Hey Reader🌟
Can you feel it? The air’s shifting, the leaves are trading their greens for gold, and we’re stepping into a brand new chapter.
September may have been a whirlwind (because honestly… when isn’t it?), but October? Oh, she’s got main character energy. 🍁✨
This is your reminder that every season is a reset. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, tackling your next creative project, or just trying to slow down and soak it all in.
This is your sign to keep showing up with that wild, curious, adventure-loving heart of yours. Let’s make this month one for the books. 💪📸🌍
Favorite Photo from September
Where to even begin! This month, I traveled around Florence and Tuscany.
That translates to some EPIC travel photos! This is a tough one... but I think this one was my favorite👇
10 October-Only Bucket List Adventures (Photographer’s Edition)
Now that September has come and gone, let's chat about some adventure inspiraton for October!
- Chase Peak Fall Foliage
🍂 Where: New England, Colorado’s San Juans, or the Smoky Mountains
📸 Photo Tip: Use a polarizing filter to cut glare and make those reds and golds pop!
- Visit a Pumpkin Patch or Sunflower Farm
🎃 Why October: Pumpkins are in their prime and sunflower fields are still glowing in early October.
📸 Photo Tip: Shoot during golden hour for that dreamy, warm glow☕️
- Attend a Hot Air Balloon Festival
🎈 Where: Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta (first week of October!)
📸 Photo Tip: Capture reflections in puddles or wide shots of balloons lifting off at dawn.
- Do a Spooky Night Photography Walk
👻 Where: Historic towns like Salem, Savannah, or Georgetown
📸 Photo Tip: Bring a tripod and play with long exposures to make ghostly light trails.
- Hike to a Fire Lookout at Sunset
🔥 Why October: Crisp skies = fiery sunsets!
📸 Photo Tip: Frame your shot with autumn-colored trees leading up to the lookout.
- Visit a Haunted or Abandoned Place
🏚️ Where: Ghost towns (Bodie, CA or Jerome, AZ) or local haunted mansions
📸 Photo Tip: Moody edits + foggy mornings = instant cinematic vibes.
- Photograph a Local Harvest Festival
🌾 Why October: It’s peak harvest season: corn mazes, hayrides, apple cider stands galore.
📸 Photo Tip: Capture candid smiles, rustic textures, and motion shots of spinning rides.
- Go Leaf-Peeping by Kayak or Canoe
🛶 Where: Adirondacks, Vermont, or mountain lakes
📸 Photo Tip: Shoot low from the boat to reflect the trees in still water...mermaid POV unlocked! 🌊🍁
- Attend a Lantern or Glow Festival
💡 Where: Check local listings for floating lantern or glow garden events
📸 Photo Tip: Use a fast lens (f/1.8) and bump ISO slightly for dreamy bokeh light trails.
- Visit a National Park at the Quiet Turn of Seasons
🏞 Where: Great Smoky Mountains, Shenandoah, or Zion’s fall cottonwoods
📸 Photo Tip: Shoot contrast - bright leaves against moody skies or sandstone cliffs.
Other Adventure Ideas for July
New In-Depth Adventure & Photography Guides
Adventure, outdoor, and photography guides!
New Travel YouTube Videos
Adventure vlogs, guides, and more!
Mermaid's Treasure of the Month
Every month, I'll highlight something fun to elevate your photos and adventures. This month (in light of spooky season) is...a portable fog machine!
Okay, hear me out… what if your next fall photoshoot looked straight out of a fantasy movie? 👻
Whether you’re conjuring haunted forest vibes, adding magic to your pumpkin patch portraits, or turning your campsite into a misty masterpiece, this mini portable fog machine is a total game changer.
It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and unleashes that soft, moody haze that makes any photo feel ✨otherworldly✨.
Think: mysterious forests, glowing lanterns, and a mermaid emerging from the mist (obviously).
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you!)
Also, if you want a more temporary, and cheaper, option...they also make little spray bottles that have the same affect.
Go Forth and Create Magic 🎃👻
So, my fellow adventurer...here’s your nudge to step boldly into October. 🌕✨
This is your month to chase light through crunchy leaves, breathe in that smoky air, and create your own kind of magic.
Whether it’s a spontaneous road trip, a haunted hike, or a fog-filled photo shoot in the woods, remember - the best stories happen when you say yes to adventure.
So pack your camera, grab your cozy layers, and let’s make this month feel like a movie. 🎬🍂
Keep living adventurously through your lens,
🧜♀️ Alexandra | The Bucket List Mermaid
