Lousiana Cypress Swamp Photography Tours

Lake Dauterive Backlit Early Morning Cypress Scene

Lake Dauterive Early Morning

Photograph ancient cypress trees draped in gold, glowing mist at sunrise, and the haunting stillness of Louisiana’s wetlands in their most atmospheric season.

Join me, Charlie Bush, for a small-group photo experience crafted around light, texture, and mood. Fall in the swamps is unpredictable — and that’s part of the magic. On the best mornings, we find ourselves immersed in fog, where the landscape becomes a soft, monochrome tapestry, and the cypress trees emerge like ghostly silhouettes. Other days bring mist — and when the rising sun burns through it, the light takes on an almost fire-like quality, creating glowing, ethereal scenes unlike anything else.

🎯 Ready to join a Fall 2025 Tour?
Spots are limited to just 5 photographers per trip. Choose your dates and reserve your spot below:

November 2–5
👉 Reserve Now – Nov 2–5
November 16–19
👉 Reserve Now – Nov 16–19
December 1–4
👉 Reserve Now – Dec 1–4

💵 Price: $1,599 per person
💳 Deposit: $200 due now, balance invoiced 60 days before the tour

📦 What’s Included in Your Tour

🚤 Three professionally guided boat excursions to explore hidden inlets, prime compositions, and dramatic swamp lighting
🌿 Three shore-based photography sessions with easy access to golden cypress, moss-laden trees, and shoreline reflections
🌅 One-on-one instruction in the field: camera settings, visual approach, and creative refinement tailored to your experience level
🧭 Itinerary planning and local insight from a guide with over two decades photographing Louisiana’s wetlands
🏨 Lodging recommendations and trip prep support
📋 Field instruction and real-time feedback throughout each session
🧃 Bottled water provided for both boat and land sessions
📩 Pre-tour planning guide and gear checklist delivered after registration

Here are several locations we visit.

Lake Dauterive, nestled in the heart of Louisiana's Acadiana region, is a hidden gem for photographers captivated by the raw beauty of cypress swamps. The lake’s still waters create a perfect mirror for golden reflections of Spanish moss and glowing sunrises. On misty mornings, the trees emerge from the fog like ghostly silhouettes — scenes I return to year after year.
Photographing Lake Dauterive is only possible by boat and rewards those who embrace its quiet challenges. Early light here is magical.
Lake Fausse Pointe lies in the Atchafalaya Basin and offers a more expansive, dramatic feel. Towering cypress trees stretch into the sky, and the wide waters reflect dynamic skies, mist, and even occasional wildlife. It’s connected to Lake Dauterive but has its own mood and scale.
Fausse Pointe is accessible by boat and shoreline and often delivers the strongest late afternoon light and grand compositions.
Lake Martin is one of Louisiana’s most accessible and photogenic swamps — a favorite for its moss-draped cypress trees, reflections, and frequent wildlife activity. While it’s not as remote as Dauterive or Fausse Pointe, its beauty is undeniable, especially during early morning or late afternoon light.
This location often serves as a shore-based session during the tour and is ideal if weather conditions limit boat access. It’s also a great place to practice composition, reflections, and telephoto isolation of moss and limbs.

What you need

Each day in the swamp is a little different — weather, light, and water levels can vary, and so should your gear. This checklist will help you prepare for a range of conditions.
Recommended Gear:
- Camera (mirrorless or DSLR)
- Lenses ranging from wide-angle (24mm) to telephoto (300mm+ recommended)
- Extra batteries and memory cards
- Tripod (optional but useful in low light or shore sessions)
- Waterproof footwear (muck boots or old sneakers)
- Layered clothing — mornings are often chilly
- Rain protection for you and your gear
- Small towel or cloth for drying off gear
Optional Items:
- Hat or sun cap
- Polarizing filter
- Gloves for chilly mornings
- Camp stool for shore photography
Download the full gear checklist as a PDF on the main tour info page.