Caddo Lake Fall Photography Workshop

About the Caddo Lake fall photography workshop

The Caddo Lake photography workshop is built around working slowly in a complex environment, where half of the photography happens from a kayak, moving through bayous and open water. The workshop isn't about covering ground. We return to a small number of strong locations over the course of the trip, watching how light, water conditions, and weather reshape the autumn scenes. That repeated access gives you time to work through ideas, refine earlier compositions, and make adjustments instead of moving on too quickly.

Caddo Lake is a challenging place to photograph, especially if you're used to obvious scenes. At first glance, compositions can seem easy to find, but image review often tells a different story. Strong photographs here come from isolating small elements and keeping distractions out of the frame, rather than trying to take everything in at once. Even slight changes in position can alter relationships between shapes, reflections, and background, with a real impact on whether an image holds together.

Workshop highlights

Cypress swamp photography

The Caddo Lake region is unlike any other photographic environment in the United States. Its ethereal, maze-like waterways and sculptural cypress trees offer a rare stage for fine-art landscape photography. By experiencing different conditions—mist, dawn glow, overcast softness—you'll discover how subtle shifts in atmosphere can impact your compositions.

Photographing from the water

There's nothing like capturing the beauty of a landscape from the water itself. Our guided kayaking sessions let you photograph from unique perspectives, gliding through narrow channels and quietly approaching hidden corners of the bayou.

Historic accommodations in Jefferson, Texas

The group will stay at the historic Kahn Hotel in Jefferson, Texas—a town rich with character, architecture, and Southern hospitality. After long days on the water, it's a comfortable place to review your work and unwind.

Personalized, supportive guidance

Throughout the workshop, Andy Cook provides hands-on instruction. He does not use workshop time to create his own images; his focus is entirely on helping you refine your compositions, strengthen your technique, and help with post-processing.

Image review and feedback

Bring your laptop for midday and evening review sessions. These give you time to look closely at your work, get feedback, and make changes you can test the next time you're on the water. Because we revisit select locations, you can see how those adjustments play out in real conditions—many participants say this is where things start to click.

Registration

If you'd like to join the workshop, registration details are below.

→ Register for the Caddo Lake Fall Workshop

On the next page, you'll find secure PayPal buttons. You can check out as a guest using your credit or debit card—no PayPal account required.

Terms-Conditions Cancellation Policy

Getting to the workshop

Air travel

The closest airport is Shreveport Regional Airport (SHV) in Louisiana.

Alternatively, you can fly into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Drive time from Shreveport to Jefferson: ~1 hr

Drive time from Dallas to Jefferson: ~2 hr 30 min

Driving and carpooling

Most locations are accessed by paved roads, and a standard rental car is sufficient. We typically carpool to reduce the number of vehicles and make logistics easier during the workshop.

Recommended gear

Lenses

Andy recommends bringing a longer zoom lens—something in the 100–400mm or 70–300mm range (full-frame equivalent). Longer focal lengths are especially useful at Caddo Lake for isolating details.

Wider lenses such as a 16–35mm or 24–70mm can also be useful for broader compositions when conditions allow. If you have the option, bringing a range of lenses gives you flexibility as scenes and working distances change throughout the workshop.

Polarizing filter

A polarizing filter can be useful at Caddo Lake, especially for managing glare on leaves and wet surfaces and bringing out fall color. Like most tools here, it's situational—but worth having available when conditions line up.

Tripod

A solid, full-size tripod is important at Caddo Lake, especially when working near the water's edge where legs may sink into soft ground. Taller tripods give you more flexibility and stability. Small travel tripods generally aren't suitable here and can be difficult to use safely around the water.

Tripod for kayaking

Most photography from kayaks is done handheld. The boat is always moving a little, and working without a tripod makes it easier to respond to small changes in position. In shallow water, some participants may choose to use a tripod near the kayak, but it will get muddy and wet. If you plan to try it, bring a tripod you're comfortable getting dirty.

Tall rubber boots

Knee-high rubber boots are strongly recommended. They keep you dry when launching kayaks and stepping into shallow water.

Flashlight or headlamp

For early mornings and evenings.

Dry bag

A 40–60 liter dry bag helps protect your camera, lenses, and other essentials when entering and exiting the water and while getting situated in the kayak.

More workshop information