Intro
The aim of this Inverpolly & Assynt photo workshop is to enhance your skills on composition, focusing and exposure techniques, as well as to master long exposures.
The foundation of this photo workshop is based on tuition and inspiration. The small group of only four participants will allow plenty of time for individual attention by the tutor, making sure you learn and photograph the area under the best light and supervision possible.
We will be based in Ullapool, a small town perfectly located for our daily excursions.
The Location
Inverpolly and Assynt; these are areas of Scotland that have no equal anywhere else on this planet. Mountains, glens, lochs and stunning locations are all waiting to be discovered. Combined with our in-depth experience of the area and superb low angled winter light, it can only be a recipe for photographic indulgence. Low-light winter days add drama, beauty and tranquillity to this rugged and weathered landscape.
If remoteness, tranquillity, total isolation and awe inspiring scenery is what you are seeking, then this place comes on top of any other in my list of places in Scotland. The Inverpolly National Nature Reserve is a vast area of heather and grass moorland dotted with lochs and rocky peaks in the north-west of Scotland.
Iconic mountains such as Stac Pollaidh and Suilven will provide a stunning backdrop to our pictures. This area is particularly rich for opportunities, with its mountains, lochs, beaches and seascapes.
Assynt is situated amongst some of the wildest and most remote scenery in the United Kingdom. The area is dominated by spectacular mountain scenery where isolated sandstone mountains rise up from an undulating landscape that is itself formed of Lewisian Gneiss, one of the oldest rock types found on our planet.
We will visit some of the most scenic areas there, including Loch Assynt with its own castle that occupies a promontory on the north shore. Ardvreck castle has been the home of the MacLeod and MacKenzie families and has seen many battles.
We will also visit the west coast of Assynt and some of its beautiful beaches with sparkling blue waters. And all this will start with a sunrise by Loch Droma with the alien shapes of the remnants of old tree stumps. This is when photographic dreams become reality.
Info
The cost for this workshop is £1495 per person. A deposit of £400 is required to book your space. The outstanding balance will be requested 10 weeks before the tour date. You can convert our prices to your local currency by using our currency converter on the sidebar.
The workshop starts on Sunday 03 December 2017 at 17:00 and ends on Saturday 09 December 2017 after breakfast.
Limited to four people, this workshop is designed with tuition and inspiration in mind, allowing plenty of time for individual attention by the tutor.
All transportation during the workshop is included in the price. Transfers to & from Inverness or Glasgow airport/railway station on designated times can be arranged if you do not drive (please contact).
If you need to fly to get to Scotland, here are some potential routes:
• Flights from London to Inverness airport. Inverness is just over 1.2 hour drive from venue.
• Flights from London as well as some European cities to Glasgow International Airport and Edinburgh International Airport where you can rent a small car. Glasgow and Edinburgh are four and a half hours drive from venue.
• Flights from some European cities to Glasgow Prestwick International Airport with Ryanair where you can rent a small car. Prestwick is around five and a half hours drive from venue.
Small car hire prices are fairly low in Scotland but please shop around for the best price. If you need to stay overnight in Glasgow, Prestwick, Edinburgh or Inverness, there is a variety of hotels and B&Bs at really good prices – again, it is best to shop around.
If you decide to drive to the venue, allow some extra time for a lunch stop at the House of Bruar.
Please make sure you know how to use your camera or at least the basic functions – make sure you bring the camera's manual along with you. Focal length of wide angle to 300mm will be required.
A sturdy tripod is strongly recommended. If you need advice on purchasing a tripod, we recommend the Manfrotto 055 or similar. If you own a low budget light aluminium tripod such as Jessops and you are wondering if it is good enough, no, it is not. It will not allow you to trust your gear on it and it will not allow us to help you with tuition.
Neutral Density Graduated filters are highly recommended for balancing exposure difference between land and sky. We recommend a 1.5 stop hard and a 3 stop soft (if you are just starting with filters). Full instruction can be given during the workshop to help you with the correct use of filters.
To get the very best out of your images and the locations, we suggest that you bring a good Neutral Density filter with you such as the Lee Little Stopper or Big Stopper or the Singh-Ray Vari-ND filter for long exposures.
You will need one for longer than 30 seconds exposures.
Warm and weatherproof clothing and neoprene wellies is a must as the weather can be very unpredictable. ☀ ☁ ❄. We also encourage you to bring some digital files of your previous work as there might be opportunities to discuss your portfolio and supply you with beneficial feedback.
Although all 'Inspiring Photography Workshops' clients are covered by our public liability insurance, we recommend that you take your own travel insurance also.
This photo workshop does not offer post processing tuition, please see here for further details.
Tutor
Your Tutor
Dimitri Vasileiou is a highly acclaimed landscape photographer, writer and photographic workshop leader. A professional photographer for several years, he was born in Greece and currently resides in Scotland.
Some of his work has been reproduced in the Daily Record newspaper and he has also had work published in a number of photography magazines and books.
In 2011 Dimitri founded Landscape Photography Magazine. He is the editor and currently writing articles every month for the publication.
Accommodation
The Arch Inn
The Arch Inn opened in 1973 on the site of the first building built by the British Fishing Society when Ullapool was being established over 200 years ago.
Originally it was an Inn and store for fishermen and fish curers, with stabling through the archway for the horses that carried goods overland to the village. Over the years The Arch Inn has changed many times, but still remains at the heart of the village for locals and tourists alike.
Situated on the shores of Loch Broom with magnificent views over the Fannich hills, it makes it the ideal base to explore the Scottish Highlands.
All rooms have free WiFi, flat screen TV, tea and coffee making facilities and off street parking.