When photographing landscapes, whether in autumn or any other time of the year, it is always good to use some of the Rules of Composition. For example, place an overhanging branch or bough from a nearby tree in the sky to hide plain sky. This also gives the photo some depth so the viewer will have more of a feeling of being there.
You can also use a road, or fence or a brook in the foreground to lead the viewer's eye into the picture.
This is known as a lead-in line. If you can imagine, try to have one of these being closer to you and trailing off toward the "real" scene, whether that is a mountain or a farm house or anything else.
Q: I don't have a "good" camera. Can I get decent fall foliage photos with a disposable camera?
You will not have the flexibility that a good 35mm will give you, neither will you have the advantage of interchangeable lenses, but, yes you will be able to get decent photos with a disposable camera. You may have to move in closer, and your imagine may appear further away than it looked when you were standing there, but you can get decent pictures.
Q: Do I need a tripod to take good foliage shots?
A good tripod (compare prices) is a valuable piece of equipment to have for anyone who is serious about photography.
It would come in very handy if you were under very low light conditions or for shooting at slow shutter speeds. But, you may not be shooting with low light, or with a very long focal length lens, or at a very slow shutter speed. Low light usually means sloooow shutter speeds. And many times you should be using a very small lens opening in order to get the most depth of field you need.
With all that in mind, my answer is no, you don't need a tripod, but if you do own one you shouldn't leave it home because it might come in handy.
Q: How slow a shutter speed can I use before I need a tripod?
A good rule of thumb is to not go slower than the focal length of the lens. That means if you are using a 50mm lens you should not use a shutter speed slower than 1/60 of a second while hand holding the camera. If you are using a 300mm lens, you should not use a shutter speed slower than 1/250 of a second handheld.
Q: Is there any other advice you can give me about taking fall foliage photos?
Yes, as much as I hate to say it, autumn landscapes can become boring just like anything else if used too much. I bring up this point because many times amateurs go out looking for those big vistas, the miles and miles of nothing but colored leaves. Those kinds of pictures are nice in moderation; they seem like very pretty scenes, and they are, but they make for boring photos if overdone.
When taking fall foliage photos, don't overlook the obvious such as a brook with fallen leaves floating in it. What says New England better than a small country church with fall foliage in the background or a ripe maple tree in the scene? How about a pumpkin patch or pumpkins piled up for sale with leaves scattered all around? Try to catch some kids raking leaves or playing in huge piles someone else has raked. Use your imagination, and don't limit yourself to just those photos of grand vistas. Find a poplar tree with its golden leaves attached; go to the base of the tree and shoot up--with a nice blue sky as a background you will end up with something very nice.
Be imaginative and creative and try to look at all prospective subjects from every conceivable angle. Try to photograph things from an angle or vantage point different from the way we normally view it. For example, when was the last time you laid down on your belly and looked up a brook? Probably not for a long time, if ever! Try it; the results are astonishing. That is what makes for interesting and prize-winning photos. Whenever we can photograph a common subject from a vantage point from which we do not usually see that subject, we take the chance of owning a prize-winning photo.
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