2025 Louisiana Cypress Swamp Fall Color Photography Tour by Kayak
A kayak-based Photographic Experience in Cajun Country
November 18 -23
December 2-7, 2025
Cajun country. It’s a landscape like no other when you get into the cypress groves in the swamps and lakes of the Atchafalaya Basin in southwest Louisiana. The trees are steeped in mystery, draped in moss, just waiting for light. Color comes late to these groves, starting before and sometimes even peaking after Thanksgiving. This usually extends the fall color window by a month or so for those photographers who haven’t had enough so far. And if you have never eaten in Cajun Country — well, you just haven’t eaten. Food is a way of life there, and there will be plenty of time for that.
Yes, we will photograph from kayak. Fret not. Flat-water kayaks are not like the tippy white water boats you may have seen or been in, or canoes for that matter. The ones used for fishing are even stable enough to stand in. Other designs not meant for standing are still more than stable enough for our purposes. On the 2023 Caddo Lake workshop, only one person was under 60 and they all managed well with a few minutes of instruction and practice. You can do it too. To be sure there are a few things to know that will be covered well before the trip so that you are prepared for the experience.
I will pick up our kayaks the first morning in Baton Rouge from an outfitter I have worked with. The rental cost is about $35.00 / 24 hours for a multi-day rental, damage deposit held by credit card. You can do this by phone if you prefer not to be there in person. I will return boats to the outfitter following our last morning session. That will give us 5 morning and evening sessions spread over 6 calendar days. This gives us a chance to wait out adverse weather and increase our chances of foggy mornings.
Photographic locations will be based on local conditions and weather conditions. We will base out of Lafayette, LA or Thibodaux, LA depending on local conditions. This part of the plan is flexible to minimize drive time to locations. Plan on a sunrise session that ends when the light plays out followed by breakfast or early lunch depending on the day. Afternoon sessions will take advantage of prevailing weather conditions and go til dark, again weather permitting. Dinner will follow based on location. There may be time for image critiques and Photoshop sessions on a bad weather day, but there was not sufficient downtime on the 2024 tour to even think about it.
Please note: most of your images will be made hand-held.
Modern image stabilization is more than up to the task, as is high ISO performance. Mirrorless users are at a distinct advantage. If water levels are low enough, you may be able to sink a tripod in the mud next to your kayak, or get out to set a tripod in shallow water. The alligators and snakes are asleep, so no worries. Skeeters may or may not be an issue. Have your favorite repellant just in case.
Color you say?
This tour is planned a year in advance in expectation of good fall color, but that color is never guaranteed. In 2024 color was great in some locations, lacking in others. Where it was good we often made images that did not showcase that color, go figure. Still, we managed to come away with high-quality images. Cypress trees draped in Spanish moss make great subjects regardless of season, and are superb for Black and White imagery. One of our group was more interested in that than color. The web galleries can answer many of your questions, and I can answer the rest. Experiencing the cypress groves by kayak is a unique and immersive almost spiritual experience. Color is an accent, being there is key.
Getting there
Baton Rouge, LA (BTR) is served by American, Delta, and United, and is about an hour’s drive from Lafayette. Lafayette, LA (LFT) is where we will be staying; it is a small regional airport and may not have robust connections from your home airport, but with favorable connections can be a great choice. New Orleans, LA (MSY) is a major airport with about a 2-hour drive to Lafayette, and one hour or so to Thibodaux. I suggest arriving the night before. I will pick up boats in the morning of our first day, in advance of meeting that afternoon. We will get used to the boats, have training, if needed, and our first photo session. Fall color does not respect holidays which does complicate air travel. The dates for the second tour allow for Monday travel after most of the crush, to start the tour Tuesday PM. If you are in driving range, even better.
Costs
Tuition for the 5 days is set at $1495.00 with a $100 discount offered to all alumni from any of my workshops.
Deposit of $250.00 due with registration with balance due 30 days out.
Lodging, meals, rental car, and equipment rental are not included. You are welcome to use your own equipment if you have it, call to discuss transportation with me.