MTog Scotland Retreat: Five Days of Learning, Connection, and Creative Challenge in the Scottish Wilderness
Some photography experiences stay with you forever — and the MTog Scotland Retreat with That Photography Spot is definitely one of them. Five days. Twenty photographers. Two coaches. Two handlers and BTS assistants. And the wild, raw beauty of southwest Scotland as our classroom.
This wasn’t just about taking pretty pictures. It was about upskilling. Connecting. Exploring new ideas, techniques, and ways of seeing — all while surrounded by some of the most dramatic equine, canine, and landscape opportunities that Dumfries and Galloway has to offer.
Let’s take a walk (or gallop) through the experience.
Day 1: Studio to South-West Sunsets
We kicked things off with a bang — or more accurately, a 20ft x 10ft Click Backdrops setup and a stunning equine studio demo. Seeing how to light and pose horses in a controlled space gave us all a chance to ask questions and see the intricacies up close.
From there, we headed out to our first canine shoot in the Galloway lowland grazing fields, capturing dogs moving naturally through tall grasses and open pastures. Then, as the sun dipped, it was back to the horses — this time on a knowe (a Scottish hillock) with sweeping views and that gorgeous directional evening light.
Day 2: Coastal Drama & Palace Grounds
Day two brought a dose of wild coastline at one of the pebbliest beaches I’ve ever photographed. Basalt and granite rock formations, sea mist, and views out to the Kirkcudbrightshire offshore islands made for an unforgettable backdrop.
We followed that with woodland portraits in the ancient trees around Cally Palace Hotel, shifting the focus to earthy tones and filtered light. The day wrapped up with high-energy canine action on Cally Palace lawn, where shutter speeds were tested and reflexes pushed — in the best possible way.
Day 3: Lochs, Knowes & Equine Elegance
The morning took us into the moorland at Loch Whinyeon — a wild, windblown space with that haunting stillness unique to the Scottish uplands. Later, we travelled to Barstobrick Equestrian Centre, where Rose Foley (@rosefoleydressage) brought elegance and dynamism to the ridden equine session.
As if that wasn’t enough, we finished the day with a location shoot near Neilson’s Tower, pairing sweeping landscapes with composed equine portraits that felt like something straight out of a painting.
Day 4: Solway Shores & 1100 Acres of Forest
By day four, you could feel the whole group in flow — everyone had hit their stride. We returned to the beach, this time on the Solway Firth, with views stretching over the water to the Lake District. Golden hour lingered and the dogs ran through seafoam and sand.
The afternoon took us into a massive 1100-acre forest, a rich mix of coniferous and deciduous trees, granite boulders, moss-covered paths, and mysterious peat bogs. It was storytelling heaven — dogs emerging from ferns, framed by shafts of light.
Day 5: Pines, Rainforest Trails & Reflective Moments
The final day brought us to Loch Trool, where native Scots Pines lined the loch shore. The reflections on the still water and the soft green palette made for a peaceful, contemplative shoot — a quiet exhale before the end.
Our final stop: a historic trail through Glentrool, technically part of a commercial plantation, but with deep, rainforest-like characteristics. Think dripping moss, ancient pathways, and glimpses of Scotland’s wilder past. A fitting end to a retreat all about learning from the land and leaning into its stories.
More Than Just Photography
This retreat wasn’t just about the photos. It was about the people. The conversations over dinner, the shared excitement when someone nailed that shot, the gentle peer feedback, the tech deep dives, and the full-on laughter.
Having two photography coaches, plus on-site dog handlers and BTS support, meant we could push our creativity while staying grounded in best practice — a rare and valuable combination.
Want to Elevate Your Photography in Wild Places?
That Photography Spot runs immersive, small-group retreats, in-person and online courses, and a thriving membership for photographers who want to grow their skills while exploring beautiful and challenging locations. Whether you shoot dogs, horses, landscapes, or all three — there’s nothing quite like learning together, outdoors, camera in hand.