Caddo Lake Cypress Swamp Tour - Boat Photo Tour
Caddo lake has long been a location treasured by cypress swamp lovers. This tour will provide boat access to all the best locations in the lake and optional kayaking off of the boat to further your experience. There is no additional charge for the kayak experience, only the willingness to try and the fortitude to launch into the swamps and explore on your own.
Caddo Lake, Texas - Experience Texas in a whole new light!
More about the workshop
Workshop starts at 2:00PM on the day of arrival, and ends at 10:00AM on the day of departure, giving you 6 outings for the 3 day tour weather permitting.
Skill Level:
Photography skill levels will vary, al photographers will enjoy this experience. If you are a pro or less experienced, no worries … there is plenty of freedom to operate at your creative best. And if you are still eager to learn to improve your skills, consider arranging for private lessons from Doug Hansgate the day before the tour. Doug is an extraordinary teacher and has a gift for simplifying things that leads to fast improvement. Such lessons should be prearranged with Doug so they do not conflict with our other duties but those that take advantage of such lessons will find it time well spent.
Equipment:
On this trip, you will use a variety of length lenses and we will publish a list before the trip. Plan on at a least a wide angle and a zoom in the 70-300mm or 100-400mm range or so. Many of my images taken gliding through the cypress are shot with a zoom. Plenty of times we will use an extender if our vision for an image warrants. In fact we usually have something similar to a 16-35mm, a 24-70mm, 100-400mm and an extender in my wet bag. We don't always use all of that but when we need to, we are well equipped. Add a tripod and maybe a remote release and you have what you will need. Later we will send you some special information on a few accessories we use. They are not necessary but fun to enhance or create some special effects.
Most of the time you will shoot hand holding, sitting inside the kayak. Other times you might want a longer shutter speed and will need your tripod. Some of the images in the impressive sideshow were taken with the tripod in the water and me in the kayak.
Kayaking Option ( no Charge):
We use Native Ultimates kayaks, which are fantastic for photography. They are sit-inside kayaks and with your waterproof bag you should be fine. If you have not kayaked before, we will be happy to give some brief instruction. It is not nearly as hard as you might think. A friend that is a 73 year old retired priest finally tried one, after overcoming his fear. His reaction after about 30 minutes on the water? Where could he buy one!
Since kayaks give us great mobility, we can move around most of the day to find just the right spots. But we are never in a hurry. Rest assured you can paddle at your own pace. Starting in 2023 we are offering a boat only option so if kayaking is not your thing, rest assured we will still get you into some fantastic locations with our 24' fully equiped pontoon boat. When asked about level of fitness, easy would be likely the best answer.
Though we warn novices from exiting the kayak there are some places, if conditions are right, to do so and we ask that you only dismount your kayak in the presence of your guides. Water level and softness of the bottom are two keys factors that determine when you can do that, and of course, finding the spot where you can get back in the kayak is important. If this is on your list to do, just bring your waders. And yes, we will gladly take that iconic shot of you photographing standing in the water among the fabulous cypress for your portfolio.
Schedule:
The length of our daily outings is flexible. We want to maximize the best light, atmosphere, colors and subject matter. Most days will include a morning session and then a late afternoon session to capture the golden hour, sunset and more. Our morning sessions start before sunrise. Generally we run later into the morning as we have shadow areas that can be spectacular when the sun is quite high. The bottom line is to stay flexible. While the trees aren't going anywhere, the weather, light, atmosphere and more will change — even a bit of rain may fall which can greatly enrich the colors. We adapt to what Mother Nature throws our way with safety first always at the top of our agenda.
Each day starts out before sunrise with a quick coffee or drink, as well as some rolls and pastries to get you off to a good start. Our goal is to have you on the water at our location before sunrise. After our morning on the water, usually around 9:30 - 10:00 am, we will head back to the lodge and have a quality southern home-style hot breakfast.
After breakfast, we give you some time to relax. Our post-production classes run generally from 12 noon to 3 p.m. After class, we’ll have a hot lunch then depart for our afternoon/evening time on the water. We will remain out until after dark. Late dinner is is at one of the many fine resturants in the area. We try not to go to the same resturant twice as we want you to experience louisiana cooking at it's finest.
The Lodge
Enjoy a lake side retreat in either the main lodge, where classes will be held each day or in your own private cabin adjacent to the lodge. (first come first serve) You will experience the lake and swamps, like no other tour. you have the option of staying on the tour boat and exploring the lake and backwaters of the cypress swamps without ever leaving the boat, or you can venture into the swamps by launching into kayaks from the “mother ship “ and exploring at your leisure the intricacies of the swamp. Constant communication is available to keep you in touch via high band radios, with guides and the main boat. This tour is limited to four attendees at a time, so there no problem with communication.
The Lodge is the hub of operations for this workshop, with boat being loaded daily from this location. With 3 bedrooms & 2 full bathrooms, the Lodge is fully furnished. The back deck offers beautiful scenic views of the bayou and lake.
The Caboose
The Caddo Caboose was used at the Longhorn Ammunition Plant in Karnack, Texas. When the Army shut the plant down thirty or so years ago, the Caddo Caboose was created with the car being made it into a unique weekend getaway. The Caboose is fully furnished 1 bedroom lodge with living, dining & bathroom areas as well as WiFi, Cable & DVD amenities.
Clothing:
Can you say layers? Our weather changes frequently. At the time of our photo tour, our winter is upon us but sometimes we are in shorts and t-shirts. Our winters are very mild by most standards. It would be rare that more than a fleece would be needed at that time of year but who knows? Plan for it. Also, bring light rain gear — the fog, mist, or a light sprinkle are all likely during your time here. We enjoy the photographic opportunities that each offers, unless high winds or lightning dictate otherwise.
Education
Post production classes will be taught by Doug Hansgate.
A portion of Doug’s instruction will include advanced photo editing including techniques for Adobe® Photoshop® and Lightroom®. The lighting conditions can be difficult and the added concerns of being on the water can make for a challenging image making experience. With Doug’s help and guidance you will quickly learn to shoot and post process your images into pieces of art.
Travel:
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport: 3.5 hours away
Shreveport Airport: 50 minutes
Included:
24’ power boat specially rigged for photo tours
kayak rental, paddles, anchor and life vest
accommodations single occupancy
all meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner each day)
any kayak or park launch fees
photographic assistance, image reviews and coaching in the field
daily post-production classes and review of your images
daily discussion group about improving your images
nightly social time with members in private living room setting
Not included:
airfares
car rental, transportation to and from the airport, and operating costs
snacks and any alcoholic drinks
waders and wet bag
personal items
trip insurance
tips and gratuities
and anything else not specified as included
Participation only reserved on receipt of a non-refundable deposit of $500 USD. Deposit methods accepted: Credit card via a phone call to Doug Hansgate, reservation coordinator, at 716-860-7194, or a check made out to Doug Hansgate and sent to 154 Christiana Street, North Tonawanda, NY 14120.
The Retreat
The Retreat is located along the Big Cypress Bayou & is a recently updated mobile home with two bedrooms and two baths with sleeper sofa in the living room. The retreat is fully furnished & overlooks beautiful Big Cypress on Caddo Lake. The kitchen & dining room overlook the lake & outdoor deck, or take the stairs down to the water.
