Why do maple leaves turn yellow and brown in autumn?

In autumn, shorter days and cooler temperatures signal maple trees to stop producing chlorophyll, the green pigment. As chlorophyll breaks down, yellow and orange pigments (carotenoids) that were always present become visible. Brown tones appear as tannins form from dying leaf tissue. This process prepares the tree to shed leaves and conserve energy over winter.

How can this Photo be used?

At 5444 x 3649 pixels, this stock photo supports large-format print as well as digital applications. The commercial license available on Kataloop permits uses such as ad campaigns, website headers, editorial layouts, or product packaging with a nature theme. It also works well as seasonal social media content or a background visual for autumn marketing campaigns.

What mood does this Photo convey?

The densely layered maple leaves in yellow, green, and ochre create a calm, self-contained visual space. Diffused light and film grain reduce harsh contrasts, giving the image a subdued, matter-of-fact autumn atmosphere without drama. The overall impression is quietly seasonal rather than romanticized.

What equipment was used to capture this Photo?

The leaf structure and the color shift from green to ochre yellow stand out clearly in this photo, thanks to the Minolta MD Rokkor 50mm f/1.4 producing smooth background blur at wide aperture. Shot on the Minolta X-700, an analog SLR from the 1980s known for its accurate exposure automation. The characteristic film grain gives the image an organic, textured quality that digital sensors rarely replicate.

What visual style or trend does this Photo represent?

Analog photography has been experiencing a sustained visual revival. Film grain, muted color palettes, and organic textures are widely used in brand communication as a counterpoint to over-polished digital aesthetics. This autumn foliage shot also serves the ongoing demand for nature imagery in sustainability contexts, where authentically captured visuals are gaining ground over AI-generated content.

Autumn leaves on tree branches | Kataloop Stock Photo

Name: Autumn leaves on tree branches
Brand: Kataloop
Price: 16 EUR
Availability: InStock

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Autumn leaves on tree branches

Kataloop stock photo no.

9363415

5444

3649

25327824

Fujifilm eSystems, Inc. Digital Link

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Autumn leaves on tree branches

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Why do maple leaves turn yellow and brown in autumn?

How can this photo be used?

What mood does this photo convey?

What equipment was used to capture this photo?

What visual style or trend does this photo represent?

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