Photography Workshop in The Scottish Highlands - Highland Photography Retreats Skip to main content
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Explore Your Creativity

in the Highlands of Scotland

Upcoming Dates

Not All Photography Retreats Are Created Equal.

Our reportage workshops are designed to ignite your passions, renew your spirit and unleash your sense of wonder. 

At Historic Spean Lodge

Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands Spean Lodge is a haven of tranquility and natural beauty offering an inspiring backdrop for your next photography retreat. This historic lodge, surrounded by lush gardens and ancient trees is steeped in charm and warmth. Inside cozy open fires and elegantly furnished rooms create a welcoming atmosphere that invites relaxation and creativity.

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#scotland #photoretreat #highlands #speanlodge #photography #scottishhighlands #photos #piper #filmisnotdead #leicaphoto #leicacamera

67 2
Open
#scotland #photoretreat #highlands #speanlodge #photography #scottishhighlands #photos #piper #filmisnotdead #leicaphoto #leicacamera

October 2025 Highlands Photo Retreat completed!
What an amazing group we had. Photographers from as far afield as the USA Germany London and the Lake District.
One of our retreat members grabs a final frame of a highland piper at Eileann Donan castle.
Why not join us in 2026 for an adventure of a lifetime.

Highlandretreats.uk
Not All Photography Retreats Are Created Equal.

#highlandphotoretreat #photoworkshops #scotland #highlands #highlandphotoworkshops #photography #blackandwhitephotography #reportageworkshop #documentaryworkshop #scottishpiper #piper #bagpipes #eileanndonancastle #silhouette

26 0
Open
October 2025 Highlands Photo Retreat completed! What an amazing group we had. Photographers from as far afield as the USA Germany London and the Lake District. One of our retreat members grabs a final frame of a highland piper at Eileann Donan castle. Why not join us in 2026 for an adventure of a lifetime. Highlandretreats.uk Not All Photography Retreats Are Created Equal. #highlandphotoretreat #photoworkshops #scotland #highlands #highlandphotoworkshops #photography #blackandwhitephotography #reportageworkshop #documentaryworkshop #scottishpiper #piper #bagpipes #eileanndonancastle #silhouette

Glencoe in the gloaming.....come and join us next year.

14 0
Open
Glencoe in the gloaming.....come and join us next year.

Glencoe in the gloaming.

23 0
Open
Glencoe in the gloaming.

We are off yo the Misty Isle…..come and join us next year on one of our retreats.

26 0
Open
We are off yo the Misty Isle…..come and join us next year on one of our retreats.

Out photographing the coos this morning...

29 3
Open
Out photographing the coos this morning...

Mystical tales and swishing tails at the lodge 🐴. Poet and storyteller Tony Bonning a much loved regular at our photo retreats, pops in for a cuppa on the way home with his story telling partner CHIEF. These two have many adventures together - come and hear about them on one of our photo retreats. #scotland #photoretreat #speanlodge #scottishhighlands 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿📸📸

22 0
Open
Mystical tales and swishing tails at the lodge 🐴. Poet and storyteller Tony Bonning a much loved regular at our photo retreats, pops in for a cuppa on the way home with his story telling partner CHIEF. These two have many adventures together - come and hear about them on one of our photo retreats. #scotland #photoretreat #speanlodge #scottishhighlands 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿📸📸

Not All Photography Retreats Are Created Equal

Our retreats are designed to ignite your passions, renew your spirit and unleash your sense of wonder.

At Historic Spean Lodge

Nestled in the heart of the Scottish Highlands Spean Lodge is a haven of tranquility and natural beauty offering an inspiring backdrop for your next photography retreat. This historic lodge, surrounded by lush gardens and ancient trees, is steeped in charm and warmth. Inside, cozy open fires and elegantly furnished rooms create a welcoming atmosphere that invites relaxation and creativity.

