How to guide to taking incredible leaf photos

Isolate single leaves

Photographing a single leaf has a similar affect to using a lone tree as your subject. By singling out one particular leaf, you create a very strong subject that’s often more powerful than a group of leaves together.

Another good option is to go out and collect leaves to shoot at home. This can make it easier to get a good photograph as you have more control over the background and lighting.

Back Lighting

Colourful leaves are even more stunning when lit from behind. By shooting into the sun, using the leaves to block the rays, the leaves pop in the light.

Shoot leaves against a blue sky

A blue sky is a great complement to the strong, warm colours of the leaves at this time of year. Any kind of tree will work, as long as the colours of the leaves have started to change.

Photograph Wet Leaves

Wet leaves appear more vibrant in colour, and their shiny surface can reflect light in interesting ways. Water droplets on leaves make for an extra special photograph. They look especially good when the sun comes out just after the rain, lighting up the droplets and making them sparkle.

Frost , puddles and Tarmac


Brightly coloured leaves look fantastic if photographed in a dark puddle or on wet road asphalt. Equally, a morning frost or hoar frost will make interesting backdrops.

Be Creative

There are endless ways that you can arrange fallen leaves to create an eye-catching image. Adding one leaf of a different colour is a great way to break the pattern and create a strong focal point.

Equally brightly coloured leaves provide endless opportunities to let your creative side go wild.