Are you looking to capture stunning, Instagram-worthy shots of your autumn container garden? Look no further!
I have some valuable tips and tricks to help you achieve picture-perfect results.
Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting, autumn container garden photography can be a fun and rewarding way to showcase your creative gardening skills.
From choosing the right angles to maximizing natural lighting, the tips are all here to help you create visually captivating images that will make your garden shine on social media platforms like Instagram.
Just think of the bragging rights, as you share your photos with your friends at coffee break!
Embracing the Colours of Autumn
So what are we aiming for here? A stunning autumn display has to include those warming colours of orange, red and brown.
So you could choose beautiful marigolds with their golden petals, chrysanthemums with their fiery red and orange blooms, and combine them with ornamental kale.
The purple and green foliage adds a cool pop of colour to your container garden.
Here’s a beautiful example by the amazing Deborah Silver on Instagram.
She’s combined ornamental kale with the bright orange pumpkin with some bright orange, red and yellow flowers and then the tall grasses in the background give height and backdrop to her design.
More Autumn Container Garden Inspiration
Here’s another example of an autumn display to inspire you.
This one captures the fading light and coolness of autumn in the grey and indigo colours of the ornamental kale and the grey ceramic pot.
Again, the use of tall grasses gives height to the display.
I love the grass below for its striking shades of blue, and it’s a tough grass which will happily survive the chilly winds of autumn.
Choosing the Right Container
Selecting the right container for your autumn garden display is essential for the overall effect and colour scheme you have in your mind’s eye.
There is a great selection of containers on the market, available in pretty much every colour you can possibly need.
Here are some that I like- you can click on the links to learn more.
When choosing a container, opt for one that complements the overall design and style of your outdoor space.
Consider the material, size, and shape of the container. It’s also important to make sure it’s got proper drainage to prevent overwatering and keep your plants looking perky.
If you’re not wild above the ones in my gallery, you could think about buying a rattan or basket woven one: they are good if you want to create a homely or country-style aesthetic.
Selecting the Perfect Plants for Your Autumn Container Garden
Ok, so now that you have chosen the container you like, we need to choose the right plants to put in there.
Because we’re working on an autumn container garden we need to choose plants not only for their aesthetic appeal but also for their hardiness in the autumn conditions.
Opt for plants that can withstand cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours.
Some popular options include ornamental grasses, pansies, sedum, and flowering cabbage.
These plants not only offer beautiful colours and textures but are also hardy and resilient.
Additionally, consider incorporating trailing vines or ornamental kale for added visual interest and dimension.
By selecting plants that are suited to the fall season, you can ensure that your container garden remains vibrant and eye-catching throughout the autumn months.
Remember, a well-planned fall container garden involves a harmonious combination of colours, container choice, and plant selection.
By embracing the colours of autumn, choosing the right container, and selecting the perfect plants, you can elevate the aesthetics of your container garden to capture those Instagram-worthy shots.
Let your creativity flourish as you bring the beauty of autumn to life in your outdoor spaces. Just go for it, girlfriend!!
Preparing Your Autumn Container Garden for a Photoshoot
Capturing Instagram-worthy shots of your autumn container garden requires some preparation to ensure that every detail is picture-perfect.
So let’s look at three crucial steps to get your garden ready for a photoshoot: cleaning and organising the space, creating a cohesive colour palette, and adding texture and layers.
Cleaning and Organizing the Space
Before diving into the creative process of setting up your fall container garden, it’s essential to start with a clean and organized space.
This step will not only make your garden visually appealing but also provide a clear canvas for your photos.
Begin by removing any debris or dead leaves from your containers.
Clearing out these elements will instantly improve the overall look of your garden by giving it a fresh and tidy appearance.
Additionally, take the time to prune any overgrown or wilted plants, ensuring that the focus remains on the vibrant autumn colours.
You don’t want anything sad and overgrown in the background of your photos. Make sure you put the kids’ bikes away in the shed and take the washing down off the line!
Next, arrange your containers in a visually pleasing manner.
Consider the composition and placement of each container, ensuring that they complement one another.
Experiment with different layouts and take some practice shots.
Adding Texture and Layers to Your Autumn Container Garden
Consider textures and layers: use plants which have different heights. You could introduce tall vertical elements like ornamental cornstalks for a dramatic touch.
Create interest with trailing plants, such as ivy, to create a cascading effect, or place your pots at different heights by placing some onto stands.
Experiment with different types of foliage, such as ornamental grasses, ferns, or plants with interesting leaf textures.
The addition of decorative elements like pumpkins or gourds creates extra interest and focal points.
Another element you could add is solar lighting to give depth and warmth to your display. I think these add some drama and interest:
By following these steps and preparing your fall container garden for a photo shoot, you’ll be well on your way to capturing stunning Instagram-worthy shots.
Styling Tips for Instagram-Worthy Shots
Achieving picture-perfect, Instagram-worthy shots of your fall container garden is easier than you think.
Here, big pots of warm orange flowers coupled with the pumpkins create an eye-catching display.
Notice there’s a hanging basket too, so you can use those to add interest by filling them with orange and red flowers and trailing ivy.
Playing with Perspective and Angles
When it comes to taking captivating garden photos, experimenting with different perspectives and angles can make a big difference.
Instead of shooting from eye level, try getting down low to capture interesting details or shoot from above for a unique aerial view.
Varying your perspective adds depth and visual interest to your images, making them more engaging to viewers.
