Isle of Rum
Photography Expedition

17 - 30 May 2026

What to expect?

Discover one of the most unique locations in Scotland - the spectacular Isle of Rùm.

The island is renowned for its remote and rugged mountainous terrain, as well as the diverse wildlife that grace its shores and landscapes. This immersive photography workshop offers the perfect blend of adventure, learning and opportunity for artistic expression - an unforgettable and transformative journey into the heart of Rùm.

Unfrequented by photographers, you shall experience rare opportunities to capture truly unique imagery of some of the finest mountain and coastal scenery that there is anywhere in the country - at sunrise, sunset and everything in between.

You shall be led and taught by two highly experienced mountaineers and photographers: Benjamin Barendrecht and Ross Davidson (Qualified Mountain Leader). During the trip, we shall aim to camp up high on at least two nights in the majestic Rùm Cuillin, visiting mountains such as Askival and Ainshval. Together, we shall create lasting memories and images to treasure.

The trip is suitable for enthusiastic outdoor photographers, whether you are a beginner- or advanced-level.

5 days and 4 nights camping in total.

Itinerary

The itinerary for this trip will remain flexible to adapt to the prevailing weather conditions and the suitability to the group. However, you may expect to visit and photograph vistas from, and en route to mountain summits such as: Askival, Ainshval and Hallival.

We will aim to camp in the hills for at least two of the four nights, aiming to be in prime locations for sunsets and sunrises, although this will remain flexible to allow the workshop leaders to select suitable photography locations. However, we will likely be camping below the mountain summits for logistical reasons (e.g. having ample space for multiple tents!)

We shall spend the final night of the trip camping low down on the delightful Isle of Eigg, with its beautiful beaches and captivating view back across the Sound of Rùm to the Island of Rùm itself -
a perfect and fitting conclusion to the trip.

What you will learn

Technical Photography Skills

Tailored specifically to you, whether you are a beginner or advanced. Ross and Ben shall always be available to provide you with hands-on and practical coaching with all of the technical aspects of image creation, including: exposure, composition, focus and much more.

Expressive Photography Skills:

We will teach you how to identify interesting elements within the landscape that will combine to create compelling and evocative imagery, that tells the story of both the landscape and our personal experience within it.

Mountaineering & Adventure Skills:

If desired, we can teach you how to be independent in the mountain environment, to allow you to plan your own photography expeditions in the future. Including: mountain navigation and expedition planning; personal safety and risk management; campcraft; and rope work

  • Black outline drawing of a house with tree and grass in the background

    Small Groups

    Maximum of 5 participants.

  • Black background with white text that reads, 'Welcome to the cool kids club.'

    Duration

    Duration: 5 days hiking and 4 days camping

  • Black and white silhouette of Santa Claus with a bag of gifts, standing next to a decorated Christmas tree.

    Locations

    Explore the beautiful remote Scottish islands, Isle of Rum and Isle of Eigg

  • Black and white drawing of a person with short hair, wearing a hat, glasses, a jacket, and pants, standing and holding a cane.

    Workshop Guides

    Ross Davidson & Benjamin Barendrecht

  • A space scene featuring planets, clouds, and celestial bodies in outer space.

    Photography Experience

    Learn to see visual stories of the complex landscape

Fitness and Experience

Hill-walking:

It is not essential for you to have prior hill-walking and backpacking experience, although we do advise it. You need to be capable of hiking with a 15-25kg backpack with at least 10km and 800 metres of ascent - and then repeating this again over the following few days. We shall pace the group appropriately so that all members feel comfortable and confident.

Backpacking experience:

A mandatory and advisory kit list shall be sent to you well in advance of the workshop to allow you to prepare for the trip.

Photography Experience:

Photographers of all abilities are welcome, from beginners through to advanced.

Equipment

An exhaustive kit list PDF shall be sent to you well in advance of the commencement of the workshop. In a nutshell, you will require:

Camera Equipment: we recommend a DSLR or mirrorless camera with lenses covering the focal lengths between 14-300mm, although we also welcome those using simpler camera systems/camera phones. A lightweight tripod will also be useful.

Clothing: appropriate mountain-suitable activewear, including a layering system consisting of: baselayers. mid layers, waterproofs and insulation layers. Comfortable hiking boots and a large backpack (60L minimum) are also important

Camping: a sturdy tent, warm roll mat and sleeping bag are all necessary.

Price - What’s included?

  • Price and Payment:

  • Total price (per participant): £550

  • Deposit amount: £250 (required upon booking)

  • Balance deadline: Final payment must be made at least one month before the workshop start date.

  • Included:

  • Qualified Mountain Leader to guide you on the expedition.

  • Uninterrupted, personalised photography tuition to ensure you achieve the best photographic results.

  • Ferry transportation - one less thing for you to worry about.

  • High end camping equipment, if required (small rental fee applies).

  • Excluded:

  • Transportation to the starting point: Mallaig Ferry Terminal. However, Ben and I may be able to support with a lift if necessary. Please enquire if required.

  • Travel and personal health and belongings insurance

  • Camera equipment.

  • Expedition food and drinks - this should be included in your personal kit.

About Us

Ross is a Qualified Mountain Leader and semi-professional mountain photographer. An experienced teacher of seven years - Ross has achieved qualified teacher status (QTS) with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Education.

Ross specialises in capturing the mountainous regions of the UK, specifically the Scottish Highlands and Lake District National Park. His aim is to create unique and expressive imagery that is representative of the remarkable beauty of the landscape that surrounds us.

Ross has hiked extensively in Scotland, developing a deep affinity with the mountain landscape and aims to portray that through his work.

Accolades:

Mountains Category Winner - Natural Landscape Awards 2025.

Top 10 (1%) Combined Portfolio - Natural Landscape Awards 2025.

Front Cover - Volume 5, Natural Landscape Awards 2025 Commemorative Fine Art Book.

Highly Commended Portfolio - Scottish Landscape Photographer of the Year 2024.

Front Cover - best-selling novel, Unconformity by John McLellan 2024.

Ross Davidson Portfolio:

Ben is a freelance mountain photographer and filmmaker.
An ambassador for OM System / Olympus since 2022 and Mountaineering Scotland.

Ben’s love for the mountains started from a young age traveling the world. Exploring the wonderful geology of the mountains is something that spoke to him. Translating the stories and feeling of the landscape within a single photograph that expresses the emotion of the complex world.

Ben has spend over 10 years hiking various mountain regions in the world, from Norway, The Alps, Scotland and many other places in the world.
Ben’s passion for the mountains is all about finding a deeper connection and understanding of the geology.

Accolades:

Mountains Category Winner - Natural Landscape Awards 2025.

Top 10 (1%) Combined Portfolio - Natural Landscape Awards 2025.

Front Cover - Volume 5, Natural Landscape Awards 2025 Commemorative Fine Art Book.

Benjamin Barendrecht Portfolio:

  • Woman in a light green jacket, gray beanie, and black gloves holding a camera in a rocky outdoor landscape with mountains in the background.
  • Silhouette of a person adjusting a camera on a tripod during sunset on a mountain overlook with a sky of orange and yellow hues and distant islands below.
  • A man crouching on a mountain trail overlooking a lake and mountain landscape during sunset.