There’s something magical about fall in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The air turns crisp, the scent of woodsmoke drifts through the valleys, and the mountains are painted in fiery hues of red, orange, and gold. For a photographer, it’s a season that feels like a gift—everywhere you look, there’s an image waiting to be captured.
Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or simply someone who loves to wander with a camera in hand, autumn offers endless opportunities. Here are a few of my favorite tips for photographing fall foliage, along with some of the best local spots to enjoy the views.
Photography Tips for Fall Colors
1. Chase the Light
The key to vibrant fall photos is timing. Early morning and late afternoon—the golden hours—will give you warm, soft light that enhances the reds and oranges. Midday light can be harsh, so if you’re shooting then, look for shaded areas where colors appear richer.
2. Play with Perspectives
Don’t just shoot the wide landscapes. Get low and photograph a single leaf against the sky. Frame winding trails or fences leading into the distance. Try reflections in lakes or puddles to double the color.
3. Adjust Your White Balance
Cameras can sometimes make fall colors look too cool. Switch your white balance to “cloudy” or “shade” to warm up tones and make those fiery hues pop.
4. Use a Polarizing Filter
If you have one, a polarizer cuts through glare and deepens blue skies, making the leaves stand out more vividly.
5. Tell the Story of the Season
Include details that anchor your images in autumn—pumpkin patches, apples, cozy scarves, or even your dog bounding through the leaves. Photography is as much about the story as it is about the scene.
Best Places in Northeastern PA for Leaf Peeping
Living and photographing here in the Poconos, I’ve discovered some wonderful spots to soak in the beauty of the season:
Big Pocono State Park (Tannersville, PA)
Perched on Camelback Mountain, this park offers panoramic views across three states. The winding drive up is spectacular in itself.
Tobyhanna State Park (Tobyhanna, PA)
Known for its peaceful lake and long stretches of forest trails, Tobyhanna is a quieter spot for soaking in fall colors. Reflections on Tobyhanna Lake at sunrise or sunset make for breathtaking photographs.
Promised Land State Park (Greentown, PA)
The lakes surrounded by dense forest create perfect opportunities for reflection shots of the fall foliage.
Bushkill Falls (“The Niagara of Pennsylvania”)
Wooden walkways wind past waterfalls framed by fiery leaves—perfect for capturing both motion and color.
Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area
From hikes like Mt. Tammany and Mt. Minsi to quiet riverside views, this area provides some of the best leaf-peeping in the Northeast.
Hickory Run State Park
Its Boulder Field is unique year-round, but in autumn, the surrounding forests burst with color.
Local Gems
Sometimes the best foliage is closer than you think—farm roads lined with maples, small town main streets, or even your own backyard can provide stunning seasonal backdrops.
Capturing Fall from Above: Drone Photography Tips
Autumn looks completely different from the air. With a drone, you can transform rolling hills and winding rivers into abstract patterns of color that you just can’t capture from the ground.
1. Look for Textures and Patterns
From above, the contrast between evergreen pines and fiery maples really stands out. Fly higher to capture sweeping forest canopies, or lower to highlight winding trails cutting through a blanket of color.
2. Use Leading Lines
Roads, rivers, and ridgelines look especially striking in fall when framed by foliage. Position your drone so these natural lines draw the eye through the frame.
3. Adjust for Changing Light
The golden hour is even more magical from the sky. Watch how the low light casts long shadows across hillsides, adding depth and drama to your aerial images.
4. Experiment with Angles
Straight-down (nadir) shots create graphic, almost painterly compositions, while angled views capture both the horizon and the foliage. Mix both styles for variety.
5. Safety First
Always check local drone regulations before flying in parks or preserves, and avoid flying in crowded areas. Autumn’s beauty is best enjoyed responsibly.
Making the Most of Autumn’s Palette
Fall in Northeastern PA doesn’t last long, but it leaves a lasting impression. My advice? Take the photo, even if it’s just with your phone. Walk the trails, drive the backroads, and breathe in the season while it’s here. Every year, I find myself inspired all over again by the beauty around us—and I hope you do too.
📸❤️🌻
