As the leaves change and the weather cools, there are lots of opportunities to take photos. During November, families gather for Thanksgiving festivities, football season is nearing an end and preparations for the Christmas season begins. Keep your camera near and take photos of all of the fun activities. Here are a few ideas for photo ops and some tips to help you capture the perfect shots.

• Plan an out-of-town drive one afternoon and photograph the foliage. The colors are beautiful, and being in nature will inspire your creativity. Remember to include other interesting items in your shot like fences, barns, pathways or roads to add interest to the photos.

• Photograph the hustle and bustle of planning for Thanksgiving Day. Shopping, preparation, table decorating and the big dinner are all part of the story.

• Fall sports such as football and soccer are great outdoor activities to play or to watch. Take your camera along and zoom-in close to the action.

• Are you a Black Friday super-shopper? Take your camera along and photograph the lines at the stores, the goodies you acquired and the fun of wrapping up the gifts after your day.