Caddo Lake is the only natural lake in Texas and is considered one of the largest flooded cypress forests in the United States. Situated on the border of Louisiana, it boasts Bald Cypress trees that have been estimated to be over 300 years old. In the fall the Spanish moss laden trees are adorned with gold and rust-colored leaves making it a photographers paradise like no other.
During the workshop/tour we will explore and photograph the mysterious passageways and open water of the flooded swamp and lake. Dozen of species of birds including Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets will be abundant and Barred Owls may be seen roosting in trees during the day.
Two sunrise and two sunset boat rides with an experienced captain/photographer will provide ample opportunity to capture stunning beauty that will astound your senses. One-half day in a kayak will have us meandering through paddling trails with shallow water areas where it will be possible to use tripods while sitting in the kayak if desired.
Afternoons will be spent exploring nearby historic Jefferson, Caddo Lake State Park or resting in the Inn.
Itinerary
Day 1
Fly into Shreveport Regional Airport to meet Debbie for transportation to Caddo Lake. Plan to arrive before 3:00 pm Central Time. We’ll check into our cabins and head out for a sunset shoot and light painting followed by dinner where we will discuss the itinerary and ways to shoot from a boat.
Days 2 - 3
Sunrise and morning session from boat followed by breakfast/lunch and walking photography tour of nearby historic Jefferson, Caddo Lake State Park or resting in your cabin. Dinner as a group. Late afternoon and sunset session from boat.
Day 4
Sunrise session from personal kayak following the meandering 7.2 mile paddling trail where the scenery will be different than the boat tours. Participants will go at their own pace shooting from the kayak or from shorelines if desired. Afternoon drive to nearby Shreveport and final group farewell dinner. Workshop/tour concludes after dinner. Overnight near Shreveport Regional Airport for your flight home the next day.
Day 5
Catch the free shuttle from the hotel to the Shreveport Airport for your trip home.
Included in the itinerary:
- 4 boat rides (2 sunrise, 2 sunset)
- Kayak rental
- Caddo Lake State Park entrance fees
- Transportation during the workshop in a 12-person passenger van (arrive Shreveport Regional Airport by 3:30PM for pickup)
- Walking tour of historic Jefferson to photograph beautiful structures
- Possible sightings of bigfoot (Caddo Lake is purported to be the “land of Bigfoot”)
- Photo instructions, guidance and field techniques
- Critiques upon request
Not included in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature
- Meals and snacks other than one group dinner (see above)
- Lodging (3 nights lodging in cabins have been secured near Lake Caddo and information will be provided upon workshop registration), information for one night lodging near the Shreveport Airport will also be provided.
- Transportation other than during the workshop
Enrollment Information
Deposit and Full Payment
All prices are quoted in US dollars and all payments must be paid in US dollars. Deposits can be made with a check or by credit card. Final payment for your trip is due 90 days prior to departure.
- 1 and 3 day workshops- full payment, Registration Form and Release of Liability and Assumption of all Risks form are required to reserve your spot.
- 4 days+ tours – your deposit, Registration Form and Release of Liability and Assumption of all Risks form are required to hold your spot. The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. If you sign up for a tour within 90 days of departure, the entire amount is due when you register.
Cancellations and Refunds
We understand that unforeseen events may come up and prevent you from attending the workshop/tour. If you need to cancel, we must receive written notification. Refunds will be processed according to these schedules:
One and three-day workshops (full payment paid in advance)
- 30-days or more prior to the first day of the event - if you paid with a credit card, we will provide a refund of the registration fee for the workshop less 6% of the total for administration and fees. If you paid by check, we will provide a full refund.
- 29-days or less prior to the first day of the event – If you paid with a credit card we will issue you a refund of the registration fee for the workshop less 6% of the total for administration and fees if your vacancy is filled. If you paid by check, we will provide a full refund if your refund is filled.
- 29-days or less prior to the first day of the event – if we cannot fill your vacancy, we will issue you a 50% refund less 6% of the total for administration and fees if you paid with a credit card. If you paid by check, we will provide you a 50% refund.
