There’s something utterly magical about autumn — that golden light, the crisp air, and the glorious blaze of reds, oranges, and yellows that seem to set the world alight. For photographers, it’s a season that calls out to be captured. And when you combine it with multiple exposure photography, the result can be nothing short of spectacular.

Multiple exposure and autumn colours are a match made in heaven. The richness of the season’s palette works beautifully with the layered creativity of this technique. The soft diffused light of autumn days allows textures and tones to glow, while misty mornings and low sun create the perfect conditions for dreamlike compositions. Whether you’re strolling through a forest carpeted in amber leaves or exploring an urban park glowing with fiery trees, autumn provides an endless array of inspiration for creative photography.

In this blog, I’ll share a few of my favourite multiple exposure techniques and composition ideas to help you capture the magic of autumn. From blending sharp and soft layers to experimenting with movement and framing, these ideas will help you create images that celebrate the beauty and emotion of this stunning season. Some of these were taken on my Canon R6 mark II and some of my Fujifilm X-T5 but all were taken with dark blend mode on. I mentioned this in my previous blog Inspirations: My Top 5 In-Camera Multiple Exposure Techniques

A Multiple Exposure Photograpahy image of an autumn scene

Technique 1: In-Focus and Out-of-Focus Using Dark Mode

One of my favourite ways to capture the vibrancy of autumn is to combine an in-focus layer with an out-of-focus layer using dark blend mode. This technique works wonders for creating depth, texture, and intensity in your images.

Here’s how it works: for each pixel in your final image, the camera (or your software if you’re blending digitally) selects the darkest value. So, if both pixels are of the sky, the result will remain light, it is a common misconception that it always darkens the overall image. But when you’re photographing rich autumn foliage - think crimson maples, golden birches, or rust-coloured oaks - dark mode has a magical effect. It enhances the vibrancy of your colours, creating glowing tones that seem to pulse with warmth.

Try photographing a single tree or a patch of leaves twice: once sharply in focus to capture the detail, and again deliberately blurred by manually defocusing your lens. The second image adds softness and painterly texture, while the dark blend mode merges them into a luminous masterpiece. You’ll notice how the reds and oranges seem to come alive, radiating that quintessential autumnal glow. Below is an example of how this could look. If you would like learn more about in camera multiple exposure techniques then consider joining Wilde Academy’s London workshop.

A Multiple Exposure Photography Image of autumn leaves

Technique 2: The Pep Ventosa “In the Round” Style

Another exciting multiple exposure technique that suits autumn perfectly is the Pep Ventosa or “in the round” approach. This method involves photographing the same subject from multiple angles, usually circling around it slightly between each shot, and then blending those images together. The result is a dynamic, impressionistic effect that captures not just the subject, but also the feeling of being surrounded by it. For more details check out the blog: How to: create Multiple Exposure images ‘In the Round’ style

I particularly love this technique for trees, and autumn trees are ideal subjects. When you use dark blend mode in combination with this style, you get wonderful contrasts, especially if your subject tree is framed by evergreens in the background. I know, they’re not always easy to find! But when you do, the interplay of fiery autumn colours against the deep greens can make your image truly sing.

Remember, you don’t have to move all the way around the tree — even a 90-degree sweep can create that swirling, layered look. In the image below, I shot in-camera without worrying too much about aligning the trunk precisely, and the slight variations gave a beautiful sense of energy and movement. Don’t be afraid to experiment - sometimes the most unexpected blends and subjects are the most magical.

A Multiple exposure Photography Image of an autumn tree ‘in the round’ style

Composition Idea 1: Use Autumn Colour as a Frame

When it comes to composition in multiple exposure photography, autumn offers endless possibilities. One powerful approach is to use the rich foliage as a natural frame for your subject.

In one of my images, the striking turret of the Szechenyi Baths in Budapest is surrounded by the golden canopy of City Park. The warm tones embrace the architecture, creating a perfect balance between natural and man-made beauty. The final image includes a few extra layers added in-camera — a soft coloured texture to replace the flat white of the original!

If you ever get the chance, Budapest in autumn is an absolute dream. The city’s grand buildings and bridges are bathed in the fiery hues of the season, making it a paradise for creative photographers. Framing your subject with leaves, branches, or reflections in puddles can lead to compositions that feel immersive, almost like stepping into another world. Look out for future announcements if you fancy multiple exposure abroad in Hungary or check out Wilde Academy’s trip to Gothenburg in Sweden.

A Multiple Exposure Photography Image of Szechanyi Baths in Budapest surrounded by trees

Composition Idea 2: Focus on a Few Leaves

Sometimes, simplicity can be incredibly powerful. Try focusing on just a few leaves rather than the whole tree. By isolating small details, you can draw attention to the textures, shapes, and veins that define autumn’s unique character.

In one of my favourite multiple exposure photographs, I layered bright leaves against a darker background. The contrast makes the colour pop dramatically, giving it a luminous, jewel-like quality. The image further up this blog uses the sky as the background instead - both approaches work beautifully, depending on the mood you want to create.

If you’re using dark blend mode, keep an eye on branches. Too many can become overwhelming when amplified in the blending process. A clean background, sky, water, or a dark shadowed area, will also help the leaves shine as the stars of your image.

Composition Idea 3: Capture the Whole Scene

Of course, autumn isn’t just about details, sometimes the bigger picture tells the best story. Try composing a wider scene that includes a path, a fence, or even a lamppost to add structure and depth to your photograph.

When you incorporate man-made elements, they act as visual anchors, drawing the viewer’s eye through the layers of the image. In one example, I photographed a tree-lined path where the dark silhouettes of lamp posts contrasted with the fiery canopy above. The multiple exposure technique added movement to the leaves, evoking the sensation of walking through falling colour.

Whether you prefer intimate details or sweeping landscapes, experiment with both. The beauty of multiple exposure photography is that it allows you to express what you feel as much as what you see.

A Multiple Exposure Image of autumn in Gellert Park, Bedapest

Conclusion: Capture the Magic of Autumn

Autumn gives us one of the most stunning colour palettes in nature - and multiple exposure photography is the perfect way to celebrate it. From soft-focus blends that glow with warmth, to layered scenes that pulse with energy, each technique helps you interpret the season in your own creative way.

So this autumn, get out there with your camera. Try the in-focus/out-of-focus method using dark blend mode, experiment with the Pep Ventosa approach, and play with composition ideas that frame or isolate your subject. Whether you’re photographing golden forests, reflections in puddles, or urban scenes wrapped in crimson leaves, you’ll find endless ways to make your images stand out.

I’d love to see what you create - so do share your results or thoughts in the comments below! And if you’d like to keep learning new creative photography techniques, make sure to sign up for my newsletter for more inspiration, ideas, and tutorials. You can also explore my courses and workshops at Wilde Photography Academy, where we dive even deeper into multiple exposure photography and all its artistic possibilities.

Let’s make the last of this autumn - your most creative season yet. 🍂📸

Multiple Exposure Techniques and Compositions for Autumn