Scottish Highlands – 8 day Scotland Photo Tour

On our Scotland photography tours, you’ll see why photographers from all over the world keep coming back to this tiny country in the north of the United Kingdom. Scotland is unlike any other landscape photography destination in the world. Where else would you find incredible scenery and historic castles intertwined with each other? From the wild coast of Scotland to the world-class whiskey distilleries, this tour is a must for any traveller.

This epic 8-day Scotland photography tour starts in Edinburgh before quickly heading into the highlands and on to the epic scenery of Glencoe. On this photography experience, we will cover some of the most stunning scenes in the United Kingdom. There will be castles such as Eileen Donan, lochs and even some world-class whiskey. By the time the tour ends, you would have visited some of the best photography locations Scotland has to offer.

Why you should come to our Scotland photography tour

Scotland is one of the world’s best landscape photography locations. This photo tour is perfect for any landscape photographer who wants to improve their photos in one of the best landscape photography locations in the world. Unlike shorter photo workshops, on this extended tour, you will have more time to hone your skills and capture those stunning landscape images.

We will teach you how best to utilise the light available and to aid you in visualising and preparing yourself for photography in a scene. We will teach you how to use filters in difficult lighting conditions and work with you to improve your composition. As with any landscape photography, you will also learn how to adapt to changing conditions.

You will be guided by our professional photographers Jordan Banks and Malcolm Fackender. They will help you train yourself to see and harness your creativity. You will learn how to survey the landscape, and utilise your environment. Not only will you take home an amazing set of images from Scotland, but continue to put your new skills to use.

Professional service by pro photographers

There are lots of Scotland photography tours and workshops out there. So why should you choose us?

Unlike many other photography tour providers, our tutors are professional photographers. Not only by title but in practice. They are working photographers who have spent years honing their skills. Their work has appeared across the globe in the likes of Lonely Planet and many more publications across the world.

Peace of mind when booking

There has never been a more important time in ensuring that your deposit or payment is safe. So in the event that any of our tours or workshops don’t go ahead, we offer a 100% refund. No fees and no excuses. So you can rest assured that if you book a Scotland photo tour with us, your booking is safe if the unexpected happens.

Small groups on even private tours

We have always believed that small groups are best for travelling. Not only are they safer to run and manage. But they are also much more sustainable and responsible. This is even more important for photography tours where learning is key.

We limit our tours to a maximum of 12 people at a time. This ensures that everyone on the tour benefits from ample time with the tutor. In fact, we also offer private tailor-made trips if you prefer to travel with your own private instructor. Imagine how much you could learn if you spend time with a private instructor to guide you!

Whatever level you are at, we can help

You may have only recently decided to take up photography and find it all overwhelming. Or you may have some knowledge but struggle to capture the sort of photos that you dream of. Or you could be a serious amateur with years of experience but want to take your photography to the next level. Whatever level you are at, we can help you achieve your photography goals.

So why not join us on our next Scotland photography tour? If you are unsure if you would benefit from this tour or would like us to plan your trip privately, feel free to email us at info@thatwildidea.co.uk

Scotland Photography Tour Itinerary

Day 1 – Edinburgh => Glencoe (D)

Our tour starts at 9 am at our meeting point in Edinburgh. After a brief meet and greet with some refreshments, we’ll begin our journey through the Scottish countryside to Glencoe.

We’ll spend the rest of the afternoon photographing this beautiful and iconic valley with the imposing Three Sisters mountain range. For sunset, we will be photographing one of the many famous locations in this region.

Day 2 – Glencoe => Glenfinnan (B, D)

It’s an early morning start as we photograph one of the many spots in and around Glencoe at sunrise including the iconic Castle Stalker.

We will then head to Glenfinnan where we’ll be aiming to photograph its famous viaduct and the steam train that has been immortalised in the first Harry Potter film. Sitting on the banks of Loch Shiel there will be plenty to keep us busy.

As we make our way back to Glencoe, if we have time we will stop in Fort William to photograph the Old Boat of Corpach at sunset.

Day 3 – Glencoe => Eilean Donan Castle => Isle of Skye (B, D)

Today might be a long day of shooting but it will be well worth the effort. We start at Glen Etive, one of the most popular and stunning locations in Glencoe. Then we’ll stop by the Black Rock Cottage before making the drive to Eilean Donan Castle. This is arguably the most stunning castle in all of Scotland and deserves an afternoon and sunset dedicated to it.

We then make the drive over Skye Bridge onto the Isle of Skye.

Day 4 – Isle of Skye: Talisker Bay => Sligachan Bridge => Elgol Bay (B, D)

Over the next few days, we will be exploring the Isle of Skye. Although we will have a shoot plan, this will likely change depending on weather conditions and where the best light will be. The weather conditions on Skye will change rapidly due to its microclimate.

