Join us for a week of dog photography and adventure at epic locations in the Scottish Highlands! We'll explore on-location and studio photography, and how to take your pet photography to the next level.
We're staying in a luxury country house offering a quiet retreat from the world and visiting the most beautiful locations with mountains, lush forests, and tranquil lochs providing a captivating backdrop for our photography sessions.
The retreat helps you refine your photography while connecting with fellow dog photographers to create lasting memories and friendships.
Don’t miss out on this extraordinary experience and join us for a week of creativity, companionship, and beauty in the Scottish Highlands
Kristen Murray is a traveling outdoorsy canine photographer with a deep passion for capturing dogs in their element and the extraordinary bond they share with their humans.
Every pet has a personality. My images are a homage to these wonderful family members. My name is Elke Vogelsang and I’m a commercial and editorial photographer specialising in pet portraiture.
Attending the Woofventures retreat in Scotland was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience . Kristen and Ewan are incredible instructors who provided me with invaluable insights, both in refining my craft and improving the way I run my business.
Their combined expertise—Kristen’s mastery of outdoor adventure photography and Ewan’s vast studio knowledge—gave me a well-rounded education in dog photography. What I learned has completely transformed my workflow and approach , from start to finish.
Muckrach Country House is an 18th century lodge in the Cairngorms National Park. It is the perfect base for a retreat with recently renovated rooms, modern comforts and stunning surroundings.
There is a selection of twin and king rooms all with en-suite bathrooms.
During down time you can enjoy relaxing in one of the many sitting rooms, and quiet spaces. The outdoor spaces are just as inviting with a terrace, hot tub and resident Highland cows.
The Woofventures retreat was amazing! Kristen and Ewan created incredible opportunities for us to photograph of the most wonderful dogs in absolutely fabulous locations. And when we weren't off with pups in the Highlands of Scotland, we stayed at the most luxurious country house, ate yummy food and got to play with even more pups in the studio.
I appreciated the time they took to work with each of us individually and help us with camera settings, posing the dogs, working with clients, lighting - whichever skills we were trying to focus on…. My husband even tagged along and he just loved hanging out at Muckrach House, visiting Aviemore and enjoying the Scotch.
The Scottish Cairngorms is a magnificent and rugged mountain range located in the eastern part of the Highlands. An expansive area of breathtaking landscapes featuring peaks, lush forests, and enchanting lochs. And we’re taking you on an adventure there.
Loch Morlich, nestled amidst the ancient Caledonian pine forest, is a captivating sight with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains.
Loch an Eilein, embraced by dense woodlands, boasts a picturesque island adorned with a ruined castle, creating an ethereal scene straight out of a fairy tale. These lochs not only offer mesmerizing views but also provide a habitat for an array of wildlife, including waterfowl, otters, and fish, making them a haven for nature enthusiasts.
The Cairngorms, with its harmonious blend of forests and lochs, offers an opportunity for exploration and immersion in nature’s grandeur. It is a place where the timeless beauty of nature unfolds before your eyes, inviting you to embrace its wonders and immerse yourself in its unspoiled splendour.
Kristen and Ewan are natural teachers, and they made the entire experience comfortable and enjoyable. They were patient, understanding, and always encouraged questions, never making me feel unsure. Beyond the learning, the retreat offered an incredible opportunity to build lifelong friendships with fellow photographers who share a love for dogs and photography.
And of course, it was set against the breathtaking backdrop of Scotland! The scenery was unmatched, and the house we stayed in was absolutely stunning. This retreat is an absolute must for anyone passionate about dog photography !
There is a $100 application fee, if successful this will be subtracted from the final cost of the retreat. If your application is unsuccessful the $100 will be refunded.
If you successfully apply and decide not to take your place the $100 application fee is non refundable. A $900 deposit is required on acceptance.
The retreat is for photographers who are already confident in using their cameras and have experience working with dogs.
We are definitely for you if you are keen to learn, have an open mind and ready to push your photography and business to the next level!
You can arrive at the house between 8pm and 10pm on Sunday 4th or in the morning on Monday 5th.
If you plan on using public transport to get to the house we recommend aiming to arrive on Saturday, as trains and busses will be less frequent on Sunday.
Transport to the house isn’t provide but there are numerous trains each day from both Glasgow and Edinburgh to Aviemore, where you can jump in a taxi to the house.
If you want to drive the house is around a two and a half hours from Edinburgh.
All meals will be provided from the 5th
Dietary needs such as gluten free, vegetarian or vegan will be catered for just make sure you tell us in advance.
Scotland is famous for having all four seasons in one day, we can’t promise you what the weather will be. We will be out shooting even if it’s raining, only the most severe weather will shoots be cancelled.
Just remember to pack your rain gear and embrace the wilds of Scotland!
You will need a DSLR/Mirrorless camera as well as lenses in the following range – 24-70mm and 70-200mm. Primes that fit into this range are also acceptable i.e. 35mm, 50mm, 85mm, 105mm, 135mm. If you aren’t sure give us a shout.
A laptop with Lightroom and Photoshop will also be required.
All lighting equipment will be provided during the week but if you already shoot on location using flash and you would like to bring your own OCF gear you are more than welcome to.
Yes, if space allows. We have a limited number of private king rooms with private ensuite available for an additional fee.
If the retreat is cancelled you will be giving a full refund, however we cannot be held liable for any other costs incurred such as travel or accommodation you have booked. Where possible make sure your travel and accommodation is refundable.
If you can no longer attend the retreat at any point we can only offer you a refund (minus the $100 application fee) if we can find someone to fill your space.
If you apply to the retreat and are successful your $100 will be subtracted from the total cost. If you decide not to take the place your $100 is not refundable.
If you apply and are unsuccessful your $100 will be refunded.
Claire is the founder of Wildflowers & Pixels, a brand and website design business that she started in 2015. Since then, she has worked with over 600 small businesses from around the world, many of them pet businesses.
