Caddo Lake

31 October - 4 November 2024

It's inconceivable that Uncertain, a small Texas town with a population of less than a hundred, hides a landscape photographer's paradise. It's hard to describe the feeling when you see it for the first time, for there is something eerily haunting about it. It's like traveling back in time or being on a movie set. And as if the scenery is not enough, the compositional elements here are limitless.

Join us as we explore and capture the varying moods of Caddo Lake. We will photograph this breathtaking location by pontoon boat, on foot, and by kayak. This place has so much to offer in terms of landscape and bird photography. So expect to come home with spectacular images as we share the nuance and techniques of photographing such a unique location.

We know your time is valuable, so as part of our service, we will send an advanced party to map the areas where the autumn colors are more prominent.

Itinerary

Workshop is Fully Booked

Day 0: Before 31 October

On the morning of October 31, we will meet near Dallas Fort Worth Airport and travel to Caddo Lake. Since the drive is 3 hours, we advise you to arrive the day before and stay near the airport or arrive on October 31 before 9 am.

Day 1: 31 October

We will leave at 9 AM and drive 3 hours to Caddo Lake. Once checked-in, we will have a short orientation on using the kayak safely, the areas we will photograph, and the techniques for shooting the bayou. We will have our first sunset shoot using kayaks, followed by dinner.

Day 2: 01 November

Days will start well before sunrise, hoping to catch fog or mist and add that ethereal quality to our images. We will spend our afternoons for workshops, critique sessions, or touring the nearby historic town of Jefferson. We will spend our sunset sessions on a boat with a local captain or by kayak.

Day 3: 02 November

Our days will commence well before sunrise, eager to capture the elusive beauty of fog or mist, enhancing the ethereal quality of our images. Afternoons will be dedicated to workshops, critique sessions, or exploring the charming historic town of Jefferson nearby. As the day draws to a close, we'll embark on sunset sessions, either on a boat with a local captain or gliding peacefully by kayak.

Day 4: 03 November

We'll kick off our days well before sunrise, aiming to capture the enchanting mist or fog to infuse our images with an ethereal allure. Afternoons will be dedicated to engaging workshops, insightful critique sessions, or leisurely tours of the quaint historic town of Jefferson nearby. As the sun dips low on the horizon, our sunset sessions will unfold, either aboard a boat with a knowledgeable local captain or gliding serenely by kayak.

Day 5: 04 November

Our tour will conclude after sunrise on November 4. where we will check out of our rooms and travel back to DFW for those who have evening flights or will check in at their respective airport hotels.

Details

Maximum Number of Participants

Cost

$3,250 USD

INCLUDED:
Pick-up and drop-off to and from DFW Airport.
Accommodations on the most ideal location on the lake where you can launch your kayak from its backyard. (No early morning drives from larger towns that sometimes take an hour).
Boat tours with a local captain bringing us to the further reaches of the lake, too far to access by kayaks.
Free use of the kayak. The kayak is the best way to photograph Caddo lake, for it allows you to reach nooks and crannies not accessible to larger boats. Since we OWN our kayaks, we can choose when and where to photograph.
Park entrance fees
Photography workshops on visual design and post-processing.
Critique sessions.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare
Meals and Snacks
Travel Insurance

Reservation Deposit

$500 USD

Single Occupancy Fee

(Optional) $600 USD

This fee is to secure a private room (as possible) for the duration of the tour. Private rooms may not be possible in some locations.

Cancellations

Deposit is fully refundable if canceled 30 days before the start of the tour, in the event of a government pandemic travel restriction, this 30- day rule will be waived.
Any payments made aside from the deposit/registration is fully refundable up to 60 days before the trip and is 50% refundable up to 30 days before the tour.
All cancellations must be made by a formal email request.
Single occupancy fees are non-refundable if cancellation is done within 60 days of the tour.

Photography Skill Level

This workshop is suitable for all levels of photography skills from novice to expert.

Classroom Time

We will have significant time in the classroom learning photo processing skills.

Fitness Level

No hiking is involved. One location has a short stroll around the shoreline. The primary photography location is reachable after only 20 minutes by kayak. Expect to spend hours floating around peacefully, surrounded by incredible scenery, or paddling to different locations to explore or find that award-winning composition.

Airports

Begin: Dallas Fort Worth, WA TX (DFW)
End: Dallas Fort Worth, WA TX (DFW)

Currency

USD

Power Requirements

US Outlets 110V

WiFi & Mobile Signal

Wifi is available mostly in our hotels. You can buy a prepaid local sim with data access if needed.

Drones

TBA

Travel Insurance

REQUIRED

We require all our participants to secure a travel insurance with international assistance. The tour operator is not liable for any accidents or losses. Though we strive to provide a safe environment for the tour, in the end your safety is still your responsibility.

Workshop is Fully Booked

Your Guides for this Workshop

Edwin Martinez

Travel and Nature Photographer

When one speaks of travel and landscape photography at its apex, his name quickly comes to mind. Well known locally and gaining recognition abroad for his ethereal landscape images, his works exemplify landscape photography as a fine art.

A former medical and corporate professional, Edwin has found his niche and true calling in landscape photography. Still imbibed with the commitment and dedication for always achieving his best, these qualities are now his staples, whether he is shooting for clients or himself, mentoring photographers that join him in the tours that he guides in Iceland, Norway, Canada, the American west and other parts of the world or teaching in workshops under Wide Horizon Photo Adventure.

