2027 Caddo Lake Wildlife & Fall Color Workshop
2027 Caddo Lake Wildlife & Fall Color Workshop
4 Days
Nov 11-14, 2027: 9 spots remaining
Nov 14-17, 2027: 10 spots remaining
Nov 18-21, 2027: 10 spots remaining
Limited to 10 participants
From shore and boat, we will have opportunities to capture the quiet mystery of the second-largest non-oxbow natural lake in the south and one of the largest flooded cypress forests in the US.

Quick Facts

Skill Level i

All Levels

Fitness Level i

Very Easy

Terrain

Flat Walkways

Location

Caddo Lake & Cypress Swamps

Tuition

$1,495

The Experience

Fine Art Photography From A Primordial Lake. Join us for 12 hours of boat excursions with experienced guides into the beautiful cypress forested Caddo Lake with wonderful fall colors, reflections, textures, and wildlife. #days:4 #featured
2027 Caddo Lake Wildlife & Fall Color Workshop

What You Will Learn

In the Field

  • Birds in flight
  • Wildlife approach and timing
  • Water-based compositions
  • Reflections and symmetry
  • Fog and contrast exposure
  • Filters for glare control
  • Focal length decisions
  • Intentional camera movement

Beyond the Capture

  • Editing fall colors
  • Editing wildlife images
  • Understanding bird behavior
  • Sunrise and sunset planning
  • Weather and mist forecasting
  • Crop and composition refinement
  • Noise reduction and sharpening
  • Color and tonal control

Through The Lens

Planning Your Trip

Nearest Airport

Shreveport Regional Airport / Tyler (SHV or TYR)

Lodging Suggestions

Vacation Rentals (Karnack TX), or Camping at Caddo Lake State Park (via Texas State Parks Website)

Transportation

Transportation to and from the workshop is via personal vehicles. During the workshop, where practical & possible, we will group together to reduce parking requirements.

What's Included:

  • Pre-workshop Zoom session
  • Post-workshop Zoom session
  • Water
  • One meal
  • Canoe rentals
  • Boat fees and tips
  • In-field instruction
  • Beyond-the-field instruction
  • Image critiques

What's Not Included:

  • Travel to Caddo Lake area
  • Transportation during workshop
  • Lodging
  • Additional meals
  • Alcohol
  • Travel insurance
  • Health or medical expenses
  • Photography gear

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1

Day 1

Day one begins at 1:00 PM at a meeting location shared during the pre-workshop Zoom. After introductions, we will cover key topics for shooting at Caddo, including working from a boat, filter use, bird behavior, focal length choices, and recognizing strong photographic opportunities in a visually busy environment. Later that afternoon, we will head to the boat launch for our first sunset cruise on the lake, with chances to photograph wildlife, reflections, cypress trees, and evening light. After returning from the water, the group will enjoy dinner at a local favorite that has been a big hit with past workshop participants.

Day 2-3

Day 2-3

Day 2-3

Days two and three include both sunrise and sunset cruises on the pontoon boats, offering wonderful opportunities to photograph birds, wildlife, reflections, and the rich fall color of Caddo’s cypress trees in the best light of the day. On day two, the mid-day break is reserved for those who would like image critiques or additional instruction in editing and composition. On day three, we will spend part of the day exploring nearby Jefferson, Texas, a charming and historic town that adds another layer of character to the workshop experience. That evening, we will head out for our final sunset cruise, followed by a campfire dinner at a location that will be shared during the pre-workshop Zoom session.

Day 4

Day 4

Day 4

Day four wraps up the workshop with a morning canoe outing for those who want a quieter, more intimate experience on the water. In the calm morning conditions, participants often enjoy opportunities for closer views of wildlife and birds, along with a unique lower perspective that can create especially compelling images. For many, this outing becomes one of the most memorable parts of the workshop. We will return and conclude no later than 10:00 AM, so everyone has time to get back, check out, and begin the trip home.

What Our Students Say...

Instruction and Independence!

This was a terrific workshop whether you are a beginner or a more experienced photographer. If I needed help or had a question either David or Barry was right there. If I wanted to wander off and work on my own composition, I could do that. The perfect balance of instruction and independence.

No Matter Your Skill Level, You Won’t Be Disappointed!

Sign up for a workshop! Through the one on one coaching of David and Barry, I came away with more confidence in my ability to get great landscape and astrophotos. No matter your skill level, you won’t be disappointed.

Rhonda H

Benton Downs meets and exceeds my expectations

My priorities for a workshop are always to see new places, especially at my age, learn something new, get feedback on my compositions in camera, get ideas for compositions or small scenes or creative ideas that I may not be seeing, meet new people, be in a small group, and offer all of that for an affordable investment. Benton Downs meets and exceeds my expectations by going above and beyond by adding in a zoom meeting before and after each workshop, by offering editing or critique advice during or after the workshop, and with their friendliness and caring about each participant. Anything else is a bonus. I would highly recommend BDW as one of the top workshop groups in the country. Thanks Barry and David!

Roberta K.

One of the very best!

I’ve participated in a number of photographic workshops. This was one of the very best!

Michael Griffith

You Walk Away Learning So Much!

I have attended several photography workshops, including with some National names – this one is a class apart. David and Barry bring their down to earth style to the workshop and you walk away learning so much – while actually taking pictures. This is a hands-on lesson – which makes it really interesting. I would absolutely do a workshop with them again.

Arun K

Taking My Photos To Another Level!

This was a great workshop for me. I learned several things that definitely help take my photos to another level.

Marian K

Meet Your Instructor

Payment Details

Tuition: $1,495

Your tuition is due in full at the time of booking to reserve your spot.

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