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
Charles Bush Photography - August 2025 Newsletter
Lake Martin Cypress Scene
Late Summer Notes from Louisiana
August in Louisiana is always a mix of heat, humidity, and anticipation. The cypress swamps are heavy with green, and soon the first hints of autumn will arrive. For me, it’s also the time to put the finishing touches on the Fall Photo Tours and look ahead to what’s coming in spring.
Fall 2025 Cypress Swamp Tours
Sunrise at Lake Dauterive
This fall’s cypress swamp tours are shaping up beautifully. I’ve completely rebuilt the tour page with a clearer overview, collapsible sections for locations, and more direct booking links. Whether you’ve been with me before or are considering your first tour, the page is now much easier to explore and plan your trip.
We’ll spend time at Lake Dauterive, Lake Fausse Pointe, and Lake Martin, each offering unique compositions with fall color, misty mornings, and dramatic cypress reflections. If photographing backlit Spanish moss at sunrise is on your bucket list, this is the season to join.
👉 View Fall 2025 Tour Details & Book Now
Spring 2026 Bird Photography Tours
Roseate Spoonbill Family
The Spring 2026 bird tours are now published, complete with images highlighting the opportunities in April, May, and June. From nesting Roseate Spoonbills to Black-crowned Night Herons and Ospreys, Louisiana continues to deliver some of the best bird photography in the country.
I’ve also added more variety to the galleries, showcasing behaviors such as feeding, flight, and nesting — not just portraits. These tours are small, boat-based, and give you access to locations that casual visitors simply can’t reach.
👉 View Spring 2026 Tour Details & Book Now
Blog Highlights
Nikon Z8 Firmware Updates – If you’re a Nikon Z8 shooter, you’ll find my recent posts useful. I’ve written about the new focus limiter in firmware v3.00, as well as the v3.01 bug fix release. I’m also building downloadable comparison tables that line up menu changes across firmware versions.
Photographing in Fog and Backlit Mist – This post kicked off a new series on photographing in unique light conditions. I’ll soon be sharing a step-by-step on how I processed one of my favorite fog images into a black-and-white print.
One-on-One Consulting
Fiule Grab from One on ONe Online Consulting Session Setting Nikon Z8 Menu Settings.
Alongside tours and blog posts, I’ve launched a new Consulting Services Page. I’m offering Nikon camera setup consulting where I can walk you through the menus of your Z8 or other Nikon body. With screen sharing over Zoom, I can even cast the actual camera menu so you can follow along in real time.
I also cover workflow topics like Lightroom catalog setup, Photo Mechanic ingesting and IPTC metadata, and strategies for protecting your photo files with solid backup systems. Whether you’re just starting out or refining a professional workflow, these sessions are tailored to your needs.
Looking Ahead
As fall approaches, I’m excited to get back out on the water with groups of photographers. There’s nothing quite like watching mist rise over a Louisiana swamp at sunrise — and capturing it with a camera in hand.
If you’d like to join a tour, check out the updated pages for Fall 2025 Tours and Spring 2026 Tours. Or, if you want help setting up your Nikon or organizing your photo library, book a session through the new Consulting Page.
What to Expect on a Louisiana Fall Photo Tour
Photographs Taken on Previous Fall Photo Tours–Click on Image for Fall Tour Page
If you're considering joining one of my Fall Photo Tours in Louisiana, here’s a detailed look at what you can expect each day. These tours take place during peak color and mist season in the Atchafalaya Basin and surrounding swamps, with a small group format (5 participants max) and guided access by boat to areas that are otherwise inaccessible.
Tours are scheduled for:
November 2–5
November 16–20
December 1–4
A Foggy Morning on a Fall Photo Tour
Morning Sessions: Boat Access to Hidden Cypress Swamps
The highlight of the trip is our early morning photography sessions by boat in the cypress swamps. These sessions are where you'll make your best images.
Locations: 1 day at Lake Dauterive and 2 days at Lake Fausse Pointe
Start Time: We arrive at the launch 30 minutes before sunrise (usually around 5:30–6:00 AM)
Hotel Distance: Plan for a 35-minute drive from the hotel to the boat ramp
End Time: We wrap up each morning session by 10:00 AM
Food: I provide a light breakfast for early departures
Weather will guide our exact order of locations to ensure the best light and conditions for photography.
Midday Break: Rest, Download, Recharge
After our morning shoot:
We return to the hotel
You'll have time to download images, review your work, and rest
We break for lunch (on your own)
This is your window to recharge for the afternoon.
Afternoon Sessions: Gardens and Sunsets
Afternoons are lighter and more flexible, but still offer great opportunities:
Two afternoons at Lake Martin: quiet swamp scenes, sunset reflections, and wildlife
One afternoon at Rip Van Winkle Gardens: colorful botanicals, historic backdrops, and peacocks
Sessions begin around 3:30 PM and go until sunset
These shoots are less intense than the mornings and allow for slower-paced exploration and creative compositions.
Tour Structure and Schedule
Here's a quick summary of how the tour flows:
Day 1 (3 PM): Tour begins with an afternoon shoot
Days 2 and 3: Morning + afternoon sessions
Day 4: Final morning shoot; tour ends by 10:00 AM
Small Group Experience, Big Results
I keep the group size small for a reason: it allows me to offer personalized guidance, adapt to conditions, and help you create your best work.
If you're serious about improving your swamp and cypress photography and want to experience these landscapes at their most photogenic, this tour was designed for you.
Spots are limited and tours fill quickly. Reserve your place on the Fall Photo Tour now.