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Photography Adventures in Scotland & Beyond

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“The great thing about a Glen Campbell session is the generosity in which he shares his thought processes”.
Lorrelie Bow, feature writer/contributor – Better Photography Magazine.

Stalking the Light

Lightstalkers Scotland was established in 2009, prior to that I co-led and guided photo workshops in Australia starting out in 2004. Our valued photography participants come from all over the UK and the rest of the world, they vary in age from mid twenties right up to folks still keen for adventure in their eighties, all with  with different levels of experience and ability.

Why book ?

Participants come with a view to increasing their photography skills and knowledge and experience fantastic photogenic locations. Joining a workshop or tour saves you time when you can get to the best locations at the right time with an experienced guide that knows where the good shots are. They also get to share the whole experience with like minded people often making new friends along the way. Here at Lightstalkers we’re our proud of our 70% participant return rate, so why not experience a Lightstalker’s workshop or photo adventure for yourself.

The Landscape 

The Scottish Highlands and Islands are the largest geographic region in the UK, but also have smallest population, so there’s plenty space. These lands  are wild and mountainous  and have seen their fair share of drama and tragedy over the centuries. Now at peace they are easily  accessible from the Highland Capital Inverness  (where I’m from) or from the national capital  Edinburgh  or Glasgow, Scotland’s biggest city.. 

The Highlands begin in the south west around Arran and the Mull of Kintyre in the Southern Highlands. Travelling north along the incredible west coast  up through the inner and outer Hebridean Islands to the far north west corner. Directly of the north coast lie the Northern Isles of Orkney and Shetland with their Norse roots and proud history. Travelling south down the coast through Caithness and Sutherland to the Moray Firth and Inverness to The Cairngorm mountains and finally Pitlochry on the River Tummel. Perth and Perthshire are known as the gateway to the Highlands and are a wonderful introduction or finale to the Highland drama.

Dramatic  silvery rivers, mountains, empty glens, villages, towns and mile upon mile of dramatic coastline give the photographer a vast array of choice. Coupled with the ever changing weather and light which sometimes has to be seen to be believed are just one of the factors that draw visitors and photographers to Scotland.  

Highlights include the  Isle of Skye as well as some other excellent locations that you may not be so familiar with. These include Inverpolly, Assynt, Torridon, the Isle of Mull, the Small Isles, the Cairngorm National Park, far North West Sutherland  and the Moray Coast, which was recently ranked among the world’s most breathtaking coastlines.

Southern Scotland – The Lowlands  Further south there is plenty to explore too including the two main cities of Edinburgh and Glasgow, there is always still plenty to experience, explore and photograph. Historic battle sites, castles and ancient monuments abound and  among the lower lying hills are fantastic towns and villages  and  none are  more scenic than  the East Neuk of Fife’s fishing villages, St Andrews and it’s surrounding coastline. 

Light on Scotland

It’s not just the landscape that’s special either. The unpredictability of the weather can produce a wonderful quality of light during any season at anytime of day. I’m not going to try and describe it, I couldn’t do it justice. After a shower or rain, or first light or a dusk  session looking across the Hebridean Islands it can be truly mesmerising.

So why not join me on location and experience the adventure of landscape photography in the Scotland for yourself, all you need is a camera, a little patience and a sense of adventure. You can book your place on any of the trips  through this site or contact me directly if you have any questions. I look forward to meeting you. GC

Breakdown and main objectives of Lightstalkers Scotland workshops :

  • Increase your knowledge of your camera and improve your photography skills
  • Experience, explore and photograph a specific location, often with repeat visits from a single base
  • Unlock your creativity and gain a better understanding of light
  • Use Image reviews and critiques as feedback ( workshops )
  • Learn better composition techniques
  • Learn to create emotive landscapes at dusk and dawn
  • Meet others that share a common interest and have a laugh along the way

Breakdown and main objectives of a Lightstalkers Scotland Photo Adventure :

  • Help you increase your confidence and knowledge of your camera.
  • Tour several different photographic locations both urban and natural that offer different challenges
  • Offer photography guidance on composition, pointing out specific shots and getting the most out of each location.
  • Meet others that share a common interest
  • Experience and enjoy the Highlands and other great  locations.

On all trips we aim to create a fun, safe and enjoyable learning experience on location.

Learning Environment

With a maximum of 6 participants on most trips,  a smaller group makes for a more sociable learning environment: a smaller group means more individual attention. You’ll get more help with your camera and be introduced to my approach while sharing ideas and insights in the field. On workshops you’ll receive plenty of feedback on your images, ensuring you get the most out of the day. It doesn’t matter what type of camera you have, or whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned shooter. It’s never a competition and we work together.

We’ll be spending as much time as possible out shooting on location. If the weather makes things uncomfortable we’ll continue with indoor sessions and image critiques.

Your Accommodation

Photography workshops and tours are based in comfortable hotels, self contained accommodation and guest houses with single occupancy ensuite rooms whenever possible unless specified. I try to offer convenient hotels and inns that provide a good atmosphere, locally produced food, a sociable friendly environment, and good quality whenever possible.

Featured accommodation venues may vary depending on season, availability and late bookings. You will be notified of any changes in the first instance. Alternative, convenient, and comfortable accommodation will be offered if this occurs. I will endeavour to accommodate other requests and preferences. Participants’ partners are welcome* but your own transport arrangements to the workshops may be necessary if space is limited. , Please note that meals are not normally included in the trip. These are usually taken at a different venue each night convenient to our photo shoot and organised by myself. All trips include full Scottish breakfast.

Arriving and Departing 

Inverness is the Highland capital and about 3 hours north of Edinburgh and Glasgow and can be reached by air, rail and road. Edinburgh and Glasgow have good international airports and good transport links with London and most English cities.


I’m from the Highlands originally and currently based around 30 miles north of Edinburgh in the Kingdom of Fife 

Photography workshops – key Learnings

  • Introduction to digital photography
  • Getting the gear you need
  • Image critiques (workshops)
  • Mastering camera controls
  • Filter systems
  • Planning a shoot
  • Using histograms & mastering exposure
  • Light theory
  • Pre-visualisation
  • Low light and long exposures
  • Shooting using manual controls
  • Creative compositions
  • Photoshop and raw workflow
  • Hyperfocal focusing
  • Macro photography
  • Q&A sessions and more!

If you have any questions please just ask.

Join us in 2023 for the photography experience of a lifetime.

Glen Campbell is a multi award winning, accredited AIPP Master of  Photography
(The Australian Institute of Professional Photography) 

 

Lago di Limades Dolomites

IMAGE OF THE MONTH - AWAY

Alpine Lake, Passo Falzarego Italian Dolomites © Glen Campbell 2018

 

Fairy Pools Isle of Skye

IMAGE OF THE MONTH - HOME

Fairy Pools, Isle of Skye - Scotland © Glen Campbell 2018