An autumn photography workshop in the Scottish Highlands with Emily Endean, Angela Nicholson and SheClicks.
There’s something about the Scottish Highlands that draws me in every autumn - it makes me want to slow down, look a little closer and spend as much time as possible outdoors with my camera.
I’ve just returned from five wonderful days in Glencoe, co-leading a photography workshop with Angela Nicholson for the SheClicks community. It was a chance to explore some of Scotland’s most iconic landscapes, share our love of photography and spend time with a lovely group of women who were there to learn, create and enjoy being out in the landscape.
And somehow, we managed something that feels almost unheard of in the Highlands: five workshop days with nothing but glorious sunshine! Blue skies, beautiful light and some truly spectacular scenery made for a week that was every bit as special as I’d hoped.
From waterfalls beneath towering mountains to ancient castles, winding Highland roads and the famous Glenfinnan Viaduct, we certainly covered some ground.
Exploring the landscapes of Glencoe
Our adventure began around Loch Leven and Ballachulish Quarry, easing into the trip and getting to know one another before heading out to explore the wider area. The group was a really lovely mix of ladies I was meeting for the first time, to those I’d seen on other workshops - to those returning from last years Glencoe workshop for round 2 (thanks to Storm Amy coming in and messing things up last year! Read here for the full rundown!)
Glencoe is one of those places where the landscape seems to offer endless possibilities. The mountains, rivers, waterfalls and winding roads provide so many different ways to approach a scene, whether you're drawn to sweeping views or the smaller details that might otherwise go unnoticed.
One of our stops was Buachaille Etive Mór, photographed from the River Coupall. It’s an iconic Highland view, with the distinctive mountain rising above the flowing water and waterfalls below.
We also visited Blackrock Cottage, the whitewashed building tucked beneath the mountains - sadly for the photographers some new trees have been planted around the hut, changing the view - but I do understand, people in the hut probably would like a little more peace! And Lagangarbh Hut, another classic Highland subject. All reminders that sometimes the simplest elements like a white cottage, can add a real sense of scale and story to a landscape photograph.
With sunshine throughout the workshop, we were treated to beautiful conditions for exploring and photographing these locations. While I love a bit of Highland drama and moody weather, it was rather lovely to spend our days outside without constantly battling the elements!
A birthday in the Highlands
One of the most memorable days of the trip was also my birthday.
We had an early start planned, heading out for sunrise at Castle Stalker, but the day began with a surprise before we'd even arrived. At 7am, on the bus on the way to our sunrise shoot, the whole group started singing happy birthday to me.
It was such a lovely, unexpected way to start the day, and certainly woke me up more effectively than any alarm clock!
Castle Stalker sits on a small tidal island in Loch Laich, and in the beautiful morning light it made a wonderful subject. After our sunrise shoot, we headed for a coffee stop, where the group were treated to some delicious coffee. A little later, I was presented with a beautiful birthday card signed by everyone - and 2 bags of that delicious coffee! I felt very honoured indeed.
How they managed to organise it, get everyone to sign it and keep the whole thing hidden from me til our lunch stop, I'll never know!
It was such a thoughtful gesture, and one of those moments that reminds me how much these trips are about the people as well as the photography.
And the day just kept getting better. We continued to Kilchurn Castle, standing dramatically beside Loch Awe, where we explored the castle ruins, enjoyed the glorious sunshine and photographed some wonderfully characterful Highland coos.
It's hard to choose a favourite day from a trip like this, but this one will be difficult to beat. The locations were beautiful, the light was incredible, and having the day made extra special by such a lovely group of people meant a great deal to me.
Finding inspiration in Glen Etive
Glen Etive was another highlight of our time in the Highlands. Its winding road leads into a beautiful landscape of mountains, rivers and cascading water, with countless opportunities to stop, explore and experiment.
I always encourage photographers to look beyond the obvious composition. Rather than immediately reaching for the widest lens or trying to fit everything into the frame, it can be rewarding to slow down and look for the details, lines and relationships that make a scene feel personal.
Water is particularly rewarding to photograph, whether you're experimenting with longer exposures to soften its movement or using a faster shutter speed to reveal the energy and texture of the river.
These are the kinds of locations where you can keep returning to your camera, finding something different each time you look.
Castles, lochs and Highland character
Our journey also took us to some wonderful locations beyond Glencoe.
Alongside Castle Stalker and Kilchurn Castle, we headed west to Glenfinnan, where the famous railway viaduct curves through the landscape beneath the surrounding hills. Nearby, at Corpach, we photographed the old boat wreck resting on the shore, a very different subject that offers plenty of scope for more intimate, atmospheric compositions.
These contrasting locations were a lovely reminder of just how varied landscape photography can be. One moment you're working with expansive mountain scenery; the next, you're looking at the textures, shapes and stories within a much smaller frame.
The sunshine certainly helped us make the most of our time at each location, giving us the freedom to explore different viewpoints and compositions without worrying about the weather closing in.
More than just taking photographs
For me, a photography workshop is about much more than visiting beautiful locations and coming home with a collection of images.
It's about giving yourself the time and space to experiment, trying something new and learning to trust your own creative instincts. It's also about sharing ideas, asking questions and realising that there's no single right way to photograph a place.
Working alongside Angela, we were able to share our different approaches to photography, offer guidance and help everyone develop their own ideas. Whether you're relatively new to landscape photography or have years of experience behind you, there's always something new to discover.
And there's something particularly lovely about spending several days with a group of women who share your enthusiasm for photography. Conversations continue long after the cameras are packed away, ideas are exchanged, and friendships often begin.
The birthday surprises were a perfect example of that spirit. What started as a photography trip became something much more personal, filled with laughter, thoughtful gestures and memories I'll take away with me long after the photographs have been edited.
Taking a little of Scotland home
Five days in the Highlands always feels too short. There are so many places to explore, so many changing conditions to work with and so many reasons to return.
I'm incredibly grateful to everyone who joined us and made the workshop what it was, and to Angela for co-leading the adventure. Thank you for the early starts, the enthusiasm, the conversations, the birthday singing and, of course, the coffee and very sneaky card!
I'll remember this trip for its beautiful landscapes and extraordinary sunshine, but most of all for the people who made it so special.
If you've been thinking about joining a photography workshop, you can click here to view more of my upcoming trips and teaching opportunities - and Glencoe 2027 is due to be released over the coming weeks. If you’d like to sign up to my free newsletter, you get access to all the new released ahead of me posting on social media too.
Whether you'd like to explore the Scottish Highlands, photograph dramatic coastlines or head somewhere further afield, I hope there's an opportunity to get out with your camera, learn something new and enjoy the experience along the way.
Keep an eye on my upcoming workshops for details of what's coming next.
Happy photographing,
Emily x
PS I have so many photos to work my way through and share, but these ‘behind the scenes’ moments out on location with the group of wonderful ladies are my favourite as an insight into how special this workshop was. Photos taken by a mixture of myself and everyone :)
