Taking time to photograph fall color is something I covet in late October and early November. As the southerly summer winds shift to northwesterly winter winds, you can observe nature preparing for shorter days and much cooler temperatures.
Trees cease producing chlorophyll, which makes their leaves green. As the chlorophyll bleaches out, the true colors of the leaves are revealed in bright yellows, reds and oranges. Birds and butterflies begin their annual fall migrations with many stopping in Tennessee along their flyways to rest and refuel as they head south for winter. And the rutting season begins for whitetailed deer and elk.
The increased levels of wildlife activity and the vivid displays of fall colors across Tennessee bring with them countless photographic opportunities.
One such opportunity with the right combination of fall color, water and light came together perfectly for me a couple of years ago. Photographing fall color and a full moon together can be a challenge, especially with changing weather patterns that can produce frequent wind, clouds and storms this time of year.
I planned this shoot based on the timing of the sunset and moonrise. My goal was to capture the moon rising as close to the time of sunset as possible. This would provide enough ambient light from the sun to still see the fall color and the foreground reflections and also provide enough light in the sky that the moon would be visible against a blue sky rather than a pitch black night sky.
Based on sunset and moonrise charts, the night before a full moon is always your best opportunity to capture these conditions. On this evening, the wind quieted just after the sun dipped below the horizon, allowing me to use a slow shutter speed and an /-stop of 22. This combination renders the greatest depth of field so everything from the foreground to the background is in focus.
Waiting for the moon, I watched the stillness in the air fall across the lake, revealing beautiful reflections. The only sound vying for my attention was a barred owl calling to its mate in the distance.
As the moon silently crept up over the ridge and the halo reflected in the lake, I knew I had been blessed with a special moment to photograph. I hope you can take time this fall to experience what nature offers you.
