Every autumn in Tasmania we enjoy the spectacle of the “Turning of the Fagus” that is to say, the leaves of the endemic Nothofagus gunnii, change from the deep summer greens to autumnal tones of yellow, orange and red.

A mist shrouded Cradle Mountain is the backdrop to a beautiful autumn display of the fagus.

The best places to view this unique Australian scene are at Mt Field in the south, and Cradle Mountain in the north.

A macro close up of Tasmania’s fagus leaves in autumn

Photographing the fagus is an enjoyable and challenging aspect of Tasmanian photography. The weather in autumn (in fact all year round in Tassie!) ranges from calm and idyllic to wild and ferocious. Calm weather can lead to great opportunities for macro photography while other types of weather can lead to very dramatic and unique landscapes, as the brilliant yellow splash of the leaves contrast starkly against a snowy mountain backdrop or misty dolerite mountain peaks.

Fagus lines the western flanks of Cradle Mounain

A wonderful Tasmanian landscape – complete with autumn colour and ancient pines

The images in this post were captured at Cradle Mountain a couple of years ago and I would like to think they convey some of the excitement of photographing Tasmania at this time of year.

Fagus at Cradle Mountain in autumn, macro shot

Deep in shadow the fagus takes on a mysterious feel

I am running a 3 day Cradle Mountain photography workshop from April 28-30, and the autumn leaves will be a major highlight. We will also shoot sunrise and sunset at Dove Lake; if the weather allows we will also attempt a night shoot at the lake. The other highlight of autumn is the intricate fungi on the rainforest floor. It should be a great few days and I am now taking bookings. Please contact me to join in the fun!