Caddo Lake State Park, a mysterious place on the Texas-Louisiana line, was my destination. Its old cypress trees, draped in Spanish moss, make for stunning photos. Winding waterways and a special ecosystem create a look unlike anywhere else. Caddo Lake is also the only natural lake in Texas. I had left Clarkson Covered Bridge in Alabama as the rains were torrential, hampering my photography efforts. I was heading for the Dallas Fort Worth area to meet up with MrsFaceless and her family so would be passing Caddo Lake State Park anyway. It would have been remiss of me not to have stopped and instead of a brief fly-by, bailing out of Alabama earlier than expected would now give me a day and a bit at Caddo Lake.
Now Arriving
After driving across from Alabama, I duly arrived in east Texas, albeit very late at night. I had my park up planned at the Waskon rest area and was not disappointed. Clean, quiet and respectable. Seriously, why can’t all rest stops be this good? My plans to get out of the torrential rain were not entirely successful, as the rains were still falling. However, the weather forecast offered a glimmer of hope that the rains should cease where I am in the early hours. So, time to bed down after setting the alarm for an early call. Sunrise may be a possibility.
As it happened, the rains were not quite done with me. So no sunrise. But that just meant more sleep and who doesn’t like that? After a good night’s sleep i ventured around the Tourist Info center, gathering copious amounts of leaflets, mainly for what was to come a week later. But, for now, it was time to head to Caddo Lake State Park.
Understanding Caddo Lake’s Unique Natural Scenery
The Cypress and Spanish Moss Ecosystem
Caddo Lake is known for its bald cypress trees. These trees stand tall from the water, often with wide, knobbly bases. Spanish moss hangs down from their branches like curtains. It creates a soft, misty feel, especially in the early morning. These plants are key to the lake’s beauty. They help keep the ecosystem healthy, offering homes for wildlife. Their unique look makes every picture feel truly special.
It’s Not Spanish And It’s Not Moss
Spanish Moss is an interesting name. I’ve been to Spain a number of times and never seen it or heard it mentioned by any Spaniard. So I looked up its etymology.
To start with, it’s not a moss but a flowering plant. A bromeliad which clings to the tree and takes nutrients and water from the air and rainfall. It is also, apparently, a relative of the pineapple.
Whooddathunk?
As i suspected, neither is it from Spain. The name comes from French explorers. Upon being told the natives called it ‘tree hair’ the French decided to name it after the Spanish Conquistador’s long beards. The Spanish, however, called the plant ‘French Hair’. So over time it has had a mix of names – ‘tree hair’, ‘French hair’, ‘greybeard’ and ‘Spanish Moss’. However, the name that stuck was ‘Spanish Beard’, later to become ‘Spanish Moss’.
The Role of Water in the Scenery
The lake’s water is central to its beauty. A gentle ripple adds graceful movement to your photos. Or, like when I arrived, a downpour was in full swing creating a less than graceful lake surface. I knew this was the tail end of the storm that was still marching its way across Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama, so my hope was that I should see some calm waters. I’d read that on calm days, you might see a perfect upside-down world as the still waters create perfect reflections.
Water, Water Everywhere…
With the rains falling I drove around the Lake for an hour or so before finally parking up. I quickly made a cup of coffee then took shelter back in the car as i stared out, waiting for the rain to at least ease. Caddo Lake State Park, even in February in the rain, really is quite a sight to behold.
Wildlife and Its Photographic Potential
Many creatures live at Caddo Lake. Birds like herons and egrets are common sights. They often stand still, waiting for fish. Alligators sometimes float quietly, watching from a distance. Luckily for me, I’d been told the alligators will be hiding away, hibernation like, as it was too cold for them to be active. Yay. Standing at the water’s edge knowing there’s alligators in there and active is not an ideal situation when you are alone. Last time I was near alligator infested waters I was with MrsFaceless. Back then I felt safe in the knowledge that I can run faster than her!
Best Times of Day for Light
I had seen from photos online that the golden hour is magical at Caddo Lake. The rains had put paid to that just after sunrise but there was a slim chance that there would be good light just before sunset. I was hopeful that the soft light would cast long shadows and makes the Spanish moss glow. As it was, the rains were easing but there was still full cloud cover. That offered a diffused light that works well.
Coffee And Butternut Dal Bhat
By early afternoon I’d explored a good portion of Caddo Lake State Park. Being out of season made for an eerily quiet sensation, similar to a lot of horror films. I can definitely see why this place is used as a location for that genre. There was no activity at the cafe, nor the boat ramp. There were no people milling around. In fact, so far that day I’d seen 2 Park Rangers and 3 other people I presume were tourists. Nonetheless, I was enjoying myself as I parked up overlooking Big Cypress Bayou and made myself a Butternut Dal Bhat for lunch and another coffee.
