The Fall Texture Challenge: Seeing the Season Differently

Text and photos by Heather Cline 

Autumn is officially here, and nature has started quiet a transformation. Leaves are starting to curl and crisp, bark deepens with moisture, and seed pods crack open to create the next generation of plants. Although fall is defined by the changing colors, this is a perfect season to capture texture, so here is a fun challenge for you: look beyond color and focus on touchable details that illustrate the season. 

Challenge: Photograph 5–10 textures that represent fall. Here's some ideas to spark your creativity:

   ▲ Leaf veining                                                                                       ▲ Fall color vertical panning

  ▲ Seasonal migration slow shutter                                                          ▲ Seasonal grasses and morning mist

  ▲ Pinecones                                                          ▲ Mushrooms and lichen                                 ▲ Leaf movement in creeks and streams

   ▲ Dew covered spider webs                                                                   ▲ Tree bark  

   ▲ Animal fur transitioning with the season

Tips: Here are some tips to get the most out of your photos

Lighting:

• Golden hour is your best friend: Shoot early morning or late afternoon when the sun is low. It adds warmth and depth to textures like bark, leaves, and fur.
• Overcast days are underrated: Soft, diffused light minimizes harsh shadows and brings out subtle details—perfect for moss, fungi, and layered foliage.
• Backlighting adds magic: Try shooting into the light to highlight translucent textures like leaves, grasses, or spiderwebs.

      ▲ Leaf detail on a rainy and overcast day

Composition

• Fill the frame: Get close and let texture dominate. A tight crop can turn a leaf vein or cracked earth into abstract art.
• Use contrast: Pair rough with smooth, dry with wet, or warm with cool tones to emphasize tactile differences.
• Frame with intention: Use natural elements—branches, shadows, or rocks—to guide the viewer’s eye and add context.

   
      ▲ Cracked earth

Point of View

• Change your angle: Shoot from above, below, or at ground level. A squirrel’s-eye view of a leaf pile or a worm’s-eye look at tree bark can reveal unexpected textures.
• Get close—then closer: Macro or near-macro shots reveal the fine grain of a feather, the fuzz on a seed pod, or the crystalline structure of frost.

      ▲ Pinecone and leaves
Time of Day

• Morning brings dew and drama: Look for moisture on surfaces, fog in valleys, and long shadows that add dimension.
• Evening offers warmth and softness: Golden tones enhance earthy textures and create a nostalgic mood.
• Midday? Go shady: If you’re shooting in bright sun, seek shade or use a diffuser to soften the light.

    ▲ Leaf in evening light
Gear Tips

• Use a macro lens or setting: Even a smartphone with macro mode can capture stunning detail.
• Bring a small reflector: Bounce light into shadowy areas to reveal hidden textures.
• Tripod = stability: Especially helpful for low-light or macro shots where sharpness matters.
• Keep a microfiber cloth handy: Fall mornings can be damp—wipe lenses and gear to avoid foggy shots.

   ▲ Leaves photographed with macro lens

Fall invites us to slow down and notice the details—those quiet textures that tell the story of a changing season. Whether it’s the crisp edge of a leaf, the shimmer of morning dew, or the rough grain of bark, each photo you take is a way of seeing differently. This challenge is your invitation to explore, observe, and share. So grab your camera, head outside, and start capturing the tactile beauty of autumn!