Golden light and curious squirrels: finding autumn inspiration in Tehidy Woods

Foil catching the sunlight. Cards nestled amongst copper leaves. Squirrels edging closer to see what all the fuss was about. Our latest shoot took us into Tehidy Woods, where autumn gave us a setting we couldn’t have recreated in the studio.

We arrived with cards, cameras and plenty of ideas. Around us, golden light fell through the branches, moss softened the tree trunks and fallen leaves brought colour to the woodland floor. Everywhere we looked, there was another texture, another patch of light, another reason to stop and get the camera out.

Chasing the light

The autumn sunshine had us moving cards by the smallest amounts, watching how the light changed their appearance.

A tilt towards the sun sent a flash across the foil. Turned slightly, it became a softer gleam. Against the earthy woodland colours, those metallic details looked particularly beautiful, catching the eye amongst the leaves.

Light falling across the embossed designs revealed their raised patterns, bringing depth to details you instinctively want to run your fingers over. Capturing that feeling in a photograph takes a little patience. When the light landed just right, we could see those finishing touches come to life on camera.

Colour and texture at every turn

Tehidy gave us so much to play with. Rough bark beside smooth card, delicate illustrations against layers of fallen leaves, rich mossy greens framing warm autumn colours.

We tucked cards into woodland settings, gathered leaves around them and tried different combinations of colour and texture. Sometimes a single curled leaf was enough to bring a photograph together. Other times, it was stepping back and letting the trees become part of the picture.

These were the details we wanted to bring to our seasonal website imagery: the warmth, depth and colour of a proper autumn day in Cornwall.

A few unexpected art directors

The squirrels, meanwhile, seemed keen to inspect our work.

As we arranged cards and moved between shots, curious faces appeared nearby to investigate. Whether it was the rustling leaves or the unusual activity that caught their attention, they made a very entertaining audience.

We’re still waiting for their feedback on the collection.

Anything for the shot

Behind every carefully arranged photograph, there’s usually someone crouching at an awkward angle, holding something in place or calling, “Just a little bit higher.”

Our morning in Tehidy was no exception. Getting the right angle even involved Robbie holding Will up at one point. A strong commitment to the photograph, and a moment that deserved a camera of its own.

That’s part of what makes getting out on location so enjoyable. Everyone brings an idea, the setting gives us something unexpected, and a shot we hadn’t planned can become a favourite.

Take the scenic route

You’ll see the results of our woodland morning across the Whistlefish website as we settle into autumn.

But you don’t need a camera bag or a collection of cards to find inspiration outdoors. On your next walk, linger where the sunlight falls. Notice the colours of the leaves before they turn, the shapes of the branches and the textures you might usually pass by.

For us, a morning in Tehidy brought fresh ideas, beautiful photographs and plenty of laughter. It also proved that a little autumn sunshine can make foil shine quite spectacularly.

Explore our latest cards and find something to brighten someone’s autumn.