Creative photography retreat, March 2020

Creative photography holiday in the Scottish Highlands

Dates: 15 – 21 March 2020
Activity: analogue and digital photography
Tutor: Dave Hunt
Location: Glen Lyon, Scottish Highlands, Scotland
Cost: £1590 per person (based on two people sharing; add £250 for single occupancy)

The March dates are now closed for bookings. However, we’d be happy to organise this Highland retreat for you and your group at dates of your choice (depending on venue availability) – get in touch for info.

Book your space!

Sir Walter Scott described Glen Lyon in the Scottish Highlands as the “longest, loneliest and loveliest glen in Scotland”. We’ve picked this wonderful location for our creative photography retreat with local fine art photographer Dave Hunt. In a 5-day workshop you will explore your personal creative style of photography using a mix of analogue and digital methods, drawing inspiration from the stunning natural surroundings.

In a world where we are at risk of drowning in a constant flow of images it has become a challenge to find a strong connection with our work. With Dave’s guidance you will learn to fully connect with your personal style, and appreciate your own vision and what an image is trying to convey, with technology neither influencing nor restricting your work.

Sir Walter Scott when asked to sum up his walk up Glen Lyon described it as the ‘longest, loneliest and loveliest glen in Scotland’.

The photography workshop

In this workshop we will use a mix of photography formats from modern DSLR and mobile devices to analogue film and even Victorian plate cameras. Using analogue formats allows us to work at a much more considered pace, with time to fully understand the context of the images we produce. Also, producing a photographic image in a physical form is an experience that many artists today sadly miss. The workshop involves some time working in small peer groups with as much individual personal time as possible. Then we all come together for sessions to share our thoughts and experiences where we can learn from each other. The workshop will cover:

Introduction, personal motivations and objectives
Understanding our cameras
All group and personal outdoor sessions (any format)
Analogue demonstration – film and wet plate photography
Small group sessions using analogue cameras
Small group challenges and personal creative time
Analogue printing techniques, open group demo and personal sessions
Review sessions: series of small workshops to review our work and consider where we will go from here
Mini exhibition of the group’s work.

Our tutor, Dave Hunt, is a fine art photographer and explorer who will take you to the location’s most inspiring spots. You can learn more about Dave on his profile page and about his approach to fine art photography here.

The workshop is suitable for all photographic skills levels.

Please note that the week will involve a fair bit of walking, including some hillwalking. So you should be reasonably fit and bring your hiking boots and waterproofs to get the most out of this retreat.

The location – Glen Lyon and South Chesthill Estate

Glen Lyon is a truly magical place for an artist, so being able to capture its spirit and atmosphere at a creative pace is an experience that will stay with you forever.

Don’t be surprised if you get a sense of peacefulness as soon as you arrive at our retreat location. Things move more slowly here in this remote part of the world…you may be inspired to take in your surroundings mindfully and curiously. Glen Lyon (Scottish Gaelic: Gleann Lìomhann) is the longest enclosed glen in Scotland and runs for 34 miles from Loch Lyon in the west to the village of Fortingall in the east. Steep hills rise either side of the glen and the tops are carpeted in heather with remnants of the ancient Caledonian forest visible at the westerly end.

Our venue Chesthill House on South Chesthill Estate offers tasteful and cozy surroundings, its a real feelgood place. The house has been fully refurbished to a very high standard without losing its traditional Highland feel. Imagine sitting by the fireplace with a glass of wine, or soaking in the bathtub while enjoying the views out the window. Imagine being spoiled with delicious meals, many from local produce, and strolling through the peaceful countryside.

South Chesthill Estate is remote enough for you to be able to literally switch off from the hustle and bustle of daily life. At the same time it is accessible and less than two hours drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

What to bring

Camera: any camera will do from a professional level DSLR to a mobile phone or even that old film camera that you wanted to use again one day. The essence of the workshop is our vision and images, and not the equipment. And don’t worry about the analogue work, we can supply cameras for the workshop.
Other equipment like tripods and filters can be useful but is not essential.
Laptop or tablet: yes, if you have one. But we will be spending more time discussing and capturing photos than looking at screens.
Good outdoor clothing: this will be needed as some of the areas that we may explore can be over rough ground and being the Scottish Highlands the weather can be a tad atmospheric !

You may also want to bring your paints and sketchbook. There is so much to do on the estate! Walking, salmon and trout fishing, running and much more. You can even bring your dog! And the yoga enthusiasts will enjoy doing poses overlooking the serene hills. On the last night we’ll head to nearby Fortingall for an evening of live music. Non-photographer partners are welcome and a discount is available.

Cost & inclusions

Cost: £1590 per person, based on two sharing (plus £250 for single occupancy)

This includes:

5 days photography workshop
6 nights in high quality accommodation
All meals: breakfasts, lunches, evening meals
Discussions and talks
Guided walks, including a walk to the estate’s hill loch and hut up at about 2000 ft
Use of darkroom and some camera equipment
Prints of a selection of your images
Pre-travel information pack (by email)
A member of the Wild at Art team will accompany the group throughout to ensure you’re well looked after 🙂

This art holiday starts (7pm on 15 March) and finishes (11am on 21 March) at South Chesthill Estate (2 hours from Edinburgh Airport). We will advise on travel options where required. If you’d like to arrive in Scotland a bit earlier or stay some extra nights after the Wild at Art vacation we can assist you with finding accommodation.

Not included: flights to and from Scotland. Airport transfers can be arranged at an additional cost (contact us for quote). Guests are required to take out personal travel insurance. A non-refundable deposit of £300 secures your space.