ABOUT THE CADDO LAKE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
Step into the quiet, otherworldly atmosphere of East Texas' cypress swamps, where the pace slows and the eye sharpens. Our Caddo Lake Photography Workshop isn't about rushing from one spot to the next. Instead, we revisit exceptionally productive locations—again and again—allowing the light, the mood, and your own perception to reveal something new each time. This thoughtful, repeated approach is where fine-art landscape photography truly deepens. It also gives participants the chance to apply insights from image reviews, correct mistakes, and refine compositions to create their most expressive images.
Caddo Lake has a way of drawing you in. The moment you glide into the bayou and the world goes still, you find yourself noticing details that don't reveal themselves at first glance—the curve of a limb, the drift of fog, the way Spanish moss catches soft autumn light. Many photographers describe the experience as meditative, even transportive. You're not just “taking pictures”; you're learning to see with patience, intention, and curiosity.
Towering bald cypress, draped in moss and mirrored in dark water, create endless opportunities for expressive compositions. As fall color spreads through the landscape, subtle scenes emerge around every bend. And throughout the workshop, you'll be surrounded by a supportive small group of photographers who share your excitement, whether you've been shooting for decades or you're just discovering your creative voice.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
AN IMMERSIVE CYPRESS SWAMP EXPERIENCE
The Caddo Lake region is unlike any other photographic environment in the United States. Its ethereal, maze-like waterways and sculptural cypress trees offer a rare stage for fine-art landscape photography. By experiencing different conditions—mist, dawn glow, overcast softness—you'll discover how subtle shifts in atmosphere can transform your compositions.
PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURES ON WATER
There's nothing like capturing the beauty of a landscape from the water itself. Our guided kayaking excursions let you photograph from unique perspectives, gliding through narrow channels and quietly approaching hidden corners of the bayou. Kayaking lets you move through the swamp with your own rhythm, framing each scene in a way that's uniquely yours, allowing the serenity of the cypress swamp to seep into your work.
HISTORIC ACCOMMODATIONS WITH LOCAL CHARM
The group will stay at the historic Kahn Hotel in Jefferson, Texas—a town rich with character, architecture, and Southern hospitality. After long, rewarding days on the water, it's the perfect place to unwind, review your work, and enjoy the slower rhythm of small-town evenings.
PERSONALIZED, SUPPORTIVE GUIDANCE
Throughout the workshop, Andy Cook provides hands-on instruction tailored to your vision—not his own. Andy does not use workshop time to create his own images; his focus is entirely on helping you refine your compositions, strengthen your technique, and grow your confidence in the field. Whether you need guidance in the cypress groves or help polishing a nearly finished image in post-processing, you'll never feel left on your own.
PHOTO REVIEWS & CREATIVE FEEDBACK
Bring your laptop for midday and evening review sessions, both group and individual. These breaks give you a chance to pause, receive feedback, identify challenges, and apply corrections at the next outing. We'll discuss composition, light, visual flow, editing techniques, and any questions you'd like to explore. By revisiting select locations, you can see the impact of your improvements firsthand—many participants say these sessions are where their breakthroughs happen.
WORKSHOP ITINERARY & SCHEDULE
LODGING LOCATION: Historic Kahn Hotel, 123 West Austin Street, Jefferson, TX 75657. 903-601-4471
Check-in: Tuesday, Nov. 3, 2026
Check-out: Friday, Nov. 6, 2026
DAY 1, TUESDAY, Nov. 3, 2026:
2:00 PM: Check-in at the Historic Kahn Hotel.
2:45 PM: Welcome meeting and introductions.
3:15 PM: Depart for the first photography location at Caddo Lake.
DAYS 2-3, WEDNESDAY-THURSDAY, Nov. 4-5, 2026:
PHOTOGRAPHY SESSIONS: Explore Caddo Lake from elevated boardwalks, along the shoreline, and on guided kayaking excursions. With vibrant autumn colors, breathtaking reflections, and enchanting cypress trees, you'll have plenty of time to focus on finding the perfect shots that speak to your vision.
DAY 4, FRIDAY, Nov 6, 2026:
FINAL MORNING SESSION: Our workshop concludes after a sunrise shoot on Friday, Nov. 6, 2026. Photography will wrap up between 8:00-9:00 AM. Please avoid scheduling early flights to ensure you don't miss the final session.
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
EXTENDED STAY: This workshop is designed as a fine-art experience, focusing on a few exceptionally productive locations to help you refine your compositions and capture your best images. Participants are encouraged to extend their stay and explore independently—Andy can provide additional location suggestions.
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".
WHAT TO EXPECT
MORNING: We begin at select sunrise locations, arriving early to capture civil twilight, mist, and the soft pastels that define Caddo Lake in autumn. With fewer distractions and a quiet atmosphere, mornings offer the ideal space to concentrate deeply on your compositions. After shooting, we return for a relaxed breakfast and conversation.