#scotland #photoretreat #highlands #speanlodge #photography #scottishhighlands #photos #piper #filmisnotdead #leicaphoto #leicacamera

67 2
Open
#scotland #photoretreat #highlands #speanlodge #photography #scottishhighlands #photos #piper #filmisnotdead #leicaphoto #leicacamera

October 2025 Highlands Photo Retreat completed!
What an amazing group we had. Photographers from as far afield as the USA Germany London and the Lake District.
One of our retreat members grabs a final frame of a highland piper at Eileann Donan castle.
Why not join us in 2026 for an adventure of a lifetime.

Highlandretreats.uk
Not All Photography Retreats Are Created Equal.

#highlandphotoretreat #photoworkshops #scotland #highlands #highlandphotoworkshops #photography #blackandwhitephotography #reportageworkshop #documentaryworkshop #scottishpiper #piper #bagpipes #eileanndonancastle #silhouette

26 0
Open
October 2025 Highlands Photo Retreat completed! What an amazing group we had. Photographers from as far afield as the USA Germany London and the Lake District. One of our retreat members grabs a final frame of a highland piper at Eileann Donan castle. Why not join us in 2026 for an adventure of a lifetime. Highlandretreats.uk Not All Photography Retreats Are Created Equal. #highlandphotoretreat #photoworkshops #scotland #highlands #highlandphotoworkshops #photography #blackandwhitephotography #reportageworkshop #documentaryworkshop #scottishpiper #piper #bagpipes #eileanndonancastle #silhouette

Glencoe in the gloaming.....come and join us next year.

14 0
Open
Glencoe in the gloaming.....come and join us next year.

Glencoe in the gloaming.

23 0
Open
Glencoe in the gloaming.

We are off yo the Misty Isle…..come and join us next year on one of our retreats.

26 0
Open
We are off yo the Misty Isle…..come and join us next year on one of our retreats.

Out photographing the coos this morning...

29 3
Open
Out photographing the coos this morning...

Mystical tales and swishing tails at the lodge 🐴. Poet and storyteller Tony Bonning a much loved regular at our photo retreats, pops in for a cuppa on the way home with his story telling partner CHIEF. These two have many adventures together - come and hear about them on one of our photo retreats. #scotland #photoretreat #speanlodge #scottishhighlands 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿📸📸

22 0
Open
Mystical tales and swishing tails at the lodge 🐴. Poet and storyteller Tony Bonning a much loved regular at our photo retreats, pops in for a cuppa on the way home with his story telling partner CHIEF. These two have many adventures together - come and hear about them on one of our photo retreats. #scotland #photoretreat #speanlodge #scottishhighlands 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿📸📸

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Reportage Photography Retreats

 

We believe there is more to a photography workshop in the highlands than visiting stunning landscapes. We prefer to expose you (and your camera) to the vibrant Scottish culture weaved amongst magical backdrops. If you enjoy producing images that you’ll want to hang on your wall when you get back home, enjoy real time tuition both in the field and in the lounge, enjoy exquisite food and fine wine with spellbinding after dinner tales from around the world courtesy of two award winning photojournalists and enjoy the company of like minded others in a luxurious historic dwelling with plenty of laughter to boot, relax and look no further, you’ve just found the escape you have been searching for…….

 

 

 

 

 

UPCOMING 2026PAST RETREATS

At Spean 

Spean Lodge is an historic and elegantly restored Highland lodge providing a serene setting for meaningful experiences, whether you’re looking to focus on wellness, explore your creativity or simply take time to recharge.

  • Peaceful Setting: Situated within pristine Highland scenery, Spean Lodge offers an idyllic environment for mindfulness and relaxation.
  • Luxurious Comfort: Elegant rooms, cozy open fires and attentive service provide the perfect backdrop for a restorative stay.
  • Nutritious Dining: Enjoy a mouthwatering meal at the end of each day prepared by our chef Jacqueline, made with local ingredients that will leave you nourished and energized.
VISIT SITE

Postcards from the Lodge

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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What to Expect

On a Spean Lodge photo retreat we take care of every detail leaving you to focus on what matters most. From your collection at the train station or airport to our daily excursions, meals, service and support throughout your stay.

Our Highland photography retreats offer more than just a chance to get away. They are an opportunity to create meaningful memories, connect with like-minded people and rediscover what inspires you. Take some time to escape to the Highlands.

