Level 3 Advanced Photography Workshop
Refine your vision. Master field craft. Make deliberate compositions.
For experienced photographers, the challenge isn't the camera, it’s the conditions, the timing, and the creative decisions that happen in the seconds before the shutter is pressed. Level 1 and 2 are about the 'how'; Level 3 is about the 'why'.
This is an elite, pressure-free day focused on high-level strategy, subtle workflow tweaks, and the nuances that separate a good image from a gallery-grade photograph.
This is a full day (8 hours), available one-to-one or in small groups (up to four) across Angus, the East Coast, Tayside, Perthshire, Aberdeenshire, and the Highlands, depending on the forecast and what you want to shoot.
You’ll be learning with an award-winning Scottish landscape and nature photographer. View recognition and features.
What this workshop is
You have the technique. Now you want the strategy.
Level 3 is ideal if you are technically proficient but feel your creative growth has plateaued. This is about moving beyond the histogram to focus on the deeper narrative of the landscape and the strategy required to capture it.
You want to master complex location planning including tides, light angles, and weather patterns.
You are comfortable with your gear but want to push your creative boundaries.
You are looking for subtle, high-level workflow tweaks that lift your final files.
You want peer-level critique and professional direction in the field.
You prefer a calm, unhurried environment to execute difficult shots.
Who this is for
You know the basics. Now you want the edge.
This workshop is designed for the practitioner who is ready to look past the technicalities of exposure and focus on the strategic execution of a professional shoot. It is for those who value patience, observation, and the unhurried pursuit of the right frame.
You are technically proficient but feel stuck in a creative plateau.
You want to move from taking photos to crafting them with absolute intent.
You want to understand the "why" behind every high-level field decision.
You are seeking a professional, peer-to-peer environment to refine your craft.
You want to explore demanding locations with a recognised expert..
What you’ll learn
Strategic decisions for elite results.
We skip the theory and move straight into the logic of a professional shoot. We focus on the small, 1% adjustments in field craft that make the biggest impact on the final frame.
Location Strategy: Advanced scouting using maps and local knowledge to be in the right place for specific light.
Complex Exposure: Mastering high-dynamic-range scenes without relying on automated tools.
Nuanced Composition: Moving beyond rules into visual balance, layering, and negative space.
Advanced Filter Work: Precision use of NDs and Polarisers for mood and texture control.
Creative Direction: Developing a personal style and finding a unique voice in familiar landscapes.
Full day workshop
Eight hours of dedicated, peer-level guidance.
Full day (8 hours)
Refinement and mastery.
Level 3 is strictly full day only. Advanced photography requires time to wait for the light, explore difficult angles, and engage in deeper discussion. We do not rush; we wait for the landscape to reveal itself.
Full day (8 hours). Designed for patience, precision, and proper progress.
One to one or small groups. Professional, peer-to-peer atmosphere with zero pressure.
Bespoke location selection. Planned around the forecast and your specific technical goals.
An elite field rhythm. Strategy. Execution. Review. Refinement.
If you’re unsure which to pick, enquire and I’ll guide you.
Subjects and locations
This day is planned around your subject preference and location preference. We choose a route that suits the forecast and gives the best chance of strong light and clean compositions.
Coastal & Seascape
Woodland
Landscape
Choosing the right location
Subjects we can target:
• Coastal long exposures
Tides, timing, spray, and safe positioning.
• Woodlands
Finding order in chaos. Structure, depth, and colour control.
• Natural landscapes
Light and shadow, scale, and simplified framing.
• Minimal studies
Shape, negative space, and quiet composition.
• Abstract and overlooked details
Patterns, textures, and small moments most folk walk past.
• Intimate telephoto scenes
Picking out a photograph within the scene. Compression, layering, and clean backgrounds.
What you’ll photograph
Coastal and seascape options:
• St Cyrus
• Lunan Bay
• Auchmithie Bay
• Arbroath Cliffs
• Dunnottar Castle
• Catterline Bay
• Cove Bay
Woodland and landscape options:
• Glen Clova
• Glen Prosen
• Glen Esk
• Glen Doll
• Linn of Dee
• Morrone Birkwood
• The Blue Door Rocks of Solitude walk
• Cairngorms South and East side
Braemar, Ballater, Crathie, and the quieter edges around Deeside and Speyside.
Bespoke days further afield can be arranged by enquiry.
Pricing
Clear, simple pricing. One to one or small group. No pressure.
Full day (8 hours)
One to one: £445
Two people: £355 per person (20% off)
Three people: £265 per person (40% off)
Multi day discount
2 days: (10% off) total
3 days: (15% off) total
4+ days: priced by enquiry
Travel during the day is included from our agreed meeting location.
