Photography Workshops and Tours in the Scottish Highlands

In this section we hope to answer your most frequently asked questions about our Highland photography workshops, and tuition. If there is an area we have not covered, we invite you to contact us for a quick response.

Who are these trips for?

Anyone who has an interest in taking photographs and improving their skills at fantastic photogenic locations. Lightstalkers participants come from the UK, Europe, North America and pretty much everywhere else. Complete beginners and advanced photographers are welcome, levels of experience vary and participants always combine to create a sociable and fun learning environment.

How do I book?  A deposit in the form of a cheque, bank transfer, or online payment will secure your place.  If your payment is a deposit, you will be billed for the balance due before your workshop.

Call me or follow the purchasing process on this web site.

1. Just click on ” add to cart” for the workshop or tour you would like to book.

2 The details of your deposit and booking will be in the shopping cart on the right handside of the page (you may have to scroll up or down).

3. Click on checkout link and follow the transaction process, filling in the details.

4. When I receive the booking I will contact you to confirm your place and other details. This may be a day or so as I may be on location.

 

I want to improve my photography, why should I book with Lightstalkers?

I’ve gained over 7  years experience providing tuition to passionate enthusiasts and beginners like you in a variety of locations all over the Scottish Highlands and Australia ensuring that I can identify and provide you with the help and tuition you need.

Small groups (max 6) guarantees individual attention from myself. You’ll be learning with a hands on approach in the field, meeting new photography friends, sharing ideas, experiences and getting your work critiqued from myself as well as learning how to create the wow factor in Photoshop.

Based in the Scottish Highlands, Lightstalkers Scotland is the only dedicated landscape photography operator in the Highland capital offering scheduled and on demand sessions. My aim is to provide you with the best photography experience in Scotland.

I’m a full member of the AIPP (Australian Institute of Professional Photography) an AIPP Master of Photography since 2007

AIPP Victorian Landscape Photographer of the Year Award 2004

AIPP VIctorian Landscape Photographer of the Year Award 2005

Member of Wild Scotland which represents Scotlands wildlife and outdoor activity providers.

I have a variety of experience in the photography industry with a background in news, wedding, portrait and commercial  photography to which I am still active.

I grew up in the Highlands and I’m passionate about my photography. But here at Lightstalkers the emphasis is on you and improving your photography.

How fit do I need to be?

Most participants are usually of average fitness, able to enjoy a walk and carry a small camera backpack on location. Some locations require some short hill walks but you are able to opt in or out of any location if your not comfortable. I usually tailor each trip to each trips average ability, everything is done in consultation with the group or individual.

What Camera equipment do I need?

Here’s the ideal wish list –

A camera (preferably a digital SLR camera  but any camera is good)

Lenses  - wide angle 12-24mm (crop sensor) or 18-55mm / 16-35mm full frame               Telephoto or zoom 24-105mm   or  70 -200mm.                                                         Tripod – a Slik, Manfrotto or Gitzo with a ball head would be great. Cameras are capable of producing good images at higher ISO these days but tripods give us the ability to shoot in low light and create longer exposures and creative effects.

Laptop computer with CS4, Lightroom or Elements,

Spare memory cards and battery (charged)

Good lens cleaning kit and lens tissue

Filters (UV filter to protect lens, good quality polarisor , Neutral Density Graduated filters hard or soft or both, Lee, Hitec or Cokin are ok)

Waterproof camera camera bag (or with waterproof cover.) Lowe Pro are good.

Head torch or pen torch.

Waterproof cover for camera ( polythene bag or shower cap is good)

Any problems or doubts about your gear, don’t worry just drop me an email.

What do I need to wear?

Well it’s Scotland and we have a maritime climate so its essential you have adequate clothing to stay comfortable on the hill or by the coast.  A good quality pair of waterproof hiking boots and good quality rainproof jacket are essential. For winter beanie (hat), gloves you can work in, lightweight over trousers, warm clothing (layers are better than big woolly jumpers),  and sun screen in summer. Better to be prepared for all weathers, any questions let me know.

Where will we stay?

Accommodation is normally based on single room occupancy in comfortable hotels with atmosphere and a bit of character. Couples can of course room share. Bunk houses are also available on some workshops. There’s  usually an area where we can have informal Photoshop session and critique our workshop’s  or tours images.

What happens if the weathers bad?

Well as someone once said, “There’s no such thing as bad weather just the wrong clothes”. So we’ll endeavor to get out when we can and shoot in all weathers within reason, but here at Lightstalkers Scotland we have no control over it. Some indoor theory, Photoshop and Q and A sessions will fill in the gaps but bad weather won’t spoil the fun.

Will there be refreshments provided?

Bring what you like, but we will provide some goodies and refreshments when out on location. Let us know if you have any special requirements.

What should I expect?

A fun, sociable learning environment, fantastic images, interesting weather, lots of info, some magic light and a great and memorable experience in the Scottish Highlands.