Chasing the Mist: Mastering Light & Composition in the Cypress Swamps

[@MichaelShainblum]

Hey everyone! I have a new LIVE Post Processing Webinar on January 15th! Covering texture, contrast and how to get the most out of your photography, you can click the link here to learn more and sign up. www.naturephotographyclasses.com/post-processing-masterclass?mc_cid=29ac524c7f

[@NickPage]

Awesome video man

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks man, I am just about to watch yours!

[@treed3476]

Hey Nick, I watched your video first. I woke up to some fog but I wasn't able to get out there so I figured I'd watch some videos incase it's foggy in morning. Both of you guy's are my favorite guys to watch on here.

[@sstarr1310]

Another beautiful video! Thanks. Looking forward to what you’ll bring us in 2025!

[@msingrey14]

I know that I sound like a broken record, but you are soooooo incredibly creative. I always get great value in your vlogs. Incredible work.

[@MichaelShainblum]

I really appreciate that, thanks so much!

[@luisadisanto8905]

Spectacular !!!! ❤

[@ClownRoyal5]

The waves at 16:52 look like sand dunes and it's incredible. Absolutely stunning with all of these but that one stuck out to me.

[@luisin69ful]

This is what photography is about, going out there with your gear, finding the right composition, and setting up your tripod and camera. Beautifull photographs Michael.

[@davidpearce2981]

What a location and so well captured, what happens to all your images , maybe a video on how you choose images for your legacy.

[@peterfritzphoto]

You’re easily one of the greatest landscape photographers of my time, Michael. And to add insult to injury, your filmmaking is outstanding. Those last few minutes were pure art.

[@MichaelShainblum]

That is very generous. I really appreciate the compliment, Peter. Thanks for your support!

[@andrewyeates7717]

That is just a mind blowing location. Mind blowing conditions, mind blowing video and most of all mind blowing images. Your a special photographer man. Your vision, your creativity, your compositions are always insane.

[@janmueller4092]

This video shows how beautiful our planet is. Thanks for showing us these amazing places and inspiring people to go out and explore Michael! Amazing images too👍🏼 Keep up your great work man. Your youtube is my weekly dose of visual meditation 😂

[@jalenobanphotography]

Such epic conditions! I really appreciate the quality of videos and photos you create. Beautiful images! Also, your editing style is so pro. I can tell straight away when I see a Michael Shainblum photo!

[@jamessaxon3859]

A magical place.

[@nldazuu]

Great story telling and stunning images. I fully agree on what you said in the end..... in my own words: "on any occasion there is always a good photo too have, it is just about how hard you wanna try it... " thanks for the vlog.

[@iank1638]

What a beautiful video and set of photos. So many stunning images all whilst filming. Superb

[@spartakick300]

Dude. Down on the Bayou. Great images you captured.

[@MaliDaviesPhotography]

Your year on KZbin and your photography has been a HUGE, Inspiration. Consistently telling the story and showing beautiful and mood where ever you have pointed your camera. A big thanks from me for all your create Michael. Have a great new year onwards to a happy healthy creative 2025!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks so much, Mali, that means a lot to hear; you are killing it out there as well, man!

[@lukasz0101]

First thought, a guy alone in a kayak, high praise, and here in a moment a whole film crew :P

[@MichaelShainblum]

Hi there’s no film crew, I do everything myself. Those are just friends also there to take photos.

[@lukasz0101]

@@MichaelShainblum Super , I envy such friends, common passion unites.

[@mawavoy]

Gorgeous and stunning! Thanks for sharing!

[@JohnPaul-ii]

A vast improvement 😮 from your last visit Michael, you scored the best condition’s. Looking forward to seeing more of your work in 2025. Thanks for sharing again Michael.

[@lynnecliffe3056]

Thanks for sharing the delicacy of that peaceful looking meander. Well done Michael!

[@MichaelShainblum]

thanks so much!