Tours longer than three-days (deposit paid in advance and final payment paid 120 days prior):
- 121+ days prior to departure – If you paid with a credit card, we will provide a refund of the registration fee less 6% for administration and fees. If you paid by check, we will provide a full refund.
- 120 to 90 days prior to departure – If you paid with a credit card, we will provide a 50% refund less 6% for adminstration and fees. If you paid by check, we will provide a 50% refund.
- 90 days or less prior to departure – NO REFUND
COVID 19 policy - Given the current national health conditions if you determine you cannot attend a workshop/tour due to health concerns, travel restrictions, or any other uncertainty related to the virus, OR if Focus on Photography cancels or postpones a workshop/tour, you will receive a refund of the registration fee for the workshop less 6% of the total for administration and fees if you paid by credit card. If you paid by check, you will receive a full refund. If Focus on Photography cancels or postpones, we cannot be responsible for any non-refundable travel or other expenses you may have incurred.
Travel Insurance
Travel protection insurance is recommended to protect your investment. Travelguard.com and allianztravelinsurance.com are 2 options that provide various types of coverage options.
Health Considerations
Most of our trips will involve elements of physical activity easily accomplished by the average person in good health. While some of our locations are near a road or parking lot, some are not. PLEASE be sure you are comfortable walking over uneven rocky terrain with your gear for 30 – 45 minutes at a time. We may shoot at all hours of the day and night (we try to take advantage of the best weather and light conditions), which may not be typical for some participants. Meals may not be taken at "normal" times so that we may take advantage of sunrise and sunset opportunities. Specific considerations are included in the description of each workshop/tour.
Medical circumstances or emergencies do not constitute grounds for exception to the cancellation policy. Therefore, trip cancellation and interruption insurance are recommended.
Smoking is not permitted in group vehicles, during meals, and at other times when secondhand smoke can affect the health and comfort of others.
Costs
Information about what is included/not included are summarized in the individual descriptions of each workshop/tour.
Trips that include overnight accommodations will be at your own cost.
Because of deposits forwarded and liabilities incurred by Focus on Photography Tours/Workshops no refund will be given for unused rooms, meals, transportation, etc.
Weather policy
We are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Locations have been scouted and options are in place in case of uncooperative weather. Without putting participants at risk, the workshop will commence rain or shine, cold or warm, clear skies or cloudy. Refunds will not be issued because of the weather.
Responsibility
Focus on Photography LLC acts only as agents for the client in regard to travel including, but not limited to, sightseeing, meals, lodging, transportation, and all other services whether by railroad, motorcar, motor coach, boat, ship or aircraft and they assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity which may be occasioned either by reason of defect in any vehicle or for any reason whatsoever, or through the acts or default of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the trip.
Focus on Photography LLC can accept no responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, volcanic eruption, terrorist acts, political unrest, quarantine or other causes. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger, as trip fees provide for arrangements only for the times and locations stated. Baggage is at the owner's risk entirely.
The right is reserved to 1) substitute hotels of similar category for those indicated and to make any changes in the itinerary or transport where deemed necessary, or caused by changes in air schedules or equipment substitution; 2) cancel any trip prior to departure, in which case full refund of the paid trip funds will be given, but Focus on Photography LLC is not responsible for any other trip preparation expenses such as penalized or non-refundable air tickets, visa fees and medical related expenses; 3) substitute trip leader(s) for the leader(s) originally specified, in which case the substitution is not a basis for participant cancellation or refund other than provided by our normal cancellation policy.
Trip prices are based on tariffs and exchange rates in effect at the time of publication and are subject to adjustment in the event of any change therein.
The Registration Form and the Release of Liability and Assumption of all Risks forms must be signed by each participant prior to the commencement of the trip. Participation by any trip member will be declined in the absence of the signed Registration Form and the Release of Liability and Assumption of all Risks, with no trip fee refund. No modification of the Release of Liability and Assumption of all Risks form will be accepted.
