Shadows on the Bayou

Deep within Allen Parish, where the pine flatwoods transition into the slow-drifting currents of the Calcasieu River, lies a quiet and ancient wilderness. This project is a visual study of the landscapes and wildlife surrounding Oberlin, Louisiana—a region defined by its blackwater creeks, towering bald cypress, and dense hardwood bottoms. As a photographer, my goal is to capture the quiet, often overlooked transitions of this unique ecosystem. In the early morning mist, the shadows of Spanish moss and ancient cypress trees create a prehistoric atmosphere where wildlife thrives undisturbed. Driven by the patience and discipline honed over 33 years in the US Navy, I spent countless hours in these remote woods and waterways, waiting for the precise moments when the low southern light pierces the canopy to reveal the untamed soul of South Louisiana.