Charles Bush Photography August Newsletter
Photography Close to Home
Sometimes the best photography opportunities are much closer than we expect.
Since moving to Thibodaux, I’ve discovered that the body of water behind the house — which the neighborhood calls Abbey Lake, although it looks more like a pond to me — can be a surprisingly good place for Louisiana wildlife photography.
I haven’t had a lot of time to simply stand outside and photograph, but I’m continually noticing birds and other wildlife around the water.
The Green Heron pictured here is a good example. I wasn’t out looking for birds at all. I was mowing the lawn when I noticed it along the edge of the water. I stopped, grabbed the camera, and was able to make a few photographs.
A Surprising Variety of Wildlife
So far, I’ve seen quite a variety around Abbey Lake, including:
Green Herons
Anhingas
Large numbers of Black-bellied Whistling-Ducks
Mallards
And even a Bald Eagle flying overhead with a duck in its talons
There are undoubtedly more that I simply haven’t had time to notice yet.
It’s certainly not the same as heading out into the Louisiana swamps specifically to photograph wildlife, but it’s a nice reminder that wildlife photography opportunities can turn up almost anywhere — sometimes literally right behind the house.
Fall 2026 Cypress Swamp Photography Tour — November 30–December 3
2 spaces available
Fall is one of my favorite times to photograph Louisiana’s cypress swamps. Changing cypress colors, Spanish moss, reflections, and early-morning conditions give the swamps an entirely different character from what we see in spring.
Spring 2027 Louisiana Swamp Photography Tours
Spring brings nesting wading birds, breeding plumage, alligators, and the lush green landscape of the Louisiana swamps.
April 18–21, 2027 — 2 spaces available
May 16–19, 2027 — 5 spaces available
June 6–9, 2027 — 2 spaces available