Capturing Autumn: Tips for Photographing Fall Foliage

Autumn in Sioux Falls brings golden light, crisp air, and vibrant color—perfect conditions for photography. Whether you’re shooting with a DSLR or your phone, these practical tips will help you capture the richest reds, ambers, and golds of the season.

Use this guide to plan your shoot, dial in settings for both cameras and phones, and discover local spots around Sioux Falls with beautiful fall color.

Plan for Peak Color

Peak color can be brief, so a little planning goes a long way.

• Watch the calendar and the trees. Colors often crest in early–mid fall; be ready to go when you notice change.
• Be flexible with weather. Overcast brings soft, saturated color; sun gives sparkle and contrast; fog adds mood.
• Go early, stay late. Golden hours (after sunrise/before sunset) are the most flattering times for foliage.

Light & Composition Tips

• Backlight leaves. Position the sun behind leaves to make them glow and create rim light.
• Use leading lines. Paths, fences, rivers, and boardwalks draw the eye into the frame.
• Add depth. Place a branch or leaf close to the lens for a layered foreground.
• Work reflections. Calm water doubles color; tilt slightly down to minimize empty sky.
• Vary scale. Shoot wide landscapes, mid-range scenes, and close-up leaf details for a complete story.

DSLR / Mirrorless Settings

• Polarizer filter to cut glare and deepen skies and leaf color.
• Landscape sharpness: f/8–f/11, base ISO, tripod if needed.
• Isolate subjects: f/2.8–f/5.6 for creamy backgrounds.
• Bracket exposures or use exposure blending to keep highlights and shadows.

Phone Photography Tips

• Tap to focus/expose, then slide to fine-tune brightness.
• Enable HDR/Smart HDR to retain sky and leaf detail (test both on/off).
• Stabilize. A mini tripod or braced stance prevents blur in low light.
• Highest resolution and lossless/RAW modes (if available) for better editing later.
• Optional clip-on polarizer to tame glare on water and leaves.

Quick Editing Workflow

• White balance: warm slightly to enhance golden tones.
• Vibrance over saturation for natural color pop.
• Selective adjustments: lift shadows in trees, add gentle contrast to your subject.
• Subtle vignette to draw attention inward; sharpen leaf edges lightly.

Sioux Falls Photo-Op Favorites

• Falls Park: The waterfalls, quartzite rock, and colorful trees make this park a stunning fall photo location.

• Terrace Park & Japanese Gardens: Stonework, water, and mature trees for layered compositions and reflections.

• McKennan Park: Canopy streets, walking paths, and intimate park scenes with consistent color.

• Mary Jo Wegner Arboretum: Manicured gardens, wetlands, woodlands, historic structures, and winding trails into a diverse and photogenic landscape.

• Arrowhead Park: Ponds, prairie grass, and tree lines—lovely for wide scenes and mirrored reflections.

• The Outdoor Campus: Mixed woodland trails and pond edges for casual photo walks.

• Big Sioux Recreation Area (short drive): Riverside trails and diverse species for varied palettes.

• Palisades State Park (short drive): Dramatic pink quartzite cliffs contrasted with fall color.

A Simple Shoot Plan

• Sunrise: Start at Falls Park for mist and warm light on water.
• Mid-morning: Head to Terrace Park/Japanese Gardens for filtered light and reflections.
• Afternoon: Explore McKennan or the Outdoor Campus for shaded trails and saturated color.
• Golden hour: Finish at Arrowhead or Big Sioux Recreation Area for sweeping, warm landscapes.

Pack a lens cloth, dress in layers, and back up your photos the same day. With a bit of planning and these settings for DSLR and phone, you’ll bring home images that feel as crisp and colorful as fall itself.

What to Do With Your Fall Photos

You’ve taken the time to capture the rich colors of autumn—now don’t let those images sit on your phone or memory card! At Harold’s Photo, we make it easy to turn your fall photography into lasting keepsakes and stunning displays.

• Simply Prints & Premium Art Prints: Order traditional photo prints or upgrade to premium fine art paper to showcase your best shots with vibrant color and crisp detail.
• Custom Photo Books: Gather your favorite fall scenes and create a seasonal storybook. Perfect for capturing a year of autumn adventures with family and friends.
• Print Sets: Share the beauty—print multiples of your favorite photos to gift or frame for home and office décor.
• Canvas, Metal & Acrylic Wall Décor: Transform a single breathtaking shot into a piece of art. Canvas brings warmth, metal delivers bold color, and acrylic offers a modern, sleek finish.
• Custom Framing: Let our experts frame your prints so they’re ready to hang. A great way to elevate your photography and match your home décor.

Whether you want to decorate your walls, create a gift, or safeguard memories, Harold’s Photo has the products and expertise to make your fall photography shine. Stop by our store or order online to get started.