Workshop: Isle of Lewis, Scotland, 12 – 18  May  2012

Price: £ 895

Availability: Unavailable – This course will run again in 2013


Sea stacks of Camas na h-Airde, Isle of Lewis, ScotlandLocation introduction

The Isles of Lewis and Harris are at the North west corner of the group of Islands known as the Hebrides, or Western Isles.  The Hebrides are known as the “long islands” as they stretch for 100 miles, with Lewis being the largest. Gaelic is spoken alongside English, and Eagles live alongside Otters and people. The contrast of the ages and cultures is experienced all over the isles of Lewis and Harris (joined together) both in the towns and out in the hills and mountains.

The name of  MacLeod  (son of Leod) is seen regularly in the phone books and on the name boards of shops, and the ending of “bost” on the place names, giving witness to the Viking past of the Isles.

Alongside the great sites of historic interest like the Callanish Standing Stones and the Carloway broch, we would like to introduce you to some of our favourite places on the Isle of Lewis – those hidden treasures that you only know about if you live in a place or visit frequently. We will take the time to explore these hidden parts, which will give you a flavour of what is photographically special about the Isle of Lewis.

The Isle of Lewis is the most northerly of the Western Isles and the most inhabited. It is believed that the island gained it’s name from the Gaelic word for marshy, which is leogach, but many alternative theories exist with varying degrees of likelihood.

Admittedly much of the land of Lewis is open moorland which consists of large areas of peat bog. However there are plenty of other types of land to be found and the most beautiful landscapes are to be found along the many miles of the north/west coastline. This is where we will be based, with abundance of sunsets and striking bays of sand and large pebbles.

Although we will spend most of our time on the north/west part of the island, we might drive to the north/east part for a very early sunrise. It is worth visiting Traigh Ghearadha beach and enjoy rock pools and sea stacks during sunrise.

In May, the sun sets at the right place (for landscape photographers), allowing for amazing sunsets from almost all bays that face west. Admittedly, it is the best month for landscape photography with sunsets in mind.

Callanais stones, Isle of Lewis, ScotlandWho is this course for:

All beginners entering landscape photography and could do with help. Intermediates looking to improve their skills. Advanced level looking for some inspiration or new and exciting places to visit. This workshop is for everyone.

What you should bring with you:

Warm and weatherproof clothing and boots (also warm neoprene wellies if you can) is a must, as the weather on Lewis can be very unpredictable in May with boggy ground. All your photography gear (see faq) and a few prints or digital files of your previous work for constructive and honest feedback.

What is included in the price:

Six nights full board accommodation on a non sharing basis and with no single supplement. Transfers from Kyle of Lochalsh to Uig (if needed) and back. Return ferry crossing from Uig to Tarbert. One to one and group tuition and all transport during the course. Tutorial on image processing, for those with not much knowledge on the subject. This will give you an idea on how to best present the beautiful images taken during the course. Also, screen presentations of Dimitri’s own work and of your own images made during the course. Dimitri believes that feedback from the whole group, improves the way you see photography. Extensive technical notes to take with you and also, after course advice via phone/email.

What is excluded:

Cancellation insurance, drinks and transfers to and from Kyle of Lochalsh or Uig, although pick up and drop off to and from Glasgow airport / train station can be arranged.

Course times:

The course starts on Sat 12 May and ends on Fri 18 April. Meeting point Uig, Isle of Skye.

Finally

All beginners should feel comfortable booking this workshop. As we will have enough days to our disposal, there will be plenty of time for one to one tuition. Besides, the relaxed tuition method Dimitri is using, will have you making superb images in no time.

All our workshops are designed with tuition and inspiration in mind and our repeat bookings are testament to this. Please allow five minutes to take a look at the feedback page, our clients usually say more about us than we do.

This course is slightly intensive and some of the walks can be a bit strenuous, a reasonable level of fitness will be required. However, our walks will be no longer than 15min long. Our aim is for you to leave the course with a much better knowledge and understanding of the subject and also, with a great experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life. And most importantly, with a few very good images that you will be proud of.