There will always be pockets of shadow where there is the sun. Take the time to walk around and look for areas in the shade. The colourful leaves will often pick up light bouncing around in the forest, creating a beautifully soft, luminous fall scene.  

^{ISO 200, 70mm, f13, 1/13 sec}

2. Shoot smaller landscape scenes lit up by light

Light is magical. Fall foliage scenes lit up by light glow with breathtaking beauty. Be patient in your pursuit of light and watch as it moves across a landscape scene, illuminating fall details. Side and backlight are my two favourite directions of light during the fall and perfectly illuminate small scenes with beautiful hits of light. 

^{ISO 400, 200mm, f7.1, 1/400 SS}

3. Photograph the details

Isolating details and focusing on more intimate scenes is an excellent way to capture fall details during full sun days. The contrast between light and shadow is intensified during full sun days offering the perfect conditions to highlight intimate fall details. Colour is also intensified when the light illuminates an object, boosting beauty in all those fall details. 

Full sun can be a challenge to work with for the landscape photographer; however, don't be afraid to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and look for beauty during full sun days. Incredible photo opportunities do exist when the sun shines bright. 

Are you interested in a private custom photography tour of all the best locations in the Canadian Rocky Mountains? Check out my private custom photography tour packages and photography workshops in Banff. Learning photography in person is the fastest and easiest way to develop your skills and creative approach to landscape photography.