Caddo Lake Autumn Photography Workshop

Experience the enchanting autumn beauty of Caddo Lake, Texas, in this stunning panoramic image. Foreground cypress trees burst with vibrant red and yellow hues, creating a striking contrast against a muted forest backdrop. Their elegantly twisted limbs gracefully dance and arch, while iconic trunks widen and disappear into the dark swamp water. This captivating landscape encapsulates the essence of fall in Texas' swamplands, showcasing nature's artistry in a tranquil, reflective setting. Join our autumn photography workshop to capture these breathtaking scenes and enhance your skills amidst this seasonal splendor.

November 4th - 7th, 2024

Workshop Full (Waitlist)
$1690 USD
Instructor: Andy Cook

CADDO LAKE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION

Join Us for an Unforgettable Autumn Photography Experience in the Cypress Swamps of East Texas!

Immerse yourself in the breathtaking autumn scenery of Caddo Lake, where towering bald cypress trees draped with Spanish moss create intimate, picturesque scenes in the bayous, sloughs, and ponds. This unique photography workshop offers an unparalleled opportunity to capture the vibrant fall colors and serene beauty of Caddo Lake, Caddo Lake State Park, and Big Cypress Bayou.


WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS:

UNIQUE CYPRESS SWAMP EXPERIENCE: Challenge your photography skills in the enchanting cypress swamps, capturing the essence of this unique ecosystem during autumn.

PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURES ON WATER: Explore Caddo Lake's stunning landscapes from unique vantage points, including guided kayaking excursions. This hands-on approach allows participants to immerse themselves in the environment and capture intimate scenes that showcase the beauty of the area.

EXPERIENCE HISTORY & CHARM: To enhance your experience, our group will stay in a historic hotel located in the picturesque old town district of Jefferson, Texas. This charming setting provides the perfect blend of comfort and local culture, adding to the overall experience of the workshop.

EXPERT GUIDANCE: Receive personalized instruction and guidance from experienced photographers to enhance your skills and capture stunning images.

PHOTOGRAPHY TIPS AND REVIEWS: Bring a laptop to download and review your photos. We will schedule image review sessions midday and after dinner on the first two days to help you improve your compositions.

Experience the mystical beauty of Caddo Lake State Park, Texas, in this haunting image, perfect for promoting our autumn photography workshop led by Andy Cook. As daylight fades, cypress tree trunks rise from the dark swamp water, their reflections creating an ethereal atmosphere that encapsulates the tranquility of autumn evenings. This serene landscape invites nature lovers and photographers to immerse themselves in the captivating beauty of Caddo Lake, making it an ideal setting for honing your photography skills and capturing stunning fall imagery.
Cypress Reflections
Join us for an unforgettable fall photography workshop at Caddo Lake, Texas, where you can capture the enchanting beauty of the landscape just like in this stunning telephoto vertical image. Featuring three separated cypress trees arranged in a diagonal line from the bottom left of the frame, this scene is set against a backdrop of other cypress trees in a tranquil swamp. Taken during the cool predawn hours, an autumn mist hovers just above the water, while the blue sky reflects beautifully in the lake, illuminating the mist and creating a soft pale blue glow throughout the scene. This captivating image perfectly embodies the serene beauty of autumn at Caddo Lake, making it an inspiring opportunity for photographers and nature lovers eager to enhance their skills in this picturesque setting.
Fall Cypress Trees, Caddo Lake

CADDO LAKE FALL PHOTO WORKSHOP ITINERARY


LODGING LOCATION: Historic Kahn Hotel, 123 West Austin Street, Jefferson, TX 75657. 903-601-4471

Check-in: Monday, Nov. 4, 2024
Check-out: Friday, Nov. 8, 2024

DAY 1, MONDAY, Nov. 4, 2024:
2:00 PM: Check-in at the Historic Kahn Hotel.
2:45 PM: Welcome meeting and introductions.
3:30 PM: Depart for the first photography location at Caddo Lake.

DAYS 2-4, TUESDAY-THURSDAY, Nov. 5-7, 2024:
PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS: Delight in exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Caddo Lake and capturing the vibrant autumn colors from the shore, elevated boardwalks, and during guided kayaking sessions that offer unique perspectives on this stunning cypress swamp.

FINAL EVENING SESSION: Workshop concludes after evening photography on Thursday, Nov 7, 2024.

We have reserved a block of rooms for the group. Participants should secure one of these rooms by calling the hotel directly and requesting one of the reserved rooms for "Rocky Mountain Photography".

