Backlit Autumn Leaf Photography With Tamron Kit

One way to exaggerate the colours of autumn is with backlit leaves. Plus, it'll really make the intricate pattern of veins stand out and focus the viewer's attention. 

Lenses

Working close with wide-angle lenses can give creative results, however flare can be a problem. A macro or telezoom lens is ideal such as the 24-70mm lens from Tamron but still fit a lens hood to prevent flare. Do check the frame to make sure the lens hood hasn't crept into frame though. 

'Pop' And Flare

If you can, move around to position the subject against a darker background to enhance the effect and make sure the camera is shielded to prevent flare. You could use a branch, your hand wrapped around the lens or as mentioned above, fit a lens hood if you have one. 

Add Some Flash

If you find the leaf is silhouetting against the sky just add a little fill-in flash. You can also position the flash behind the leaf to create your back light if the sun's not playing ball. 

Exposure

It's best to take a meter reading from the leaves to ensure they are correctly exposed and switching to spot metering will help. If the background's dark you may need to reduce the exposure by about half to one stop to ensure it stays dark. If it's light open up half to one stop. Bracket if you are unsure. Check your histogram too to make sure your shot is correctly exposed. 

To make the light around the edge of your subject 'sparkle' you may need to over expose the shot slightly. 

Distance

Having space between your leaf and its background will help create the distraction, free blurry background we're after. Using an aperture to throw other leaves out of focus can help too. 

Indoors

If you don't want to work outdoors take a few leaves home and photograph them backlit on a lightbox. Or if you don't own one, place a piece of tape over the leaf's stalk and stick it flat against a window. You won't have to worry about wind blowing your subject around at home either.