Swamp cypress (also called the bald cypress) is native to the southeastern United States. Hardy and tough, this tree adapts to a wide range of soil types, whether wet, salty, dry, or swampy. It is noted for the russet-red fall color of its lacy needles. The main trunk is often surrounded by cypress knees. The bark is grayish brown to reddish brown, thin, and fibrous with a stringy texture; it has a vertically, interwoven pattern of shallow ridges and narrow furrows. We are going to explore ancient bald cypress forests, with some trees more than 1,000 years old.

During the fall, the tree leaves turn to beautiful pastel colors, from soft yellow to deep red. We are going to photograph these trees from land, boat, and from kayak, and be at the right place at the right time!

Being among these ancient trees is a very soothing experience. The idea is to teach various techniques to photograph the environment from documentary to painterly, so that you bring home more than just images but rather the mood, the feeling of being there. We will not only enhance your photography skills but also boost your creative process. We cover composition, camera settings, understanding the light, and creative idea to post process.

We will photograph at various locations in a 500 miles radius. Participants are responsible for their own transportation (rental car) or/and will have an option to carpool. We will provide recommendations for accommodation and several options for meals. All entry fees, boat and kayak rentals are included in the price of the workshop.

After registration, you will receive a coursebook, which details how to prepare for the workshop. It will include where to fly (various airport options), booking your accommodation, what to bring, and more.

Itinerary outline (5 days):
November 14: 12pm (noon) start of the workshop. First photoshoot
November 15 - 17: Photoshoots from land, boat, and kayak. Instruction on creating documentary to painterly images
November 18: Morning photoshoot. Conclusion of the workshop in mid morning

Included: All entry fees, boat and kayak rental.

The bald cypress at this time of the year are stunning and mesmerizing. I am looking forward to hosting you in Louisiana next November.

Agenda Logistics Difficulties Is it for me? Instructors Extensions

Workshop

Louisiana: Cypress Swamps
November 14 - 18, 2022

Itinerary

Note: Itinerary and activities might change based on weather conditions and activities we find on the spur of the moment. Our local experts and the contacts made over the years are incredible source of information to find “the right place at the right time!”.

5 days on the ground to photograph the Cypress Swamps

Day 1: (November 14)
- 12pm (noon) start of the workshop. First photoshoot

Day 2-4:
- Photoshoots from land, boat, and kayak.
- Instruction on creating documentary to painterly images

Day 5: (November 18)
- Morning photoshoot. Conclusion of the workshop in mid-morning

Upon signing up for the workshop, you’ll receive a detailed coursebook and recommended reading material.

Logistics
- After registration, you will receive a coursebook, which details how to prepare for the workshop. It will include where to fly (various airport options), booking your accommodation, what to bring, and more.
- Included: All entry fees, boat and kayak rental.
- Participants are responsible for their own transportation and accommodation
- Option available for carpooling

Recommended equipment
Clothing: (temperature ranges from low 40F to mid 80F)
- Warm Clothes (layers, dawn jacket, Gore-Tex shell)
- Water proof boots for kayaking
- Hiking shoes (short hikes)

Camera Equipment:
- DSLR (bring your camera manual), extra battery (and charger)
- Recommended Lenses: 24mm – 400mm
- Cable release
- Tripod

Other Equipment:
- ND Filters (optional)
- Dry bags (protect equipment during kayaking and boating)
- Camera raingear

Photography Review Equipment (Recommended):
- Laptop (with power cord), memory card downloader
- Post processing software (Lightroom, Photoshop, plug-ins)
- External hard drives (backup)

Workshop Structure
- The itinerary is built with flexibility so we can leverage the atmospheric conditions
- Early morning rise to catch the sunrise. Late afternoon for sunset
- During the day, we will explore the cypress swamps by land, boat, and kayak
- We will have post processing discussions to brainstorm on creative ways to render images
- We will coordinate meal time to experience the Louisiana cuisine
- At the end of the workshop, you will have a good feel on how to photograph the cypress swamps in creative ways.

Participants' Responsibility
- Book transportation to the start of the workshop (Louisiana)
- Rent a car (ground transportation). Option to carpool
- Book accommodation

Not included:
- Transportation, accommodation, meals
- Travel Insurance

Trip Cancellation & Travel Insurance Suggestions:
Here are a few recommendations but please browse around as services and prices vary.
• Travelex Travel Select http://www.travelexinsurance.com (800) 228-9792
• Travel Guard http://www.travelguard.com/ or Travel Insurance Services http://www.travelinsure.com.
• Travel Insurance Services (Walnut Creek, CA) http://www.travelinsure.com/cobrand/select/photoex (800) 937-1387
• Atlas International Insurance (HCC Medical Insurance Services) http://www.visitorsmedical.com/atlasinternational.html
• TEN (Travelers Emergency Network) Emergency Evacuation Coverage https://www.sevencorners.com/insurance/HW7C6YH
• Medjet Assist 1-800-527-7478 https://medjetassist.com

Difficulties (Easy to Medium)

- Short walk (less than 1 mile) on uneven surface for photography from land
- Kayaking will be from stable kayak on calm water
- Temperature: Low (mid 40F) – High (mid 80F)
- Early rise (sunrise at 6:30 AM) and late afternoon (sunset at 5PM)

Is it for me?

