I've been a huge fan of Clyde Butcher since I learned about him shortly after moving to Florida. He's been called the Ansel Adams of Florida, which I'm sure is a great honor, but I think he's an artist further of his own casting. It seems to me that the Everglades are a very tough and unforgiving environment to photograph with the ever changing weather patterns and the brutal heat and humidity in the warm season. Moreover, the views are not like pointing a camera at a majestic mountain; the imagery involves multiple depths of frame and objects to consider and the brightness of the Florida sun and sky produce reflections off the water which are hard to contrast with the scenery. Big Cypress Gallery is right off Highway 41, the famed "Tamiami Trail", in Collier County, on Florida's western half. On our trip in early January, we witnessed much wildlife, including many alligators. The gallery is beautifully done; the impressive large-framed prints of Clyde's many photographic works draw you in. I didn't realize how many accolades (including from US Presidents) and awards he has received over his long career and there are documentaries that follow his work and contributions which I hope to watch. It is not an understatement to say that Clyde Butcher and his photographs revealing the pristine and quiet beauty of the Everglades have been a major force behind preserving this unique ecosystem. I visited not only to see the art gallery but to take the tour of the swamp behind the gallery on the 13 acre property. From the moment Scott (my tour guide) and I stepped down into the pleasantly cool water (it was on average about knee-deep that day) I was fascinated and captivated by all I witnessed first hand as we made our way through the terrain. The pictures I took don't do it justice, in fact. I highly recommend the tour and I think it would be especially memorable for kids! read more

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Last year we drove right by this place without stopping. I am not sure that I knew this was Clyde Butcher's gallery. Having done a lot of photography in the past I was familiar with his work. Wow these are fantastic works of art to see up close and in person. The fact that he would wade into swamps with that huge camera, gators and snakes is crazy but the end product is worth it. What an artist. I cannot afford these prints but it was great seeing them in. read more

I'm so glad I decided to explore out westbound on Tamiami Trail to díscover this oasis amidst it all showcasing some of South Florida's most pivotal landscapes that truly highlight our rustic aura prior to the abrupt civilization that took over. Shining a focus on the importance of preservation, Clyde Butcher has collected the embodiment of what the foundation of South Florida really originated from. The tours are scheduled by the hour and online reservations are easy to make based on availability. The drive from Miami isn't that far from here and we'll worth it for a day trip unlike others offered nearby. The Everglades is an unimaginable force of nature that proves nature can collectively exist within the right ecosystem and the proper resources. This gallery showcases the gloriousness of rustic Florida behind the scenes and deep into the mangroves where cameras never reach to present our paradise through a different lenses in hopes of gaining newfound admiration for our truly unique geographical zone. I'm a lover of all culture supporting my hometown and while the Everglades might be the cusp of such; it's worth bowing down to. Come see what Clyde Butcher has captured that'll make a native Floridian tear up with emotion over. It's truly captivating. read more

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Clyde Butcher is the Ansel Adams of the Everglades. He actually studied the photography of Adams when he visited Yosemite National park in the 1960's. He started out in architecture but switched to landscape photography. Butcher's love of boating and the TV show Flipper inspired him to move to Florida with his family where he made a living by selling his photos at street festivals. His life and art changed when in 1986 a drunk driver killed Clyde Butcher's son Ted who was only 17. He sought solace for his grief and found healing in the Everglades. He destroyed all of his color photography and from then on switched to black and white landscape photography using large format cameras. In 1993 Clyde purchased 14 acres of Big Cypress National Preserve where he built his first gallery and home. He now has two other galleries, one in Venice and one in Sarasota. Through his many year of photography Clyde has used his art to bring attention to the conservation of the Everglades as well as other natural wonders around the world. If you come all the way out to Big Cypress Preserve then you will want to plan a stop at this gallery. Even if you can't afford the photos that can cost thousands of dollar the inspiration you will get is free, There is also a small gift shop with T Shirts and other souvenir type items. Outside is the cypress swamp and a small trail where you can pretend that you have a modicum of the photography skill Clyde has. If you are a serious photographer you can book a private photography tour that will take you to some of Clydes favorite places to photograph. Sometimes Clyde will hold an event and sign photos in his gallery. I hope I get a chance to attend one of his meet and greets one day. He is one of the photographers I look up to the most. I never get tired of seeing the Everglades through his lens. read more

