Shooting Tips:
- When to shoot: Fall foliage is at its best in the 2nd week of October, but this may be a little earlier or later based upon when cold weather arrives.
- Best time: Photograph around sunrise and sunset for the best light and color.
- Photograph outdoors: Start shooting when your shadow is longer than you are, usually in the late afternoon.
- Don't discount overcast days: Colors are more saturated and shadows are softer.
- Be spontaneous! Take a play break from raking leaves and capture it on camera.
- Stuck in the city? Visit a farmer's market and snap the beautiful colors and shapes of fall fruits and veggies.
- Get up close: A field of red leaves is rich, but a single red leaf against green grass also works.
- Morton Arboretum - You can embark on guided tours to learn about the trees and plants, or you can explore on your own. Website: www.mortonarb.org
- The Cook County Forest Preserve has a lot of great trees showing their fall colors. Head to a forest preserve nearest you, during designated hours. Website: www.fpdcc.com
- Apple Orchards - There orchards within driving distance from Chicago for picking your own apples in late summer and early fall. You will need to drive a little further, but there are several apple orchards in Kane, DeKalb, McHenry and Lake counties. See a complete list of Illinois apple orchards at allaboutapples.com.
- Pumpkin Patches – Catch brilliant shapes and colors at pumpkin patch or at your local farmer's market. Pick the closest pumpkin patch or farmer's market nearest to you.
- Chicago Botanic Garden – See turning leaves and late-summer blooms while taking an afternoon stroll. Website: www.chicago-botanic.org
