Make good use of the weather

If you can, avoid photographing your subjects in direct sunlight. Instead, ask them to move to the shade of an apple tree—of which there will be plenty! Don’t hesitate to use your flash. If you don’t have a choice in the matter, for example if everyone is sitting down for a picnic, set your camera to the sun icon, and set the ISO to 200 or less. Is it cloudy or rainy? Make sure your camera is covered, then take a few black and white photos of clouds or play with the reflections in the puddles.

Must-take photos

Like all activities, apple picking has its own must-snap moments.

• The family photo: Use the natural incline of the orchard to be able to fit all your family members, tall or small, into the picture.
• Use a ladder to gain some height and take memorable pictures of your family, or a basket of apples, from above.
• Apple trees provide a natural frame for your photos. Why not ask one of your family members to bite into a juicy red apple while surrounded by trees? You’ll be sure to get an excellent photo. Don’t forget to focus on your subject’s eyes so that any branches in the foreground become slightly blurred.
• Apple trees provide excellent camouflage. Hide among them, have your camera already focused on the kids, then attract their attention to capture wonderful photos of their expressions of surprise. You can then pick out the best ones at home.

• Is there a beam of light piercing through the foliage of an apple tree? Tip over a basket full of apples into this shaft of light to take a still-life photo.
• Is there a baby in your group? Sit him or her in a basket on the grass, crouch down and make the most of this lovely scene.
• Take a picture of a beautiful apple. It will come in handy later on when you want to decorate your albums and collages. Choose a neutral background with soft colours, like the green grass, so that it doesn’t detract from your subject.
• The countryside is a dream setting for those of you who love to photograph landscapes, as the numerous lines (created by the trees, fields, fences, etc.) can create wonderful compositions. Use them along with the rule of thirds (see Photo 101: Frame Your Photos Like a Pro) to get photos that guide the eye.
• To finish up your album, photograph your family members from behind as they walk away, down the orchard to their car.