SIDEBAR

Autumn Tints – do we need sunshine and blue skies?

19 comments
Nov 06 2015

I have today returned from running a Freeespirit Images workshop in the depths of Mid Wales, timed to catch the autumn tints at their best.
It would be true to say that the weather wasn’t blue sky or sunshine. In fact it was overcast for most of the time, but the group were very happy and we all got stuck in, with me showing them how best to capture the essence of autumn.
This then got me wondering. Do we REALLY need sunny blue sky days to capture autumn at its best or can we make a decent fist of it by utilising the light we are given?
The three main tree stars in Mid Wales are the silver birch, the beech and the larch. These, to us, all had plenty of saturated tints to loudly and proudly state AUTUMN IS HERE! So, maybe, we shouldn’t be put off by the weather? Rather, make the very best use of what weather we have and don’t sacrifice the opportunity just to secure a blue sky? After all, most of the group’s shots had no sky anyway!
What do you all think?

Autumn in the Upper Tywi Valley
Autumn Upper Tywi Valley Carmarthenshire

 

  1. Judi Lion 

    I couldn’t agree more – yes the tints of autumn look fabulous against a blue and white sky, but it is by no means essential. I’ve spent the last week, in the gloom and rain, taking autumn shots and the overcast conditions really seem to make the colours zing. The colours in the Upper Tywi were certainly putting on a great show for you.

  2. Ginny 

    Hi Nick~ I’ve often cursed the brilliant blue, cloudless sky, and too bright sun(but only when taking pictures, I must admit). Something about about overcast days makes colours pop in a way they don’t when it’s sunny.

  3. Sue Lees 

    Love Autumn no need for sunny skies I’ve taken some lovely shots with the darkest of stormy skies.If I like the result it’s a good day I’m not a professional photographer but think it’s all about getting a shot that pleases you .!

  5. Barbara Fleming 

    Lovely Autumn colours Nick, wish I could have been with you. I went to Ashridge Forest, Herts. last week and the beech was disappointing, the leaves had not turned altogether this year. We all thought that the trees in Milton Keynes(believe it or not!) were much more interesting, as there were so many different yellows and reds. Who would think that it was worth going to MK to photograph the Autumn!?
    I think I will come with you next year, the birch and larch in the Brecon Beacons are wonderful.

    • Nick Jenkins 

      That’s good to hear Viv! One of my guests on the workshop did just the same – up until then she had always included sky. Of course, if the sky is bright and you have no way of holding that brightness back it will also affect the rest of the shot.

    • Nick Jenkins 

      I guess if you were shooting for a calendar company then perhaps they may ask for blue skies but if shooting for myself I agree Caroline, I really think that shots that are fully trained on the trees and leaves do portray a stronger sense of autumn.

  8. Matt 

    I fully agree I would rather have some moody weather than a bright sunny clear no-clouds day. Now on the other hand, downpours every day are a bit dampening. I am getting cabin fever after of more than a week of rain!

  10. Nick Jenkins 

    Your post prompted fond memories. I had thought about you all on a couple of occasions when the weather here in Cowbridge at anyrate was not very conducive. I concur that a flatter lighting can often be helpful when the image has otherwise strong colours in it – even if a little post processing can help!
    Gerald Harbour

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