The American South is often overlooked by photographers, be it wildlife or landscape photographers. But, to do so is a mistake. Enter the Everglades of Florida, and the Southern Cypress Swamps of Texas.

The Everglades is all about wildlife and the incredible diversity of life that calls this part of south Florida home. The ‘River of Grass’ is made up of 1.5 million acres of subtropical wetlands – featuring lakes, rivers, mangrove forests, sawgrass marshes, and assorted wetlands. The greater Everglades provides protection to 70 endangered or threatened species, including the American alligator, Manatee, Florida Panther, and to over 360 species of birds, like the sought-after Roseate spoonbill, the Glossy ibis, Wood stork, and a variety of egrets and herons.

Meanwhile, tucked away in a lesser-frequented portion Texas and Louisiana lies an incredible connection of bayous, swampland, and wetlands that are easy to overlook, yet provide some of the more striking autumn photography anywhere.

This unique swampland is covered in cypress groves laced with Spanish Moss, and in November, the groves ignite into a fiery red and orange, creating an amazing display for photographers. Mix this with the southern climate to create exquisite conditions giving way to spectacular fog and mist to add to the almost spooky, yet calming story of the swamps.

The south provides, and BCJ knows just where to look and when. Join us on for one of our itineraries in this more underrated, yet incredible, parts of our country.