Macro photographer Kyle van Bavel loves to capture the tiny details found in nature, especially during this time of year. He considers autumn the perfect season for macro photography, with rich textures, bold colors and soft light abound. We came across some of his latest fall macro photography and had to know more about how he manages to take his images to the next level. In this guide, Kyle shares his five most important tips for sharper focus, richer color and cinematic depth – so your close-ups feel alive, not clinical.
Photo by Kyle van Bavel. Alpha 7R V. 100mm f/2.8 Macro G Master.
5 Pro Tips For Fall Macro Photography
1. Use The 100mm f/2.8 Macro G Master 1.4:1 & Teleconverters
This lens is a true powerhouse for autumn macro work. The Alpha 7R V paired with the 100mm f/2.8 Macro G Master lets you capture the smallest details in stunning clarity. With its 1.4:1 magnification, you can reveal every fine texture of mushrooms, shimmering raindrops and the vibrant veins of colorful autumn leaves, all with incredible sharpness.
If you want to get even closer, attach a 1.4x teleconverter or 2x teleconverter. It extends your reach while maintaining excellent image quality, perfect for tiny subjects like fungi or dew-covered moss. Just remember: the higher the magnification, the shallower the depth of field becomes. Take your time with manual focus and use focus peaking for precision.
Photo by Kyle van Bavel. Alpha 7R V. 100mm f/2.8 Macro G Master. 1/125-sec., f/8, ISO 1000
2. Use Background & Foreground
In autumn, every layer of nature tells a story, and in macro photography, depth is what brings that story to life. Instead of focusing only on your main subject, take a moment to look at what’s happening in front of and behind it. A softly blurred leaf in the background or a golden glow from sunlight filtering through the trees can completely transform your image, adding warmth and atmosphere.
Try shooting through elements like leaves, grass or thin branches. These create natural color layers that give your photo that dreamy, soft autumn feeling we all love. Move slightly left or right, change your angle, and notice how the background colors shift, sometimes even a few centimeters make a big difference.
Photo by Kyle van Bavel. Alpha 7R V. 100mm f/2.8 Macro G Master. 1/250-sec., f/6.3, ISO 320
Experiment with apertures between f/2.8 and f/5.6 to create beautiful background blur while keeping your main subject sharp. Keep your ISO low (around 100–400) to preserve image quality, and if the light gets dim under the trees, try slowing your shutter speed or using a small LED light or reflector to add a soft glow.
And don’t forget to check your focus manually, the Alpha 7R V’s focus magnifier and focus peaking tools make it easier to get your subject razor-sharp, even at close distances.
3. Get Low To The Ground
When you lower your Alpha 7R V with the 100mm f/2.8 Macro G Master lens to ground level, you’ll discover an entirely new world, full of mushrooms, soft moss, and tiny hidden insects. Getting down low helps you frame the scene from their perspective and brings more depth into your composition.
Use your tilting screen or a small tripod to get your camera stable close to the forest floor. That little bit of stability allows you to shoot at slightly slower shutter speeds, around 1/100 to 1/250 second if handheld, or even slower when using a tripod. Keep your ISO between 100 and 400 to maintain image quality, and open your aperture around f/2.8 to f/5.6 for that creamy background blur that makes your subject pop.
Photo by Kyle van Bavel. Alpha 7R V. 100mm f/2.8 Macro G Master. 1/250-sec., f/2.8, ISO 1000
For focusing, switch to manual focus and activate focus peaking, this helps you fine-tune focus on the smallest details, like the edge of a mushroom cap or the shimmer of morning dew.
By shooting from this low angle, you’ll often capture the rich bokeh of the forest floor, the fallen leaves and soft light will naturally create warm, dreamy tones behind your subject.
4. Play With Autumn Colors
Autumn brings one of the most beautiful natural color palettes of the year, warm oranges, deep reds, golden yellows and soft earthy browns. Use these tones to your advantage by carefully composing your shots to highlight the season’s warmth and depth.
Photo by Kyle van Bavel. Alpha 7R V. 100mm f/2.8 Macro G Master.
When shooting with the Alpha 7R V and the 100mm f/2.8 Macro G Master lens, pay attention to how light interacts with your subject and surroundings. Try to position your subject so that your background catches those golden tones, fallen leaves, soft morning light, or even reflected sunlight can add a dreamy warmth to your shot.
Tip: White balance: Experiment with Shade or Cloudy presets to emphasize the warm tones of the season.
5. Capture The Mood With Light
In autumn, light changes fast, from misty mornings to glowing sunsets, and each moment brings a different atmosphere. Early mornings often give soft, diffused light with a cool, mysterious tone, perfect for mushrooms covered in dew. During golden hour, the low sun adds a warm glow and enhances those rich orange and red hues in fallen leaves.
When the light is flat or you’re deep in the forest, bring your own magic. A small LED macro light (like the SmallRig RM 03) can help you shape light precisely where you need it. Try moving the light around your subject, from the side for soft textures, or slightly behind for a gentle rim glow. This adds dimension and makes your subject come alive.
Photo by Kyle van Bavel. Alpha 7R V. 100mm f/2.8 Macro G Master. 1/25-sec., f/6.3, ISO 320
Don’t be afraid to experiment with the direction and intensity of light, sometimes just a tiny shift can completely transform the mood of your macro scene.
Bokeh tip: Autumn is full of natural colors and shapes that make perfect bokeh backgrounds. Place your subject at least 1-1.5 feet in front of the background and use a wide aperture like f/2.8. Look for soft light filtering through leaves, the highlights will turn into glowing orbs of color behind your subject. This adds depth, warmth, and that signature “macro magic” feel that makes small worlds look alive.
See more of Kyle van Bavel’s work on Instagram @kylevanbavel.
Level up your image quality, purchase the Alpha 7R V.
Capture the important details of the season, purchase the 100mm f/2.8 Macro G Master.
