Hello Reader,
September is here, and I don’t know about you, but I can already feel the shift in the air.
The crowds are thinning, the sunsets are getting moodier, and the mountains are slowly pulling out their fiery fall wardrobe. 🍂
This is hands-down one of my favorite months for both chasing epic bucket list adventures and capturing jaw-dropping photos along the way.
This month, I’m sharing:
- 📸 Photography tips to help you nail those golden-hour shots and make your travel photos pop.
- 🌎 Adventure inspo to help you plan your next bucket list escape — from wild hikes to secret photography spots.
- 🧜♀️ A little behind-the-scenes peek at where I’ve been adventuring lately (and what’s next on my list!).
So grab your camera, pack your sense of wanderlust, and let’s make September unforgettable — one epic shot at a time.
Favorite Photo From August
My favorite photo from August was when I was experimenting photographing the sun!
It was extra orange from all of the fires going on and could not resist.
10 Bucket List Adventures to Do This September with Your Camera
1. Chase Fall Colors Before Everyone Else 🍁
September is when the early leaf show begins, especially in Colorado, the Alps, and parts of Canada. Grab your camera and go hunt for golden aspens or fiery maples before the October crowds hit.
2. Photograph a Sunrise From a Mountain Peak 🌄
The mornings are cooler, the air is crisp, and the views are next-level. Find a local hike, even if it’s just a nearby hill, and watch the world wake up while snapping those first golden rays.
3. Take a Spontaneous Weekend Road Trip 🚐
Pick a direction, grab your camera, and just go. Whether it’s a national park, a coastal town, or a hidden waterfall, September is perfect for avoiding peak-season chaos.
4. Explore a “Shoulder Season” Destination 🌍
Want fewer crowds and cheaper prices? September is prime time for places like Greece, Italy’s Amalfi Coast, Bali, and Croatia. You’ll get summer vibes without summer chaos, and perfect light for photos.
5. Shoot a Moody Rain Adventure 🌧️
Don’t run from the rain...embrace it! Throw on a rain jacket, grab your waterproof gear, and get creative with puddle reflections and misty landscapes. Great for storytelling shots on Instagram.
6. Go Stargazing on a Clear Night 🌌
Find a dark sky area, grab a blanket, and watch the Milky Way put on a show. Even a backyard works if you escape light pollution. Perfect excuse to practice astrophotography or just soak up the magic.
7. Take Your Camera Somewhere Unexpected 📸
Skip the obvious landmarks and photograph something weird: an abandoned building, a tiny roadside diner, a sunflower field, or even the reflection of city lights in a puddle. Shake up your creativity!
8. Swim in September Waters 🏖️
Whether it’s an alpine lake, a secret cove, or just your local beach, September water hits different — warm enough to swim but cool enough to make it feel like an adventure. Underwater GoPro shots, anyone?
9. Hike to a Hidden Waterfall 💦
From Oregon to Iceland to Bali, waterfalls are peak September vibes. Pick one near you, pack your tripod, and practice silky shutter-speed shots. Just… watch your footing.
10. Do a “Local Tourist” Photo Challenge 🗺️
Pick five iconic spots within an hour of where you live and pretend you’ve never seen them before. Bring your camera, take fresh angles, and create a mini gallery from your own backyard adventure.
Other Adventure Ideas for September
How to Photograph Fireworks
It was my goal to try something different! And since fireworks are a common theme in festivals, events, and travel, I figured that I would figure it out!
Here is everything I learned so you can photograph fireworks, too!
More Adventure & Photography Guides
New Travel YouTube Videos
Adventure vlogs, guides, and more!
Adventure Product for September
This month's adventure gift idea is kinda a gift...and an experience.
It's kinda like an adventure wrapped in a box?
Instead of giving “things,” Tinggly lets you give (or gift yourself) epic adventures - like hot air balloon rides in Cappadocia, snorkeling in Bali, wine tasting in Tuscany, or helicopter flights over glaciers.
And the best part? You don’t have to decide right away. You get hundreds of experiences in one box and choose the one that sparks your wanderlust when you’re ready to go.
Why I love them as a photographer:
- 📸 Unique photo ops → Every experience is a chance to capture something unforgettable.
- 🌍 Global options → Whether you’re staying local or going international, there’s something everywhere.
- 🎁 Perfect for gifting → Share an adventure instead of another gadget that ends up in a drawer.
Below is the box I got...the Adventure Awaits (perfect for me!)
Have an Adventurous September!
Until next time, keep chasing those bucket list dreams - even if they’re right in your own backyard.
Got a bucket list moment planned for September? Hit reply and tell me. I’d love to cheer you on (and maybe even feature your story in a future newsletter)!
Stay adventurous,
Alexandra Lauren
The Bucket List Mermaid💙
