Isle of Skye

Like an excellent single malt, the Isle of Skye offers everything that is great about Scotland’s Highlands and islands.

Isle of Skye Photography Workshops & Tours

small group landscape & seascape workshops

The Jewel of the Outer Hebrides

Join me on my Isle of Skye photography workshops and you’ll soon see why Skye is one of Scotland’s leading tourist attractions.

The Isle of Skye is one of the most iconic locations in the world for photography, attracting people from all corners of the planet with its amazing diversity of landscapes and subjects to shoot.

A photography workshop in Skye in one you will never forget.

       Excellent rating  
 Based on 31 reviews 
    
  
 
 
      I had a great 1-2-1 day with Dean. The itinerary took us to a wonderful variety of locations - castle, lochan, woodland - offering both big vista and close-up opportunities. Dean was generous with his advice and guidance, sharing his own approaches and providing valuable feedback on mine throughout the day, so I came away with plenty of ideas to take forward.
     
   Suzy Braye 
 25/10/2026
 
 
 
 
    Having just returned from attending Dean’s Harris and Lewis workshop and looking through my images, I realise what a varied programme we had in terms of weather, locations and excellent accommodation & catering. Thank you for making this trip so enjoyable and for driving around to take in so many highlights - the Butt of Lewis, the arch near Shawbost and the beautiful beaches on the western coast of Harris. Our accommodation was so comfortable and Sally’s catering delicious- lovely to come back to a bit of home cooking. I liked the idea of having a ‘free’ day as the last day which meant we could individually choose a favourite location and be taken there. This is an excellently organised trip and I recommend it wholeheartedly for the intrepid photographer prepared to take on the weather and stunning landscape.
     
   LM 
 11/11/2025
 
 
 
 
    +0
Torridon trip was fantastic- beautiful landscape and photo opportunities (thanks Dean).  Great accommodation with excellent food (thanks Sally) and great company (it’s been a long time since I’ve laughed so much)
     
   Helen Barry 
 18/05/2026
 
 
 
 
    The benefit of a Dean Allan workshop is I can switch off from having to think about organising a week away including the what, how, when and where for all locations. Dean does it all. A great week to think only about photography, make new friends, eat well and relax. A week in Orkney provided great landscape, nature and environmental photography. There was no rigid timetable and the week flexed around individual requirements and weather conditions. Sea stacks, puffins and lighthouses could be the highlights, but in reality every location provided opportunities for great photographs. This is a customer focussed experience with no enforced agenda or script from Dean.
     
   Mike Farrance 
 02/06/2026
 
 
 
 
    Another great workshop with Dean! This was the seventh one and I keep learning from him and enjoying the way things are organized throughout the week. There will be an eighth one!
     
   Jean-Luc Duchemin 
 23/04/2026
 
 
 
 
    +4
Dean, thank you for a fantastic immersive adventure on the Sma Isles from wild seascapes, the wildlife and of course the brilliant photo opportunities.  After a wild day it was great to return to Gallanach Lodge where the accomodation and food were outstanding. I particularly enjoyed sitting with a dram in the lounge looking across the wild seas to Rum. My favourite photo location was on Laig beach on Rum, outstanding.  Thank you. Logan.
     
   Logan Steele 
 31/03/2026
 
 
 
 
    I’ve just completed Dean’s Northern Ireland and Donegal workshop. It was an outstanding experience, tailored to each individual’s skill level and goals. Dean took us to breathtaking locations and provided guidance on how best to photograph them. We had ample time to venture out on our own to practice skills we learned and to experiment. Dean’s wife Sally provided us with delicious meals. This was my third workshop with Dean, and I have seen significant improvement in my photography after each one. I will definitely attend others in the future.
     
   Susan Dutt 
 25/10/2026
 
 
 
 
    I recently attended a workshop on the Moray Coast of Aberdeenshire plus the Cairngorms, with Dean and fellow participants.  I was extremely pleased with how it all went, Dean is a talented photographer and was always on hand to answer questions and help out with camera position and settings.  The workshop was all inclusive and his lovely wife, Sally, was an amazing cook and provided us with excellent meals throughout the week.  The accommodation was first class and a comfortable place to return to after a long day out.  We enjoyed very relaxed evenings chatting about the day and spent a bit of time processing some of our images. The schedule was very well organised with plenty of time to spend at each location without being rushed. We visited some lovely coastal villages with great character, the famous Bow Fiddle Rock, Rattray Lighthouse, Dunnottar Castle, plus a couple of days in the beautiful Cairngorm mountains.  We were treated to a surprise trip on the Cairngorm Mountain Railway on our last day. Dean's workshops are above and beyond what I would expect from such a trip, and I would highly recommend anyone with an interest in landscape photography in Scotland and beyond, to book with him.
     
   Claire Gilbert 
 30/10/2025
 
 
 
 
    +2
I recently went on the Isle of Skye workshop with Dean Allan. It was this January (2026), so the weather offered very cold, wet and icy challenges. Dean is a very friendly and personable guide. He would get a feel for your photography skills and offer suggestions if needed, or stand back and let you carry on. He was very extensive in his knowledge of the places we visited, and would scout out some choice compositions for us. I made some wonderful images I would'nt have been able to get on own or on family holiday. I compared the value of what Dean offered to several other similar workshop options by other photographers. I found that the workshop I took was about twice as long and about half the price per day as many of the other workshops. Also, the workshop I took had more included amenities that were offered. We had a lively group of participants and I made some new friends. I would highly recommend Dean's workshops for photographers at any level of experience. I can't wait to join another one of his workshops in the near future! Thanks Dean!

