As summer fades and the air takes on that unmistakable crispness, nature enters one of its most photogenic seasons—autumn. September is when the transformation begins, with leaves shifting into golden yellows, vibrant oranges, and deep reds. For landscape photographers, it’s a time of rich opportunity—and nowhere is that more true than in the woods.

In this article, I’ll share my approach to capturing the essence of autumn in woodland landscapes—combining colour, composition and atmosphere to create truly evocative images.

Timing is Everything

While peak colour often arrives in October, September is a crucial month for scouting and early shooting. Trees begin to turn—especially birches, rowans and some maples—while the woodland floor can be strewn with fungi and dew-laden leaves.

Early mornings offer the best light. Not only is it softer and more golden, but you might be rewarded with mist, which adds depth, mystery and separation to your woodland compositions.

Choosing the Right Location

Woodlands can be visually overwhelming. I tend to look for areas with spacing between trees, allowing shafts of light or morning mist to filter through. Beech woods, with their smooth trunks and golden canopies, are ideal. Likewise, mixed deciduous woods provide wonderful contrast in leaf colour and structure.

If you’ve photographed a location in spring or summer, now’s a great time to return and re-interpret it in a completely new mood.

Compositional Tactics

Unlike open landscapes, woodland scenes often lack a strong horizon or obvious focal point. Here are a few compositional strategies that work well:

Look for character - Trees that stand out due to their shape or colour can help create an interesting focal point.

Look for order in chaos – Isolate repeating shapes like tree trunks or branches.

Use light direction – Side or backlighting can create glowing leaves or silhouetted trunks.

Work with layers – Fog helps separate midground from background, making the scene more three-dimensional.

Watch your edges – Branches poking into the frame can be distracting. Take care with composition.

Maximising Colour

Autumn’s appeal lies in its colour, so it’s worth taking time to get it right. Here’s how:

Polarising filters are a must—they cut glare from wet leaves and intensify colour.

Underexpose slightly to preserve highlight detail in bright leaves.

Consider increasing vibrance (not saturation) in post-production for a more natural boost.

Shoot in RAW to give you the flexibility to fine-tune colour and contrast later.

Details Matter

Don't just aim wide. Zoom in on single branches, fallen leaves on mossy logs, or shafts of golden light hitting a fern. These tighter scenes can be just as powerful as grand vistas, and they thrive in the subdued light woodland often provides.

Be Prepared

Bring a sturdy tripod—especially if shooting in low light or wanting precise compositions.

Wear waterproof footwear like Wellington boots. September can be damp, and you’ll likely stray off-path to find compelling angles.

Be patient. Light in the woods changes fast—wait for the moment when a shaft of sun hits just the right tree.

The Perfect Time

Woodland photography in autumn is both rewarding and challenging. It requires slowing down, observing the subtle play of light and colour, and composing with care. But when everything comes together—mist curling through orange canopies, the forest floor glowing in gold—you’ll come away with images that truly evoke the magic of the season.

So, grab your camera, pull on your wellingtons, and get chasing colour. Autumn is calling!