Our first stop will be at Talisker Bay. This beautiful beach has a waterfall at one end and a sea stack at the other end. The stone and sand beach looks very photogenic during low tide.

In the afternoon we will stop by the picturesque Sligachan Bridge before driving on one of the most beautiful roads in Scotland to Elgol Bay for sunset.

Day 5 – Isle of Skye: Quiraing => Fairy Glen => Portree => Loch Fada (B, D)

Today we will cover two of the most stunning photographic location in the whole of the United Kingdom. We start with the magnificent landscape of the Quiraing at sunrise. The backdrop to many Hollywood movies, it is quite possibly the finest landscape photography location in Scotland. We then make our way to Fairy Glen – often described as a miniature Quiraing.

We’ll spend a little while exploring the pretty town of Portree before snapping some shots of the Old Man of Storr from Loch Fada.

Day 6 – Isle of Skye: Fairy Pools => Neist Point (B, D)

This morning we will either have a lazy morning or we may revisit one of the locations that we may not have been able to photograph. The main part of the day will be spent photographing the beautiful Fairy Pools. A series of waterfalls in the shadow of imposing mountains.

Late afternoon we will make our way to Neist Point for sunset when the evening light illuminates the cliffs and lighthouse. It’s a beautiful location that offers lots of different compositions.

Day 7 – Isle of Skye => Eilean Donan Castle => Edinburgh (B, D)

Our last day together starts with an optional sunrise shoot. After breakfast, we will visit Eilean Donan Castle again on our way back to Edinburgh.

We will arrive in Edinburgh in the afternoon when there will be some free time to explore the city or even do a bit of shopping.

In the evening we will have a sumptuous final dinner together.

Day 8 – End of Tour (B)

After breakfast, unfortunately, it will be time to say our goodbyes and go our separate ways.

*Itinerary subject to change depending on weather and shooting conditions.

Scotland Photo Tour

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What's included on our Scotland Photo Tour

Includes

– Professional photographer/s and local English speaking driver/guide

– Accommodation for the duration of the tour

– All tour related ground transport in an air-conditioned vehicle

– Meals during the tour as indicated in the itinerary (Breakfasts & Dinners only)

– Bottled water daily throughout the tour

Excludes

– Any meals not included in the itinerary (i.e. lunches)

– Any drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)

– Accommodation prior to tour start date

– Personal purchases such as souvenirs, snacks, laundry and phone calls.

– Additional activities not included in the itinerary

– Personal travel or medical insurance

– Camera equipment insurance

– Medical expenses

– Gratuities for hotel porters, restaurant staff and local guides/driver

– International air tickets to or from Scotland

– Transfers to and from the airport

– Visa fees, if required

– COVID testing or vaccination proof certificates

– Excess baggage fee

– Gratuities for hotel porters, local guides or driver

Scotland Photo Tour Dates: NEXT DATES 2025

Prices Quoted

Prices quoted are for double occupancy. You will be paired with someone of the same sex if you do not have a travel partner and request a roommate – if one is not available you will be charged the single supplement.

NOTE: There must be a minimum of 8 people registered for the tour. Do not book your flights until we inform you that we’ve reached the minimum number of people.

Add your name to our waiting list for photo tours of Scotland and we will inform you of any future dates.

Additional Information

Tour Leader: Jordan Banks / Malcolm Fackender

Jordan is a travel, landscape and adventure photographer from London with over 20 years of experience shooting assignments and hi-end content for travel, tourism, lifestyle brands and companies. Through the years his work has taken him to over 100 countries and provided him with the opportunity to shoot some of the world’s most interesting and diverse locations and festivals. His clients over the years have included; Lonely planet, British Airways, National Geographic Traveller, The Times, Vogue, Panasonic, Microsoft, Ford and many more.

Malcolm is an Australian award-winning travel photographer who specializes in small group photographic tours. With more than 30 years in the photography industry, Malcolm initially focused primarily on nature photography, however, has broadened his photographic interests over the years to encompass many other genres, including travel, people and landscape photography.

Group Size

The group size for this photo tour is a minimum of 8 and a maximum of 12 guests.

Experience

This photo tour is ideal for beginner, amateur, enthusiast and semi-pro photographers but even non-photographers are welcome on this tour.

Difficulty

There will be some walking involved during this tour. If you are in good health and fitness level, you will be fine. This tour is NOT recommended for people with mobility issues.

Equipment

You don’t need expensive or professional equipment for this photo tour. We would recommend DSLR or mirrorless cameras and a tripod for this tour. Filters will also come in handy but are not essential.

Transport

Whilst in Scotland we will be travelling via a vehicle driven by licensed and insured drivers.

Visa

Please check if you require a visa for Scotland. Visa costs are not included in the quoted tour price. To find out about visa requirements please click here.