Hey Reader,
November is that magical crossover where the last fiery leaves meet the first frosty mornings... and your camera gets VIP access to both.
If you’ve been waiting for a sign to chase one more leaf-peeping road trip or to test your winter photo settings…consider this your sign. 🧜♀️✨
Whether you’re hiking, holiday-rambling, or just stepping onto your porch with a mug and a mission, let’s capture the in-between moments.
Ready to fill your bucket list and your memory card? Let’s make November photogenic on purpose. 💙
P.S. Come share your favorite November frame in Shutterbugs Gone Wild. I’ll feature a few favorites next month!
Note that some links in this email might be affiliate links and I might earn a small comission at no extra cost to you.
Favorite Photo from October
This one? Easy!
I had the pleasure of attending the Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta this month... and WOW! Just WOW!
What was your favorite photo/thing you did this month?
November Bucket List Ideas for Photographers
- Capture the Last Fall Foliage – Find that one golden tree still holding on and shoot it backlit by sunset.
- Foggy Morning Mission – Wake up early and photograph mist drifting through the forest or over a lake.
- Pumpkin Spice Portraits – Snap cozy lifestyle shots with hot drinks, sweaters, and that classic fall aesthetic.
- Campfire Light Challenge – Try night portraits lit only by firelight with warm tones + moody vibes.
- Thankful Moments Series – Document 5 things you’re grateful for through candid photos this month.
- Frost Hunt – Photograph the first frost or icy details on leaves, windows, or spiderwebs.
- Cozy Cabin Shoot – Stage a hygge-style flat lay or self-portrait indoors with blankets and fairy lights.
- Golden Hour Gratitude Walk – Bring your camera on a daily walk and capture something you appreciate each day.
- Starry Night Selfie – On a clear night, try a creative self-portrait under the Milky Way or with twinkle lights.
- Friendsgiving Photo Booth – Set up a DIY photo corner with props and document your favorite people in full feast mode.
Other Adventure Ideas for November
New In-Depth Adventure & Photography Guides
Adventure, outdoor, and photography guides!
New Travel YouTube Videos
Adventure vlogs, guides, and more!
Adventure Amazon Product for November - The Nifty Fifty? For THAT price?!
Okay, I have to share this one because I honestly thought it was mismarked when I saw the price.
Like… there’s affordable, and then there’s “did someone forget a zero?” cheap.
Enter: the legendary nifty fifty (50mm f/1.8) — the tiny powerhouse that every travel photographer should have in their bag.
That f/1.8 aperture gives you buttery, dreamy bokeh that looks like you just dropped $1,000+ on a lens. Low light? No problem. Portraits? Chef’s kiss. Product shots? Crispy. It’s basically the lens that turns your camera into a secret weapon.
If you’re just getting into prime lenses, this is hands-down the best place to start. It forces you to move your feet (which actually improves your composition skills), and the clarity for the price is borderline magical.
Seriously, it’s like Canon said: “Let’s give them a pro lens vibe for lunch money.”
Note that this is for the EF mount, so check before you invest!
Check out this picture I got with it. Unreal🤩
Here's to an Adventurous November!
And there you have it! November’s mix of golden light, frosty mornings, and one heck of a lens deal that still has me wondering if it was a typo. 😅
Whether you’re chasing the last leaves, sipping cocoa between edits, or testing that f/1.8 glow, remember: it’s not just about taking the photo - it’s about living the adventure behind it.
Keep your batteries charged, your lens caps off, and your heart wide open to those unexpected shots that make you stop and say, “Whoa.”
Stay adventurous,
Alexandra Lauren
The Bucket List Mermaid💙
