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Workshop Overview
Autumn and winter on the Isle of Harris displays the Outer Hebrides in all its glory; dramatic weather sweeps through the islands and provides endless photographic opportunities at all times of day. We will visit some of my favourite locations including Seilebost, Luskentyre, North Harris, and Hushinish. Harris has a wonderful variety of landscapes which will keep our trip interesting. Join me to experience the white sand beaches, dunes, and mountains of Harris while developing your photography. If we’re lucky we may even have some snow on the higher hilltops to work with!
This workshop is limited to 4 guests. This keeps things intimate and allows me to offer valuable 1-on-1 tuition to all clients. It also allows everyone to have plenty of space at locations to find their own composition. This workshop is open to photographers of all levels!
The workshop itself will begin with a short walk along the beach to situate ourselves before delving in to the practice of photography, composition, image critiques, and more. Throughout each day, we will be focused on the art of photography & developing personal expression through a contemplative creative process. I will aim to help you make your own intimate connections with nature through the practice of photography.
These mentoring workshops are designed with the understanding that each photographer must find their own path. They are intended to open a conservation and encourage self-reflection. I am a facilitator in your creative journey.
An emphasis will be placed on (self-)critique: what is your creative process? Why is your creative process the way it is? How does your process influence the final result? Why are you using your chosen medium? What ideas is your work alluding to and how could your process capture those ideas? How can your creative process better tell the story of this place?
Join me for a 3 night workshop and learn how to be more intentional with your creative process to achieve your artistic vision.
If you want to get a sense of how I teach, you can watch me in the field on my youtube channel. If you have any questions please get in touch!
Itinerary & Agenda
The itinerary for the trip will be relatively fluid to work with the fast changing conditions of the Outer Hebrides at this time of year. Some days we will be out during the middle of the day depending on weather and the tides. Other days we will be on location all day making the most of winter’s shorter daylight hours. Weather is of course changeable, but I aim to teach creativity in any conditions. Workshops are aimed at all levels of photographers.
Each day will follow the following rough format:
6:00am - 8:30am Morning Photography
8:30am - 9:30am Breakfast
9:30am - 12:30pm Rest Period/Morning Activities
12:30pm - 1:30pm Lunch
2:00pm - 4:00pm Afternoon Critique/Computer sessions
5:00pm - 6:00pm Dinner
6:00pm - 8:30pm Evening Photography
Tuition
I will be on hand at all times for 1-on-1 and group tuition. In addition to this, we will be performing a series of short creative exercises both to stimulate the group and to introduce the participants to the area. Part of this mentoring workshop is also to watch how I go about making photographs in the field. As such, I will also be making images with my camera to demonstrate my creative process.
Creative agenda:
Basics of how exposure: aperture, shutter speed, & ISO (and how to use exposure creatively)
Importance of light
Using visual language to find meaning beyond aesthetics
Building an intimate relationship with nature
Photographing in black & white
How personal expression dictates composition and subject finding
Environmental philosophy
Image critiques
Post-processing techniques
Working in projects and themes
Accommodation
Self-catering in a wonderful cottage right on the east coast of Harris. The cottage has fantastic views out over the coastline and is walking distance to one of my favourite locations, Seilebost beach. We will go out one or two evenings for a meal in Tarbert at the local hotel/restaurant. Please note that there are very limited restaurants and groceries should be planned in advance. The best locations on Harris for groceries are in Tarbert and Leverburgh, or ideally before you reach the island.
There are 4 bedrooms in the cottage; 1 is a double ensuite on the ground floor, and 3 are on the first floor with a shared bathroom. There is one double ensuite, one twin bedroom, one small double bedroom, and one large double. Prices are tiered depending on your room choice:
Twin Bedroom (up to 1 pax total)
£1100pp/single bed
Smaller Double Bedroom (up to 2pax total)
£1200pp, double bed, solo occupancy
£2300 for 2pax, double bed, shared occupancy (for couples or close friends at your discretion)
Larger Double (up to 2pax total)
£1250pp double bed, solo occupancy
£2400 for 2 pax, double bed, shared occupancy (for couples or close friends at your discretion)
Large Double Ensuite (up to 2pax total)
£1350pp double bed, solo occupancy
£2600 for 2 pax, double bed, shared occupancy (for couples or close friends at your discretion)
Please note there is a maximum capacity of 4 total guests for this workshop, so room availability will depend on existing bookings. Sharing of double beds is only available to couples or close friends (at your discretion). See photos below, or you can see more about our accommodation here.
Fitness and Experience
Most of the locations we will be visiting are only a very short walk from the road, although we may explore some lower slopes of the hills in North Harris should favourable conditions present themselves. These hills all have good footpaths and the walks won’t last for longer than an hour or so with minimal elevation gain.
Equipment
Please bring with all your standard photographic equipment. This should include:
Camera and lenses (wide + normal + telephoto, ideally covering up to 24-200mm)
Tripod & ND Filters (essential for long exposures on the beaches)
Lens cloths (to wipe off sea spray!)
Outdoor clothing including rain jackets, warm jackets, beanies, gloves, good socks and shoes. Be prepared for winter conditions
Transport and Additional Expenses
Please note that transport to and from Harris is not included in this trip. This includes needing to book your own ferry crossing. I have found that the best ferry route is from Uig on Skye to Tarbert on Harris, although you can also get a ferry from Ullapool to Stornoway. Bookings are made through CalMac Ferries. Flights are also available from mainland UK to Stornoway. All locations are only a short drive away from our accommodation and have ample parking. We will endeavour to car pool during the trip.
It is a condition of booking that you have comprehensive travel insurance to cover you for cancellation, activities involved and destination. This cover should include repatriation costs and medical costs. You must provide the details of your insurance with or before your final payment.
Payment
A £300 deposit is required to reserve your place. The final balance (dependent on your room) is due 8 weeks prior to the trip. Your space is only secured if payment is made on time. I reserve the right to cancel your space if I cannot get in touch with you or your final payment is past due.
The deposit (if paid) should be regarded as non-refundable, as I have to pay a deposit to 3rd party suppliers (accommodation, etc.) in advance to guarantee the services I have booked on your behalf. In the event of a cancellation initiated by you, should there be any costs that are refundable, we will do our utmost to make a refund to you, or to offer a re-booking on a future workshop. All cancellations incur a £100 administrative fee (deducted from any refund) for covering the resources involved in the refilling process.
I understand that times are tough in the current market environment; I would be more than happy to work out some sort of payment plan to help alleviate any stress, just get in contact and we can figure something out!
By signing up to this workshop you agree to the standard Terms & Conditions.
Who am I?
Murray is a trained architectural designer who has been practicing photography for over 10 years. He uses a variety of media (digital & film) to express a love for natural processes and complex scenes.
His photographs seek to express what makes a particular area unique. Murray’s work specialises in black and white landscapes, but he lets his encounters with the natural environment dictate the end result. Currently, he is living in a self-built campervan travelling the UK for photography.