5-day all inclusive mindful photography retreat on Scotland’s relaxing coastline

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Sunday 27th April - Thursday 1st May 2025

Moray Coast - Scotland

£1485 (Deposit £375)

Join Kim for an all inclusive 5-day Coastal Mindful Photography Retreat on the beautiful Moray Coast. Born and raised in the area, Kim combines her local expertise with her mindful photography approach to create a relaxing immersive photography retreat for you to enjoy.

Be inspired by the sights and sounds of the sea

Retreat Details

Dates: 27th April - 1st May 2025

Duration: 5 days/4 nights

Small group size

Fitness level: Easy - Moderate

This retreat incorporates a mix of guided photography exercises and space to explore your photographic interests, offering a balance between solo time and group connection. Kim has carefully chosen locations to allow the opportunity to explore the coastal gems that North East Scotland has to offer, including long sandy beaches, rocky coves, traditional seaside villages and picturesque harbours.

As well as photographing the coastal beauty, mindfulness practices, journaling and rest will be weaved into the retreat to deepen creativity and self exploration.

When we are not on location, you can enjoy your own private en-suite room at the Royal Oak Hotel in Cullen. This traditional family-run hotel offers comfort and privacy. Delicious cooked meals will be prepared by the hotel each day to keep you fuelled and hydrated throughout your stay. The hotel is positioned right beside Cullen Beach, allowing the freedom to breathe and enjoy the sea air whenever you need to.

Book Your Place

Retreat Includes

4 nights bed and breakfast at the Royal Oak Hotel in Cullen

Lunch, Dinner and Refreshments

On location mindful photography sessions

Welcome presentation

Private group taxi between locations

Experienced local photography guide

Retreat resources including notebook, pen and exercise sheets

Welcome goody bag

Post-retreat group image sharing Zoom session

New friends, connections and memories

Not Included

Travel to and from retreat

Any food or drink out with meal times

Alcoholic Drinks

Insurance - including travel, camera and health insurance

Deepen your Observational Skills

Guided Photography Sessions

Light and Shadows Workshop - Monday 28th April

Mindfully observe the light and how it interacts with the coast
Learn how to photograph reflections by witnessing the interaction between light and water
Use shadows and highlights to enhance your images
Experiment with colour to add emotion to your images
Explore the relationship between the sky and sea
Learn how to create captivating images, even on dull days

Movement Workshop - Tuesday 29th April

Photograph movement in the landscape
Enhance your observational skills by curiously observing how subjects move
Learn creative photography techniques such as Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) and Multiple Exposure
Reflect on how your body moves and feels in nature
Breath in unison with the waves

Textures and Patterns Workshop - Wednesday 30th April

Explore the patterns and textures of the coast
Learn compositional techniques to enhance your images, such as diagonals, leading lines and symmetry.
Use the sense of touch to connect with your subjects
Observe how light enhances texture and pattern
Photograph coastal features up close (macro photography)
Feel the sand on your feet

Guest Workshop Leaders

We are fortunate to have many talented creatives and nature experts in the area. I will be inviting some along to co-host the guided workshops. Each guest leader will have a connection to photography and will weave their expertise into their session to offer a unique perspective. Possible topics may include combining photography with writing and nature ID skills.

Self-Guided Photography Sessions

Morning Meditation Beach Walks (Optional)

Each morning before breakfast, you are invited for a walk along the beach to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the new day. This is a great opportunity to allow stillness and reflection before the day begins. You may wish to find a quiet spot to sit and observe the sea or close your eyes and tune into the coastal sounds. This time is also a good opportunity to journal. You may wish to write down your intentions for the day ahead or note down your thoughts and ideas on paper. While this time is not centred around photography, you are welcome to take your camera with you and create images.

On Location Evening Sessions

Each evening, we will head out for sunset. During this time, you can explore what you’d personally like to photograph. You may wish to weave what you learnt during the guided sessions into your practice or use the time for your own exploration and reflection. Kim will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and offer guidance if needed.

Breathing Space

Accommodation and Meals - Royal Oak Hotel Cullen

The Royal Oak is a traditional family-run hotel located only a stone’s throw from the beautiful sandy beaches of Cullen Bay. It is nestled in between the famous viaduct and the historic fishing village of Seatown. The retreat includes 4 nights bed and breakfast and a tasty dining experience in the hotel restaurant. Everyone will enjoy their own private en-suite room, with a warm drink, shortbread and goodie bag to greet them on arrival.

The hotel comes with free parking and WiFi.

Weather permitting lunch will be enjoyed on location each day. The hotel will provide us with a healthy packed lunch to take out with us so we can enjoy eating while immersed in the coastal scenery.

Itinerary

Sunday 27th April

3pm - Hotel check-in and settle

4pm - Welcome presentation and sharing

6pm - Welcome dinner

7.30pm - Evening beach walk and photography

Monday 28th April

7am - Morning meditative beach walk (optional)

8am - Breakfast

10 am - On location light and shadows workshop

2/3pm - Afternoon break/image editing

5.30pm- Dinner

7pm - Evening on location

Tuesday 29th April

7am - Morning meditative beach walk (optional)

8am - Breakfast

10 am - On location movement workshop

2/3pm - Afternoon break/image editing

5.30pm - Dinner

7pm - Evening on location

Wednesday 30th April

7am - Morning meditative beach walk (optional)

8am - Breakfast

10am - On location patterns and texture workshop

2/3pm - Afternoon break/image editing

5.30pm - Dinner

7pm - Evening on location

Thursday 1st May

7am - Morning cliff reflection walk (optional)

8.30am - Breakfast

10 am to Midday - Round up and farewells

Post Retreat Image Sharing

2 weeks after the retreat, we will arrange a date and time to meet online via Zoom as a group to catch up and share our images.

Please note - As this is a retreat, to ensure adequate sleep, we will aim to be back at the hotel by 10pm each evening. While this may mean we miss some of the sunset, we will still have the opportunity to photograph most of the golden hour.

What to take with you

Camera or smartphone (all cameras welcome)

Any accessories you wish to use, including tripod and filters

Batteries, chargers and memory devices to store images

Laptop or tablet to edit images (if you wish to)

Warm and waterproof outdoor clothing to suit the changeable Scottish weather

Sturdy footwear to accommodate outdoor weather (walking boots recommended)

Sturdy backpack to carry equipment, extra clothes, and lunch

Flask and water bottle

A curious mind and willingness to learn

Possible Locations

As a local, Kim knows all the best spots and will carefully choose the locations each day to reflect the weather and opportunities available. Throughout the retreat, you will explore a diverse range of coastal gems, including beaches, coves, estuaries, harbours, and picturesque seaside villages. Each location will offer its unique charm and photographic opportunities. Whether you want to photograph vast seascapes, coastal wildlife, patterns in the sand or get creative with long exposures or ICM, there will be plenty of opportunities to do so. While Kim cannot guarantee what locations we will visit, some possible locations can be seen listed below.