Mill Pond
Fully satiated and caffeinated it was time to get out the camera. I’d moved location a short distance to Mill Pond. Having done quite a bit of research I’d come to the guesstimation that this would offer the best shooting location without getting a kayak and venturing off on my own. Clearly, the ‘on my own’ bit is where the issue would be. In a park which is almost empty there would be no one nearby to help should I have an issue. Like running into an axe murderer. Like falling into the water. With Mill Pond having a reasonable jetty, that would give me the opportunity to get out into the water, without having to get out into the water. If you know what I mean.
Time Flies
They say time flies when you’re having fun. Well, time absolutely flew by. Before I knew it sunset time was approaching. Sadly, although the rains had stopped, the conditions were not conducive to a sunset. So i wandered around and figured out where i would need to be for a sunrise. I would be back again in the morning, bright and early. The weather forecast though, was indicating little chance of a sunrise, with overnight showers. However, that meant one thing to me. Early morning fog….
Weather Patterns and Atmospheric Conditions
Fog and mist make for truly unforgettable Caddo Lake photos. These conditions often happen in cooler months or early mornings. They create a dreamy, moody atmosphere. Combined with calm water and magical reflections, that would be very photogenic.
More Showers
I headed back to the rest area. It was shower time. As in, time for me to have a shower. Getting back to the car afterwards I could sense the rain in the air, so I curled up in my sleeping bag, set my alarm and dreamt of fog.
Zoning Out
My early morning alarm was a little earlier than I’d planned for. In reality, I’d gone to bed earlier than I thought too. Having left Pennsylvania 5 days previously I had failed to take into account crossing time zones. Two of them, in fact.
Morning Almost Glory
My arrival at Caddo Lake State Park was in absolute darkness, some 40 minutes before sunrise. There was not a soul around as I jumped out of the car to be met with a crazy cold blast of air. Brrrrrrr. I quickly added a few extra layers to my attire along with a jacket and set off down the jetty.
To my slight disappointment, there was no fog. Nor was there much in the way of cloud, with just one solitary group nowhere near where my composition would be.
Rise And Shine
As the sun came up there was the tiniest bit of colour in the smallest patch of cloud. It was not my intended composition but needs must. After that quick flush of pastel, I reset waiting for a blast of golden light to hit the sides of the cypress trees as they stood in the absolute stillness of Mill Pond. What an apt name for this little inlet off the Bayou. It was literally as still as a mill pond.
Boo
To my complete surprise, and one which actually made me jump, another photographer appeared out of nowhere! We exchanged pleasantries and then began to chat as we waited for the warming morning rays to arrive. He had attempted sunrise nearby but with a bust had moved to the jetty figuring on seeing the same golden side light as i was expecting. The jetty is wooden and fairly stable, but we were both careful to keep vibrations to a minimum as we chatted whilst moving around and capturing tree after tree, cluster after cluster. Both of us remarked how cold Texas was. Little did we know what was coming in the ten days ahead!
Camera Settings for Low Light and Reflections
When shooting Caddo Lake, especially at dawn or dusk, your camera settings matter. A wider aperture, like f/2.8 or f/4, helps to blur backgrounds and makes the subject pop. For sharp reflections, a narrower aperture, like f/8 or f/11 is the way to go. A slower shutter speed, sometimes a few seconds, will smooth out the water, but for now it was like glass. Remember to keep your ISO low, around 100-400, to avoid grainy photos from too much noise.
Lens Selection for Wide Views and Close Details
A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) is great for showing the grand scale of Caddo Lake. A telephoto lens (70-200mm or longer) lets you focus on small details. I was using the Fuji X-S20 with a 16-80mm, effectively 24-120mm aftr the crop factor is applied. It allowed me to capture wider scenes with many trees, but the sky was now perfectly clear and totally boring. So I zoomed in on lone cypress trees or interesting groups. That’s the advantage of a zoom right there.
Tripod Use and Stability in a Watery Environment
I was also using a tripod for my Caddo Lake photography. It kept my camera steady, especially for long exposure shots. It also allowed me to set up my compositions in preparation for the light to arrive, as the sun’s rays were working their way across the trees and starting to hit parts of the pond. I could jump ahead of the light and not be so rushed trying to capture a fleeting moment.
Kayak and Canoe Photography
Using a kayak or canoe gives you access to hidden spots. You can get up close to cypress trees and explore quiet channels. Remember to keep your camera gear safe from water. Dry bags are a must. For stability, try sitting low in your boat. Paddle slowly and quietly so you don’t scare wildlife or create big ripples. The water in general is not too deep in most parts, apparently. When shooting from a kayak or canoe stability is even more key. A taller tripod helps reduce blur from boat movement if you can find a spot to plant it on the bottom. Make sure to clean it thoroughly once you emerge from the water.
