Wild Light Summer Solstice in Inverpolly Assynt & Torridon, – “a walk on the wild side”
Destination Summary
This Wild Light Inverpolly, Assynt and Torridon workshop features some of the finest locations in the quieter corner of the North West Highlands with great photography, short hikes and time to relax.
Inverpolly, Assynt are part of a remote area in the North West Highlands straddling the counties of Wester Ross and Sutherland. Remote yes, but they are blessed with fine mountains, unspoilt coastline, rivers and lochs, and fewer tourists.
Legends say this is where “the Viking gods practiced making mountains”with the charismatic peaks of Suilven, Stac Polly, Cul Mor and Quinag providing the backdrop for many of our compositions.
This is indeed Scotland for the Connoisseur.
Torridon has some of the the most famous of the Scottish peaks in a chain of peaks that run north along Glen Torridon. Ben Eighe, Ben Alligin and Liathach will provide a back drop for a day out in the mountains offering majestic vistas. The Glen then opens out to shimmering loch Torridon which makes a great lunch spot among the native Scots pines . We’ll also make a circuit of the Applecross Peninsula and capture the views from the Bealach na Bà, out over to the Isle of Skye.
Inverpolly Assynt & Torridon subject matter – Seascapes, Lochs, Rivers, mountain backdrops, Scots pine forest, open vistas, beaches, ruins, castles and Highland villages
Not your usual photography workshop
You’ll be one of only 4 participants on this Scotland photography workshop, breaking away from many of the well trodden tourist locations to seek out wild, remote and classic Highland landscapes. Escaping the selfie sticks and tour buses and ending our days with west coast dusk sessions out over the Atlantic and Highland Glens.
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’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
The Lovat Arms Hotel in the quiet village of Beauly will provide our base for 3 nights as we explore Torridon and Inverpolly. On our final night we will spend out in Assynt before making our way back to Inverness. As with most of my trips everyone gets their own room. For meals we venture to local pubs that dot the region when available. 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.
Extra information
Start time 10:30 pick up in Inverness on the 21st June 2021
End time 17:30 drop off in Inverness 25th June 2021
Getting there Inverness is serviced by bus and rail from Edinburgh or Glasgow ( 3hrs approx ) or by air from major UK airports plus Dublin and Amsterdam airports
Accommodation 4 nights single occupancy room with Breakfast
Essential camera equipment SLR or Mirrorless camera systems that can take a filter system are ideal. Lenses – ultra wide angle to telephoto lenses – 16 mm full frame to 200mm ( or DX equivalent) , good quality solid tripod that is easy to use and a waterproof camera bag. Lens clothes and lens issue.
Clothing Good quality waterproof and wind proof jacket and over trousers, gloves / hat. Hiking boots that are waterproof / watertight – Gortex etc.
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.
Weather
I’ve been photographing the Highlands for over 10 years and one thing I’ve learnt is to be prepared to be working on all condtions.
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.
Fitness and mobility
Not all locations will be by the roadside, some locations are easy to reach, some require a little effort, walking sometimes on muddy surfaces. This can involve short walks across rocky and uneven terrain. Walking times can be up to an hour, however participation is optional at every location.
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.
*Wild Light workshops will be limited to 4 participants – it may vary on occasion, if this changes you will be notified.
** accommodation options will vary depending on availability
Check out the testimonials pages here
21st- 25rd June 2020 - 5 days
Places available: Yes
Trip fee: £1495.00
Booking deposit: £150.00
Starts / ends: Inverness
Includes
- 5 day photography itinerary
- 4 nights single occupancy accommodation with breakfast
- Fully guided itinerary
- Hands on tuition in the field and feedback
- Pick up and drop-off in Inverness
Not Included
- Transport to or from pick up point - Inverness
- Lunches or evening meals
- You must have adequate travel insurance for this trip
Lightstalker Highlights
- Wild and remote Highland locations
- Small intimate groups
- Stunning locations
- Coigach Peninsula
- Achnahaird beach
- Stac Polly and Cul Mor
- Suilven and Quinaig
- Wailing widow falls
- Loch Assynt and Kylesku
- Clachtoll
- Torridon
- Applecross
- Bealach na ba
- Evening meals featuring Local produce.