Caddo Lake Fall Color Tour by kayak
IN SEARCH of ART
November 13-20, 2026
Limited to 4 photographers
Join me for a fun-filled and exciting photographic adventure to Caddo Lake in Northeast Texas and Northwest Louisiana. This is a great time to catch fall color in the cypress groves, and we will have time to explore the area and make memorable images. Moreover, it is an opportunity to make unique personal images — art, your art. While this is a tour and not a workshop per se, I will share everything I know about technique and how to create your own unique vision. This tour is longer than most to give us time to wait out adverse weather conditions and get adequate rest if you need a break.
The tour is for intermediate to advanced photographers. Photographers wishing to make this trip should be thoroughly familiar with their camera(s). Sitting in a kayak with magical light unfolding is not the time to be fumbling with buttons and menus.
Happiness starts at the back porch where this view greets you.
Yes, we will photograph from kayak for most sessions. No one has tipped over or dropped their camera in the lake. You won’t either. If you have never been in a flat-water fishing kayak they are not the tippy white water boats you may have seen or been in. We will have an instructional session on the water for those needing a tune up. If you have never been in a kayak before, then a local rental near your home would be a great head start. It doesn’t take much practice to be proficient. Prior clients have been as old as 80. Yes, you can do it too. Gliding through the cypress glades surrounded by color, shapes, reflections and light is a magical experience that has no equal. It will be your creative spark to take home precious memories.
Please note: most of your images will be made hand-held.
Modern image stabilization and high ISO sensor performance work perfectly for this application. Mirrorless users have an edge with in-body stabilization to supplement that of most lenses. In some settings you might be able to sink a tripod in the mud for long exposure creative purposes, but for most images, one is not needed.
Morning comes early, so there will not be much activity after dinner. Mornings offer the best chances for mist and fog. The afternoon light offers back illuminated Spanish moss that glows like it is on fire. As the sun drops in the sky spotlights appear in the groves and present constantly changing opportunities. Blue sky of death? No problem. Reflections and spotlights abound. No wasted moments.
Plan on a morning session ending in time for breakfast and an afternoon session starting around 3PM. There may be time for image critiques and Photoshop sessions if you like. The lakeside lodging allows for a bit more sleep but still morning comes early so pacing yourself can make a difference. The house has a full gourmet kitchen so cooking in is an option, and there are numerous restaurants a short drive away.
Getting There:
By air: 1) Fly to Shreveport, LA rent a car and drive less than one hour to your lodging of choice. 2) Fly to Dallas which has much better air connections at the expense of a longer, 2 ½ hour drive. DFW flights are often less expensive. Alternatively, drive there, bringing your kayak if you have one. Directions to the meet up and house will be provided as the time draws near.
Expenses:
Tuition for the 7 days is set at $1950.00 with a $100 discount offered to all alumni from any of my workshops.
Deposit of $500.00 due with registration with balance and lodging due 60 days out.
Estimated expenses not included in the tour.
Approximately $60/day for kayak rental.
Approximately $80 / per person per day for the two morning charter excursions.
Lodging estimated at $700.00 per bedroom for the week.