Cheers! Wes Pettus
     
   Wes Pettus 
 03/04/2026
 
 
 
 
    +2
Had a pleasure to take 2 wonderful photo tours in Assynt. Dean is very professional photographer who went above and beyond to accommodate my requests. Definitely recommend Dean to anyone who is interested in photography tours.
     
   Igor Sorokin 
 31/08/2025

A stunning array of gorgeous scenery to photograph

Inspiring Landscapes

There is a pleasure to be found in taking a good photograph of any place, but our greatest satisfaction is in the sense of discovery enjoyed when we experience something for the first time – a new location, some rare weather phenomenon, or simply just a new way of looking at a scene we have loved for years.

It is forging a deeper connection with what is around us. To do that, we need to be out there just a little longer, to explore just a little farther, the next photograph is always the best one.

The Isle of Skye is an area of incredible beauty and limitless possibilities for the landscape photographer. There are a myriad of breathtaking views and no matter the weather, you’ll have beauty to enjoy.

The camera really loves the Isle of Skye. The largest of the Inner Hebrides, it’s an island which boasts some of the most breathtaking Highland landscapes imaginable. Across Skye you’ll find precarious peaks, jutting ridges, imposing pinnacles and sweeping glens which are nothing short of majestic.

An island of diversity

Mountain views

From our base at the Cuillin Hills Hotel we have easy accessible access to all of the islands iconic photography locations.

We will visit the Quiraing at the northern end of the Trotternish Peninsula. Raw nature at it’s very best and a must see for any landscape photographer. The Quiraing provides spectacular views in nearly every direction and to experience a sunrise here should be on everyone’s bucket list.

The Iconic Views

Fancy a walk up what is probably the most famous walk on the Island.. The ‘Old Man of Storr’ is a large pinnacle of rock that stands high and can be seen for miles around. It simply has to be done.

It will involve an early start and a walk in the dark, but the views at sunrise is a sight you will never forget. Simply stunning. The walk will take approximately 80 minutes (without a stop) and is about 3.8km.

Not only will you take photographs that will remind you of the morning, but the experience will leave an indelible mark on you. It’s one of those moments, you’ll never forget.

However, it’s not for everyone and you won’t feel pressurised into doing it.

Elgol

Or, you may fancy going to the most iconic location on Skye. Elgol. This is an absolute must and we will definitely be paying a visit to the scene of some of the most beautiful photographs Skye has produced.

The small scattered hamlet of Elgol lies on the shores of Loch Scavaig on the south coast of Isle of Skye.

Situated 14 miles south west of Broadford at the tip of the Strathaird peninsula, the village is reached by a dramatic road through the Red Cuillins and Strath Suardal with superb views. We will stop off en route to photograph various bonus locations.

The Fairy Pools

If you fancy seeing the Cuillins closer up, then a visit to the Fairy Pools is a must. Although this is a photographic trip it is also a life experience and no more is this highlighted than a visit to the beautiful Fairy Pools.

At foot of the Black Cuillins near Glenbrittle are the Fairy Pools, beautifully crystal clear blue pools on the River Brittle. These famous pools entice visitors from all over the world, as they make some great ‘Wild swimming’ for those brave enough to enter the cold water.

Bring your wellies for the best shots are taken when standing in the water.

Waterfalls

This first waterfall marks the start of the magical pools. We will take our time to work our way up the river and explore all the pools. Some of the pools make great photographs.

This first waterfall is the highest fall and deepest pool. For the brave only there are some great high jumps. On the other side of the river from the path it is possible to jump into deep blue pool (approximately 10 meters high). I’ll take a photo of you diving in. We will follow the main path up beside the river to find more pools.

The next pool up is properly the most famous, a beautifully clear blue pool.

There are many small pools as we work our way up the river.

Neist Point

As well as these iconic locations, we will also see Neist Point at sunset. A view across the Inner Hebrides with the sun slipping below the horizon is just one of those moments when life, just feels great. The lighthouse sits at the end of a strip of land which just lends itself to being photographed.

So much to do and so much to see….we haven’t even mentioned the Fairy Glen, or Talisker Bay. Both, wonderful opportunities to test your imaginative and creative skills. We may even drop in on the Talisker Whisky Distillery to draw some divine intervention.

Fun & Relaxing Workshop

My Isle of Skye photography workshops are very relaxed which I hope will leave you feeling fulfilled and rewarded.

This amazing island is an area of Scotland that has no equal anywhere else on this planet. Stunning locations are all waiting to be discovered. Combined with my in-depth experience of the area, it can only be a recipe for photographic indulgence. Late winer/early spring days add drama, beauty and tranquillity to this rugged and weathered landscape.

Consume responsibly: a road trip through Scotland’s intoxicating Isle of Skye.

Workshop Details & Reviews

Small Groups

I keep all my groups small: (3-5 max)

Accommodation

Accommodation is included at the Cuillin Hills Hotel in Portree.

Transport

Free transport around the islands in my 8-seater Ford Tourneo with ample room for all photographic equipment.

Skills you can learn

How to choose the right settings for each shot.

How to shoot in manual.

How to meter and expose correctly.

How to use your histogram.

How to focus properly.

How to compose your shot.

How to use fast and slow shutter speeds to be creative.

How to use filters.

Review by John Johnstone

Enjoyed everything! Both the “popular” and the off the beaten track locations. Lovely hotel with fantastic food. The post processing over a pint after a long day! Mixing with people...

Review by John Potter

Learned new techniques and approaches to photography, particularly the approach to composition and editing. Visited some great locations. A small group meant that there was lots of direct input if...