Join us for an unforgettable fall photography workshop at Caddo Lake, Texas, where you can capture the haunting beauty of unique landscapes, just like in this striking image taken at dusk. The scene features an old, weather-beaten shack perched on pilings deep within a cypress swamp. With peeling light paint revealing gray wood beneath, this dilapidated home exudes a sense of decay. Tattered screens on the front porch add to the eerie atmosphere, while the front of the home, illuminated by nearby open water, contrasts with the darker back nestled among the trees. An old wooden dock leads into the scene, winding back toward a side entrance. A sign nailed to a tree reads, Dick & Charlies Tea Room, enhancing the sense of mystery and foreboding. This captivating image is perfect for photographers eager to explore the unique charm of Caddo Lake in autumn during our workshop.
Eerie Shack, Caddo Lake

CADDO LAKE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP: DAILY ROUTINE


MORNING: Start each day at picturesque photography locations to capture the magical moments of civil twilight and sunrise over Caddo Lake's stunning landscapes. After our morning shoot, we'll enjoy a delicious breakfast together.

MIDDAY: On select days, we'll dedicate time for image review and post-processing assistance, helping you refine your skills and enhance your photography of Caddo Lake's vibrant autumn scenery.

EVENING: Each evening, after our photography sessions, we'll gather for dinner at local restaurants, sharing experiences and insights from our day's photography adventures, ensuring a well-rounded and enriching workshop experience.

Join us for a transformative fall photography workshop at Caddo Lake, Texas, led by renowned photographer Andy Cook. This stunning telephoto vertical image captures a solitary cypress tree adorned with vibrant orange needles. Set against a backdrop of other cypress trees in a serene swamp, this scene unfolds during predawn hours. The cool autumn morning creates a gentle mist hovering just above the water, while the blue sky reflects beautifully in the water, illuminating both the mist and the surrounding landscape with a soft pale blue glow. This captivating image perfectly embodies the essence of autumn at Caddo Lake, making it an inspiring opportunity for nature lovers and photographers looking to enhance their skills amidst the breathtaking fall colors.
Autumn Cypress Tree, Caddo Lake

Join us to immerse yourself in the beauty of East Texas and enhance your photography skills amidst the stunning backdrop of Caddo Lake's cypress swamps!
Sign up today for our Caddo Lake Photography Workshop and take your photography skills to new heights!


REGISTRATION / DEPOSIT $300 USD

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Join us for an immersive fall photography workshop at Caddo Lake, Texas, where you can capture the vibrant beauty of nature just like in this stunning image. This captivating scene features cypress trees displaying brilliant autumn colors and draped in Spanish moss, forming a picturesque tree tunnel over a narrow, swampy waterway. A woman in a blue hat paddles a kayak toward the camera, embodying the spirit of adventure in this serene setting. This enchanting landscape invites photographers and nature enthusiasts to explore the unique charm of Caddo Lake during the fall season, making it the perfect backdrop for enhancing your photography skills.
Caddo Lake Fall Photography Workshop

CADDO LAKE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP DETAILS

participant experience level

EXPERIENCE LEVELS: Intermediate and Advanced Photographers.
This Caddo Lake fall photography workshop is designed for photographers with intermediate to advanced skills. Some sessions will involve photographing from kayaks, making it challenging to accommodate beginners. Join us to enhance your photography techniques in a unique and dynamic environment!

workshop group size

SMALL GROUP SIZE: Our Caddo Lake fall photography workshop is designed for an intimate experience, with a target group size of just 4 participants. This ensures personalized instruction and a supportive atmosphere for enhancing your photography skills amidst the stunning landscapes of Caddo Lake.

workshop effort scale

EFFORT LEVEL: Moderate
During our Caddo Lake fall photography workshop, participants should be ready for kayaking sessions that involve spending over 3 hours on the water and paddling distances of 1 to 3 miles. Please note that restroom facilities are limited, so be mindful of your coffee intake before heading out.

Participants should be able to independently handle their kayaks, including moving them from the water to storage and entering and exiting without assistance, as we cannot provide lifting support.

When photographing from shore, our selected photo locations are conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the parking area, allowing easy access to the stunning views of Caddo Lake.

KAYAKING SESSIONS: Throughout our Caddo Lake fall photography workshop, participants will spend 1.5 to 2 days photographing from kayaks. Our kayaking pace will generally be leisurely, though we may need to paddle for approximately 30 minutes to reach ideal photo locations. Once there, you can enjoy paddling and capturing stunning images at your own pace, taking time to relax and spread out as needed. To ensure a seamless experience, we will provide radios for participants to stay in contact with Andy and fellow group members throughout the sessions.

workshop weather conditions

CONDITIONS: Participants should be prepared for temperature fluctuations ranging from chilly to warm, as well as sudden changes in weather during the Caddo Lake fall photography workshop. Dressing in layers is recommended to ensure comfort throughout the day.

INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP FEE: The workshop fee covers kayak rentals and state park entrance fees, providing you with everything you need to fully enjoy your photography experience at Caddo Lake.

