Tips for taking pictures in the fall

NEW YORK -- Photographer Ferenc Mate lives in Tuscany, but his latest book portrays the colors and landscapes of the woods, coast, farmhouses and even the doorsteps and porches of New England in the fall.

His book, "A New England Autumn: A Sentimental Journey," also showcases some of New England's most famous writers.

For amateur photographers trying to capture the season's beauty, here are simple pointers from Mate on shooting in the fall.

• Shoot early and late in the day. Try to shoot a half-hour before and after sunrise or sunset. The colors will be incomparably richer, the shadows deeper, textures and forms stronger.
• Shoot during or right after storms. The light is more dramatic, and wet leaves, structures, and even roads take on more vibrant, intense tones.
• Move around to find the most dramatic composition, whether you are shooting a seashore, pond, leaf or covered bridge. A few steps can make the difference.
• Check for colors, shapes and light each time you shoot. A red leaf may be eye-catching, but it might look prettier when lit from a side that shows more texture, or, like a stained glass window, when lit from behind.
• Shoot close-up details. A whole barn might seem boring, but its old weathered door or a cobwebbed window reflecting a tree might be a compelling image.