Best Locations for Iconic Caddo Lake Vistas
Caddo Lake State Park offers easy access to some beautiful areas. Many bayous and channels around the lake provide stunning views. Look for sections with dense cypress groves and heavy moss. Sometimes, simply finding a quiet spot away from other boats gives the best chances for unique photos. Local guides can also show you great spots.
Compositional Strategies: Leading Lines, Reflections and Framing
Think about how you frame your Caddo Lake shots. Use the curving roots of cypress trees as leading lines to draw the eye into your picture. Reflections on the water double the beauty of the scene. Try framing your main subject with moss-draped branches. This adds depth and a natural border to your images.
Aaaaand It’s Gone
Almost as quickly as the good light arrived it was gone. It had been a frantic time which was in reality around an hour or so. My Canadian accomplice said his goodbyes as he headed back to his camper, ready to embark on the rest of his Texas travels.
What wasn’t gone was the biting cold. Brrrrr again. Seriously, I had no idea Texas could get this cold. I finished my last shots and some video then headed back to the car where the outside temperature gauge indicated a balmy 30 degrees.
Enhancing Mood and Atmosphere
Remember, after you take your photos do spend some time to edit them. This may seem obvious but I know a lot of people who don’t! There’s a couple of good reasons to spend some time. Editing helps bring out Caddo Lake’s magic. Adjust the colours to match the mood you felt. These small changes can really make your photos shine. It also brings back the memories. On the flip side, you get to see all the mistakes you make. That weird branch you missed coming into shot. Or the rain spot on the lens. Maybe movement in the trees or bushes. All of these things help to make the next photo session more enjoyable and better as you learn to check and negate the issues.
Bringing Out Detail in Shadows and Highlights
Caddo Lake often has tricky light. Deep shadows under the trees can hide details. Bright skies at sunrise or sunset can get washed out. In your editing software, you can recover these details. But remember to shoot RAW format to maintain all of that detail information in the file. Getting the right balance balance makes your photos richer and more pleasing to the eye.
Colour Grading for a Mystical Palette
Colour grading helps create a signature look for your Caddo Lake photos. In my case not much was needed as I really liked the muted greys and desaturated look of Caddo Lake State Park in February. I hope you do too!
Seasonal Considerations and Their Impact
Each season brings something new to Caddo Lake photography. Fall turns the cypress leaves fiery red and orange. Spring shows fresh green growth and blooming water lilies. Winter often brings cool mist, adding mystery to the scene. Summer can be humid, but green is lush and full. Think about what season will give you the look you want.
Time’s Up
My time at Caddo Lake State Park was up. I was now heading to the Dallas Fort Worth area for a nice relaxing afternoon before meeting MrsFaceless at the airport in the evening. Or at least that’s what I thought.
The Best Laid Plans
FacelessBrotherInLaw was due to get to our rendezvous before me. That was, until the plane he was flying on had technical issues. FacelessSisterInLaw had been due to pick him up from the airport. However, at the time of his intended arrival he had barely departed on his several hour flight. Well, I am heading that way, i can swing by and pick him up at the airport. How difficult can that be? First, a quick stop to clear the passenger seat, put the bed away and, of course, make a cup of coffee. And what better place to stop than an oil derrick rest area. Only in Texas….probably.
It’s All A Lie
I’ve driven in a lot of different towns, cities and even countries. Each have their own styles. I’d spent 5 days driving so far, mainly on country back roads. But when I had crossed the Texas border I was welcomed by this sign.
Don’t believe it. Looping round the south of Dallas was like all civility and traffic laws were suspended. It was full pedal to the metal speed and random weaving across lanes. As I pulled into the airport and met FacelessBrotherInLaw at the terminal kerbside I did mention the roads were a little crazy. He had lived here for about 10 years in the past and laughed in agreement. “The speed limit is the minimum speed you should be going”, he said, quickly followed by, “although you’ll still get honked at for being too slow!”
We had a 45 minute drive ahead of us. Plenty of time to catch up on what I’d done, where I’d been and all good stuff like that. Plus we got a chance to start talking more in depth about what we were about to do, but more on that at a later date.
Conclusion
Caddo Lake State Park offers a picture-taking journey like no other. By learning about its special plants, planning for the best light, investigating locations and using the right gear, you can take amazing photos. Mastering editing tools also helps capture the spirit of this lovely place. The secret is to be patient, observe your surroundings, and dive into the environment. Your beautiful photos will show the true heart of Caddo Lake. I know I want to come back. I absolutely loved my short stop there.