Hey Reader,
June is one of my favorite months of the year.
Summer is stretching its legs. The days are getting longer (although they are especially long up here in Alaska).
Road trips start appearing on the calendar. And photographers suddenly have a whole new playground to work with.
This month, instead of focusing on destinations, I want to challenge you to create and capture a little more adventure wherever you are.
Here are 12 photography bucket list ideas to try before June is over.
June Photography Bucket List
12. Photograph a Sunrise π
Summer means earlier sunrises and often clearer mornings. Even if you're not a morning person, try it once this month.
The world feels completely different before everyone wakes up.
11. Photograph Wildflowers πΈ
Find a local trail, meadow, park, or roadside pullout.
Challenge yourself to photograph flowers in three different ways:
β’ Wide landscape
β’ Close-up detail
β’ Flower as part of a larger scene
10. Photograph Moving Water π¦
Waterfalls. Creeks. Ocean waves. Sprinklers.
June is perfect for experimenting with motion blur.
Try slowing your shutter speed and creating that silky water effect.
Check out my video on slow shutter speed waterfall photography!
9. Take a Micro Road Trip π
Pick somewhere you've never visited within an hour of home.
The goal isn't the destination. The goal is curiosity!
8. Photograph the Night Sky π
Warmer evenings make night photography much more enjoyable.
Find a dark location and experiment with:
β’ Stars
β’ Silhouettes
β’ Moon photography
β’ Light painting
7. Photograph Motion π¨
Summer is full of movement like cyclists, kids playing, dogs running, and kayakers!
Challenge yourself to intentionally capture motion instead of freezing it.
This summer, it's my goal to be better at panning (where the subject is in focus but the background is blurry).
6. Photograph Summer π
Think less "epic landscape."
Think more:
β’ Ice cream
β’ Campfires
β’ Sandals
β’ Farmers markets
β’ Lemonade stands
Tell the story of summer! Really focus on the little details.
5. Photograph Reflections πͺ
Reflections instantly make ordinary scenes more interesting.
Get outside and go hunting for some reflections.
4. Hike Somewhere New π²
Even if it's just a local trail.
Adventure doesn't require an airplane ticket.
3. Photograph Wildlife π¦
The challenge isn't finding wildlife.
It's slowing down enough to notice it.
Don't forget to turn on burst mode!
2. Stay Out for Golden Hour βοΈ
Not every photo session needs a destination.
Grab your camera and walk your neighborhood during golden hour.
You'll be surprised how beautiful ordinary places become.
1. Create One Photo Story π
Instead of chasing one great image, tell a story using five.
- Beginning.
- Middle.
- End.
- Details.
- Emotion.
This is one of the fastest ways to improve your photography.
Summer Photography Shift
As the seasons change, your photography should too.
Here are three things I intentionally change every summer:
Stop Chasing Midday Light
Summer sunlight gets harsh quickly.
Try shooting:
π
Sunrise
π Golden hour
π Blue hour
Your images will instantly improve.
Protect Your Gear
Summer heat can be rough on cameras.
Don't forget to keep gear out of direct sunlight whenever possible and don't leave batteries baking in a hot vehicle.
Your camera deserves better than becoming a tiny electronic potato.
Think Bigger
Winter photography often focuses on details.
Summer is a season of experiences like road trips, camping, hiking, paddleboarding, travel, and more!
Try photographing the adventure, not just the destination.
People connect with stories, not just scenery.
Adventurous Mermaid's Note
One of the reasons I love photography is that it gives me a reason to say yes.
Yes to the sunrise. Yes to the hike. Yes to taking the scenic route. Yes to stopping at the random overlook.
The camera isn't really the point. The life behind the camera is.
So this June, don't just take photos.
Go create something worth photographing.
See you next Thursday,
π§ββοΈ Alexandra Lauren
The Bucket List Mermaid
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