SCOTLAND: THE LEWIS & HARRIS WORKSHOP

September 16 – 20, 2010
Isles of Lewis & Harris, Scotland
Tuition: $1000

A small group workshop photographing the magical Outer Hebrides islands of Lewis and Harris. The allure of Scotland and the one-on-one attention of the instructor makes this workshop one not to be missed! Travel, accommodation and meals are the responsibility of the participants.

It is not easy to get to the Outer Hebrides, but it is easier now than in years past. Paul Strand made the journey over 50 years ago and became so infatuated with the islands and people he remained and created his book Tir A’Mhurain. Although Strand was photographing on the islands of South Uist and Eriskay, there is a similar atmosphere on Lewis and Harris. Considered two ends of the same island, physically these two couldn’t be more dissimilar with Harris mountainous and rugged while Lewis is a more open, high plains landscape.

During this workshop we will travel the length and breadth of Lewis and Harris, photographing from the Butt of Lewis (where the North Atlantic and North Sea collide) in the north to very southern tip of Harris. We will explore black houses and churches, beaches and mountains, standing stones and the modern city of Stornoway. You will have the opportunity to photograph at the Callanish Standing Stones sites, of which there are six or seven, depending on how you count them.

This is a shooting workshop. There is no opportunity for processing film and prints. If working with film you are encouraged to bring some form of digital format in order to review your work daily. Participants are encouraged to bring a small portfolio of work to share with the group.

The workshop will begin on the morning of the 15th and we will conclude our workshop at dinner on Monday evening the 20th. Although we will officially begin on Wednesday morning, if you are on the island the evening of the 14th I will be available for those wanting to get together for an informal dinner.

Tentative Workshop Schedule

Wednesday 9/15	Introductory meeting at a restaurant in Stornoway
Thursday 9/16	Meet at home of Barbara and Colin Myers outside Stornoway for more introductions and portfolios reviews. In the afternoon we will photograph at our first location.
Friday 9/17 – Monday 9/20	Early morning meeting at the Myer’s home. Explore the islands based on the weather and the interests of the group.

Breakfast will be at your B&B or hotel. For lunch we will eat out or grab takeout. Dinner will be at restaurants as a group. Each participant is responsible for their own transportation. I want everyone to have the opportunity to return to a favorite site and continue working if the rest of the group wishes to move on to a different location. This cannot be accomplished if we are all traveling in one vehicle. (Besides, insurance concerns prohibit me from acting as your “tour” driver for the group.) When you sign up for the workshop I will give you names of others participating in the workshop and together you may be able to arrange joint transportation. Shared and group rides may also be arranged on a daily basis.

Transportation, Lodging

My recommendation is to fly into either Glasgow or Edinburgh, and rent a car there. (Be sure to tell the rental agency before hand that you intend to travel to Lewis and Harris for insurance purposes.) Generally you arrive early in the morning after an overnight flight. It is a five (5) hour drive to Ullapool, where I usually stay the first night and catch the ferry over the next morning into Stornaway. There is also a ferry out of Uig on Skye, similar distance from Edinburgh but it’s a smaller, narrower road. The scenery, however, is worth the drive.

It is possible to fly directly in to Stornoway (SYY). Contact your travel agent to help you figure out the best way to do this.

For lodging you can visit www.iknow-scotland.co.uk/scottish_islands/isle_of_lewis/ just one of many of the websites. When you register for the workshop we will send you a list of places to stay in the area we will be based.

Registration

To register for this workshop please contact donna@tillmancrane.com. For questions about the workshop contact tillman@tillmancrane.com.