OUTDOORS & PARKS BEN PIERCE OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHER As someone who grew up in Louisiana, outdoor photographer Ben Pierce makes it clear that “Louisiana is – and always will be – my home state. I moved here right before I started kindergarten and went through all my schooling here.” That led him to a degree in landscape architecture from Louisiana State University, where he learned to connect people to the “built world” through the natural environment. After a brief stint in the mountains of North Carolina post-graduation, he was pulled back to Louisiana, where he uses his love of photography to shine a spotlight on the state’s outdoor beauty and valuable natural resources. Although not a photographer by profession (he leads a Lafayette-based nonprofit called Louisiana Swamp Base that fosters appreciation of the state’s swamps through immersive and educational experiences) his skills behind the lens certainly help support his work. “You could say that I use my photography for both eco-tourism promotion and to achieve my own personal mission of changing opinions and breaking the many myths about swamps.” He considers himself one of the lucky few people who was able to find a career where the places he loves most dearly are also the ones he gets to call his “office.” “Any day on the water is a good day, so I cherish every chance I get to explore our swamps and wetlands,” Pierce says. “When I’m not on the water, which is rare, I enjoy going for a drive, taking the back roads and visiting the small communities of our state. There’s a special charm about these out-of-the-way locations.” BEN PIERCE Ben Pierce Look for Nina, Kalon and Ben’s favorite places to play in the “ My Louisiana Outdoors” best bets they share throughout this year’s guide! Follow Ben’s adventures! ExploreLouisiana.com 15
Louisiana Travel Guide 2026: Page 15
