Fall Color in Cajun Country
A kayak based photographic Experience
December 2-7, 2024
Cajun country. It’s a landscape like no other when you get into the cypress groves in the swamps and lakes of southwest Louisiana. Color comes late to these groves, usually peaking after Thanksgiving. This extends the fall color window by a month or more for those photographers able and willing to travel. And if you have never eaten in Cajun Country — well, you just haven’t eaten. And there will be plenty of time for that.
Yes, we will photograph from kayak. Fret not. 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. On the 2023 Caddo Lake workshop, only one person was under 60 and they all managed well with less than 30 minutes of coaching. You can do it too. To be sure there are a few things to know and that will be covered well before the trip as well as on-site so that you are prepared for the experience.
We will pick up our kayaks on the morning of Monday, December 2nd in Baton Rouge at an outfitter who has a rental livery. Rental cost is $70.00 / 24 hours, damage deposit held by credit card. We will return boats to the outfitter following the morning session on the 7th. That will give us 6 calendar days with 5 entire morning and afternoon session, weather permitting. The duration should allow time to manage adverse weather as wiel as increase our chances of foggy mornings.
We will photograph Lake Martin, Henderson Swamp, and Lake Fausse Pointe. We will base out of Breaux Bridge, LA for the first two, and move to a hotel in New Iberia, LA for the latter. Plan on morning and afternoon sessions with a break in between for either late breakfast or lunch depending on the day and what the group is up to. There may be time for image critiques and Photoshop sessions given the shorter December daylight hours.
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. If water levels are low enough, you may be able to sink a tripod in the mud next to your boat, or get out to set a tripod in shallow water, but this is by no means guaranteed.
Getting there
Baton Rouge, LA (BTR) is served by American, Delta, and United. Check schedules from your jetport. I suggest arrival the night before, so that we can pick up boats the following morning and have time for the 1-hour drive to Breaux Bridge. This will give us time for a shakedown followed by an afternoon photo session.
Costs
Tuition for the 5 days is set at $1250.00 with a $100 discount offered to all alumni from any of my workshops.
Deposit of $250.00 due by June 1st 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.