[@edwinshank7865]

Michael, this was simply stunning in all facets of photography. Your videos and your images are breathtaking. Well done, sir!

[@MichaelShainblum]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the journey. Thanks for the kind words!

[@CBortlearts]

Very nice video presentation. I would like to see something like this with an all-manual film camera. That would be epic and the results would have been quite stunning on film. I wager you could get the same results you got if you did this with an iPhone. I have proven this to myself numerous times. Having a great eye for a great photo is the most important thing. Well done with that. When I decided to do the same with film...game changer. Digital photography is easy, going to remote places to photograph epic scenes is so satisfying. Doing it on film....even better.

[@arkansastraveler7698]

I spent many hours fishing Caddo back in the 80's when I was stationed near there. I have a sunrise picture hanging on the wall that I took.

[@gashead2]

Amazing as always Michael

[@davidburchettephotography6513]

Just gorgeous.

[@jimeddy5110]

I live about 45 minutes from there. Your other video from there inspired me to go there again. I was not disappointed. Thanks for the encouragement.

[@Raykenn1]

Enjoyed your video thanks for posting 👍

[@chrismassa5891]

One of my favorite places. Truly magical

[@ecobooster8298]

May I ask where is this place? Thank you so much!

[@tomv99]

Great Stuff Michael!!

[@OwenEDell]

Super. I learn a lot from you. Thanks so much.

[@juanitakelly3082]

This proves what 'they' say about revisiting locations! Favorite? Really, Michael? You know it's impossible to choose a favorite when they just kept getting exponentially better as you go along!!

[@AliasJimWirth]

Excellent video, Michael. Thank you for posting this and sharing your adventure and thoughts on your process. Never a disappointment. Looking forward to what you offer in 2025. Having said that, I will take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year, and the continued creation of quality content. Cheers.

[@spid7223]

Stunning shots Michael, so beautiful in the mist.

[@TahoeDogProductions]

The light! The light! Absolutely mesmerizing. I stopped landscape photography in 2018. If I go back this will be a time place on my bucket list. Beautiful video.

[@swmight]

Absolutely beautiful shots Michael. Amazing light, beautiful colors, such a special location. So many fabulous shots I don't know how I could pick a favorite. The whole video is a favorite. You said it...."a trip to remember"

[@MarkRomine]

Excellent film and excellent images! I went this past November for the first time but wasn’t able to get a guide and boat until the third week of November. By then most of the color was gone but still got some amazing images. Hope to go back again in 2025 but will plan to be there about 7-10 days earlier this next time.

[@WildExposures]

Very nice.....makes me want to pack up and head to the swamp😅

[@pamreynolds2518]

I could never choose a favorite. I am in awe of how beautiful these images are. Wow!

[@nealschneider6554]

Another great video, Michael. Your shots from the first day in the kayak are magical and mystical. Your egret photo is not bad for a landscape photographer 😉.

[@carlarivas1238]

Stunning work - thanks so much for all your hard work.

[@wowtimelapse1337]

Brooo those aerials! 5:18 is one of my favs as well

[@MichaelShainblum]

Hey I am really glad you enjoyed those, thanks so much!

[@MichaelShainblum]

It was amazing to capture all of these different types of conditions. I would be curious to know which image ended up being your favorite. Please let me know below!

[@edwinshank7865]

So many great shots to choose from. Looking again more critically I loved the framed cypress at -14:00 and your favorite cypress knees shot at -9:40, but my favorite goes to the shot from the fishing platform at -4:35, as I loved the mixture of green and colored leaves on the tree and the entire composition.

[@krosewx34]

You are incredibly talented, so you know it's literally impossible to pick just one favorite. My first favorite image is 5:23. Perfect framed composition with depth and color contrast reflecting on the water. Big fan of reflections! The other favorites were at the end when you got your wish with the low fog and sunlight breaking through. I loved that part of the video, especially 16:39. Do you have a single shot of that moment? Aerial shots were breathtaking, loved the sun on the water at 7:06. Thanks for sharing your vision and Happy New Year! ❤🎉😊

[@StefanieGooPhoto]

That trip looks so fun! I bet it was an amazing experience and it's hard to pick a favorite photo. I really love those high key images you did! The other's that stood out to me were at 5:36, 12:07 and 14:49. Beautiful images and great video Michael!

