Make a Date with Fall Color September 29, 2015 – Posted in: Photography – Tags: , ,

How many days did you set aside last Autumn for your photography? I’m sure you intended to get out there more often. But between household chores, kids’ soccer games, NFL Sunday, and visiting with friends and family, it was New Years before you knew it. When it comes to nurturing our craft, the calendar is as important as our camera.

For example, I know that Eastern Sierra color typically peaks the second week of October. I keep an eye on the reports from locals to best schedule my photo days, but I block out a weekend on the calendar a month or so ahead of time.

This is one of the most critical aspects of the shoot. Your decision to set aside a day or two, and then communicating that to family members, will ensure that you actually get time in the field. We all know that last minute decisions disrupt the household. But planning ahead, now that’s the way to go.

Maybe friends or family members want to join you on your photographic excursion. That’s fine. But it has to be clear that you set the agenda. Morning hours and twilight are for you. Midday is open for negotiation.

This all sounds rather firm, doesn’t it? This is where your ability to gently persuade others comes in handy. Mastering HDR is fine, but it’s useless unless you’ve managed to escape the house with your tripod.

At this point I’m sure there are a few single guys smiling to themselves. “I don’t have to get permission to do anything,” they exclaim. And yet, Fall slips by just as many bachelors as it does married guys.

How could this happen? It all goes back to my original statement. You have to put a date on the calendar. Don’t let this Autumn pass you by. Make plans now for your nature adventure. And put that expensive gear to good use.

RandallLandscapePhotoCover

One you make your date with nature, you might want to generate some inspiration by reading The Art, Science, and Craft of Great Landscape Photography by Glenn Randall. You’ll learn how to convert your visual peak experiences into stunning images.

Derrick Story is the photography evangelist for Rocky Nook Publishing. Landscape photo captured in the Eastern Sierra last Fall with an Olympus OM-D.