4 Fall Festivals You Won't Want to Miss

The colors of fall are delighting us once again. Fall festivals are a perfect chance to brush up your photography skills and gain access to unique photo compositions through live action settings.

But the key to getting the best shots at festivals is correct planning. Here are four festivals happening all around the country this fall, so you can make plans asap.

1. Ellicottville Fall Festival

Ellicottville, New York | October 6-7, 2018

‍This is a great chance to snap gorgeous photos of western New York's changing foliage. The outdoor parties have plenty of food, live music, carnival rides, and family-friendly activities.Keep in mind that there will be tens of thousands of festival-goers crowding to New York for this. You need to know where to best position yourself in the crowds and decide beforehand which of the activities you want to shoot.

Check out the festival's itinerary for all events.

2. Leavenworth Oktoberfest

Leavenworth, Washington | October 5-6, 12-13, and 19-20, 2018

‍The little town in Washington has their own Bavarian-style Oktoberfest with ample beer in large, outdoor tents.

If you can't get to Germany, this beer fall festival is the next best thing.A fun part of this festival is the keg tapping ceremony at 1 pm in the Festhalle, only on Saturday. You can purchase your entrance tickets either at the gate on the day, or beforehand online.

3. New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival

Laconia, New Hampshire | October 12-13, 2018

‍It's one crazy fall weekend when 40,000+ visitors come to enjoy the New Hampshire Pumpkin Festival.

One of the main attractions you'll want to set up a tripod for is the giant iconic jack-o-lantern tower.On Saturday you can shoot live action shots as contestants participate in The Runaway Pumpkin 10K & 5K Run/Walk Starting at Opechee Park.

4. Ropp Road Round-Up Festival, Normal, Illinois

Normal, Illinois | October 1-2, 2018

‍This is a super fun family-friendly festival hosted by the Radar Family Farms, where you can bring the kids for pony rides. Adults enjoy the festivities just as much -- look out for shots of the duck carving and beekeeping demonstrations.

3 Bonus Tips for Capturing the Perfect Snapshots at Festivals

Festivals are a lot of fun, but challenging for even experienced photographers. Here are a few more tips to keep in mind:

• Plan ahead: Try to get a copy of the day's program, so you know when and where to position yourself and your camera.‍
• Be original: Look at photos online of past years of the same festival, so you know what's already be done. Then you get both inspiration and ideas for originality.‍
• Wait for the light: Early evening light during the fall is especially magical. Don't miss the "blue hour", which happens just after sunset. You can get some crisp blue shades and beautiful hues.