Edwin’s excellence has been recognized by brands that support his projects. By virtue of his acknowledged skill and influence, he has been tapped to field test and help in the launch of a number of new photography gear. His works have graced both local and overseas publications and websites. Edwin’s images surely speak the language that draws attention and leaves an indelible mark of excellence.

Noel Casaje

Travel and Nature Photographer

Noel Casaje is an award-winning landscape photographer who considers himself an avid student of light and its interaction with the natural world. He has a passion for capturing images that resonate with him and scenes that evoke emotions in viewers. His expertise lies in working in low light, where he explores the nuances it creates, transforming scenes from the real to the surreal.

Noel and his photographs have gained recognition in various media outlets. Forbes.com has included him in its list of Top 5 Travel Photographers to Watch Out For. Through his company, Wide Horizon Visuals, he continues to organize exclusive photo tours to some of the world's most unforgettable destinations.

Noel has led groups to explore Patagonia, Lofoten, the Canadian Rockies, Costa Rica, the Italian Dolomites, and nearly all the major American National Parks. He aspires to persist in leading these tours and discovering more exciting destinations in the future.

Recommended Gear

Expected Conditions

The lake's average depth is 4 ft, and the average temperature in November can range from 35-70 degrees Fahrenheit. The water temperature at this time is too cold for alligators, so they are mostly dormant.

Warm Hat

We recommend a warm hat that covers your ears.

Gloves or Mittens

Warm gloves or mittens are recommended.

Base Layers

A thermal base layer is recommended.

Down Jacket

A down jacket is recommended. 800 fill is recommended for locations where extreme cold is possible.

Outer Shell

A wind and waterproof shell is necessary.

Waterproof Outer

Waterproof jacket and pants are recommended.

Balaclava

A balaclava is recommended to protect the skin on your face from freezing.

Sun Hat

Collapsable wide brimmed hats that shade you from the sun are best.

Sunglasses

UV rated sunglasses are recommended.

Sun Block

50+ SPF is recommended.

Hiking Pants

Hiking pants are recommended. Consider convertible pants.

Hiking Boots

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots will be needed but be careful that they are not too bulky or heavy

Waders or Overshoes

Waders or overshoes (such as Neos) are recommended for entering the water.

Camera

Full frame or mirrorless system

Lenses

Ultra Wide (i.e 16-35 f2.8)
Mid Telephoto (i.e. 24-70 f2.8)
Telephoto (i.e. 70-200+ f2.8)
Macro (if shooting close-ups)
Extreme Telephoto
(if shooting wildlife) consider an f4 due to weight

Recommended Filters

ND 6
ND 10
Circular Poloarizer
Graduated ND 3 stop - soft and hard
3 stop reverse graduated

Tripod

Preferably carbon fiber for light travel

Laptop

For processing and classroom work

Extra Batteries

Head Lamp

Lens Cloths

Gallery

"One of the best photography tours out there! "

- LK Lim

"I had such an awesome time learning the trade secrets of landscape photography from Edwin and Noel. I cannot stress enough how grateful I am to them for sharing their techniques on how to come up with stunning and professional landscape photos. Due to their tutelage, I am having an exhibit this M..."

- Philip Dizon

"This is my 3rd photo tour with edwin and the second with noel ... the reason why i always come back is because they make sure that the participants will be able to get more than their moneys worth.. the schedule was very convenient and they do their best to keep us safe and very satisfied.. durin..."

- Carlo Romero

"Edwin and Noel strive to assure location, weather, and light are as optimal as possible for those once-in-a-lifetime shots. The key is their flexibility to work around unexpected changes. Thanks guys!"

- Michael Cherubini

"They never fail to bring us to epic places at the perfect time. Their attention to detail from planning as well as during our trip was admirable to make sure that we are comfortable and safe. If the weather doesn't cooperate, they always have a plan B so that we can make the most of our tour. The..."

- Charles Dumancas

" Everything was absolutely great !! I recently went on the Autumn Tour.....my first. This should speak volumes.......I’m not an experienced photographer (never even had a formal photography lesson) but I do like taking pictures and being outdoors in nature. I tagged along with my brother wh..."

- Sandi Cherubini Luttner

"It was a journey to remember. The team leaders Edwin Martinez and Noel Casaje has a very well rounded schedule that kept us busy, always ready with back-up plans. Their guidance kept both teams at ease thus providing a very organized tour. I will see you both next year and thank you!"

- Christine Anne

"I can’t recommend Wide Horizon enough! Amazing, talented guides - spectacular locations - wonderful accommodations and willingness and ability to flex and bend the schedule for the best light and weather. Don’t hesitate to sign up for a photo adventure with Wide Horizon!"

- Jen Fraser

"I participated in two two trips with Edwin and both times I had a great time. Edwin is a great guide and a great photography teacher. His experience and insight helped me immensely. He was always well prepared for each day's photoshoot, he knew each location very well and his "local knowledge" wa..."

- Vladimir Polyakov

"Well organized, supportive, and great teachers Highly recommended for getting you to the right photo opportunities at the right times."

- James F. Fondriest

"Edwin is a wonderful teacher for both novice and skilled photographers. His composition instruction and post processing workflow will take you to the next level and more. He will make sure you get the most out of your time with him."

- Rob Strain