Caddo Lake Kayak Photography Workshop
June 24-27, 2024 (limited to 4 participants)
Experience the beauty of one of the largest Bald Cypress swamps in the world during the summer in this multiday Photography Workshop with Greg Disch. Caddo Lake is a unique photography destination. Bald cypress trees draped with Spanish Moss tower over the maze of bayous, sloughs, lakes, and ponds known as Caddo Lake and Big Cypress Bayou. We will have stable fishing kayaks with room for camera gear and comfortable seats.
During the workshop you will learn how to create a wide variety of images in this remarkable location with emphasis on composition and controlling extreme lighting conditions. We will use a full selection of lenses to photograph everything from wide angle landscapes to long telephotos for abundant wildlife.
During this workshop you will learn to photograph birds, one of the most difficult of subjects. We will combine classroom instruction with time in the field putting our instruction to use. After capturing the photo there will be classroom instruction to cover processing of images using Adobe Lightroom Classic.
This is an exceptional location which can be described with many different terms; beautiful, unique, unlike any place, eerie, magical, mysterious, historical, intriguing, but most important “a paradise for photographers”.
Caddo Lake is located between Marshall Texas, and Shreveport Louisiana in Uncertain, Texas. The Texas side of the lake is the major swamp area while the Louisiana side is more open water.
Caddo Lake (French: Lac Caddo) is a 25,400-acre lake and bayou (wetland) on the border between Texas and Louisiana. The lake is named after the Southeastern culture of Native Americans called Caddoans or Caddo, who lived in the area until their expulsion in the 19th century. It is an internationally protected wetland and includes one of the largest flooded cypress forests in the United States.
According to Caddo legend, the lake was formed by the 1811–12 New Madrid earthquakes. There may be some truth to the legend, as Reelfoot Lake in Tennessee was formed by that earthquake. Most geologists feel the lake was formed, either gradually or catastrophically, by the “Great Raft”, a 100-mile log jam on the Red River in Louisiana, possibly by flooding the existing low-lying basin.
Caddo Lake has been utilized by Native Americans for thousands of years, but substantial commercial development would only begin with invention of the steamboat and US annexation of Louisiana and Texas by treaty in the 19th century. The cities of Port Caddo, Swanson’s Landing, and Jefferson in Texas, and Mooringsport in Louisiana, had thriving riverboat ports on the lake. Gradually as the log jams were removed in the lake and on the Red River by Captain Henry Miller Shreve and then by the Army Corps of Engineers, the lake changed shape and eventually fell over 10 feet, destroying the East Texas ports and their riverboat industry.
Industry once again came to Caddo Lake with the discovery of oil beneath it. The world’s first overwater oil platform was completed in Caddo Lake in 1911. The Ferry Lake No. 1 was erected by Gulf Refining Company. The well bottomed out at 2,185 feet and produced 450 barrels per day.
Wildlife inhabiting Caddo Lake includes owls, snakes, frogs, waterfowl, bobcats, river otters, beavers, eagles, and alligators.
About the Workshop
Our workshops are based on digital photography, the assistance that I can provide and the immediate feedback of digital make “in the field” workshops one of the most effective teaching formats available. Whether finding the correct exposure, looking through the viewfinder for the perfect composition, or learning how to use the equipment, you can’t beat real world experience. Classes are kept small, it’s all about personal, individual attention. Digital offers several benefits for learning photography including:
- Immediate feedback on exposure and composition
- Immediate critique from the instructor and other participants
- Ability to do reviews and projection
- Automatically capturing all shooting information (Meta Data)
- Ability to manage workflow while still on location
Workshop Itinerary
Changes to the Itinerary
To offer the best experience possible for the workshop participants we reserve the right to alter the itinerary when our judgment warrants it. This could be due to unforeseen circumstances, closures, weather, or other conditions beyond our control. We may also alter due to new or unexpected photographic opportunities that may arise.
Proposed Itinerary
During this workshop we will have a great deal of flexibility and optimize our time spent photographing with time processing and evaluating our images. We may change the itinerary due to weather or wishes of the group.
Monday June 24, 2024 We will meet at the Caddo Lake State Park entrance at 2pm and spend the afternoon photographing from the shore and kayaking at Caddo Lake State Park, finishing with a sunset shoot.
