Tourists flock to New England every autumn to marvel at the fiery reds and oranges kissing the sky. Inspired by the turning leaves along Dartmouth's backroads and conservation reserves, Dartmouth Week asked local photographers for their secrets to capturing fall foliage.

1. Get close.

Photographers agree that the challenge with photographing foliage is avoiding a generic shot of trees, but Photographer (and former Dartmouth Week staffer) Lauren Zaknoun has a solution for that. She suggests macrophotography, a picture that's focuses on subjects up-close.

"I recently got a shot of a spider web with the foliage in the background," said Zaknoun. Look for details — like the veins in a leaf or sap dripping off tree bark — to focus on, she suggested.

2. Turn on the light.

Photographer Noah Anthony will immerse himself in the woods for a foliage photoshoot. His process:

"Take many different angles of trees and work with the light coming from the sun to get some different perspectives," he said via email.

3. Time it right.

Photographer Victor Simas noticed that timing is everything when it comes to great pictures.

"Try to go very early a.m. or right at or just before sunset. That’s when colors 'pop' and there are few cars to contend with," he said via email. "Even better on a cloudy day."

4. Just do it.

As a novice photographer, lack of fancy equipment can be discouraging, but Zaknoun said that shouldn't derail you.

"My motto is that the best equipment is the equipment that you have," she said. Zaknoun noted that she's seen great photos taken with an iPhone, and there's no excuse to not go out and take photos.

But if you're really into equipment, Zaknoun suggests starting with a tripod. "A tripod can be handy. It helps steady you," she said.

5. Make it personal.

Dartmouth has so many charming trails, waterways, and historic buildings; don't be afraid to use those features in your photos for a homey touch, photographers suggested.

"One place I definitely recommend for fall foliage pictures is Cornell Farms in South Dartmouth," said Anthony. Another favorite reserve among photographers: Slocum's River Reserve.

You can also find great foliage off of the trails. Simas had a whole list of Dartmouth favorites. "I like the Russells Mills area with the pond, Davoll’s Store, Elm Street in Padanaram, Little River Road, and UMass," he said.

Zaknoun's list was even longer: "Dartmouth as a whole is not a bad looking town," she concluded. Use foliage as a background item, or even switch the focus altogether for a great autumn tribute, she suggested.

"Dartmouth houses are really picturesque to me," said Zaknoun. "They can be fun [to photograph], especially at night when they're all decorated."

Zaknoun also suggested capturing photos of people bundled in heavy layers, or Halloween activities.