2025-09-02 | ***Reading Time: 29 minutes***
Autumn is one of the most magical times of the year to travel (with a camera in hand). The leaves change to that beautiful golden tone, the air becomes more crisp, the sky becomes more interesting with clouds and the soft misty mornings create an atmosphere that is so poetic.
It is by far my favorite time of the year and this is exactly why I choose to host my travel photography workshops during this time of year.
50mm | F4.5 | 1/125s | ISO 64 – HOYA ProND Grad32
Tokina opera 50mm F1.4 F | Nikon D850
London, UK
For photographers, whether you are exploring the streets of a vibrant city or the calm serenity of a forest, filters can help you capture the true essence of this season, enhancing colors, managing light, and bringing balance to your compositions.
With this article I want to share which filters I consider essential for autumn travel photography.
50mm | F4 | 1/50s | ISO 64 – HOYA HD SQ100 IRND16 (1.2) GRAD-S & CPL
Tokina opera 50mm F1.4 F | Nikon Z7ii
Tzoumerka Mountains, Greece
What Are (Lens) Filters?
Lens filters are powerful tools that allow photographers to control and manipulate available light, create in-camera effects, remove reflections, and enhance colors. For me, they are an essential part of my gear and shooting workflow as almost every image I create involves at least one filter.
Of course, I understand that some photographers may not be familiar with filters or may prefer not to use them, but in my view, if you want to capture a strong travel image straight out of the camera, filters are indispensable. This philosophy has guided me since my very first day practicing travel & landscape photography.
Over time, I’ve worked with both circular screw-on filters and square filter systems, choosing between them depending on the location and how much gear I can realistically carry while traveling. If you’d like to dive deeper into the different types of filters and their uses, I’ve written complete guide to camera lens filters on Petapixel that you can check out for more details.
Disclaimer
You’ll also find a few behind-the-scenes stills in this article, showing the filters in use alongside sample landscape images. All filters are from HOYA Global, and the lenses from Tokina Global, brands I’ve proudly represented as a global ambassador since 2017.
However, this isn’t a sponsored post, I simply share them because they are the tools I use exclusively in my work.
5 Essential Filters for Autumn Travel Photography
1.Circular Polarizing Filter (CPL)
A polarizer is the first filter I pack for autumn. It deepens the rich golden, red, and orange tones of the foliage, while also reducing glare from wet leaves, shiny surfaces, and reflections in water. In cityscapes, it helps cut through glass reflections and makes the skies above iconic landmarks look more defined.
Tip: Rotate the CPL carefully while composing, and you’ll notice the foliage colors pop instantly, especially under clear skies.
16mm | F10 | 1/500s | ISO 160 – HOYA HD nano MKii CIR-PL
Tokina atx-m 11-18mm F2.8 X | Fujifilm X-H2s
2.Neutral Density Filter (ND)
Neutral Density filters are perfect for slowing down time and control available light. In autumn, when rivers flow stronger or winds shake the trees, ND filters let you create silky water effects and smooth motion blur in moving leaves. They also help manage the bright contrast of midday light when you want to keep your aperture wide open.
For travel, I recommend a 3-stop (ND8) for everyday use, and a 10-stop (ND1000) for dramatic long exposures.
18mm | F9 | 30sec | ISO 160 – HOYA PROND1000
Tokina atx-m 11-18mm F2.8 X | Fujifilm X-H2s
3.Graduated Neutral Density Filter (GND)
Autumn skies can be unpredictable. Some days bring dramatic clouds, while others shift quickly from bright sun to soft haze. A Graduated ND (GND) filter helps balance exposure between the bright sky and the darker landscape below.
This is especially useful for sunrise and sunset photography, when the golden hour tones contrast beautifully with the city or countryside foreground.
27mm | F5.6 | 1/2000s | ISO 160 – HOYA ProND Grad32
Tokina atx-m 11-18mm X | Fujifilm X-H2s
4.UV / Protective Filter
While a UV filter doesn’t affect colors as much as others, it serves an important role when traveling. Protecting your lens from scratches, dust, and unexpected rain showers is crucial, especially if you’re moving between locations quickly. In the misty mornings of autumn, or during sudden drizzle, you’ll be glad your lens glass is safe.
50mm | F1.4 | 1/60s | ISO 3200 – HOYA HD Nano MKii UV
Tokina opera 50mm F1.4 F | Nikon D850
5.Mist/Diffusion Filter
Autumn nights and rainy streets often have a cinematic quality on their own, but a mist or diffusion filter can take that mood even further. These filters gently soften harsh highlights, like street lamps or reflections on wet pavement and create a beautiful glow that makes the scene feel more atmospheric and immersive. In a city like London, with its damp streets, glowing lights, and tree-lined avenues, diffusion filters add a poetic quality that mirrors the way we experience these moments in person: softer, dreamier, and more emotional.
35mm | F1.4 | 1/125s | ISO 3200 – HOYA Black Mist
Tokina atx-m 23mm F1.4 X | Fujifilm X-H2s
Final Thoughts
Filters are not just technical accessories, they are creative tools that allow us to interpret the world the way we feel it. Autumn, with its warm tones and changing weather, is the perfect season to experiment with them, whether you’re in the heart of nature or surrounded by city architecture.
This October, I will be hosting my London Photography Workshop (October 24–26, 2025), where we will explore iconic landmarks and hidden corners of the city during this beautiful season. Together, we’ll work with minimal gear, natural light, and the creative use of filters to capture London in all its autumn glory.
If you’re passionate about elevating your photography and discovering new ways to use filters in real travel conditions, I would love to have you join us.
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