My Favorite 5 Fall Photography Locations

Nights are getting colder and the leaves are turning. Time to jump into your fall photography clothes. Here are a few places I like to travel to take grab some images of the Autumn season.

Maroon Bells, Colorado

Located just outside of Aspen, Colorado you will find one of Colorado’s most famous 14ers. All of the mountains of Colorado are amazing during September. From Breckenridge to Steamboat and down to Durango you can not go wrong in finding spots to shoot. Make sure you show up early to get the morning light and beat the crowds. Next time I go it will be dark when I show up to capture the first light hitting the top of the peaks. Colorado images at brandonhirt.com

Glacier National Park, Montana

Northwest Montana is home to this treasure land of photography and adventures. All my photos are from the second week of September so make sure you get there early in the fall season for the leaves. My favorite spots are Lake Mcdonald, St. Marys Lake, and Avalanche Lake. See images from all these spots on my website brandonhirt.com

Never know where the light will hit. This tree was at a rest stop in the park. It was raining and snowing

South end of the Park

Even the rocks change colors at Lake McDonald on the Western Edge of the park

Ohiopyle State Park, Pennsylvania

Located in the Laurel Highlands of Southwest PA along the Youghiogheny River. One of my favorite rainy day adventure spots. The park surrounds the town of Ohiopyle that is full of restaurants and bike shops. Located along the popular Great Allegheny Passage bike trail. When visiting Ohiopyle must photo spots are Cucumber Falls, Waterslides, Ohiopyle Falls, Ferncliff Peninsula, and Jonathan Run.

Cucumber Falls full of water in this October image. So many compositions to be found with this popular waterfall.

Cucumber Falls and the waterfall area are both with in a nice walk of the town of Ohiopyle. Plus some great spots along the way to capture more foliage on the walk. View more photos of Pennsylvania at brandonhirt.com

Watkins Glenn State Park, New York

Finger Lake region of New York is a hot spot for photography. Lakes, waterfalls, and forest to explore. These shots were all done in early November so this is a great spot to hit later in the fall season. Take a waterfall tour or wine tour you will find great shooting

Rainbow Falls is a favorite in the Watkins Glen gorge

Keep your eyes open you never know what is laying around in the rain

Taughannock Falls state park is not at Watkins Glen but it is a short drive away

Blackwater Falls State Park

West Virginia

Canaan Valley is one of my favorite weekend getaways. From skiing to biking and all the trails to explore. Blackwater Falls is just west of Canaan Valley and is home to some really popular waterfalls. If it is clouds explore the waterfalls of Elakala or Blackwater Falls. If the sun is out check out Lindy Point and Canaan Valley State Park. Shop more photos at brandonhirt.com

View of the Blackwater valley from the Pendleton Point Overlook

Bonus Ricketts Glenn State Park

This park is a must go for fall foliage against the 20+ waterfalls. Check out this images at brandonhirt.com

Also some other favorite places I love to shoot at during the Autumn Season…..

Trap Pond State Park, Lake Dillon in Colorado, and Prince Gallitzin State Park

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Autumn Photography Tips

Nights are getting shorter and the pumpkin spice is brewing at your local coffee shop. That means the leaves will be turning soon and photography options will be bountiful. Here are some of my favorite spots and some tricks for your photography bag

Waterfalls

Ricketts Glen State Park, Pennsylvania

Wait for a rainy day and go out and capture a waterfall with leaves still on the trees and covering the rocks and ground. Bring a circular polarizer filter to help with reflections and to slow down your shutter speed to capture the smooth water flow. Try a one second exposure.

Forest

Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia

Go to the forest like the one above at Blackwater Falls State Park in West Virginia even during a cold wet morning you can find amazing images in the forest. Look for fog or stay under the canopy looking for those bright color trees.

Go for a hike

Watkins Glen State Park, New York

Go for a hike in the woods and look down on the ground for leaves like the one in image at Watkins Glen State Park. Zoom in and shoot just the one leaf or maybe find one still hanging on a tree.

Back Light

Sunrise at Prince Gallitzin State Park

I always enjoy looking at the fall foliage with the sun behind a tree that makes the colors even more vibrant. This shot at Prince Gallitzin State Park came alive after the fog burned off the lake when the sun rose over the mountains. Go enjoy those sunrises and sunset that create these bright scenes.

Look UP

Nathan’s Divide Nature Center

Looks up and find some leaves above you in front of a blue sky. It took me a few minutes of shooting this tree to find this angle. Remember to slow down and look all around when shooting. Look up, look down, and look all around. That image might be behind what you are shooting.

Upcoming Art Festival Schedule

September 18-19    New Germany Arts Festival
September 25         Ebensburg Potato Fest
October 2-3             Bedford Fall Foliage
October 9-10           Bedford Fall Foliage

Check out more images on my website https://www.brandonhirt.com/

Cheers,

Brandon