Capturing Penrhos’ Spirit Through Autumn Photography & Art

October brings a photographer’s dream to Mid Wales. The light is softer, the shadows are longer, and the palette of colours shifts from summer green to fiery golds and russets. This half-term, we’re challenging our guests to get creative and capture the beauty around them.

The Art of Autumnal Light

The best light of the day occurs during the ‘Golden Hour’ - the time just after sunrise and just before sunset. Use these low angles of light to transform your photography:

• Look for long, dramatic shadows cast by trees, buildings, or even yourself. Shadows can add depth and mystery to a simple photo.

• Early mornings often bring mist rolling over the hills or fields. This is incredibly atmospheric, try to capture the sun just breaking through it for an ethereal effect.

• Take a close-up photo of a fallen leaf, focusing on its veins and crinkled edges. The change in texture is a key characteristic of the season.

Nature’s Palette: A Lesson in Colour

The stunning colour transformation is a great educational opportunity. Why does it happen? As the days shorten, trees stop producing chlorophyll (which makes leaves green), revealing the brilliant yellows, reds, and oranges that were there all along!

• Collect a range of different coloured leaves and place them side-by-side. Can you use these colours to write a seasonal poem? For instance, what emotions does the bright red leaf bring, versus the deep brown one?

• Use bark, twigs, berries, and colourful leaves to create a piece of natural outdoor art on a patch of grass or a stone wall. Snap a photo of your creation before nature takes it back!

Tag us on social media or email us your favourite capture of the season - we'll feature the most beautiful and creative entries on the blog next term!