12 Inspired November Photoshoot Ideas

November is a transition period between the spooky fun of fall and the approaching festivities of winter. In light of this, we’ve got a list of 12 November photoshoot ideas for you that will help you unlock your creativity and take some seriously stunning photos.

1. Do a 30-day photography challenge for November

One of our favorite November photoshoot ideas: this 30-day photography challenge from Goodhart Photography would be a great way to spend the month growing as a photographer and developing your skills. From the first day (a photo taken from a worm’s eye view) to the last (photographing an “imperfection” of some kind), all of these challenges will inspire you and can easily be adapted to fall/winter themes for November.

2. Throwing leaves in the air

For those of you who are lucky enough to live somewhere where the month of November equals colorful leaves piling up everywhere, take advantage of this to execute a seasonal and dynamic November photoshoot idea: take photos of your subject throwing leaves in the air!

One tip: make sure to set your camera to an appropriate setting for the fast motion of the leaves flying through the air.

3. Jumping into a pile of leaves

If you (or your subject) are a little more adventurous, you might be willing to go the extra mile for this November photoshoot idea and be photographed jumping into a pile of leaves! Don’t do this one unless you’re willing to end up covered in bits of leaves and perhaps a bit of dirt. But it may be worth it because it’s the kind of activity that makes you feel like a kid again. And that genuine joy will come through in the photos.

For similar ideas, check out our autumn photoshoot ideas next!

4. Rustic cottage photoshoot

Cozying up under a blanket in a warm, rustic cottage is one of our top choices for November photos. Not only is it an excuse for you/your subject(s) to find an ultra-comfy space to hang out in, but the result is adorable and truly embodies the concept of “hygge” (here’s some more info on that concept, if you haven’t heard of it yet!).

It’s OK if you don’t have a cottage of your own to use because you can rent a cottage by the hour through Peerspace. For instance, this rustic mountain lodge with breathtaking views in Missoula, Montana, would make a wonderful photoshoot location.

The hosts note that “the seasons here are incredible,” with “the color change of the Tamaracks in autumn” and “the fog, clouds, snow and Icicles in winter”. In November, you might get to enjoy a bit of both seasons! And renting this space is truly affordable, too, at just $55 per hour.

5. Drinking a warm beverage

One of our favorite things about November is the assortment of delicious drinks associated with the season. From hot apple cider to everybody’s favorite pumpkin spice lattes, November photoshoot ideas like this are an absolute classic. Photograph your subject cupping their hands around a warm beverage while the steam rises up toward their face, ideally in a picturesque location.

6. Autumn/winter fairy photoshoot

Dress yourself up like an autumn and/or winter fairy (you can incorporate elements of both seasons into your costume, or pick the one you prefer) and do a photoshoot in the location of your choice! To make the resulting photoshoot truly otherworldly, you might want to do this photoshoot in front of a green screen so that you can add in the mythical background of your choice after the fact.

If you don’t have a green screen of your own, consider renting a photo studio that has one. For instance, check out this attractive multi-use production studio in Baltimore, Maryland. It has dozens of positive reviews and is an all-around reliable location for a photoshoot. One reviewer writes, “Very accommodating host and very friendly. I did a school project here and the space was everything I needed thanks to George and his team. Would highly recommend for green screen work, audio engineering and podcasting or anything else really.”

7. Fancy dress photoshoot

Another option when it comes to dressing up for your November photoshoot is to dress ultra-elegantly (something like a big, fancy ball gown is what we have in mind) and photograph yourself in an equally elegant space. This should do just the trick to chase away the oncoming winter chills.

One such space is the Dallas Dreamhaus in Fort Worth, Texas, which is an absolutely unreal photoshoot location. The hosts call this “your very own Palace of Versailles” and note that the “sprawling studio is covered in ornate decor from top to bottom”. To get a better sense of what photos taken here will look like, take a look at their Instagram (@dallasdreamhaus) for some incredible examples.

8. Autumn still life

Gather up the prettiest and most autumnal objects you can find, such as fall leaves, small pumpkins, and other seasonal gourds, and take a quick trip to your local craft store for additions like fake flowers and plants. Then find a safe spot where you can arrange these into a gorgeous still life set-up. This November photoshoot idea is wonderful for those who don’t feel like braving the (potentially quite chilly!) weather and would prefer instead to take their photos indoors.

9. Candid hike photoshoot

If you and a group of friends or family are planning on going for some cool-weather hikes, bundle up in the appropriate gear and head out for a hike on a picturesque trail! It’s the perfect subject for a candid photoshoot. Get some shots of friends chatting, climbing around, and exploring the wilderness for a series of photos that everyone will be pleased to look back on in the future.

If the whole family is involved, check out these fun outdoor family photoshoot ideas!

10. Golden hour photoshoot

One of our favorite times for a photoshoot is during the golden hour, right before sunset. The warm, soft quality of the light at this time of day really brings out the beauty of autumn leaves, as well as just about anything or anyone you photograph basking in it.

11. Matching outfits

Whether your subjects are a couple or a big family, cozying up in matching outfits (ideally some cute sweaters) is one of our favorite November photoshoot ideas. It’s a little bit cheesy but in the best possible way. We love it, and we bet you will too.

12. Use photo editing to bring out the autumn hues

If you’d like the leaves to look that much brighter and more richly colored, photo editing is an option! Adobe Lightroom is a classic choice for this kind of photo editing. However, there are tons of apps that can simplify this process for you as well. For more guidance regarding what software to use, check out this helpful list on the subject from PCMag.

Find unique photoshoot locations on Peerspace