Scotland: A Journey into Landscape Photography
with Julian Calverley
October 25 – November 3, 2025
Course Description
Set against the dramatic backdrops of the Isle of Skye and Isle of Harris in the Hebrides of Scotland, this photographic adventure with acclaimed British photographer Julian Calverley offers eight photographers the opportunity to advance their skills as landscape photographers in one of the world’s most breathtaking and varied settings during the stormy fall season. Remember, “bad weather” makes for good photographic opportunities!
In the far reaches of northern Scotland, two islands offer a photographer’s paradise of crystal-clear shallows, white sandy beaches, and turquoise waters paired with wild coastlines of pinnacles, high vertical cliffs, and soaring mountain tops. The Isle of Skye is the largest and northernmost of the major islands in the Inner Hebrides. It stretches 50 miles long and 25 miles wide. It is distinguished by the peaks of the Cuillin Mountains, the dramatic geology of the Old Man of Storr and The Quiraing, and an extraordinary series of peninsulas and bays. The Isle of Harris is best known for its magnificent beaches where one feels as though you’ve stepped out of the modern world and into a land of Scottish legend and myth when you walk down to these sandy shores. The photographic discoveries on both islands are boundless, around every curve in the road.
Offering more than a simple photo tour, this nine-day journey takes advantage of Julian’s long experience as a landscape photographer and his technical expertise. Daily photo talks and group discussions led by Julian are coupled with frequent one-on-one sessions in the field and afterward when editing. Julian and his photographic assistant, Darren Ciolli-Leach, help create a workshop-like environment in a program that focuses on getting you to the best locations at the right time of day or night.
Broadly speaking, Julian discusses the mindset, art, and process of landscape photography. He discusses his photographic approach from both a technical and psychological point of view; Julian reviews his approach to composition and lighting always keeping his equipment choices as simple as possible; and his non-photographic influences that include art, writing, and music. Other topics of discussion include making panoramic landscapes using both the shift and panning methods; his use of filters including the all-important graduated neutral density filters; and his thought process and techniques for post-production which are informed by his years of shooting film and making ‘wet’ prints.
Be part of a select group of eight landscape photographers who join Julian and Darren for an unequaled photographic adventure to the wild reaches of the Hebrides of Scotland.
A virtual trip reunion in November 2025 will be organized by Santa Fe Workshops. Participants along with Julian and Santa Fe Workshops Director Reid Callanan will gather on Zoom to reconnect and enjoy an image presentation of each photographer’s best images from the trip.
View complete itinerary (subject to change).
Additional Information
WHO SHOULD ATTEND:
This program is open to experienced landscape photographers who are passionate about travel to far flung places and improving their image making.
What You Should Know:
Participants should be technically self-sufficient, as this is not a program to learn how to use your gear or editing software.
Special Notes:
Once the trip is confirmed, additional information and travel details will be provided. Enrollment is limited to 8 participants.
It is highly recommended that you purchase trip cancellation/travel insurance for this trip.
Participants should be in very good health with good stamina and mobility. Please note that this trip will involve the following: early mornings, long days, and a fair amount of walking for up to an hour at a time, some on slippery rocks.
Policies:
View Payment, Refund, Withdrawal, and Transfer Policies for this International Program.
Package Price INFO:
$9,495 includes single accommodations* for 9 nights; full breakfast daily and 7 group dinners; activities and entrance fees for everything on the itinerary; airport transfers from Glasgow; in-country ground transportation via private van and island ferry crossings. Airfare to Scotland, gratuities, as well as recommended trip insurance are not included. *Couples or friends traveling together wanting to share a room should inquire with the Admin Office.
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about
Julian Calverley, born in Hertfordshire in 1964, very quickly demonstrated a love and natural talent for drawing and painting, in particular watercolor landscape work. After a brief and uninspiring spell at art college, Julian realized it was the mix of photography and traditional darkroom skills that would allow him to express himself most effectively. The next few years saw experience gained with various studios and in 1988, at 24 years old, Julian set up his first studio and darkroom. He now divides his time between assigned work, photographing throughout the world for a diverse mix of commercial clients, and personal projects. His personal work evokes the painterly qualities of his early watercolors, focusing mainly on natural landscapes and built environments in their various atmospheric conditions.
With a personal love for the great outdoors, Julian has become one of the UK’s most revered landscape photographers. Hooked from an early age by the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish Highlands, he has carved out a unique cinematic style of landscape photography that is instantly recognizable. Julian is drawn to the light quality that autumn and winter bring, repeatedly working at dawn and dusk, experiencing the spirit of a place as the sun rises and sets. Visiting these environments time and time again, often in extreme weather, allows him to witness the elements in all their different states. One element in particular—water, both in liquid and cloud form—features heavily in his compositions. Julian brings the movement of water into his landscape work, harnessing the beauty and motion of mountain rivers, streams, shorelines, and skies. His extensive post-production skills are then applied, with many hours devoted to each image. As a result, the finished pieces command a theatrical air, their atmospheric conditions beautifully observed.
Increased demand for Julian’s personal landscape pieces has spurred him to make his work available in the form of editioned, large-format archival pigment prints. He is also the author of the book #IPHONEONLY, a book of landscape photographs made entirely on an iPhone. His latest large format book of Scottish landscapes North Northwest, won both the BBD&P ‘Best British Book’ and ‘Book of the Year.’ Julian is an ambassador for ALPA cameras and leads workshops and adventures for the ALPA Academy and independently for direct clients.
Website: juliancalverley.com
Instagram: @juliancalverley
