Scotland Photography Workshop – Lochs and Glens Trip Report

This year’s Scotland workshop began with the long drive north from Teesside, the minibus packed with camera bags, tripods, and the excitement that always builds on these journeys. By the time we reached Inveraray and checked into the hotel on the edge of Loch Fyne, everyone was keen to stretch their legs and finally get the cameras out.

With gear unpacked and batteries checked, we walked down to the shore to photograph Loch Fyne itself. After hours on the road it was the perfect way to begin. Inveraray sits beautifully on the edge of the tidal Loch. The low tide gave us natural leading lines to work with as the sun cast a warm glow over the distant mountains. 

The first full day started early, with a sunrise session at Kilchurn Castle. It’s one of Scotland’s most iconic photographic locations, and for good reason. Sitting on the edge of Loch Awe with the mountains behind it, the castle seems to belong perfectly to this landscape. The conditions were bright and atmospheric, with strong sunlight working its way across the water to illuminate the castle while the background remained in shadow. 

Afterwards we made the obligatory stop at the Green Welly. When you’re travelling through this part of Scotland it almost feels like a tradition popping into the Green Welly for a coffee, a quick break, and a chance to warm up before heading deeper into the Highlands.

From there we continued north along one of the great drives of Scotland, the A82, winding through the dramatic landscapes of the West Highlands. It’s a road photographers love, lochs, mountains and pockets of woodland appearing around every bend. We stopped to photograph the dramatic light over Loch Ba and Lochan na h-Achlaise. 

Eventually we reached Glen Etive and the mighty Buachaille Etive Mòr. It’s an awe inspiring landscape that never disappoints. While we were photographing the mountain, a mountain rescue helicopter appeared high above the screes, circling the upper slopes. It added an unexpected moment of drama to the scene and a reminder of just how serious these mountains can be.

Continuing on, we stopped briefly at Ballachulish before heading towards Castle Stalker. Unfortunately the tide was far out and the light wasn’t quite working in our favour, so rather than force it we moved on. Sometimes the best decision in photography is simply to keep moving.

That decision paid off when we arrived at Tralee Bay. The small west-facing beach was catching the late afternoon light, with beautiful crepuscular rays breaking through the clouds over the sea. It was the perfect end to a long day, tripods lined along the shore, everyone quietly working their compositions while the light slowly dipped towards the horizon.

By the time we completed the long circular drive back to Inveraray it had been a full day in the Highlands.

Dinner that evening was at The George, and it turned out to be an excellent choice. The food was exceptional and exactly what everyone needed after a day that had covered many miles and more than a few photographs.

The forecast suggested heavy cloud for sunrise, so rather than chase distant light we decided to stay local and explore Inveraray itself before a breakfast at the hotel. 

After breakfast, our first stop was a return to Kilchurn Castle, but this time from a completely different perspective. Across the loch, a small woodland area provided an interesting viewpoint, and in the still morning water we discovered a wonderful reflection of a nearby rail bridge. It was an unexpected composition that beame a favourite image of the trip.

From there we continued west towards the famous Bridge Over the Atlantic and onto the Isle of Seil. Some of the group made a quick stop at Tigh an Truish for coffee and seaweed scones, which I'm assured were delicious! 

The island itself was a highlight. The rugged coastline facing out towards the Western Isles was full of jagged rock formations and tidal pools, perfect for slower, more thoughtful compositions. Everyone spread out along the rocky shoreline, working the textures and patterns as the sea moved around them.

We finished the day at Crinan, looking west across the water towards the Isle of Jura. The sunset was muted and gentle rather than dramatic with soft blues and greys settling over the landscape. It suited the location perfectly and gave us a calm end to another long day of travelling and shooting.

Dinner at The George was every bit as good the second time around. 

Our last morning arrived with low cloud and mist drifting across Loch Fyne. A few of the group were up early, squeezing every last photographic opportunity from the loch before we began the journey south.

Scotland had been unusually kind to us. Not a drop of rain all weekend, something that feels almost unheard of in this part of the world.

The drive home took us past Loch Lomond, where we made one final stop near Inverbeg. Low cloud hung over the water and the distant hills were fading softly into the mist, a quiet, atmospheric scene that felt like a fitting final photograph of the trip

Workshops are always about more than just the locations. The people make the experience, and this was a fantastic group to spend the weekend with.

Huge thanks to Gill, Margaret, Ken, Richard, Jane, Scott, Joe and Nigel for making it such an enjoyable few days. We covered hundreds of miles in the minibus, photographed some incredible landscapes, ate very well, and shared plenty of laughs along the way.

Scotland has a way of surprising you every time you visit, and this trip was no exception.

Until the next one.