WILD LIGHT GLENCOE , SCOTLAND FEBRUARY 2023

Glencoe, Glen Etive and Glen Nevis

Destination summary 

Glencoe always conjures up visions of swirling mists and mountain peaks caught in the clouds.  Glen Etive contours up tumbling rivers and burns cascading down mountain sides and plunging into deep peaty coloured pools.  It’s a place that quintessentially wraps up all that is “Highland” and captures photographer’s imaginations the world over. Glen Nevis  is less well known but has a wonderful walk up into a meadow that features a cascading waterfall and the water of Nevis that cuts through the gorge.

On this photo retreat you’ll be one of just 4 other participants and  you’ll really get a chance to immerse yourself in some truly spectacular Scottish landscapes, from the remote Steall falls at the foot of Ben Nevis and  some harder to reach hidden spots in Glencoe.

The best way to capture and experience our locations  is to park up and wander its paths and trails. Some meander deep into the Glen where the River Coe navigates its course around giant glacial boulders and plunges down into narrow gorges disappearing into blackness. Others paths traverse the northern side along the old military road with stunning vistas of the Glen’s three sisters and River Coe and small Highland lochans.

The rivers, waterfalls, mountains and history of this corner of Scotland will provide you with plenty of dramatic and romantic winter imagery to complement your portfolio. Glencoe with its nearby neighbours are some of the most evocative parts of Scotland and a workshop and location that has to be experienced. Book your place online.

Extra information

Start time 09:30 17th February  –  pick up in Perth, before travelling up to Glencoe.

End time 17:30 20th February  drop off Perth

Essential equipment camera, range of lenses, waterproof camera backpack, outdoor clothing waterproof and good quality tripod.

Non essential but recommended Polariser, neutral density graduated and straight neutral density filters would be useful. I use Lee ND filters both hard and soft.  A Laptop with Lightroom, Adobe Photoshop or other image editing software. Good quality waterproof camera bag.

Skill level beginners to advanced

Not your usual photography workshop

You’ll be one of only 4 participants on this Three Glens retreat. You’ll be breaking away from most of the well trodden tourist locations to seek out  wild, remote and unique Highland landscapes in Glencoe.

By taking a walk on the wild side you’ll be staying in remote retreats such as Highland cottages and small guest houses that we’ll have exclusive use of for all our workshop needs.

This means you’ll have better access to photograph the wildest and most isolated Highland locations. Plus as mentioned there are  only 4 places available for each trip, making them a more  intimate learning experience*.

Less is more

We have less participants crowding out locations and therefore you’ll gain a better insight into overcoming the challenges of photographing   wild places like the Highlands. Challenging maybe, but with expert help and guidance from your guide and award winning photographer Glen Campbell M.Photog  find your way to creating great images

In the Wild Highlands there will be more time to enjoy the space, peace and sanctuary that one of Europe’s last wilderness areas can still offer.

The Learning

Your guide Glen has 16 years experience as a photo educator. You’ll be immersed into the process of camera control, shot selection, composition, light quality, use of filters,  long exposures and final execution of image capture. It can be challenging photographing  in tough conditions but this can also yield some dramatic imagery when the light is at its most dynamic as the weather changes rapidly. You can read some testimonials from previous participants here

You’ll learn how to adapt and capture transient moments of wonderful light as they happen.  An introduction to aerial photography can be part of the program too if you wish to learn or are interested.    Finally in the evening we will review some of days images with the use of a high resolution projector over a dram or glass of wine .

The Accommodation

Self-catering rural Highland cottages, retreats  or small guest houses**  close by to our locations will ensure we can stay safe and make the most of our time whilst creating a sociable and fun environment. As with most of my trips  everyone gets their own room.  For meals we self-cater for evening meals when possible.  You can guarantee all will be well fed and watered with a dram or two. Having this flexibility means we can work to our own schedule and make the most of the conditions.

What to expect

This photo workshop includes daily practical tutorials and more support on location to help you obtain the best image capture results and improve your skills.  The conditions can be challenging but you’ll learn to beat the elements and hone your skills to get the results that have impact.

We’ll explore the use of filters, creating awareness of weather, light quality and direction learning to use this to our advantage. Picking out the subject elements to leave in and leave out of our compositions. An image review, critique session and creative Adobe Photoshop image editing session will also form part of the program.

Weather Reliably fickle weather can be a feature of Scotland and her dramatic and romantic landscapes. Conditions can be glorious at times but it’s not unusual to turn cool and rainy at any time of year. This can and often does add to the dramatic nature of light and land. It’s important that you have adequate and good quality outdoor clothing ( jackets and over trousers) including waterproof hiking boots that are waterproof. Winter days can be mild and wet or cold and wintery, so pleas bring good gloves, a balaclava might be handy too.

Fitness and mobility

All ages above 18 years are welcome but a reasonable level of fitness and mobility is required, regardless of age in order to fully participate and appreciate a Lightstalker’s photo adventure  or workshop.  If you have any doubts of your suitability for a specific trip please contact Glen directly.