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We bought tickets to the Swamp Celebration, which was supposed to be attended by Clyde Butcher. Less than a week before the event, they sent an email notice that he would no longer be at the event. And while they said we could request a refund thru Eventbrite, there was no way to do so, as it was less than seven days before the event. I tried leaving a message on Eventbrite and I also responded to the email sent out by Bailey Johnson, Director of Communications & Development, who originally said we could request a refund. No one ever responded to me. And now the event has passed, and I never got a refund. read more

What a pleasant surprise. We have drove right past here a few times. Glad we decided to stop. Nice gallery showcasing photos taken by artists who have captured the essence of the Everglades and more. Beautiful photos for reasonable prices. Staff was very friendly and knowledgeable. Nice baby gators right out front! read more

Big Cypress Gallery - The sign you see from Tamiami Trail. - Art Galleries Near Me - Ochopee, Florida

If you have an appreciation of photographic art, particularly in black and white or artistic works dedicated to nature and the Everglades, a stop by Big Cypress Gallery is a must. It's a new, well thought out, well laid out, top notch facility containing various works of photographic art by Clyde Butcher who happens to be to the Everglades what Ansel Adams is to Yosemite along with various other forms and items. Also be sure to take a short walk on the trail out around the back. The store's staff is most helpful and will quickly lead you to it. If you haven't seen any of Clyde Butcher's works, prepare yourself for an artistic treat. read more

We'd driven by the Gallery and just about every type of print you'd like to see with South Florida and Everglades animals are here. Behind the gallery is a short path which wraps around cypress trees and makes you feel like you are part of the park. Spend as little or as much as you like. The gallery has a picture for every budget. We enjoyed our short trip to admire the variety of photographs. In the from of the store is a pond with very pure water and alive with fish. Well worth the stop. read more

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There are not a lot of manmade places worth stopping as you go zipping through through the 'glades on the Tamiami Trail, but this one is totally worth it. Clyde Butcher's photography is absolutely gorgeous, and even if you don't buy it, you can spend a happy 10-20 minutes looking at it. (Don't abuse the privilege, but there's a bathroom, too.) read more

Another very cool stop while in the Big Cypress National Preserve on Route 41. Clyde Butcher is kind of like the Ansel Adams of our generation taking beautiful photographs of our National Parks as well as the Southern Florida Wilderness. This Gallery has beautiful artwork on display from Clyde and also offers a very nice and free walking path behind the gallery. Overall this is a cool place to stop in this area of Southern Florida. read more

Big Cypress Gallery - Gallery. - Art Galleries Near Me - Ochopee, Florida

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Get on SW 8th St in Miami and drive west for about an hour or so. You'll see the gallery on the south side of the road just before you reach the far end of Big Cypress Reserve. Clyde Butcher is a photographer who has been compared to Ansel Adams. Not only are his pictures as perfect as photographs get, but his large format techniques are unique and his lab work, revolutionary. Clyde LOVES Florida. I would argue that Ansel Adams had an easy time showing people the beauty of a dramatic fractured landscape like the one in Yellowstone; Clyde, on the other hand finds drama in the river of grass, or a mackerel sky, in swamps or an 8' high dune with a tuft of grass. His large format photographs will bring you to tears. If you want to own one of them, be ready to spend in the tens of thousands of dollars. He does have smaller formats of the same pictures for a few thousand dollars and even smaller reproductions for hundreds of dollars. To tell you the truth, I have been there a few times and am yet to spend a cent. It's not due to lack of will. It's just a lack of funds. You'll also see exhibits of other photographers' work including his super lovely wife's, Niki who is the sweetest hostess in the gallery. By the way, the staff is super friendly and love to talk about Clyde's adventures and techniques. Sign up for Clyde's annual muck-about during Labor Day weekend. Going to Clyde Butcher's gallery makes me love Florida. read more

If you like wildlife photography, this is the place to go. Driving up from Homestead to Naples thru the everglades. You will love the experience. Make sure you stop at Big Cypress for awesome stuff. They usually close about 5pm. Don't expect cell phone service here except AT&T. No Wi-Fi, only GPS. read more

Big Cypress Gallery - Gallery Entrance on Tamiami Trl - Art Galleries Near Me - Ochopee, Florida

If you can only make one stop on your drive through Big Cypress, stop here. Fantastic art, friendly people, and always a gator or two to spot in the front pond! read more

If you love nature, you'd love this place. Clyde Butcher does an amazing job capturing the majesty of nature, and the staff was very welcoming. It was a pleasure getting to meet Clyde today as he was at the gallery. read more