Return to the “Creole Nature Trail”
January 19 & 20, 2019
Cameron Parish, Louisiana
In March, 2017, a large group of eager photographers from LPS ventured to Cameron Parish with visions of capturing the beauty of the Louisiana outback and the abundance of wildlife. Except our group was tardy, the prime photo topic, the birds had departed for their summer home.
This year our return trip promises to be more challenging and rewarding as we can expect to see the vast number of birds and water fowl that the area is noted for. The natural habitat and the variety of birds and water fowl allow the photographer endless opportunities for beautiful images.
Of course this portion of coastal Louisiana offers the beauty of the marshlands, prairies and the undeveloped beaches that will be of interest to many. I remember the boudin balls, the very best ever, I almost want to go back just for the treat !
We will meet at the Drusilla McDonalds for 6:30AM. This will allow us to review last minute happenings as well as the option for carpooling.
Photo toys, might include wide angle lens for landscapes and telephoto lens to get close to the birds. Ideally telephoto lens of 400mm – 600mm are recommended. Bean bags are a good idea, as you will be shooting from the drivers side of your vehicle. Resting your lens on the bean bag will insure accurate images. Tripods would work well from the bed of a pick up and always good for landscapes. If you do not own a long telephoto lens do not let this discourage you, there is plenty to capture your interest.
January weather can be very challenging, especially along the coast. Be prepared.
The trip is scheduled for two days, that of course is optional. For those who plan on staying over night. The Hampton Inn, 210 Henning, Dr. Sulphur, Louisiana 70663 seemed to work out well last year. Call 337-527-0000 for reservations.
Register Here or Do you need to Cancel?
Ramblin Oldies of Denham Springs
41st Annual Street Rod Show
February 23, 2018
Truly a car show any hot rod fan would want to tour. All the “RODS” are pre 1949. They are just what you would expect of a hot rod. The show actually takes place from Feb 22 – 24, with the award program taking place on the 24th.
We will meet up at 9:00 am at the Hampton Inn, 11271 Reiger Road, Baton Rouge, La.
I have found that attempting to capture full length images of these exceptional vehicles is extremely difficult as they are parked close together and of course you have crowds to contend with.
So, what I do is concentrate on the details. The builders of these classics, take great pains to get the details right. A nice photo of the hood ornament is greatly appreciated.
For the details, I prefer to use a focal length between 70 mm – 135mm. I do my best to keep distracting objects out of the images, so most of my images are close ups. Wide angle lens can be put to great advantage as well.
This may be one of the few field trips where you can get by without a tripod… Go figure !
Stay tuned for updates and remember if you don’t go, you won’t know…
Tom Bush & Bernard Gillette
Register Here or Do you need to Cancel?
Global Wildlife Center
and Tickfaw State Park
February 24, 2019
Get ready for a “Wild Interactive Adventure ! The “Global Wildlife Center” is the largest totally free-roaming wildlife preserve of it’s kind in the country, nearby in Folsom, Louisiana. It is the home to over 4,000 exotic, endangered animals from all over the world.
Some may have visited this site as part of a school or church group where the animals followed the Safari train and were fed. Honestly, this scene does not encourage an opportunity for the exciting wildlife photos we seek.
This tour will be a private affair, as we roam the 900 acre wildlife preserve in a Private Pinzgauer. This vehicle allows us a more intimate tour, as it is capable of going places the safari wagons cannot.
The plan is to assemble at the Wal Mart parking lot on O’Neal Lane and head out to the wildlife center. Once the tour is completed we will venture to Tickfaw State Park, stopping for lunch on the way. (Location TBD)
Tickfaw State Park, 27225 Patterson Road, Springfield, La. (Coordinates 30.382248, -90.631123) This state park features the appeal of a cypress/tupelo swamp setting, including bottom land hardwood forest, and a mixture of pine/hardwood forest along the Tickfaw River.
Occasional flooding offers a unique opportunity to view the cycle of life that makes the wetlands an invaluable habitat and breeding grounds for wildlife and fisheries. Most can be viewed from the boardwalk.
As you might expect, the “Global Wildlife Tour” requires a fee and we are working on that now as well as firm dates and times.
Remember, if you don’t go you won’t know !
Tom Bush & Bernard Gillette
The following dates and field trips are in the works for 2019. Some of the details are still being worked out but we want to give everyone a chance to plan ahead
March 14. (Thursday) Cajun Man Eagle Tours.
Many folks took this trip last year. The vessel can accommodate 20 photographers.
Our plan is to board the boat at 2:00 pm and return at sunset. The cost for the tour is $400.00. We seek a minimum of 10-12 participants and the cost will be divided by the number of participants.
March 23. A return trip to the Southern Heritage Museum in LeCompte, Louisiana.
April 6. 14th Annual Kite Fest in Port Allen. Featuring all types and sizes of kites. Truly a unique photo topic.
April 27-28. A very ambitious field trip in the Pensacola area. Featuring the seaside landscapes, Osprey nests (perhaps 30 accessible nests) the architecture of
Fort Pickens, people photography along the sea shore, Pensacola Naval Air Musuem and lighthouse, sunset opportunities along the Gulf Breeze National seashore. On the return trip a morning stop to visit the Bellingrath Gardens and homes near Mobile.
May 18. A visit to White Castle and Donaldsonville, Louisiana in quest for the popular scavenger hunt with a new twist.
June 22. Plantation home tour, Including San Francisco Plantation, Oak Alley Plantation, Houmas House and Laura Plantation.
July 13. The “Running of the Bulls” New Orleans, Louisiana. Early morning start 6:30 am.
Questions or concerns? email fieldtrips@laphotosociety.com