Exploring the Cypress Swamps: A Photographic Journey through Caddo Lake and Big Cypress Bayou

Last month, I had the incredible opportunity to spend 20 days leading four photo tours through two of Texas’ most picturesque and mysterious landscapes: the cypress swamps of Caddo Lake and Big Cypress Bayou. It was an unforgettable experience that not only allowed me to immerse myself in nature's beauty but also to share it with fellow photography enthusiasts.

Caddo Lake, a sprawling, mystical swamp that straddles the Texas-Louisiana border, was our primary destination. The eerie, fog-filled mornings, with the towering cypress trees draped in Spanish moss, provided the perfect backdrop for capturing nature at its most serene and captivating. The bayou’s still waters acted as mirrors, reflecting the ethereal beauty of the landscape, and every turn revealed something new to photograph: a lone heron gliding over the misty surface, a tangled root system emerging from the murky waters, or the sun breaking through the thick fog, casting golden light on the forest.

Big Cypress Bayou, nearby, offered a different but equally captivating experience. The bayou is a maze of waterways surrounded by dense forests, where the silence is only broken by the occasional splash of a fish or the rustle of wildlife in the underbrush. It’s a haven for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers alike, and I had the pleasure of guiding my group through the lush terrain, showing them how to capture not only the grandeur of the landscape but also the intimate moments of nature.

Throughout these photo tours, it was inspiring to see the creativity and passion of the participants as they sought to capture the essence of these unique environments. Whether they were shooting wide-angle vistas or close-up shots of the smallest details, the swamp’s raw beauty was an endless source of inspiration.

Leading these tours was not just about teaching photography techniques—it was about connecting with nature, exploring its mysteries, and sharing that connection with others through the lens of a camera. The experience was as enriching for me as it was for my participants, and I can’t wait to return to the cypress swamps of Caddo Lake and Big Cypress Bayou.

If you are interested in joining me in the swamp in 2024, make sure to check out our future workshops here.