CONTACT US

Your Host

Paul Hackett, originally from Scotland, is the owner of Spean Lodge. As a photojournalist he worked for the Reuters News Agency and The Sunday Times covering high-profile news events globally.

After years in London, Paul returned to the Highlands to create a space where guests can connect with the landscape, explore their creativity and unwind in a welcoming environment.

Testimonials

“

When I arrived at beautiful Spean Lodge, I had a Nikon camera that I had used, but only on the auto setting. I had no idea what a world of difference understanding the various features of the camera would make to my finished product. I was patiently guided through all of it by Kieran. For the composition of the photos, Paul, Abbie and Kieran were so helpful and never patronising! The resulting photos are my pride and joy!

My fellow photographers were more familiar with photography than me understood all the language associated with it. I learned a lot from them too.
We were so well looked after, from the marvellous food to the comfortable accommodation and from the minibus excursions to the relaxing evenings in the cozy lounge.
I would recommend the photography retreat to anyone - novice or otherwise. Every day is a school day after all!

Anne Ritchie
“

I can heartily recommend the Photo retreat at Spean Lodge, thanks for an amazing week with really lovely people. I have learned so much and was really inspired by the locations we visited. Thanks to Paul for his enthusiasm and guidance, and for creating the best possible photographic experiences.
The abundance of photo opportunities and sheer variety of subjects was pure inspiration. I think it will take some time to go through my images, though the print supplied on the workshop is already framed and on the wall. Finally not to forget the food also which was excellent and the very comfortable, welcoming accommodation.

Nick Dalby
“

“ I had a magical experience at Spean Lodge Photo Retreat. Paul was absolutely wonderful! He arranged for so many great photo opportunities. Action shots of Highland dancers, pipers, deer & horse riders to help to develop our photography skills. Help with post production too. I had a fantastic experience. Highly recommended!”

Sue Cresswell
“

I had the pleasure of staying and learning with Paul at Spean Lodge this autumn. His photography retreat in the heart of the Scottish highlands is stunning. He runs a luxurious but homely and relaxing highland lodge where you’re able to chill and learn from one of the best photographer tutors in the business. During my stay Paul took us to various locations nearby to put our photography skills to the test. Although I’ve lived in Scotland for 40 years some of the locations were new to me. Steall Falls, Glencoe, Glen Etive and Glenfinnan Viaduct, the famous Harry Potter train bridge were all visited within the space of a couple of days. Paul, being a former press photographer based in London means he has an eye for a picture second to none. I really wanted to have a nice relaxing break but to be able to learn new photography techniques and skills and also meet new people with similar interests at the same time.

I found Paul and his lodge to be just the right place to do this. The other guests were very interesting and we all gelled over fabulous breakfasts and dinners at the lodge. I especially enjoyed each evening’s debrief in the Green Room with its log burning fire over a gin and tonic. I realised that I wasn’t alone in wanting to further my photography learning and to be able to do it in a wonderful highland location made it all the better. I can thoroughly recommend Pauls photography retreat coupled with his upmarket but relaxing accommodation at Spean Lodge for your next adventure holiday.

Mike WilkinsonPhotographer.
“

It is hard to say what makes Paul’s retreats so magical but maybe that is just part of his skill. This was just an incredible experience. Spean Lodge is so beautiful, warm and comfortable that I almost didn’t want to leave each morning as we set out on our photography adventures. But every day was exciting and different, guided by Paul’s quiet wisdom and kindness. He knows what will make not just good photographs but great experiences. I saw landscapes that I’d only ever imagined or seen in films or on shortbread tins, accompanied by tales from his amazing career, tips and ideas.

Each evening sitting by the fire with Annie the dog, making friends for life we shared our photographs, heard stories of Scottish myths and legends with incredible food made by the wonderful Jacqui and Joe which I will be trying to recreate forever - let no one tell you a Brussel sprout salad could not be the best thing you’ll ever eat.

I arrived thinking I might be able to enhance my portfolio in a lovely setting but I left inspired, wiser, healthier and lighter in my soul. I really couldn’t recommend this highly enough.

Mary TurnerPhotographer