Signature Autumn Photography Workshop · 2027
Glen Affric & Glen Strathfarrar Woodland & Intimate Landscape Photography Workshop
Timed for the peak autumn window, this Signature workshop explores two of the Scottish Highlands’ finest glens through ancient woodland, loch edges, reflections and quieter intimate landscapes.
I shape each day around the light and conditions, giving us the freedom to spend our time where the photography is strongest.
Two Highland Glens in Autumn
Glen Affric and Glen Strathfarrar are different in character, and that is exactly what makes them such a strong combination for photography.
Glen Affric gives us ancient Caledonian pinewood, old birch, loch edges and the wider Highland landscape. Glen Strathfarrar has a quieter, wilder character, with native woodland, water and intimate scenes that reward taking time and looking closely.
I have returned to this part of the Highlands many times, and it has shaped a great deal of my woodland photography. I am less interested in simply collecting viewpoints than in finding order, light, colour and atmosphere within landscapes that can initially feel complex.
Working across both glens gives us variety and, just as importantly, flexibility. Rather than following a rigid route, I can shape the day around the conditions and spend our time where the landscape is giving us the strongest photographs.
Key Information
Location
Glen Affric & Glen Strathfarrar Scottish Highlands
Dates
25–31 October 2027
Focus
Woodland & intimate landscape photography
Format
Private one-to-one or small groups up to 3
Price
From £445
Duration
Full day · approx. 8 hours
What We'll Work On
We’ll start with what catches your attention in the landscape and explore how composition, light and camera choices can help you express it. I’ll share my approach, with room for your own interpretation.
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Woodland Composition
Woodland can feel complicated at first. We’ll look for structure among the trees, explore their character and relationships, and use separation, balance and natural layers to simplify the scene. I’ll help you consider what belongs in the frame and what you might leave out.
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Intimate Landscapes
An old birch, autumn bracken, lichen, water or a small relationship between shapes and colours can hold your attention as strongly as a wider view. We’ll take time to understand what drew you to the subject and explore how to give it space within the photograph.
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Light, Water & Atmosphere
Mist, reflections, rain and soft autumn light can change how a scene feels. We’ll explore how timing, focal length, exposure and shutter speed affect the result, choosing settings that support the photograph you want to make.
We’ll cover camera settings, focus, depth of field and lens choice as they become useful in the field, with guidance adapted to your experience.
How a Day Works
Each day is planned around the light, weather and photographic conditions. If a woodland scene is working, we give it time. If reflections develop or mist changes the landscape, we can adapt the plan.
I’ll ask what catches your attention, talk through your ideas and help you explore a composition. We might compare viewpoints, change lenses or work through the settings together. When a demonstration helps, I can photograph alongside you and explain my choices. Your photography and the help you need come first.
The guidance changes with you. You may want close support with the camera, or time to experiment before discussing the result. If something is unclear, we can step back, try another explanation and go through it again. There is time to ask questions and practise.
With no more than three photographers, there is room for individual guidance, conversation and quiet concentration.
My aim is for you to leave with photographs you are pleased with and a clearer understanding of the decisions you made, so you can keep developing your own way of seeing.
Location & Practicalities
Glen Affric and Glen Strathfarrar lie west of Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, with Cannich providing an excellent base for the workshop.
Getting Here
Inverness is the main transport hub for anyone travelling from farther afield, with rail and air connections from across the UK.
If you are driving, I will send full meeting details and directions before your workshop.
Where to Stay
Cannich is my first recommendation, particularly if you are joining me for more than one day.
Drumnadrochit offers a wider choice of accommodation, food and services while remaining within practical travelling distance.
Inverness is also possible if you would prefer to stay in the city, although it means a longer journey at the beginning and end of the workshop day.
If you are planning a multi-day visit, I am happy to help you choose the most practical base before you book your accommodation.
Pricing & Booking
Full-day Glen Affric & Glen Strathfarrar Signature Workshops are available privately or for small groups of up to three photographers.
Full-Day Signature Workshop
- 1 photographer Private one-to-one
- £445 Full-day rate
- 2 photographers Small-group rate
- £356 Per person £712 total
- 3 photographers Small-group rate
- £297 Per person £891 total
Multi-Day Workshops
If you would like more time in the area, multi-day bookings are also available.
Spending two or more days together gives us greater freedom to explore both glens, work with different conditions and develop your photography in more depth. Multi-day bookings are arranged individually around your dates and group size.
