shetland islands
A dynamic and thriving archipelago in the heart of the North Sea.
Shetland Isles Photography Workshops & Tours
Local guide
I live in Scotland, visit this region often and know all the best places.
Great locations
We will cover all the best locations both well-known and unique.
The best scenery
You will photograph stunning landscapes and seascapes.
Discover Scotland's most northernmost region of the UK
The islands lie about 50 miles (80 kilometres) to the northeast of Orkney, 110 mi (170 km) from mainland Scotland and 140 mi (220 km) west of Norway. They form part of the border between the Atlantic Ocean to the west and the North Sea to the east.
Photographing the Shetland Isles is a true delight for any photographer, offering endless opportunities to capture nature’s raw beauty. The dramatic coastline, with its rugged cliffs and secluded beaches, provides perfect compositions at every turn. The ever-changing weather creates dynamic lighting, from soft dawn mists to vibrant sunsets, adding depth and mood to your shots. Wildlife is abundant, with puffins, seals, and orcas often within frame, offering rare and captivating subjects. The Isles’ untouched landscapes, historic ruins, and vibrant wildflowers make every shot a chance to capture a piece of this magical, remote world.
Workshop Details
Small Groups
Maximum of 4 participants.
Duration
Duration 5 nights.
Meeting Place
The Scalloway Hotel, Scalloway
Accommodation Included
The Scalloway Hotel looks out on the waterfront of Shetland's former capital, lovingly refurbished by the Cross family. The Scalloway Hotel is a friendly, family run business which is managed and worked on by family.
Transport Included
Complimentary transport during the workshop in a 9-seater vehicle with ample room for all photographic equipment.
Tuition
Workshop tutor Dean Allan is an award winning landscape photographer based in the northern Highlands of Scotland. Dean is the current Scottish Seascape Photographer of the Year (2024)
You will 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
A landscape and seascape photographer's paradise
The UK's largest tombolo
We will visit the remarkable St Ninian’s Isle. Off the west coast of the southern mainland, a short walk from the car park will reveal this fantastic and photogenic stretch of sand. The beautiful curves provide leading lines regardless of which angle you photograph it from.
Small grassy dunes line the mainland side providing good foreground if desired.
It is certainly worth exploring the north and south of the sand before venturing onto it.
Esha Ness
The workshop is designed to provide a balance of visiting a variety of locations which will include seeing the wonderful cliffs and coastline at Esha Ness. It is a well known and popular location for photographers. But for good reason, it has so much to offer and will really provide so many opportunities to be creative in so many ways. It is a location that will continue to draw you back.
Lerwick
Lerwick is Shetland’s only town, with a population of about 7,500 – although about half of the islands’ 22,000 people live within 10 miles of the burgh. Founded as an unofficial marketplace to service 17th century Dutch herring fleets, Lerwick took a long time to grow. Because of its illegal status (and alleged immorality!) the straggling hamlet around the shore of Leir Wick (‘muddy bay’) was demolished by order of the Scalloway court in 1615 and 1625.
Most of the sandstone buildings on the waterfront date from the 18th century, although a few are older. The narrow main street still follows the old shoreline but modern harbour works have been built out in front of shops and warehouses that once stood in the sea.
THE HISTORY
The Shetland Isles, located northeast of mainland Scotland, have a rich and varied history. Initially settled by Neolithic peoples, the islands later became home to Picts before being invaded by Norse Vikings in the 9th century. Under Norse control, Shetland thrived as a trading hub, eventually becoming part of the Kingdom of Norway. In 1469, the isles were ceded to Scotland as part of a dowry payment by the Danish king. Shetland’s culture remains distinct, blending Scottish and Norse influences, and the islands are renowned for their maritime heritage, particularly in fishing and knitting traditions.
Dramatic weather
Steeped in history, the Shetland Isles is a photographer’s paradise, a history lover’s dream and an iconic tourist destination for visitors the world over.
Expect to experience fast moving weather systems, which at times can be challenging and a real test of your technical abilities. The light will change throughout the day and you will learn to get the best out of it – this will help you not only be more productive, it can also foster creativity and make it easier to be more flexible when unexpected conditions happen in the future.
Wildlife and Nature
Shetland has a fascinating and unique natural environment. The location of the islands has contributed to the evolution of a truly ‘Shetlandic’ collection of scenery and geology, bird life, sea mammals, wild flowers and wonderful beaches.
Shetland is a world-class attraction for birdwatchers, whether professionals or absolute beginners. Ornithology is extremely popular across the islands and visitors with a pair of binoculars and a bird book are sure of a warm welcome.
Shetland is a brilliant place all year round to watch sea mammals, particularly common seals, grey seals, otters, harbour porpoises and, occasionally, orcas.
Discover the magic of the Shetland coast
These workshops are very relaxed which I hope will leave you feeling fulfilled and rewarded.
This small pocket of Scotland is a magical place and a place which offers the photographer so much creative opportunities. And once visited, this area will stay with you for the rest of your life. They are dominated by the force of the weather and are quite unique in appearance.. As a part of the “British” experience they are quite unique, and are much further from London and the centres of political power than can be measured in miles.
Upcoming Shetland Isles Photography Workshops
Shetland Photography Workshop – 14th – 19th May 2025
FULL PRICE FOR THIS PHOTOGRAPHY TRIP – £1995
(Deposit £400 non-refundable))
This is a fantastic workshop set in a world class landscape and staying on an amazing Island. I will provide complimentary transport during your entire stay in a 9 seater vehicle.
Pay full price now or £400 deposit with balance payable 12 weeks before workshop start date.
14th – 19th May 2025
SOLD OUT