Shot of the Month – December 2025

On the map, Caddo Lake is on the border between Texas and Louisiana as shown here:

But from behind a camera, Caddo Lake feels like a place only found in dreams and fairy tales.  The bayou is dominated by the bald cypress tree and in the fall, these trees are covered in Spanish moss while the leaves transform into hues of copper, rust, orange, and cinnamon brown.  In the early morning, fog can hover just above the water, adding to the mystery.  One is teleported into a unique, magical landscape of color, textures, and abstract shapes and reflections.

Drifting on a kayak across the still water at sunrise is a balm for the soul unless you are trying to photograph it.  Around every corner is an explosion of shapes and colors and contrasting textures – the fatal error is to try and capture it all in one photo.  You must really study a scene to find the right mix of elements and avoid a cacophony of sights that create a visual mess.

In the image above, the long curtains of Spanish moss offer a delicious color and textural contrast to the orange and yellow leaves.  The dark water provides a nice canvas for reflections of the color above.

The massive flaired trunks of the bald cypress descend directly into the water, creating wonderful symmetrical patterns when the water is calm, as shown below.

The orange leaves, Spanish moss, and seed pods create a richly textured “oil painting” effect in the image above.

As the sun rises, the race is on to find delicate side lighting that brings color, texture, and contrast to life:

In the next image, I liked how the reflection of the tree leads the eye down the solemn tunnel past the striking caonopy of color:

My eye was instantly drawn to the colorful bouquet lurking in the distance:

Here is the same image, but with less water visible to celebrate the rich texture and delicate hues of the canopy above:

 

Caddo Lake offers a gothic, moody, atmospheric take on fall photography that will leave you filled with awe and tranquility – just don’t tip the kayak.

Prefer “classic” fall, a la New England? Click here.  Or here.

Prefer a Pacific Northwest take on autumn color?  Click here.

Mother Nature has something for everyone.

 

Until next month….michael

 

 

Nikon Z9, Nikon 100-400 (@185mm), f/11, 1/80s, ISO 900