With autumn color fast approaching, it’s time to start planning a trip or two.  Following are a few tips to help turn your fall photography trip into a vivid success.  There are many areas of the country where spectacular color occurs, but the most popular seem to be the western states and a solid dose of New England color. 

Your odds for success are greatly enhanced with the digital camera.  In place of the apprehension associated with film and processing is immediate gratification.  The great luxury of the digital camera is the in-field editing afforded the photographer.  Being able to instantly see the recorded image is a remarkable feature that helps ensure successful photography images.  A tip, edit as you shoot.  

The Colorado Rockies offer some of the most spectacular autumn photography in the lower 48 states.  Numerous forest service roads break off the beaten paths, taking you deep into a mountain valley, or up along ridges and passes.  The later part of September in perhaps the finest ten day stretch during the entire year.  Crisp nights, glorious days, and that amazing first snow of autumn all combine to help create stunning mountain images 

Naturally, the area around Aspen is a splendid location, not only for mountain photography but also for that classic autumn photo.  The Maroon Bells are perhaps the iconic western landscape image, photographed more often than any other mountains in North America.  These mountains are situated in a way that makes morning photography better than evening light.  Arrive early, as mountain breezes can kick up, ruining chances for that perfect lake photography session.  If the lake area is crowded, and it’s a safe bet to say it will be, push on up the trail a bit.  It’s easy hiking and there are numerous opportunities to bag a great autumn photo along the way. 

Although one can get lucky when searching by car for autumn foliage, consider a backpack trip into a wilderness area.  Here you are away from the crowds and the noise associated with many of the more popular locations.  A wilderness valley, surrounded by autumn color and a lake or mountain stream nearby is the perfect place to slow down and push that new digital slr to the limits.  The great luxury of the digital camera is the in-field editing afforded the photographer.  Being able to instantly see the recorded image is a remarkable feature that helps ensure successful photography images.

This is a stunning area of the country for those considering fall foliage vacations.  Perhaps its because of its geographical location, tucked up in the northeast corner of the U.S., that gives one the impression of a small area.  This is not true.  Here’s a bit of free photography advice:  do a bit of New England research and determine a general area that you’d like to photograph.  Most of us don’t have the luxury of an open-ended vacation, so time is at a premium.  So is the autumn foliage.  It arrives quickly, and can depart even quicker. Far too many opportunities and possibilities exist to try covering vast expanses of land.  

Vermont’s Mad River valley offers endless possibillities.  Rolling hills and quaint farms dot the countryside.  Consider one of the amazing farmhouse inns as your base while in this area.  Generally, the first week of October is prime time for peak foliage.  There is a catch, however.  Due to the location, only hours from several major metropolitan areas, these inns are booked months in advance.  Spend some time in one of the special New England villages and you will understand why.  

If the Mad River doesn’t offer enough excitement for your camera, consider the many farm locations along with the area’s famous covered bridges as subject matter for your photographic library.

There are numerous websites and fall color hotlines available for current locations of peak foliage.  Remember that what is spectacular one day might be gone the next.  Weather conditions can change the color saturation overnight.  Wind, rain, sleet and snow can drastically alter the autumn photography landscape, offering that once in a lifetime moment, or bare limbs.  It’s a great way to go out and further your photography education.