Utilising Natural Light
Lighting plays a crucial role in photography, and natural light can be a game-changer for capturing stunning images of your autumn container garden. Avoid using direct midday sunlight, as it can create harsh shadows and overexposure.
Instead, opt for softer light during the golden hour (an hour after sunrise or an hour before sunset) when the sun casts a warm glow- if it’s not raining…which it usually is, here in Cumbria, to be honest!
Showcasing the Changing Foliage
One of the most captivating aspects of autumn is the beautiful transformation of foliage colours. Here are some useful tips to capture these autumnal elements:
- Contrast: Look for contrasting colours in your container garden, such as the deep red leaves of a maple tree against a backdrop of green foliage or the golden hues of a birch tree next to a vibrant purple plant.
- Backlighting: Capture the vibrant colours of autumn leaves by positioning yourself so that the sunlight illuminates them from behind, creating a warm and glowing effect.
- Reflections: Seek out reflective surfaces like glass or water to capture the beautiful reflections of autumn colours, doubling the visual impact of your photos.
By focusing on the changing foliage and experimenting with different photography techniques, you can create visually stunning images that are simply going to amaze everyone!
Highlighting the Harvest Theme
You know that autumn is synonymous with harvest time, so incorporating the harvest theme into your garden photos can add a charming touch.
Here are some ideas for you to consider:
- Produce Bounty: Arrange your container garden in a way that showcases the abundance of autumn produce, such as pumpkins, squash, apples, or corn.
- Harvest Tablescapes: Create captivating scenes by arranging your containers alongside a rustic wooden table adorned with freshly picked fruits, vegetables, and autumn flowers.
- Autumn Harvest Still Life: Arrange a variety of autumn-themed items like acorns, pinecones, corn husks, and dried leaves in an aesthetically pleasing composition, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Editing and Enhancing Your Autumn Garden Photos
Taking stunning photos of your autumn container garden is only the first step.
To truly make your pictures Instagram-worthy, you can enhance them by utilising some clever editing techniques.
In this section, I’ll show you how to enhance the colours and contrast of your photos, adjust the exposure and sharpness, and apply filters and effects to make your autumn garden images truly pop.
Enhancing Colours and Contrast
One of the most effective ways to make your autumn garden photos stand out is by enhancing the colours and contrast.
With a few simple adjustments, you can make the vibrant hues of your foliage come to life.
Start by adjusting the saturation levels to make the colours more vivid. Be careful not to overdo it, as this can result in unnatural-looking photos.
Find the right balance that brings out the rich autumn tones without sacrificing realism.
Next, work on boosting the contrast. This will make the different elements of your photo more defined and create a sense of depth.
Increase the contrast gradually until you achieve the desired effect.
Lastly, consider adjusting the white balance if necessary.
Sometimes, the lighting conditions can cause your photos to have a cooler or warmer tone than you intended.
Correcting the white balance will ensure that the colours in your autumn garden photos appear true to life.
Adjusting Exposure and Sharpness
Proper exposure and sharpness are crucial for creating crisp and professional-looking photos.
Adjusting the exposure can help brighten up dark areas or tone down overly bright highlights in your autumn garden images.
Start by examining the histogram of your photo.
The histogram is a graphical representation of the tonal range in your image, ranging from shadows to highlights.
Use the exposure adjustment tools to bring the histogram within the desired range, ensuring that the details in both dark and light areas are preserved.
Additionally, sharpening your photos can enhance the clarity and details of your autumn garden shots.
Use the sharpening tools available in photo editing software to enhance the edges and textures of your foliage, flowers, and other elements in the image. Be mindful not to over sharpen, as it can make the photo appear unnatural.
Applying Filters and Effects
Filters and effects can add a creative flair to your autumn garden photos, giving them a unique and artistic touch.
Experiment with different filters and effects to find the style that best suits the mood and atmosphere you want to convey.
Consider applying a vintage or film-inspired filter to evoke nostalgia and warmth. Alternatively, a black and white filter can create a timeless and sophisticated look.
Don’t be afraid to get creative and try out various effects like vignettes, blurs, or even selective colouring to draw attention to specific areas of your photo.
Remember to use these enhancements sparingly, ensuring they complement the subject and overall composition of your autumn garden shots.
By enhancing the colours and contrast, adjusting the exposure and sharpness, and applying filters and effects, you can transform your autumn garden photos into captivating images that are sure to gather attention on Instagram.
Conclusion
In conclusion, capturing Instagram-worthy shots of your autumn container garden is not as difficult as it may seem.
By following a few simple tips, such as choosing the right lighting, composition, and subject matter, you can create stunning images that are sure to impress your followers, friends and family.
Remember to experiment with different angles and perspectives to add interest to your photos.
Additionally, don’t forget to use relevant hashtags and engage with the Instagram community to increase your visibility and grow your following. With a little practice and creativity, you can elevate your autumn container garden photography to the next level and create a visually appealing feed that will inspire others.
So grab your camera or smartphone and start snapping those picture-perfect shots today!
I hope you feel inspired by my article to get out there and create something beautiful in your garden this autumn.
I certainly enjoyed researching and writing this piece.
Recommended reading
October Flowers: A guide to the Best Blooms of Autumn
How To Protect Your Plants During The Cold Winter
Affiliate disclosure: this article contains affiliate links, which if you click on them and make a purchase will result in my making a small commission. This is at no extra cost to you, but will go some way towards funding my expensive coffee habit.