Immerse yourself in the beauty of autumn at Caddo Lake, Texas, with this striking long lens photograph, perfect for promoting our autumn photography workshop led by Andy Cook. This image captures cypress trunks adorned with vibrant yellow and orange needles, with a prominent, foreground trunk on the right in sharp focus, while in the background, softly blurred trunks add depth to the composition. On the foreground tree, a graceful egret perches on a branch, elevated above the dark swamp water, adding a touch of elegance to this serene scene. Join us to explore this breathtaking landscape and enhance your photography skills while capturing the stunning essence of fall at Caddo Lake.
Egret in Cypress Tree

TRANSPORTATION

suggested workshop airports

AIR TRAVEL: For those attending our Caddo Lake Photography Workshop, the most convenient airport is Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) in Louisiana, located approximately 1 hour from Jefferson, TX.

Alternatively, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) in Texas is another viable option, with a driving time of about 2.5 hours to Jefferson, TX.

car information

DRIVING CONDITIONS: The routes to our photography locations during the Caddo Lake workshop mainly consist of paved roads, making a standard rental car perfectly suitable for your travel needs. To reduce our environmental impact and foster camaraderie among participants, we encourage carpooling whenever possible.

MORE WORKSHOP INFORMATION
Join an unforgettable autumn photography workshop at Caddo Lake, Texas, where stunning fall scenery awaits. This captivating forest image features vibrant cypress trees adorned with brilliant yellow and orange needles. Behind the foreground tree trunks, across the bottom of the image, the under-story has been transformed into a striking band of yellow by the magic of cool fall nights. This workshop is perfect for nature enthusiasts and photographers looking to elevate their skills while capturing the tranquil essence and vibrant colors of Caddo Lake this autumn. Don't miss this opportunity to create stunning memories through your lens!
Caddo Lake Fall Cypress Forest

EQUIPMENT FOR CADDO LAKE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

equipment information

RECOMMENDATIONS: MORE WORKSHOP INFORMATION

FOR CADDO LAKE AUTUMN:

LENS RANGE: Andy recommends that participants bring a long zoom lens, such as a 100-400 mm or 70-300 mm (after lens multiplication factor), as it is essential for capturing the stunning wildlife and landscapes of Caddo Lake. Additionally, wider lenses like 16-35 mm and 24-70 mm (after LMF) can be useful for broader shots, but we encourage participants to bring their entire range of lenses to cover all photographic opportunities.

POLARIZING FILTER: A polarizing filter is beneficial for the Caddo Lake photography workshop as it minimizes glare and reflections on shiny, non-metallic surfaces like leaves, making colors appear more vivid, which is especially helpful for capturing the rich hues of fall foliage. Furthermore, the filter improves overall image clarity by reducing atmospheric haze, ensuring you capture stunning photographs of this unique environment.

TRIPOD: To comfortably shoot above boardwalk railings, ensure your tripod can extend to at least 55 inches or higher. This height will enhance your ability to capture great shots.

TRIPODS and KAYAKS: When photographing from kayaks, many participants may prefer to handhold their cameras, while some might choose to use a tall tripod. Be cautious if using a tripod in shallow swamp water, as it may get muddy; consider bringing an older tripod that you won’t mind getting dirty.

ESSENTIAL GEAR: A strong flashlight is necessary, as we will be out in the dark before sunrise and after sunset. Additionally, tall rubber boots are recommended for shoreline photography to keep you dry.

FOOTWEAR: Getting in and out of kayaks can be a wet experience, so bring water shoes or old sneakers for this purpose. Andy also suggests having a dry bag to protect your camera and lens while entering and exiting the water and getting accustomed to the kayak.

Join us for an unforgettable fall photography workshop at Caddo Lake, Texas, where you can capture the enchanting beauty of the landscape just like in this stunning telephoto vertical image. Featuring three separated cypress trees arranged in a diagonal line from the bottom left of the frame, this scene is set against a backdrop of other cypress trees in a tranquil swamp. Taken during the cool predawn hours, an autumn mist hovers just above the water, while the blue sky reflects beautifully in the lake, illuminating the mist and creating a soft pale blue glow throughout the scene. This captivating image perfectly embodies the serene beauty of autumn at Caddo Lake, making it an inspiring opportunity for photographers and nature lovers eager to enhance their skills in this picturesque setting.
Fall Cypress Trees, Caddo Lake
Capture the spirit of adventure at our Caddo Lake Fall photography workshop with this vibrant group photo from last year's session. Participants stand along the edge of a scenic bayou, surrounded by kayaks, with two members proudly holding their paddles. In the background, stunning cypress trees display their autumn colors, creating a picturesque setting that embodies the beauty of nature during this season. Join us this year to enhance your photography skills while experiencing the breathtaking landscapes of Caddo Lake, Texas.
Previous Workshop Group Photo