Scotland is one of those places that changes you. It’s beautiful and rugged. It’s full of history, legend, castles, ruins, and remnants of lives lived before our time – love stories, and life stories. Join myself and co-instructor Gavin Hardcastle on our 7 day Scotland Photography Workshop and make this incredible place part of your story. We will show you how to capture the magic of Scotland while teaching you how to create fine-art quality images.
Date: October 17th – 23rd, 2017
Location: Glasgow to Portree
Exclusive Class Size
This workshop has a maximum capacity of 5 participants. With 2 instructors, you will enjoy attentive one-on-one instruction each day. And you do not have to share accommodations.
Included in the Scotland Photography Workshop:
- Transportation with pickup and return from Glasgow
- Seven nights accommodations
- Breakfast daily
- Photography tuition
- Post Processing lessons
*Note, all prices are in US dollars
Day 1: Glasgow to Inverary
Shoot 1 – Finnich Glen – ‘The Devil’s Pulpit’
The Devil’s Pulpit, Finnich Glen
Our first stop on the Scotland Photography Workshop – at the Devil’s Pulpit – will be sure to fill your first memory card. The walls of Finnich Glen glow green, the earth is red, and the water pours over the small falls like a fountain of white and milk chocolate. There are endless compositions to be found here, as the water swirls and pools throughout the glen, and the green walls reflect in the water.
Shoot 2 – Kilchurn Castle Sunset in Inverary
You will still be giddy after your shoot at the Devil’s Pulpit by the time we make our way to our first castle. Kilchurn Castle, first constructed in the mid-15th century, stands like a sentinel on the shores of Loch Awe. You can’t help but be transported back through time as you stand on the bank looking across the water.
Day 2: October 18th – Inverary to Glencoe
Shoot 3 – Kilchurn Castle Sunrise
Rainbows and Castles – It doesn’t get any more quintessentially Scottish than this!
We will visit this historic site for sunrise on our way to Glencoe. Chances are good for capturing some morning mist, and maybe even a rainbow (or two!). The water is often calmer in the morning, too, for some nice reflections.
Shoot 4 – All aboard The Hogwarts Express!
Calling all Harry Potter fans! All aboard the Hogwarts Express!
I have to admit that I’m a huge Potter geek, but even if you’re not a Harry Potter fan, this old-fashioned steam train over the Glenfinnan Viaduct is truly inspiring. We will take you to the best vantage point for the light we get that day.
Shoot 5 – Buachaille Etive Mor Waterfall in Glencoe
Picturesque Buachaille Etive Mor in Glencoe.
Glencoe is one of the most historically significant locations in Scotland. It’s one of those places that feels like where ever you go, somebody, at some time in our history, was there before you. At the same time, it is remote, rugged, and untouched – like the tumbling falls under the shadow of Buachaille Etive Mor.
Day 3: October 19th – Glencoe to Skye
Shoot 6 – Glen Etive Sunrise
Sunrise is the perfect opportunity for a quiet shoot on a secluded loch in Glen Etive. Hopefully we get some of that magical Scottish mist, and gorgeous reflections in the loch.
Shoot 7 – Eilean Donan Castle Sunset
One of the most quintessential Scottish castles is undoubtedly the majestic Eilean Donan Castle. During our October, 2016 trip, we arrived just in time for one of the most spectacular sunsets I have ever seen. The sky was on fire, and the dazzling light continued for nearly an hour before the sun disappeared below the horizon. During blue hour, the exterior of the castle is lit with soft orange light that makes this quintessential castle pop against the deep blue of the fading light.
Day 4 – October 20th – Isle of Skye
Shoot 8 – The Old Man of Storr Sunrise
Sunrise hike to the Old Man of Storr
The Old Man of Storr will transport you to places you’ve seen only in your imagination. It has a Lord-of-the-Rings, middle-earth vibe to it. And, it’s another one of those places with endless compositions. Make sure you have lots of space on your memory card and some extra batteries!
