Caddo Lake: Autumn in the Bayou - Kayak Photo Adventure
Group 1 (Full): November 6 - 10 - Group 2: November 11-15 (2022)
Location: Based in Uncertain, TX
Dates: November 6- 10 (Section 1; Sold Out), and November 11-15 (2022)
Tuition: $2699.00 (Including Kayak and Paddle Rental)
Group Size: Max. 5
Instructors: Dusty Doddridge and Josh Merrill
Tour Overview:
Join us on a photo adventure like no other. We’ll paddle through the Bald Cypress swamps and bayous of Caddo Lake and the surrounding area. Enter into the place that time has seemingly forgotten, as we glide over glass-like water and explore the mystery of this enchanting landscape. Fall colors will adorn these ancient trees that drip with Spanish Moss, and are home a wide variety of waterfowl.
This photo adventure will be different than our other trips, in that, we’ll spend most of our time photographing from kayaks. This is the best way to experience this surreal landscape. This will allow each photographer to spread out and explore the infinite compositions that are available here, and will also ensure a more intimate experience with this special place. We’re going to keep the group size extra small to ensure safety, and an excellent experience for all involved.
For this trip, we will be purchasing high quality kayaks that have a high level of stability. Use of kayak and paddle is included in the standard tour cost. If however, you would prefer to bring your own kayak and paddle, you are welcome to do so, and we’ll extend a discount of $300 off of your tour costs.
Topics:
All of our instructional workshops will cover two key areas: Craft and Creativity
Professional Craft for Landscape Photography:
• Getting fluent with your gear and developing a consistent workflow in the field
• Achieving an optimal exposure
• Managing depth of field
• Capture for multiple exposure blending
• Capture for panoramic stitching
• Using filters effectively• Image reviews
Creativity in the Landscape:
• Core compositional elements in the landscape
• Creative use of depth of field
• Long exposure techniques
• Learning and practicing new compositions
And we'll also do at least one image review session and share some advanced digital darkroom workflow techniques.
Tour Includes:
• Kayak and Paddle (We’ll be purchasing kayaks and paddles, along with a kayak trailer, so that we will be able to have ultimate flexibility with where and when we put in)
• Instruction in the field: craft and creative strategies for landscape photography
• Image reviews
• Instruction on digital darkroom workflow
Not Included:
• Food and Lodging
• Transportation to and from the workshop
• A PFD. You’ll need to acquire and bring an appropriate PFD (Personal Flotation Device) that fits you.
Fitness Level:
You'll need a moderate level of fitness for this tour. While we won’t be doing any strenuous hikes, we will paddle for several miles every day. The ability to paddle and also maneuver your camera equipment from floating kayak will be necessary.
Suggested Equipment:
• Digital SLR or Mirrorless Camera
• Tripod(Ideally, an Extra Tall Tripod)
• Wide Angle Lens and Telephoto Zoom Lens (We use the 16-35mm and 70-200)
• Filters: Circular Polarizer
• Lots of Memory Cards
• PFD (Personal Flotation Device) that Fits You
• Micro-fiber Cloths
• Dry Bag for Carrying Camera Gear and other Essentials while Kayaking
Clothing for a variety of weather conditions from including snow, wind and cold temperatures and temperatures from 25F to 60F
• Rain Jacket and Pants
• Warm Down Layer
• Trail Shoes or Hiking Boots
• Gloves and Hat
• Plenty of Wool Socks
• Moisture Wicking Base Layer
Lodging:
We'll provide you with a detailed itinerary so you can book your lodging and stay where you like. You'll also be able to book a room in hotels where we have a block of rooms for our group.
Cancellation Schedule:
90 days or prior to day 1 of tour = Refund of all registration fees and deposits
60-89 days prior to day 1 of tour = Josh Merrill Photography will retain tour deposit
59 days or less prior to day 1 of tour = Josh Merrill Photography will retain full tour tuition
We strongly recommend that you purchase trip insurance if you need to cancel your tour and are unable to complete the tour for any reason.
We reserve the right to cancel the photo tour for any reason, including low enrollment in the tour. We also reserve the right to operate the workshop with one instructor if enrollment is lower than 6 participants.
Payment:
All you need to do is contact me via the form below and tell us which tour you'd like to attend. We'll e-mail you an invoice that allows you to pay online by credit card. If it's 60 days or less prior to the start of the tour, the full tuition amount will be due in order to complete your registration. Prior to 60 days out, we'll invoice you for a deposit of 30% of the total tuition to hold your spot. We'll then invoice you again for the balance prior to the 60 day point when the full amount is due.
Contact Us
We’re excited that you’re interested in our workshop. If you are ready to register, you may click on the link above.. If you just have some additional questions, this form to the right will put you in touch me.
