Fall Photography Tours in Louisiana's Cypress Swamps

Lake Dauterive Backlit Early Morning Cypress Scene

Lake Dauterive Early Morning

Photograph ancient cypress trees wrapped in gold, reflected in misty swamp water at sunrise. Fall in Louisiana's wetlands offers unmatched drama: foggy mornings, glowing light, and iconic bald cypress scenes. I'm Charlie Bush, a Louisiana resident, and I lead small-group photo tours through these wild, beautiful places, guiding you to the best compositions at just the right moment. I've been offering photography tours here since 2003, helping photographers of all levels capture the fall beauty of Louisiana’s swamps. We visit remote, boat-only locations as well as accessible shoreline spots, chasing the best fall color and light. These tours are limited to just 5 photographers, giving you room to work and one-on-one instruction.

🎯 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 guided swamp boat excursions
Photograph hidden inlets, dramatic lighting, and iconic cypress trees from a shallow-draft crawfisherman-style boat
🌿 Three land-based photography sessions
Access scenic shoreline spots with golden cypress foliage, Spanish moss, and mirror-like reflections
🌅 One-on-one instruction in the field
Get help with camera settings, composition, and creative refinement tailored to your experience level.
🧭 Local insight and expert planning
Led by a Louisiana resident with over 20 years of photographing these wetlands
🏨 Lodging suggestions and trip prep support
📋 Field instruction + real-time feedback
During every session, on the boat and on land
🧃 Bottled water provided for all outings
📩 Pre-tour planning guide + gear checklist Delivered after registration

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.

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.