2026 Atchafalaya Basin Fall color Photo Tour

A kayak-based Photographic Experience in Cajun Country

December 1-6, 2026

Ancient cypress on a glassy Lake in the Atchafalaya

Limited to 4 Photographers

Cajun country. The flooded cypress groves in the swamps and lakes of the Atchafalaya Basin are an otherworldly landscape unlike any other. The trees are steeped in mystery, draped in Spanish moss, just waiting for you and your camera. Color comes late to these groves, usually peaking around Thanksgiving and extending into mid-December. This extends the fall color window by a month or so for those photographers who haven’t had enough autumn splendor 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. 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, and those are our first choice. Other designs not meant for fishing are still more than stable enough for our purposes. On prior tours with photographers as old as 80 have 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. Our fist outing will allow time for shakedown before getting to photographic work.

These photographic locations are special beyond description, gliding quietly through old-growth cypress only adds to the photographic experience. Under the radar for now, I have not had other boats on the water with me, adding to the serene experience. No noisy motors, no one in our way except coordinating amongst ourselves for “the spot”.

Location of the moment will be based on local conditions and weather. We will move locations during our tour so choosing lodging locations day by day will be on the fly. This has not been a problem. This part of the plan is flexible to minimize drive time and pick the locations with the best color, advised by the weather. Plan on a sunrise session that ends when the light plays out followed by breakfast or early lunch depending on how it has been. 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. This is up to you to decide.

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, but the mud can be tenacious. Skeeters may or may not be an issue. Have your favorite repellant just in case. In 2025 they were not a problem, nary a bite.

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. In 2025 it was quite good. This time frame is a little past peak which allows the wicked tree structure to show through, and not be hidden in a sea of color. Cypress trees draped in Spanish moss do not depend on color to make great images, and are superb subjects for Black and White imagery. The web galleries can answer many of your questions, and I can answer the rest. Experiencing the cypress groves by kayak is a unique, immersive and 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, LA (LFT), which has leaner flight schedules. New Orleans, LA (MSY) is a major airport with about a 2-hour drive to Lafayette. I suggest arriving the night before. I will pick up boats on 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 but this year we start just after the rush is over. The dates allow for Monday travel after most of the crush, to start the tour Tuesday PM. If you are in driving range, even better.

Yes, it is longer

It is 6 days, comprised of 4 full days and two half-days. This gives us time to explore a variety of locations AND wait out adverse weather, which happened in 2025. If we lose shooting time due to weather we will use that time indoors to work on processing and more technical discussions.

Costs

Tuition for the 6 days is set at $1795.00 with a $100 discount offered to all alumni from any of my workshops.

Deposit of $250.00 due with registration with balance due 90 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.