[@Xo1ot1]

5:12 the right tree looks incredible, such a cool shape. 9:29 awesome contrast to the many brighter images that came beforehand. 14:49 is perfect. Too many great images to pick a favorite.

[@thomastuorto9929]

Great vid. You’re definitely better at wildlife video than the photos. Sony gear is maybe the best at it. Think high shutter speeds & high iso using Topaz DN for some cleanup. Oh, & don’t forget Sony’s AF options for birds since you’ll most likely go back again. Great photos.

[@sharonsuskin6859]

I can't pick just one. You are a master!

[@BriBarnhamPhotography]

Great video, what a place😉👍

[@dvohwinkel]

Love your videos. Amazing work/art.

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks so much!

[@Stapelstefan]

Super cool! Thank you 😊

[@ox1194]

Absolutely stunning! You make us so happy watching your outstanding job. Very hard to pick the shot. So mysterious in the mist... Looking forward to the next one.

[@oliverhey6402]

very atmospheric photos Michael- This trip is on my long bucket list

[@BillStaples-i8d]

Wow, just wow! Those high dynamic range images with the sun and mist are incredible!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks Bill, see you soon! :)

[@pifilos]

@16:50 what a shot

[@paulvalerio3887]

Sweet Video Michael!! Just speaking from the hip… Andrew is a far better alignment for your channel and creativity. I really appreciate the sincere focus on photography and videography. 100% more watchable! 🙏🙏🙏

[@michaelbottari6398]

Wow, this images are stunning beautiful 👍👍👍

[@johnm3413]

Astounding place and those images. Wow!

[@Backpackerkartik]

Absolutely loved this video Michael! The highkey photos were are my favourite from this video. Thanks for sharing!

[@nopenope7350]

Exceptional as always. You simply tickle my pickle.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

Great work. I visited Caddo Lake once when driving through, and I was surprised at how challenging it can be to photograph there. Next time I'll definitely take a boat out!

[@WanderingMonkHikes]

I always enjoy your videos. There are always amazing photos in every one. However, this video stands out. Every photo and all the video was epic.

[@MichaelShainblum]

I am so glad you enjoyed it, thanks so much for the support! :)

[@MrFrankie1311]

Just great! 😁👍👍👍

[@michaelfoster4514]

that was a stunning vlog. With some stunning images to go along with it.

[@ozcan999can2]

thank you for amazing photos and explanary video best regards

[@wednesdaythroughthelens830]

Beautiful work once again.

[@tkNAT]

This is such a cool area... I really liked it in the video before. It's always impressive to see how much an area changes through light and shadow or other natural influences like the fog. Glad to see that you could take some beautiful images. 👌

Very good video. Thanks. That makes me want to be there and try photo from kayak!

[@andreace15]

Foto spettacolari! Complimenti!

[@irisgreenwell7237]

What a beautiful video! I love Caddo Lake and I am glad you went back for more ideas how to photograph it.

[@baileyobar5885]

You absolutely killed these! Great job!!

[@caroljohnson4321]

Stunning images and great video….looked the flower images.

[@c.alcazar2584]

Wow, what a beautiful place as well beautiful photos

[@kartikeydwivedi4774]

Awesome video

[@laurentblond6760]

Amazing video Michael !!!👍👍👍📷

[@EzyYoutube]

Wow love these images!! such a beautifull place!

[@richardpesce5325]

Awesome to the max!!!

[@michaelbierbaum-z5x]

Beautiul images Michael thank you for sharing.

