ASSYNT, SCOTLAND

Get ready to dive into the enchanting world of Assynt, Scotland, with me. From xx-xx 2020, I'm inviting you to join an unforgettable photography journey. Let's slow down amidst some of the most breathtaking scenes Scotland has to offer.

Picture this: standing in the heart of Assynt, where the mountains whisper stories of ancient legends and lochs reflect the sky like liquid mirrors. We'll stroll along silent beaches, feeling the soft sand beneath our feet and capturing the rhythm of the waves.

Oh, and the wild weather! Embrace the exhilaration as we chase the dramatic interplay between sun and clouds, rain and rainbow. Nature's artwork, painted right before our eyes.

But that's not all – let's conquer the mighty mountain of Assynt together. The air gets crisper as we ascend, and the views? Well, they're beyond words. From the summit, we'll capture the essence of this untamed wilderness, where rugged terrain meets undeniable beauty. From Stac Pollaidh to Widow Falls, you’ll find inspiration at every angle.

This adventure is more than a photography tour; it's a chance to relax like never before, to let your senses guide you, and to find inspiration in every angle. Let's learn to see, let's embrace the moment, and let's create breathtaking memories.

Every Scot knows that a highland view shouldn’t be rushed, this isn't your ordinary tour; it's a journey of mindfulness, a refuge of creativity, and an escape into the wild.

So, join me in Assynt – where the mountains, lochs, beaches, and wild weather promise an experience like no other.

See you there, ready to capture the extraordinary.

Dates:

TBC

Details

Number of Spaces: 6

Accommodation:

Food:

Travel: Choose to meet in Inverness/Perth or in Ullapool, Scotland.

Level of Exercise: Moderate. There will be long walks over rough terrain so please consider your fitness before you book your place.

Clothing: Predictably unpredictable, we could experience anything from a heatwave to thunder storms. I recommend preparing for both:

Waterproof clothing (Trousers, Jacket and gloves)
Thermal layer.
Waterproof boots
Multiple (Warm) socks

WORKSHOP INCLUDES

Landscape photography and shooting in unforgettable locations of Assynt, Scotland

Seasoned photographer who know the area

Transport around Assynt and to and from all of our shooting locations in comfortable vehicle.

Post-processing workshops in Lightroom and Photoshop

All accommodation in self catering home.

Breakfast & dinner provided

NOT INCLUDED

Lunches, snacks or alcoholic drinks

Insurance

Flights to/from IScotland

Price: This is will be at cost price at approx. £xxx

£xx deposit required to book your place and the remaining amount is due 4 weeks before the adventure begins.

Itinerary

We tour the region basing ourselves at one location, in XXX. Our time is flexible so we can decide which locations to visit while we’re there depending on the local weather and conditions. We will, however, ensure that we visit all of the locations in each area. At this time of year, the sun is low all day, so it’s possible to shoot many of the locations throughout the day. Given this, we don’t always structure the days around golden hour and sunrise/sunset sessions, but rather often have long sessions in which we visit multiple locations with a sunset session at the end of the day. For example, waterfalls are great to shoot on overcast afternoons. Other days, though, will see us out at sunrise and again at sunset. Sunrise at this time of year is around XhXX, and sunset around XXhXX, although there are variations throughout the week depending on which part of the region we’re in.

DAY 1

Location:

Text

SOME OF THE PHOTOGRAPHY TECHNIQUES COVERED IN THIS WORKSHOP

IN THE FIELD:

Understanding Lighting and Exposure Selection:
- Learning to assess light conditions and choose appropriate exposure settings.
Composition:
- Achieving balance, harmony, and depth in compositions; utilizing leading lines effectively.
Lens Selection:
- Exploring the versatility of lenses, from capturing vast landscapes with wide angles to isolating details with telephoto lenses.
Long Exposures:
- Techniques for creating ethereal effects with moving water and clouds using long exposures and neutral density filters.
Capturing Landscapes:
- Mastering the art of photographing waterscapes, waterfalls, and majestic mountain peaks.
Night Sky Photography:
- Tips and tricks for capturing stunning images of the night sky, weather permitting.
Panoramic Photography:
- Creating seamless panoramas by shooting and stitching multiple images together.
Dynamic Range Management:
- Methods for handling scenes with high contrast using graduated filters and multiple exposures.
Blue Hour and Overcast Weather:
- Techniques tailored for shooting during the blue hour and in overcast conditions.
Abstract and Intimate Landscapes:
- Exploring abstract compositions and capturing the essence of intimate landscapes.

PROCESSING:

Post-Processing Direction:
- Deciding on the appropriate post-processing approach based on the desired mood of the image.
Local Contrast Adjustments with Lightroom:
- Utilising Lightroom to enhance contrast selectively in different parts of the image.
Layered Adjustments in Photoshop:
- Harnessing the power of Photoshop layers to fine-tune image adjustments.
Light Shaping with Contrast Tools:
- Manipulating light and shadows using contrast adjustment tools in Photoshop and Lightroom.
Luminosity Masks:
- Leveraging luminosity masks in Photoshop for precise tonal adjustments.
Exposure Blending Techniques:
- Blending multiple exposures to achieve a balanced and natural-looking final image.
Panorama Stitching:
- Stitching together multiple images to create expansive panoramic views.
Final Touches and Dramatic Enhancements:
- Applying finishing touches to enhance the visual impact of images during post-processing.
Image Sharpening:
- Implementing sharpening techniques to optimize image clarity and detail.

ACCOMMODATION & FOOD

In Scotland, the bracing cold weather and extended days in transit underscore the importance of returning to comfortable accommodations. For this workshop, we've opted for self-catering lodgings in the areas where we'll be stationed, allowing for a personalized experience. In Ullapool, participants will have access to well-appointed self-catering accommodations, equipped with private facilities, strategically situated near our shooting locations to minimise travel time.

Scotland harbors a culinary scene as rich as its landscapes, a well-kept secret to many. Over the past decade, an impressive array of restaurants has emerged, enhancing the gastronomic experience. In our previous workshops, dining has consistently stood out as a highlight, adding a memorable dimension to our journeys. All breakfasts and dinners are included in the workshop package, offering participants the pleasure of enjoying homemade meals prepared by myself, using locally sourced ingredients, following a day of capturing Scotland's wintry beauty. Throughout the workshop, we'll savor the delights of exceptional dining experiences, with a particular highlight in the picturesque town of Portree, home to one of our favorite dining spots in Scotland.

Our passion for Scottish cuisine is boundless, and we're confident it will captivate you too.

Transportation

Travelling in Scotland in the winter, you really want the security of a comfortable car. That is capabile to take us pretty much anywhere we want to go whatever the conditions. It’s also incredibly comfortable, with plenty of space for our stuff in the back and room to move around inside.

Additionally, in this workshop, we really wanted to spend some time visiting the Highlands. The landscapes here are quite simply breath-taking and unlike anything you can see almost anywhere in the world. There’s a feeling of genuinely being out in a wild and remote landscape, far away from heavily populated civilisation, and we’ll see very few other people while we’re here.