Tuesday June 25, 2024 our day will start with a morning kayak photography session catching the cypress emerging from the mist in the early morning light. We will spend the afternoon working on post processing and image evaluation before heading out for an evening sunset photo session.
Wednesday June 26, 2024 will be our final morning kayak photography session followed by a brunch Q&A session.
Workshop Policies and Information
Cost
The workshop fee will be $995.00 per participant.
What is Included
This is a teaching workshop not just a photo tour. We will have classroom time for instruction, processing images, and critique your work. Workshop fees include full instruction and use of kayaks during the workshop. Waterproof equipment cases will also be provided for use in the kayaks.
What is Not Included
Transportation to and from the workshop, lodging, meals, incidental expenses, gratuities, and items of a personal nature are not included. My philosophy on lodging and meals is that by not including them in the workshop each participant is free to choose their own level of accommodation and choice of meals. I have some participants stay in high end motels or Air BnB’s, while others prefer camping or RV’s.
Wood Stork at Caddo Lake slowly walking through wetlands with its long, hefty bill down in the water feeling for fish and crustaceans. This bird was only about twenty feet away from my kayak and not bothered by my presence.
Lodging
Lodging is not included in the workshop fee. There is a wide variety of lodging options including many Air BnB’s and nightly rentals in and around Uncertain Texas, the Caddo Lake State Park with camping and cabins, and motels in Jefferson and Marshall Texas.
Meals
Meals, drinks, and snacks are not provided, and are the responsibility of the participant. We will plan to eat as a group, but you are free to eat on your own if you wish.
Group Size
We keep our group size small; this provides for a high degree of personal attention and a great amount of flexibility in making the workshop the best possible experience for the participants. This workshop is limited to a maximum of three participants.
Health and Physical Considerations
All participants should be in good health, walking and moderate climbing may be necessary in outdoor workshops, and you will be responsible for carrying your own equipment on location shoots. For this workshop there will be minimal walking with easy access to the boat. If you are taking any medications, be sure to bring a supply sufficient for the duration of the workshop. If you have any concern about your ability to participate in a workshop, please contact us before registering.
Equipment Needed
To get the most from the workshop you should have a Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) or mirrorless camera, tripod, and an assortment of lenses. That being said, it is the photographer not the camera that makes the photo. You will need a laptop computer to use, remember to bring all software, drivers, cords, and camera manuals when attending any workshop. Our post processing will be done using Adobe Lightroom Classic.
We have a wide variety of subjects and shooting situations, so a broad selection of lenses is suggested. Be sure to bring a camera backpack or bag to carry and protect your equipment. I recommend bringing two camera bodies if you have them as we may be shooting landscapes and within seconds have an opportunity for birds or wildlife requiring a telephoto lens.
For the kayak bring boots or sandals that can get wet getting in and out of the kayak. Even if you have never kayaked before my kayaks are very stable and comfortable. The water depth where we will kayak will be from inches to less than 4 foot deep. I will furnish waterproof pelican cases for your camera gear while using the kayaks.
About the Kayaks
Don’t worry if you have never kayaked before, no kayaking experience is needed, we will be on flat water with no current and the average depth of the water is less than 4 feet. I will provide all the equipment including paddles, life jackets, safety gear, and waterproof equipment cases for your camera. Our goal is photography, we will take it slow and easy.
I have 3 Jackson Yupik and 1 Jackson Bite kayak that we will use during the workshop. Jackson Kayaks are known for having some of the most comfortable seats and are Made in America built in Sparta Tennessee.
Named for the native Alaskan peoples that coined the word “kayak” (qayaq), the Jackson YuPIK changes the very definition of versatility. The clean, open deck, infinite outfitting, rigging options and storage areas make it the most versatile kayak on the market. Designed with an open, stable deck, the YuPik is as stand-able and roomy as any other boat in the Jackson line up.
Excellent tracking and stability make it a great boat for small lakes, ponds, large lakes, and saltwater inshore paddling. Huge storage and tie down areas make the YuPIK ideally suited for long paddles, as well as overnight and multi day camping trips.