Shoot 9 – Elgol Sunset
We leave Storr and travel South West to the rugged coastal beach at Elgol for sunset. Regardless of where the light is, you will be able to create many unique shots, as the rocks on the beach, and the dramatic Cullin mountains in the distance provide world-class scenery with which to create beautiful compositions.
Day 5 – October 21st – Isle of Skye
Shoot 10 – Sunrise at The Quiraing
Much like the Old Man of Storr, visting ‘The Quiraing’ is like stepping into another realm. Gnarly rock formations, and deep green meadows create an endlessly textured landscape. The morning sun reveals fascinating details and depth to this unique landscape.
Shoot 11 – Afternoon Shoot at the Fairy Pools
Scotland isn’t all jagged rocks and meadows. It also boasts some beautiful, waterfalls and the deep blue Fairy Pools. We will spend the afternoon exploring this enchanting set of falls.
Day 6 – October 22nd – Enchanted Skye
Shoot 12 – The Fairy Glen Sunrise
‘The Faerie Glen’
The Fairy Glen has an enchanted feel to it, with it’s bizarre stone circles and rock structures. They say that if you stand very still and quietly in the vicinity of the glen, you may hear leaves rustling or feel a faint wisp of breeze – the work of the fairies.
Shoot 13 – Neist Point Lighthouse Sunset
Neist Point offers a feast of dramatic cliff faces and crashing waves. With the lighthouse perched precariously on the edge of the cliffs and facing into the North Atlantic Ocean, it’s sure to lure your imagination.
Day 7 – October 23rd – Skye to Glencoe
Shoot 14 – Sunrise at Eilean Donan Castle
We say goodbye to the Isle of Skye this morning, but we get one more opportunity to shoot Eilean Donan Castle for sunrise.
Shoot 15 – Midday Shoot at Glencoe – Reflections on the River
As seen in the images on this page, any time of day can offer great light in Scotland during October. We’ll show you some of our favourite spots on the river where we’ll go hunting for reflections of the impressive Buachaille Etive Mor
We will drive back to Glasgow after our last shoot at Glencoe for a farewell dinner, drinks, and laughs.
Recommended Equipment on the Scotland Photography Workshop
- Camera with an interchangeable lens
- A *sturdy* tripod with a ball head. We can’t emphasize enough how important it is to have a solid tripod. Many people spend thousands of dollars on cameras and lenses, and mount their gear on a flimsy $60 tripod. If you invested money in a camera, don’t risk damaging it by putting it on a tripod that won’t stand up to wind and weather!
- Shutter release (recommended but not essential)
- Extra batteries (Essential)
- A change of shoes if you get wet feet
- Rain cover for your camera
- A circular polarizer
- Lots of lens wipes and cloths
- Wide angle, and mid-long range zoom
- Comfortable hiking boots
- Adapters for UK power outlets
- A laptop for post-processing lessons
Photographing Scotland’s Castles
What’s Not Included
- Food (lunch, dinner, snacks)
- Drinks
- Flights to and from Glasgow
- Insurance – It is MANDATORY for you to have travel insurance for yourself. We also highly recommend insuring your photography gear. Tour leaders will not be responsible in the event of any personal injuries or damage to photography equipment as a result of an accident during the workshop.
Fitness Requirements
Most of our shooting locations on the Scotland Photography Workshop are close to car parks and require very little hiking. The exception is the optional hike to the ‘Old Man of Storr’ which takes about 1 hr up a steep hill. If you aren’t up for this hike, you can still capture great shots at the start of the trail. All other locations are short walks from the car.
Sunrise from the Old Man of Storr on the Scotland Photography Workshop
Post-Processing Lessons
There will be some down-time between shoots, as well as in the evenings to process the images from our trip. Make sure you bring a laptop that has Photoshop, Adobe Bridge, and Lightroom installed. I also like Nik (a free software from Google). Trying to install programs while on the trip may prove very difficult with limited internet services. Come prepared to get the most out of our post-processing sessions!
Don’t hesitate to use the contact form on the top of the home page if you have any questions!
We look forward to working with you on the Scotland Photography Workshop!