12/05/2026
In 2023 I helped create Not a Retreat. Because it isn't one.
The first one was brilliant. It was also exhausting. We packed in too much, there was too much driving, too much stuff, and by the end of the week everyone - including me - was running on empty. Great memories, but I came away knowing I could do it better.
So I stripped it back. Not a Retreat 2026 is slower, more relaxed, and more intentional. Same spirit. Less chaos.
Not a Retreat is a week in the Scottish Highlands for professional and aspiring professional dog photographers. No curriculum. No timetable. Just a small group of photographers, the Cairngorms National Park, and a lot of dogs.
Here's what the week looks like:
- 4 to 5 dog photography shoots out in the Cairngorms National Park - possible locations include Ruthven Barracks, An Lochan Uaine, Loch Morlich (yes, there's a sandy beach and possibly paddleboarding dogs), and Uath Lochan. The exact number of shoots and days out will be decided collectively with attendees before the week begins - this is your week as much as mine
- 7 nights self-catering accommodation in Kingussie - shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs all a couple of minutes walk from the house
- Aviemore just a short drive away for bigger shops and more food and drink options
- Inverness and Loch Ness within reach for those who want to explore
- Co-hosted by Ruckus, golden retriever, full time model, zero respect for personal space
This isn't a workshop. I won't be standing at the front of a room with a slide deck. But I will be there all week - so if you want to pick my brain, talk cameras, or just chat dogs, I'm yours.
There's something that happens when you put a group of like-minded photographers together for a week that no formal education can replicate. Ideas get shared, techniques get swapped, and friendships get built. That's what Not a Retreat is about.
- 4th - 11th September 2026
- Kingussie, Cairngorms National Park, Scottish Highlands
- 8 rooms available - single, twin and triple occupancy
- Rooms are £1500($2000 USD give or take) - you share the room you split the cost
One small thing I ask - any dogs who model for us during the week deserve something in return. All attendees are asked to provide a selection of edited digital images to the owners as a thank you for their time.
Applications are open now. Link below
Good company. Questionable light (it's Scotland — we knew what we were signing up for). Excellent dogs.
Would really appreciate you sharing and bigging it up even if you can't attend!