YES, if …
- You want to explore the Cypress Swamps and photograph at the right place at the right time!
- You need a gateway, find inspiration for your photography, and come back home with images that wow you
- You want to expand your photography comfort zone
- All levels welcome. You need to be familiar with operating your camera as the instruction focuses on creativity

Rules for attending IncredibleTravelPhotos LLC workshops during the Covid 19 pandemic and Legal Disclaimer

As we live in a pandemic world, we want everybody to have a safe, productive and creative experience during the workshop. We are following the recommended guidelines set by the CDC and Santa Clara County Health Department. By signing this document, you understand and will adhere to the rules to protect yourself and others.

1. You need to bring your own mask. Bandannas are not a mask.
2. Wearing a mask is required upon arrival at the workshop. Mask will cover mouth and nose at all time.
3. You will have your temperature checked upon arrival and prior to every session.
4. You will track your temperature, starting 10 days before the workshop, and share your chart the day before the start of the workshop. Chart will be printed and workshop temperature check will be added to your chart. If temperate analysis shows an unusual trend, the person will be asked to leave the workshop. No refund will be provided.
5. You will sanitize your hands upon arrival. Hand sanitizer will be provided.
6. Social distancing will strictly be enforced during the workshop (6 feet apart).
7. If we have meals together (In the off-the-beaten path workshops, people cooking their own food), we will social distance in an outdoor setting.
8. Not adhering to the above rules is a reason for immediate dismissal from the workshop. No refund will be provided.
9. We want everybody to feel comfortable. Thank you for the understanding!

I have read and will adhere to the rules. _______ (initial)

LEGAL Disclaimer:

I acknowledge the contagious nature of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 and that the CDC and many other public health authorities still recommend practicing social distancing.
I further acknowledge that IncredibleTravelPhotos LLC has put in place preventative measures to reduce the spread of the Coronavirus/COVID-19.
I further acknowledge that IncredibleTravelPhotos LLC can not guarantee that I will not become infected with the Coronavirus/Covid-19. I understand that the risk of becoming exposed to and/or infected by the Coronavirus/COVID-19 may result from the actions, omissions, or negligence of myself and others.
I attest that:
* I am not experiencing any symptom of illness such as cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, or new loss of taste or smell.
* I have not traveled internationally within the last 14 days.
* I have not traveled to a highly impacted area within the United States of America in the last 14 days.
* I do not believe I have been exposed to someone with a suspected and/or confirmed case of the Coronavirus/COVID-19.
* I have not been diagnosed with Coronavirus/Covid-19 and not yet cleared as non-contagious by state or local public health authorities.
* I am following all CDC recommended guidelines as much as possible and limiting my exposure to the Coronavirus/COVID-19.

I hereby release and agree to hold IncredibleTravelPhotos LLC harmless from, and waive on behalf of myself, my heirs, and any personal representatives any and all causes of action, claims, demands, damages, costs, expenses and compensation for damage or loss to myself and/or property that may be caused by any act, or that may otherwise arise in any way in connection with any services received from IncredibleTravelPhotos LLC.
I understand that this release discharges IncredibleTravelPhotos LLC from any liability or claim that I, my heirs, or any personal representatives may have against IncredibleTravelPhotos LLC with respect to any bodily injury, illness, death, medical treatment, or property damage that may arise from, or in connection to, any services received from IncredibleTravelPhotos LLC.

Name:_______________________________
Date: _______________________

Signature: ____________________________

Instructors

Oliver Klink is a fine art photographer based in Los Gatos, CA. His book Cultures in Transition won nine awards for best photography book of 2019. He was selected as B&W photographer of the year (2018) by Dodho magazine, the Best” Emerging artist in 2016 by BWGallerist. Cultures in Transition body of work was selected as Top 50 Critical Mass Award (2016 & 2018). His image, “Herding Instinct” won the grand prize at the Rayko International Photocontest in 2014, others have received “mentioned” in the Black and White Spidar Awards and Color Awards in the past 5 years. “Processing images with a personal style is a passion. You can relive what you saw at the point of capture with your artistic mind”, says Oliver.
Oliver’s images have been exhibited om four continents. He is a master print maker using various technology.

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call Oliver Klink (408-910-6701) or email oliver@incredibletravelphotos.com