November 4th - 7th, 2024
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.
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".
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 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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CADDO LAKE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP DETAILS
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!
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.
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.
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.
TRANSPORTATION
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.
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.
EQUIPMENT FOR CADDO LAKE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
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.