Not sure which option suits? Tell me what you want to photograph and I’ll guide you.
Ready to book?
Choose your options below. Dates are confirmed by email after checkout.
After booking, I’ll email you within 24 hours to confirm a date that suits your diary, location, the light, and the forecast.
“I was fortunate to have Duncan on hand to give me all the little hints and tips to make the experience all the more worthwhile. His calm approach and deep technical knowledge meant I came away with images I otherwise may have missed.”
Meeting and timing
We’ll agree a meeting point that suits Angus, Tayside, Perthshire, or Aberdeenshire, then choose a start time based on the light and conditions on the day.
What’s included
Comprehensive support for the serious photographer.
One to one or small group (max 3) peer-level tuition.
Advanced location strategy and weather analysis prior to the day.
Travel during the day from our agreed meeting point.
Expert field critique and creative direction.
Follow-up file review or email support to discuss processing.
What to bring
Bring what you already have. Being Level 3, you won’t need reminded, but…
Your camera and a charged battery.
A tripod.
A memory card with space.
Your lens or lenses. We’ll work with what you’ve got.
Your Filters.
Weather layers and comfortable shoes.
Helpful, not required
A small bag to keep gear dry between spots.
A spare battery (especially in colder months).
A small lens cloth (sea spray, rain, fingerprints).
A flask and snacks.
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Use the Enquire button on this page. Tell me what you’d like to photograph, your rough availability, and whether you’re looking for one to one or a small group. I’ll come back with date options and a simple plan.
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Yes. You can book one to one, or a small group up to three. Small groups stay calm and personal, without anyone being put on the spot.
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Yes. Two and three person bookings are discounted and shown in the Pricing section. If you’ve got a specific group in mind, tell me who’s coming and what level everyone is at.
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Yes. If you want time to slow down and really practise, multi day is ideal. Discounts are listed in the Multi day discount box. For 4+ days, it’s priced by enquiry.
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Most Level workshops run across Angus, Tayside, Perthshire, and Aberdeenshire. We’ll choose a location based on what you want to shoot, the light, and the conditions on the day.
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Aye. If there’s somewhere you already love, or somewhere you’ve always wanted to photograph, tell me when you enquire. I’ll advise what will work best for the time of year and conditions.
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We’ll choose a start time based on light and conditions. Sometimes that’s early. Sometimes it’s later. The aim is to put you in the right place at the right time, without rushing.
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Yes. Travel during the day is included from our agreed meeting location. If we’re moving between spots, that’s built into the day.
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Not as standard. If you’re travelling in and don’t have transport, mention it when you enquire and I’ll tell you what’s possible.
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We don’t panic and we don’t waste the day. If it’s unsafe, we’ll reschedule. If it’s just Scottish weather, we’ll adapt, choose sheltered locations, and work with what we’ve got. Some of the best learning happens in imperfect conditions.
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No. These are calm, unhurried days. We’ll keep walking sensible and choose locations to suit your comfort. If you’ve got any mobility concerns, just tell me upfront and I’ll plan around it.
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Bring what you already have. I’ll help you get the best from it. At minimum:
Camera and charged battery
Memory card with space
Lens or lenses (whatever you’ve got is fine)
Weather layers and comfortable shoes
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Not for Level 1. If you own one, bring it, but it’s not essential. If the conditions suit a tripod moment, I’ll show you how to use it properly.
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Yes. These workshops are built to work for all levels, from getting off Auto to refining your approach. Tell me where you’re at when you enquire and I’ll tailor the day so you’re learning the right things, not wading through stuff you don’t need.
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Yes. If you already know your camera, we’ll go deeper. We can refine decision making in the field, tighten composition and technique, and build a repeatable process you can use anywhere, without trying to change your style.
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These workshops are focused on shooting in the field. We can absolutely talk through editing and Lightroom during the day too, especially around what to look for when you’re shooting so your files edit cleanly later.
If you’d like more hands-on help afterwards, I also offer online Lightroom tuition. Just tell me when you enquire and I’ll recommend the best option based on what you want to improve.
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Yes. Gift vouchers are available for Half day or Full day. Send me the name of the recipient and I’ll sort the details.
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I offer custom quotes where needed and I’m happy to provide an invoice for your booking. Bank transfer is standard.
For Level workshops, you can also book and pay using the online checkout on the page, including Add to cart options where available. If you’re unsure what to choose, just enquire and I’ll guide you.
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Yes. A 30% deposit is required to secure your date. The remaining balance is due before the workshop, or can be paid in full at booking if you prefer.
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If you need to cancel, give me as much notice as you can. The 30% deposit is non refundable if you cancel.
If I have to cancel due to weather or unforeseen issues, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.