Louisiana Cypress Swamp Photography Tour

What to Expect

The cypress swamps of Louisiana are beautifully scenic but can be difficult to photograph by car or on foot. You need a boat to access most of the photogenic areas and an experienced guide to get you there. We use high-quality kayaks and small mud boats to get you into some of the most backwater areas of the swamp. We can run trips for either sunrise or sunset.

Our Louisiana swamp photography tours run for 2-4 hours in the field. Weather conditions are the main factor in determining trip availability.

Setting Up Shots

Setting Up Tripods From The Boat

The Result Is A Moonlit Swampscape

Shooting out of boats and kayaks the majority of the time you will be shooting hand held. There are opportunities to setup a tripod in shallow water either from the boat or standing in the water with boots. If you have knee high water boots we recommend that you bring them, but they are not needed, as we can setup the tripods from a boat in certain locations.

Weather/Wind

The wind is one of the biggest determining factors on our ability to shoot in the swamp. In order to get to good sunrise and sunset locations for isolated cypress trees in the water, low wind is generally the conditions we are after. While there are locations to shoot during windy conditions, generally we will opt not to go out on high wind days so clients can get the most out of their trip. When booking we will try and coordinate with you the best weather days for shooting.

Guides

Our guides can help with camera settings and composition if needed, but it is not a focal point of the trip. Our main goal is to get you into the most scenic areas and accommodate you as you set up the shots you are after. If you have concepts for different images, it is best to reach out to us before your trip to discuss your ideas. Different times of the year allow for accessing different areas and can determine how different shots can be taken.

Boats

We have a variety of boats available to shoot from. All boats are outfitted with comfortable seating. Our largest boat can accommodate 6 photographers, and we can run multiple boats on a single shoot.

Wildlife like egrets, herons, turtles, snakes, owls, and alligators can be common sightings in the swamp. You will want to bring a variety of focal lengths from wide angle to telephoto to get the most out of your trip.

Winter

During the winter(Mid Dec- Early March), cypress trees lose their leaves. The swamp will have more of a grey appearance. The weather can be quite cool and fog is a possibility.

Spring

Spring(Mid March-Early June) is ones of the best times in the swamp. The weather is still mild, and wildlife is abundant. Wildflowers like iris and spider lilies can be a subject as well as abundant birds and alligators in the green cypress swamp.

Summer

The swamp is still green and lush but temperatures can be hot. Wildlife is less abundant as they seek shelter from the warm weather. Calm days and nice cloud activity is regular in the summer months.

Fall

Fall (Late October- Mid December) is another great time in the swamp. Wildlife prepares for winter and is active and abundant. The cypress trees can take on a rusty appearance and fog can be common in the mornings.

What We Provide on Your New Orleans Photo Tour

• Experienced photo guide
• Kayak or boat
• Basic camera instruction if needed

What is Not Provided on Your Louisiana Swamp Photography Tour

• Tripod
• Transportation To Shooting Locations
• A bag for your gear
• Hat
• Sunscreen
• Bug repellent
• Long sleeves and long pants
• Food or snacks

We cannot provide you with photo gear. you must bring your own. If you have any additional questions, feel free to email or call to discuss your trip. We also offer a week long fall cypress workshop to the virgin cypress forests of the Atchafalaya Basin. If you would like to join us on this in-depth New Orleans photo tour experience, you can learn more about it here. Thank you and we look forward to seeing you on a tour!