Torridon & the beaches of Wester Ross : 4 night photography workshop extension
For 2025 we are running this as an optional 4 night extension to our Harris & Lewis trip in March, although you are also welcome to join us for just one part of the trip.
Wester Ross is home to some of the most impressive scenery in the British Isles - it has everything from rugged mountain scenery to stunning lochs and lochans, to beautifully remote beaches and plenty of amazing woodland. We will be based in Torridon, very close to Loch Maree – the Queen of Lochs – and Beinn Eighe National Nature Reserve.
Scots Pine and birch trees are prevalent in the area, the geology is a delight and the mountains are truly magnificent. There are also some wonderful beaches a little to our north that we will visit. We have chosen to visit in winter time in the hope of our visit coinciding with snow on the mountains, if not lower down - this makes the backdrop to many of our images all the most impressive. However, it is a stunning part of the world at any time of year.
You will undoubtedly see some great vistas but we will also be concentrating on the smaller, more intimate details to be found within the landscape - looking at ways of capturing our surroundings with more abstract interpretations, helping you to get out of your comfort zone and try a few different techniques and approaches to photographing woodland, rock and water.
Our location photography is then developed during our digital skills sessions where we will show you some of the different techniques available when processing your photographs, including exposure blending, using layers and masks and how to work efficiently in both Lightroom and Photoshop. The emphasis is on encouraging group discussion and lively debate between all participants and we will also use this time to look over and review some of the photographs from our outings.
This has proved a very popular part of our trips, as it helps take the photographs shot on location through the digital darkroom, ready for print or web display. Lizzie and Alex will share their processing tips with you and are also on hand for support and questions post workshop. We believe this strikes a good balance between shooting on location and practical help with the necessary post production side so that you can leave with a wealth of new knowledge and skills to compliment your photography out in the field.
Our workshops are very much informal in style - we like to work with our group to ensure we give you the best possible experience and are flexible in our approach to ensure you have a fulfilling and rewarding workshop. We also place great importance on our meals together and always seek hotels that can provide beautifully cooked meals.
This is a Tripod Travels workshop - running in conjunction with good friend and super photographer / teacher, Alex Hare. Alex and I have thoroughly enjoyed working together for several years now and I’ve included a link to Alex’s website here. Also, for more information about my approach to photography workshops, please have a look at this page. If you'd like to see a few testimonials from previous clients, then please look here.
Please scroll down to the bottom of the page for some more detailed information in question and answer format.
Practicalities
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Where will we be staying
We will be staying at the lovely and beautifully located Myrtle Bank Hotel in Gairloch, where we will enjoy superb meals.
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How do I get there?
We'll be taking the ferry from Harris & Lewis and then driving you to our base in Gairloch; on the 16th we will drop off at Inverness airport and/or train station as required - times to be agreed but probably early afternoon.
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What level of photographer will this suit?
Photographers of any level are welcome - whether a beginner or with many years experience. With a small group of only 7-8 participants, and two tutors, there will be more than enough opportunity to cover everything from the basic skills of landscape photography (if required) to more advanced, creative techniques. We are there to give you as much help as you would like.
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How much walking is involved?
Although there are plenty of locations within a short distance of the road, to make the most of what the area has to offer, we expect to do the occasional longer walk, possibly one of several miles, although this one is on pretty flat terrain. There are a few steeper locations that we sometimes visit, but conditions very much dictate which areas we focus on. A reasonable degree of fitness will help you get more out of the trip, but please ask, if in doubt.
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Can I borrow a Lee filters kit?
You are welcome to borrow a Lee filter kit - including big stopper, little stopper and ND grads. Please note this is at your own risk, although we've had no breakages to date! Please ask in advance and advise of the filter ring sizes of any lenses you may be bringing.
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Why have you included a carbon footprint offset contribution?
Given the fragile state of our environment, we feel that it is vitally important we all do what we can to help protect and preserve our precious planet. All of our workshops now include a very small fee - typically up to £10 per person - which we donate to a number of certified carbon offset schemes. You can read more about this here.