Go on an autumn photo safari – Take the best pictures of the season!

Who says summer is over, so are the fun outings? No. Autumn is just the season to grab your camera and head out for an autumn photo. With those beautiful golden yellow, red-orange and warm brown hues, nature is now one big Instagram filter. And the best part? You don’t have to be a professional photographer to take stunning autumn photos!

Why autumn photography is so addictive

There is something special about photographing in autumn. The soft, golden light peeking between the branches, the infinite colors of falling leaves, and that lovely mist that sometimes hangs over landscapes-it’s as if Mother Nature herself organized a photo shoot!

The beauty of autumn photography is that you don’t have to travel far for spectacular images. That tree on your own street can suddenly be a work of art, the park around the corner transforms into a fairytale setting, and even a simple walk through the woods becomes an exploration full of photo opportunities.

The best times for your autumn photo safari

Timing is everything in autumn photography! The so-called “golden hour” – that warm light just after sunrise or before sunset – is your best friend. That’s when you get that beautiful, soft glow that really makes your photos shine. But cloudy days are also great: the soft, diffuse light provides nice, even lighting without harsh shadows.

And those foggy mornings? Absolute gold mines! Get out of bed early (yes, really, it’s worth it), grab a thermos of coffee and go hunting for that mysterious, dreamy atmosphere that only fog can create. It will instantly give your photos a cinematic look.

Creative ideas to take your fall photos to the next level

Play with perspectives! Lie on your stomach and photograph through a carpet of fallen leaves. Or find a high vantage point and capture those colorful treetops from the air. Change viewpoints and discover how different the same scene suddenly looks.

Close-ups of details are a joy to take. That one perfect oak leaf with droplets of dew, a chestnut that has just fallen from its husk, or the rough texture of tree bark – sometimes the best stories are in the smallest details.

Take advantage of reflections in puddles, ponds or ditches. After a rainstorm, the colors of trees reflect beautifully in the water, making for twice the autumn magic in one photo!

The ultimate fall photo gear (no expensive camera required!)

Good news: your smartphone can take great autumn photos! Modern phones often have a portrait mode that is perfect for those beautiful blurred backgrounds. Experiment with different settings and filters – sometimes it gives that extra warmth to your photos.

Do you even have a camera? A 50mm lens is perfect for portraits among autumn leaves, while a wide-angle lens is great for landscapes and forest shots. But above all, remember: the best camera is the one you have with you!

A few handy extras that will make your photo safari even more fun: a small folding stool (to comfortably shoot low down), a spray bottle of water (for that extra dewy effect), and of course a good playlist for the road!

The most beautiful autumn photo hotspots in the Netherlands

Are you ready for a real autumn photo safari? The Netherlands is bursting with beautiful locations that are extra spectacular in autumn! Here are our absolute favorites:

De Hoge Veluwe is of course a classic, but for good reason! Those ancient beeches and oaks in De Hoge Veluwe National Park turn a beautiful yellow, orange and red in October and November. Especially the area around the Kröller-Müller Museum is a picture. Tip: rent a white bike and take pictures of yourself cycling through the colorful foliage!

Amelisweerd near Utrecht is known for its beautiful autumn colors. Those long avenues of sycamores and poplars are a photographer’s dream. And as a bonus: the old estates and castles in the area will give your photos an extra romantic touch.

Kinderdijk takes on a very different atmosphere in autumn than in summer. Those iconic windmills surrounded by golden yellow reed beds and misty polders – it doesn’t get any more Dutch! Go early in the morning for the most beautiful fog effects.

The Biesbosch is a secret weapon for autumn photos. Those willow landscapes in all shades of yellow and orange, combined with mirror-smooth water, produce breathtaking reflection photos. Perfect for those who love tranquility and wild nature.

In Gelderland, you will find beautiful autumn colors in the Veluwezoom National Park near Rheden. The heather turns purple, the forests yellow and orange – it’s like walking through a painting!

North Holland has the Zaanse Schans, but also try the Waterlands forests or the Amsterdamse Bos. Especially the Vondelpark in Amsterdam is one big photo studio under the bare sky in autumn.

And for the really adventurous: National Park Hoge Kempen may be officially located in Belgium, but it is easily reached from Limburg. Those pine forests combined with purple heather blooms and golden birch trees …. pure magic!

Get busy

Don’t forget to experiment, make mistakes and, above all, have a lot of fun. The best photos often arise spontaneously, when you simply enjoy the moment and use the camera as an extension of your creativity.

So, when will you go on your first autumn photo safari?

Credits photos: Canva.com