[@michaeltrue]

What a fun experience getting to revisit such a beautiful place. Love the mixed media of stills, video and aerial. Happy New Year Michael!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks Michael, Happy New Year and see you later this month! :)

[@ss9889]

Stunning captures, wonderful video, as always!

[@norbertotome7894]

Whawt a shoot!!! Congratulations!

[@AndrewStuderVisuals]

So beautiful!!

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks my man, always awesome to shoot with you!

[@westvirginianlivin9871]

Man that was awesome. The conditions, the people, and overall experience came together nicely for you. You can definitely see it put you in your creative zone. Love it. Bet Gavin is gonna be a little envious when he sees this. 😁

[@migueleng7634]

This is stunning!

[@josecarlosmora9318]

Increible

[@kulbirbhalla7045]

Ethereal photography, wow!

[@malcolmross203]

superb as usual

[@thecoleandjohnshow7236]

Fantastic Michael!

[@basecampcarolina4352]

Awesome video and great pictures. I enjoyed the Clyde Butcher vibes.

[@MichaelShainblum]

Clyde is such a legend!

[@MiscellanyTop]

Absolutely Fab! Thank you. Happy New Year. (PS I discovered you via that original swamp vid with Gavin Hardcastle).

[@chrisjmiller6]

Wonderful video!

[@weegreenblobbie]

Beautiful as always

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks so much, Nick, and also, thanks for being a part of the journey!

[@34Media]

awesome colours mate great job

[@MichaelShainblum]

Hey thanks so much!

[@brianmckeever5280]

Outstanding images sir! More relaxing without Captain Fototripper? Looking forward to your next adventures! Happy new year!

[@darrenleigh201]

Wonderful imagery! Now that you've experienced east Texas you should go west and have a look at White Sands NP (I would love to see your take on it). Thanks for sharing👍🏻

[@MichaelShainblum]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoyed the video, I have wanted to visit there for a long time, hopefully sometime this year!

[@Limakorka]

Your work is so inspiring. I’m learning so much with every vlog you make: patience, attention to light and adequate settings, and more patience. Your sensitivity and mastery are unparalleled. Thank you. Greetings from Kraków. And looking forward to more.

[@markhaslego7147]

As always Michael your videos are inspiring and educational! You're series of videos last year with Gavin encouraged me to make my first trip to Caddo Lake this past November. Got some shots that were absolutely beautiful! I was there at the end of November and a lot of the color was past. Would you mind sharing what time of year you were there this year? It looks like you had a lot more color than I did. Oh and by the way I found a $40 IOU near the campsite is that yours? 😆

[@MichaelShainblum]

It's tough to get the color right as it seems to shift year by year. But generally, early to mid-November is best for the lake color-wise. :)

[@robryan4272]

Excellent. I am locked into a workshop next November in Sedona already, but will this be a workshop you offer in the future.

[@MichaelShainblum]

I will keep you posted on it! There might be something in the works :)

[@bobfrechette1812]

Another great video, Michael. What time of year were you there?

[@MichaelShainblum]

thanks, this was in November.

[@WesleyEast-RRfan]

incredible photographs. where is this place?

[@simonlatulippe2355]

Awesome video Michael! When did you shoot Caddo? Mid November or later?

[@MichaelShainblum]

Early to Mid-November, thanks!

[@martinwozenilek485]

As always absolutely stunning pictures! 🤩 Will there be prints available to buy?

[@MichaelShainblum]

Hey there Martin! I do not have prints listed at the moment but I am happy to print any of these for you just let me know via my email :) [e-mail] thanks so much!

[@juanbon5996]

Fantastic video!!! Do you have the coordinates for this location?

[@Professor_Internet_PhD]

Man, I would be super nervous taking all my gear onto a kayak, what to speak of placing the tripod up to the neck in murky water :D

[@sergiog3792]

are these available as prints?

[@MichaelShainblum]

Hey there, I do not have them listed at the moment. But I am happy to create a print of any of the images here. Just shoot me an email of which ones you are interested in :) [e-mail]