Discover the magic of the swamp with our Caddo Lake Texas Photography Workshops—an immersive, small-group experience led by award-winning photographers Gary Randall and Alyce Bender. Designed for nature and landscape photographers of all levels, this three-day autumn workshop takes you deep into the flooded cypress forests of East Texas, where misty mornings, golden reflections, and vibrant fall foliage create unforgettable opportunities to elevate your creative vision.
Workshop Overview
- Dates: November 13–16, 2025
- Co-leaders: Gary Randall & Alyce Bender
- Group size: Limited to 8 participants (4 per instructor)
- Cost: $3,295
What’s Included
- Three full days of professional on-water guidance and photo instruction.
- Four chartered boat sessions—no paddling required; enjoy sunrise, sunset, and mid‑day creative shoots.
- Three nights’ lakeside lodging in shared-group cabins with private rooms, communal meals, and editing/time-to-reflect space.
- Brunch, snacks, coffee & tea, plus all applicable permits, taxes, and fees.
Excluded: Travel to/from Uncertain (TX), extra meals, alcohol, and optional trip/gear insurance.
The Experience
Expect gentle access, with minimal walking and seat-based photography. The purpose-built lake boats let you glide through silent waterways draped in moss and autumn color, offering compositions from sweeping landscapes to intimate abstracts and wildlife moments.
Mid‑day time is set aside for:
- Creative shooting (macro, abstraction, close-ups)
- Informal editing walkthroughs
- One-on-one guidance on digital workflow, printing, and image critique.
Evenings include relaxed dinners, group critiques, and time to share insights with instructors.
Highlights & Themes
- Scenic Diversity: Cypress forests, mist-filled bayous, Spanish moss backdrops, and the interplay of water and fall colors.
- Wildlife: Opportunistic encounters with herons, egrets, ibis, kingfisher, pelicans, woodpeckers and more, woven into morning or evening photo sessions
- Creative Concepts: Focused shoots on macro detail, abstract reflections, ICM (Intentional Camera Movement)
Suggested Gear
Bring warm coats, hats, gloves and clothes as we’ll be on the lake when it’s chilly. Rain gear and water resistant boots and extra socks.
Bring the essentials—camera body (plus backup), wide and telephoto lenses (e.g. 24–70 mm and 100–400 mm), tripod, ample batteries & memory, and rain/camera protection. Boats mean mist and spray are potential photo opportunities and hazards—come prepared!
Caddo Lake Texas Photography Workshops Itinerary
- Day 1 (Nov 13)
- Afternoon arrival and gear prep
- Evening pontoon session—settling into light & ambiance
- Group dinner & informal image review
- Day 2 (Nov 14)
- Sunrise photo cruise in mist & glow
- Midday photography lounge + creative breakout
- Sunset boat for color-rich landscapes
- Day 3 (Nov 15)
- Sunrise expedition to alternate channels
- Afternoon post-processing/printer workflow session
- Evening critique + community dinner
- Day 4 (Nov 16)
- Final sunrise shoot
- Closing critiques & farewell brunch
Optional add-ons may include canoe micro-explorations, flora/macros, or local historical site visits.
Why It’s Unique
Our Caddo Lake Texas Photography Workshops are Environmentally Conscious: Fair use of local landscapes, with leave-no-trace ethics
Dual Expert Leadership: Benefit from the combined talents of Randall and Bender—with small group attention
Tailored Creative Time: Mix of structured shoots and freeform experimentation
All-Inclusive Comfort: Powered by chartered boats and lakeside cabins
