Autumn

Now that autumn is here, it is time to take advantage of the amazing colors the foliage provides. In photography, there are many types of photos that can be taken in a particular scene that when put together tell a story. This month we will take a look at how to create an “autumn story.”

Get the whole scene

Autumn is often about the scenery, so get out there and get the whole picture. To do this have a wider angle lens to get the whole scene, or alternatively stand a long way back at a vantage point on a mountain. When composing your shot it is often best to apply the “rule of thirds.” Temples make great subjects for these kinds of shots, and the foliage says “autumn” while the temple says “Korea.” A few recommended temples that you might visit in Jeollanamdo are Songkwangsa and Baegyangsa.

Portrait photos

Autumn is one of the most popular seasons to take portrait photos, and for good reason. These shots are all about using the natural backgrounds and light. If you have a model, advise them to wear colors that compliment the reds, yellows and oranges. Then find a line of trees or a leafy background, and use a shallow depth of field to create bokeh (the aesthetic quality of blurring) in the background. If you want something more dynamic, try throwing leaves in the air. A very popular spot for portrait photos is Metasequoia Road in Damyang. Alternatively, head to the mountains of Jirisan and the Piagol Valley.

Be experimental

The application of photographic techniques can be used to create an original and compelling image. Though these techniques have not been covered yet in this photo column, the use of refraction photography, zoom bursts and camera panning create something a little bit different. Another way to make something nice is to use a reflection in a river or a pond. For more suggestions, consult the book: Simple Scene, Sensational Shot.

The details shot

These photos can be of autumn nuts, such as acorns or the leaves themselves. With this sort of photo, using a macro lens is often needed when getting close to subject matter. If you have light shining through the leaf, try a shot that shows all the veins of the leaf. Another option is to line up a leaf with leaves in the background that have been lit up by the sun, and bokeh will appear when using a large aperture such as f2.8. The other popular detail shot is the leaf collage, which is something you may well find naturally once the leaves begin to fall