What's Included
- Approximately 8 hours in the field
- Tuition throughout the day
- Private one-to-one or small-group format
- Maximum of three photographers
- Planning around the photographic conditions
- Guidance tailored to your experience and interests
- Travel between agreed photography locations
- Pre-workshop information and meeting details
Check Availability
Tell me your preferred date, number of photographers and whether you're interested in one day or multiple days. I’ll confirm availability and help you arrange the most suitable option.
No payment is required to make an enquiry. Once your date is confirmed, a 20% deposit secures your booking.
Photographing With Me
I’m a Scottish landscape photographer based in Angus, with woodland and intimate landscape photography at the heart of much of my work.
I lead every workshop personally, keeping numbers small so there is plenty of time to work through compositions, camera choices and ideas together in the field.
Glen Affric has played an important part in my own photography, and I have returned to this part of the Highlands many times over the years. My image Autumn Dancer, photographed in Glen Affric, was featured by the Horniman Museum & Gardens in an editorial exploring the glen and its ancient woodland.
What I enjoy most about teaching is helping another photographer slow down, make sense of a difficult scene and recognise something they might otherwise have walked past. That is the approach I bring to every workshop.
Glen Affric Workshop Reviews
Just finished three brilliant days with Duncan at Glen Affric, Glen Reelig and Glen Strathfarrer. I was surprised to see how different the woodland was across the three glens. This made for a great selection of images thanks to Duncan’s knowledge of the area and his keen eye for composition. Super calm guy to photograph with and most happy to recommend his services.
A fabulous two days in Glen Affric with Duncan. His approach is faultless, relaxed and an all round first class experience. … Thank you so much for your help, and I’ll recommend you to my local photographic community!
He was never looking over our shoulders, but offered excellent advice and guidance when we were struggling. He encouraged me to make compositions that I otherwise would not have considered. If you are looking for an experienced tutor with an excellent bedside manner, then I would thoroughly recommend Duncan.
Before You Book
A few practical details about the workshop, from equipment and fitness to weather, travel and multi-day bookings.
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Send an enquiry with your preferred date or dates between 25 and 31 October 2027, the number of photographers and whether you would like one day or several.
I’ll confirm availability and help arrange the most suitable option for you. No payment is required to make an enquiry.
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Yes. I adapt the guidance to your experience, whether you need help with camera settings and composition or another perspective on an established approach. If you are unsure, tell me about your camera and what you would like help with when you enquire, and we can discuss the most suitable format.
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We spend time on woodland paths, loch edges and uneven ground while carrying camera equipment. The pace allows time to stop and photograph. If you have mobility concerns or questions about the walking involved, let me know before booking so we can discuss what will be suitable.
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Bring your camera and lenses, charged batteries, memory cards, suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. A tripod is strongly recommended for woodland, reflections and slower shutter speeds. If you are unsure about any of your equipment, I can advise before the workshop.
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Mist, rain, cloud and soft light can work particularly well in woodland. I adapt the plan around the conditions and the photographic opportunities they offer. If conditions become unsafe or genuinely unsuitable, we will discuss the appropriate options.
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Yes. Travel between agreed photography locations during the workshop day is included from our meeting point. I’ll confirm the meeting location and practical details before your workshop.
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Yes. You can enquire about a single day or combine dates within 25–31 October 2027. More time gives us greater freedom to explore both glens, work with different conditions and develop your photography. Multi-day bookings and prices are arranged individually around your dates and group size.
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Once your date is confirmed, a 20% deposit secures your booking. The remaining 80% is due 28 days before your first workshop day. For bookings made within 28 days, full payment is due on confirmation.
If you need to cancel, please let me know by email as soon as possible.
For cancellations more than 28 days before your first workshop day, any cancellation charge will be capped at your 20% deposit. For cancellations 28 days or fewer beforehand, the charge may be up to the full booking price.
In either case, any amount retained will reflect my reasonable losses after allowing for costs saved and income from a replacement booking. If I can refill your booking without a loss, you’ll receive a full refund.
If I cannot run a booked workshop day, including because conditions are unsafe, you can choose another available date or a full refund of the workshop fees paid for the cancelled day or days.
This does not affect your statutory rights.
Continue Your Learning
From the Field to the Finished Image
Want help with what happens after the workshop? My one-to-one online Lightroom tuition uses your own photographs to help you build a clearer editing workflow, refine your images and understand the decisions behind the edit.
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