July 2026 Newsletter: Fall Tour Openings & Updates
Summer is moving quickly, and I wanted to share a few updates about upcoming photography tours and a new article on my website.
Fall Tour Openings
Two Openings Available on the November 30 – December 3 Cypress Swamp Photography Tour
Due to a recent schedule change, two spaces have become available on my November 30 – December 3, 2026 Cypress Swamp Photography Tour.
While the peak fall color has usually passed by early December, this time of year often provides the best opportunities for fog and mist. Many of my favorite cypress swamp photographs have been made during these quiet mornings when layers of fog drift through the trees, creating beautiful light and a peaceful atmosphere that is difficult to find at other times of the year.
If you’ve been considering joining us this fall, I’d love to have you along.
Learn more about the Fall Tour:
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Spring 2027 Tours Are Filling
Reservations continue to come in for the 2027 spring workshops, and two of the tours are already nearing capacity.
* April 18–21, 2027 – 2 spaces remaining
* June 6–9, 2027 – 2 spaces remaining
Each spring tour is scheduled to coincide with a different stage of the nesting season, providing opportunities to photograph everything from courtship displays and nest building to chicks as they grow and prepare to fledge.
If you’re thinking about photographing Louisiana’s spectacular bird rookeries next spring, I encourage you to reserve your space while openings are still available.
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New on the Blog – Alligators in Bird Rookeries
One of the most fascinating aspects of photographing Louisiana’s swamps is watching the complex relationships between the wildlife that lives there.
My newest blog article explores the role alligators play in bird rookeries and includes several short videos captured during a recent visit. It’s a fascinating reminder that nature is rarely as simple as it first appears.
I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read the article and watch the videos.
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Thank you for following my photography and for your continued support. I hope to see many of you in the swamps this fall or next spring.
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.