Registration, Payment, and Refund Policy
You can register any way you like, just so I get your information, you can use the online registration, the contact form, email, postal mail, or call me on the phone (479-414-6889) either to register or just ask a question. Registration is done on a first come basis, so register early to secure your space. A deposit of $300 is required to reserve your space, and full payment of $995 is due 30 days prior to the workshop. Enrollment is limited in our workshops, so once you have been accepted your participation is important to us – we are counting on you to attend. If you must withdraw from a course, we must receive written notice of your cancellation, and then apply the following refund policy: We do not make refunds on workshop fees. We do not make partial refunds for unused portions or services of a workshop for any reason whatsoever. If we are able to fill your space in the workshop, we will give full credit towards another workshop. If we are not able to fill your space, we will issue 50% credit towards a future workshop. If there are openings, I will accept last minute registrations when possible.
We can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delays or changes in the services to be provided. We reserve the right to change our arrangements should conditions necessitate, or to cancel any aspect of the workshop due to exceptional circumstances.
In the unlikely event that we need to cancel a workshop we will refund all monies paid in full. Notification of our cancellation will be made via either a telephone call or an e-mail to you at least 14 days prior to the beginning of a workshop other than in an emergency. We cannot be responsible for phone messages and e-mails not being received in a timely manner due to your service providers. We cannot be responsible for non-refundable airline tickets unused or other travel arrangements because of a workshop cancellation. All workshops have a minimum participation level which must be met, or the workshop may be canceled.
Non-Photographer (Spouse, significant other, or friend)
We welcome spouses to join you on the workshop experience however “workshop activities” are limited to registered, paid attendees. You may have a non-photographer accompany you to all activities, but they must pay for the workshop. If they wish to accompany you on the trip but not attend the workshop activities, but stay with you, finding other activities during the day, and meet for meals and social type events that is perfectly acceptable.
Liability Waiver
All participants will be required to sign a liability waiver before beginning a workshop. As there is always an element of risk in any adventure associated with the outdoors, participants must read the liability release form carefully. Participants signed/dated release will certify that said participant is physically fit and capable of participating in outdoor photography exercises in field locations and is fully and completely aware of any associated risks created by field locations and weather.
Weather
This will be July in Texas and it will be hot during the day. Our outings on the lake will be early mornings and late evenings. During the day our time will be spent with classroom instruction and processing our images with Adobe Lightroom Classic.
The more the better, at least as far as the photography goes. Workshops will not be canceled, and no refunds will be made due to weather, we will not be responsible for any additional costs that may be incurred by weather delays or cancellations due to weather, flight delays, or other. Participants should come to the workshop prepared for all weather conditions.
Trip Extensions
We may be able to extend your trip in the area if you would like more time and personal instruction. Please contact us for more information and rates before the workshop.
Smoking
We prefer that you do not smoke, however, please abide by the following guidelines. Smoking is not allowed in or near vehicles, during instructional sessions, during group meals, or at other times when in close quarters with other workshop participants.
Great Places for Great Photos
Let me help you to find a great location for your next photography adventure. I will list many lesser-known destinations, as well as the famous "Icon Locations" for photography. I will provide photos (Lots of Photos), location information, consisting of what there is to photograph as well as other information about the destination. I will give costs, maps, directions, contact information, and other essential information for a successful photo trip. I will only post for locations that I have personally photographed to ensure a quality guide to great locations for photography. If you know of great places that are not posted, please send me the details, I may just decide that is a place I need to go!
Greg Disch is a freelance photographer located in Arkansas. Greg specializes in nature, scenic, wildlife, and other outdoor subjects in Arkansas and other areas of the country. Most of the images on this site are available for sale as prints, personal use, or rights managed stock photos.
Greg offers both classroom instruction and in the field hands on photographic workshops. Classroom sessions are normally held in Fort Smith Arkansas, but arrangements can be made to bring a class to your group.
All classes and workshops have small class sizes designed to provide an optimum student to instructor ratio, where you can get the personal attention, you need. Most classes and workshops are limited to a maximum of six participants and will be held with a minimum of only two.
If you are looking for a wonderful opportunity to get personal individual instruction, I do private workshops and classes at a location of your choice, whether doing a location photo shoot, coming to your home or business, traveling across the country on a road trip, or at my classroom. This is a fantastic way to learn digital workflow and be sure that your computer equipment is properly configured for optimum performance.
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