MIDDAY: On certain days, we gather for image reviews or post-processing demonstrations. This is your time to ask questions, analyze your progress, and refine your images with direct guidance. These sessions help ensure you leave with photographs that feel intentional and fully realized.
EVENING: After our afternoon outings and sunsets, we enjoy dinner at local restaurants where the energy is relaxed and friendly. Photography is the common thread, but the camaraderie that forms in these small groups is what many participants remember most. Expect stories, laughter, and a sense of creative community that lingers well beyond the workshop.
Join us for this unforgettable adventure at Caddo Lake—where you'll not only improve your photography but also experience the joy of creation, the excitement of discovery, and the camaraderie of fellow photographers. Sign up for the Caddo Lake Photography Workshop today!
→ Click here to REGISTER for the Caddo Lake Fall Workshop
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WORKSHOP DETAILS
EXPERIENCE LEVELS: Beginner to Advanced Photographers
While our Caddo Lake workshop is tailored for intermediate to advanced photographers due to the kayak photography sessions, enthusiastic beginners are warmly welcomed. If you're eager to learn and comfortable with the basic operation of your camera, we encourage you to join us. Be aware that, while kayaking, our focus will be on ensuring everyone's safety and enjoyment, which means direct assistance with camera settings and composition will be more limited. However, you'll still gain valuable experience and learn from the stunning environment and fellow photographers.
SMALL GROUP SIZE: We limit this workshop to just 7 participants to ensure you receive personalized, one-on-one instruction from Andy. A smaller group means more time to focus on your goals, ask questions, and receive constructive feedback in a relaxed, supportive environment.
EFFORT LEVEL: Easy to Moderate
When photographing from shore, our selected photo locations are conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from the parking area, allowing easy access to stunning views of the cypress swamp.
The kayaking sessions are easy to moderate, with relaxed, 1-3 hour paddles through the bayou. Participants will be required to handle their own kayaks, but we will assist with launching and bring everyone together for a smooth experience. A bit of physical independence will be needed to get in and out of the kayak, but this will be a low-stress part of the workshop.
KAYAKING SESSIONS: Our Caddo Lake workshop dedicates 1.5 days to photographing the swamp's stunning beauty from a unique vantage point: kayaks. We'll embark on relaxed 1-3 hour paddles, allowing you to explore at your own pace, discover perfect compositions, and connect deeply with the tranquil surroundings. These kayaking sessions grant access to secluded areas, hidden gems that are unreachable by any other means. To ensure an enjoyable experience on the water, we recommend planning your beverage intake accordingly.
We'll provide radios, so you can stay in contact with Andy and fellow participants throughout the sessions.
WHY KAYAK FOR PHOTOGRAPHY?
We choose kayaks because they offer an intimate connection with nature that powerboats can't replicate. Quietly gliding through the water, you can approach wildlife undisturbed, navigate the intricate cypress forests, and uncover hidden compositions. Each paddle stroke brings the thrill of discovery, revealing unique perspectives and unexpected moments that will ignite your creative vision.
CONDITIONS: Prepare for fluctuating temperatures, ranging from chilly mornings to warmer afternoons. Layered clothing is key, as the weather can shift unexpectedly. Be ready for a wide range of atmospheric conditions that make Caddo Lake such a unique place to photograph.
INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP FEE: The fee includes kayak rentals and state park entrance fees. We take care of the logistics so you can focus on capturing stunning photos.
GETTING TO THE WORKSHOP
AIR TRAVEL: The closest airport is Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) in Louisiana, about 1 hour from Jefferson, TX.
Alternatively, you can fly into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), about 2.5 hours away by car.
DRIVING CONDITIONS: The roads to our photography locations are mostly paved, making a standard rental car ideal for getting around. We encourage carpooling to minimize our impact and build camaraderie among participants.
RECOMMENDED GEAR
FOR CADDO LAKE:
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: For the best shots, especially when standing at the water's edge where tripod legs may sink into deeper water, be sure to bring a sturdy, taller tripod. A small travel tripod will not provide adequate stability and could risk damage or loss of your equipment.
TRIPOD for KAYAKING?: While photographing from kayaks, most participants will likely prefer to handhold their cameras, though some may opt to use a tall tripod. If you choose to use a tripod in shallow swamp water, be cautious as it will get muddy. We recommend bringing an older tripod you don't mind getting dirty.
TALL RUBBER BOOTS: Ideally reaching almost to the knee, tall rubber boots are highly recommended to keep you dry and mud-free while enjoying photography and entering kayaks.
STRONG FLASHLIGHT: We may be out in the dark before sunrise and after sunset.
DRY BAG: Andy recommends bringing a 40 to 60-liter dry bag to protect your camera, lens, and other essentials while entering and exiting the water and getting comfortable with the kayak. These bags are available online for approximately $60.
