Charles Bush Photography October 2025 Newsletter
As I prepare for the Fall tours, I’ve gathered a few posts that might help you plan your next adventure — whether you’re joining me on a Louisiana photo tour, fine-tuning your Nikon Z8, or just refining your post-processing workflow.
Planning a Photo Shoot
When I managed large IT projects, we followed the “5 P’s” rule — Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance. The same holds true for photography. Here’s how I plan each shoot to maximize results:
December Fall Cypress Photo Tour
Only one Louisiana Fall Cypress Photo Tour remains this season. December often brings fog and mist — my favorite conditions for swamp photography. Crisp mornings, warm water, and golden light combine for magical reflections.
Louisiana Spring Bird Photo Tours
Spring in Louisiana brings nesting wading birds — egrets, spoonbills, and herons — surrounded by buttonbush and cypress. These three tours are timed to capture courtship, nesting, and chicks on the nest.
Photography Consulting: Cameras, Computers & Workflow
With 20+ years as a professional photographer — and a prior career in IT — I help photographers optimize their Nikon Z8 setups, improve Lightroom workflows, and safeguard their images.
Fog, Mist, and Reflections — A Perfect Ending to the Year
Early Morning Mist–Lake Dauterive–December 1st, 2020
The final Louisiana Cypress Swamp Photo Tour of 2025 takes place in early December, when quiet waters and soft light create some of the most magical conditions of the year. The air is crisp, and mist drifts through the cypress trees at sunrise. Many of my favorite fall photographs were made during this very week.
Tour Details
Dates: December 1–4, 2025
Optional Extension: December 5–7, 2025
Start: 3 PM on December 1
End: After the morning shoot on December 4 (or December 7 for the extended tour)
Cost: $1,599 base / $2,499 extended
Each tour includes morning and afternoon sessions by boat, hands-on instruction, and access to the most atmospheric cypress locations in south Louisiana.
Cooler air meeting warm water often produces fog and perfectly still reflections. Even past peak color, cypress and tupelo trees glow with amber tones in the low December light. With so few people around, it often feels like we have the swamps entirely to ourselves — an ideal setting for slowing down, composing carefully, and capturing the quiet beauty that defines this time of year.
See the atmosphere for yourself in the December Cypress Fog & Mist Gallery.
Custom Tours Available
Can’t make these dates? Contact me to schedule a custom Louisiana Cypress Swamp Photo Tour designed around your availability.
Join Me in December
This is the only Fall Photo Tour currently available — a perfect way to close your season surrounded by reflections, color, and quiet beauty.
Reserve your spot today for the Cypress Swamp Photo Tour – Dec, and experience Louisiana’s swamps at their best.
Charles Bush Photography – September 2025 Newsletter
Last Chance for Fall Cypress Swamp Photo Tours
Cypress Scene captured on the morning of November 5th, 2023, showcasing the tranquil beauty of Southern Louisiana’s wetlands.
Autumn is here, and so is the peak season for photographing Louisiana’s cypress swamps. This is your last chance to join my Fall Cypress Swamp Photo Tours in November and December. Spaces are limited, and once they’re gone, they’re gone until next year.
Experience the Magic of Louisiana’s Swamps
Morning sessions by boat – photograph fiery red and gold cypress trees reflected in still waters, often with mist or backlit fog for atmosphere.
Afternoon explorations – Rip Van Winkle Gardens, and additional opportunities at Lake Martin.
Sunset opportunities – Lake Martin offers dramatic skies and reflections to make the most of the end of the day.
Small groups mean personalized guidance and easy access to prime locations. Whether you’re looking to refine your technique or simply immerse yourself in Louisiana’s autumn beauty, this tour is designed to inspire.
👉 Reserve Your Spot Now, November 2–5, November 16–19, December 1–4
Gliding silently while polling through ancient cypress trees shrouded in a thick, mystical fog on a December Photo Tour.
Why Louisiana? Why Now?
Many photographers head to Caddo Lake in Texas, but Louisiana offers a different experience:
Fewer competing photographers — more space and freedom to create.
Later peak season — perfect timing if you’ve already visited Caddo.
Rich Louisiana culture and food — enjoy the full experience while creating unforgettable images.
A Green Heron perched quietly at the base of a large, majestic Cypress tree during a November 2023 photo tour in Southern Louisiana.
Time is Running Out
Fall colors in the swamps don’t last long, and neither do these spots. A small group size ensures everyone gets the best vantage points, but it also means space is extremely limited.
If you’ve been considering it, now is the time.
A Black and White Photograph of Cypress Trees on a stormy day on a November Photo Tour.
Closing Note
I’d love to see you in the swamp this fall, capturing the unforgettable beauty of Louisiana’s cypress trees in peak autumn color.
Stay tuned for October’s newsletter where I’ll share more Nikon Z8 tips and spring tour updates.
Until then — happy shooting,
Charlie