THE OUTER HEBRIDES

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER MATS ANDERSSON

Country: Scotland Photography Focus: Landscape Duration: 5 days Dates: July 28 – August 1, 2025 Participants: 8-12

THE OUTER HEBRIDES 

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER MATS ANDERSSON

Photographing the Outer Hebrides is like stepping into a world where nature tells its own story. Every location we visit, from ancient stones to wild coastlines, offers a unique opportunity to capture light, form, and emotion in a way that few other places can.

Mats Andersson

Imagine a journey to a place where time seems to have frozen and nature’s untamed forces have shaped the landscape into something beyond the ordinary – welcome to the Outer Hebrides. The rhythmic waves of the sea crash against rugged cliffs, standing proudly and weather-worn along the coastline, as these stone formations seem to whisper stories of a time when the first people settled here.

The contrast is striking: the dark cliffs and weather-beaten landscapes suddenly give way to stretches of white sand, soft and inviting, where the crystal-clear water washes over the shore in calm, turquoise shades. The ever-changing light dances across the landscape, offering endless opportunities to capture magical moments through the lens. Each shift in the weather, from the golden rays of the sun to the soft blanket of mist, creates new ways to explore nature’s multifaceted beauty.

Join photographer Mats Andersson on a journey to the Outer Hebrides and his favorite spots in this ancient landscape. Dramatic cliffs and coves, old ruins, and heights with breathtaking views. If we’re lucky, we might encounter the majestic red deer. Here, you can let your creativity flow, inspired by the shifting landscape and dramatic views. It’s a journey not only through nature but also through time, where each click of the camera captures a piece of a world that remains untouched and magnificent.

RESANS HÖJDPUNKTER

  • The beautiful landscapes of the Outer Hebrides.
  • Long sandy beaches and rolling sand dunes.
  • Luskentyre Beach, named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
  • The Callanish Standing Stones, one of Scotland’s most iconic historical monuments.
  • Mangersta Beach and the Mangersta Sea Stacks rock formations.
  • Stac a’ Phris Arch, an impressive stone arch over the Atlantic.
  • Wild coasts and dramatic cliffs.
  • The ancient stone fort, Dun Carloway Broch.
  • The historic village of Gearrannan Blackhouse Village.
  • Guidance and inspiration provided by Mats Andersson during the journey.

Country: Scotland Photography Focus: Landscape Duration: 5 days Dates: July 28 – August 1, 2025 Participants: 8-12

Photographing the Outer Hebrides is like stepping into a world where nature tells its own story. Every location we visit, from ancient stones to wild coastlines, offers a unique opportunity to capture light, form, and emotion in a way that few other places can.

Mats Andersson

Imagine a journey to a place where time seems to have frozen and nature’s untamed forces have shaped the landscape into something beyond the ordinary – welcome to the Outer Hebrides. The rhythmic waves of the sea crash against rugged cliffs, standing proudly and weather-worn along the coastline, as these stone formations seem to whisper stories of a time when the first people settled here.

The contrast is striking: the dark cliffs and weather-beaten landscapes suddenly give way to stretches of white sand, soft and inviting, where the crystal-clear water washes over the shore in calm, turquoise shades. The ever-changing light dances across the landscape, offering endless opportunities to capture magical moments through the lens. Each shift in the weather, from the golden rays of the sun to the soft blanket of mist, creates new ways to explore nature’s multifaceted beauty.

Join photographer Mats Andersson on a journey to the Outer Hebrides and his favorite spots in this ancient landscape. Dramatic cliffs and coves, old ruins, and heights with breathtaking views. If we’re lucky, we might encounter the majestic red deer. Here, you can let your creativity flow, inspired by the shifting landscape and dramatic views. It’s a journey not only through nature but also through time, where each click of the camera captures a piece of a world that remains untouched and magnificent.

RESANS HÖJDPUNKTER

  • The beautiful landscapes of the Outer Hebrides.
  • Long sandy beaches and rolling sand dunes.
  • Luskentyre Beach, named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.
  • The Callanish Standing Stones, one of Scotland’s most iconic historical monuments.
  • Mangersta Beach and the Mangersta Sea Stacks rock formations.
  • Stac a’ Phris Arch, an impressive stone arch over the Atlantic.
  • Wild coasts and dramatic cliffs.
  • The ancient stone fort, Dun Carloway Broch.
  • The historic village of Gearrannan Blackhouse Village.
  • Guidance and inspiration provided by Mats Andersson during the journey.

THE OUTER HEBRIDES

THE OUTER HEBRIDES 

The Outer Hebrides, this remote and isolated archipelago just off the northwest coast of Scotland, is a place where nature has the final say, and human presence feels like a whisper in the grand landscape. Spanning 200 kilometers from north to south, these islands offer a captivating contrast between untouched beauty and wild, natural forces. In the Outer Hebrides, you are met with vast, dazzling white sandy beaches that stretch like endless ribbons towards the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the Atlantic. It is a place where the horizon seems to vanish in an eternal collision between sky and sea. At the same time, the raw, rugged cliffs watch over the coast, their surface shaped by millennia of winds and waves that crash with undiminished force. The green, gently rolling hills that stretch toward the vast sky break up the otherwise wild landscape, offering a moment of calm and serenity.

We are visiting the Outer Hebrides – read more about the itinerary here.

Read more

THE OUTER HEBRIDES

 

The Outer Hebrides, this remote and isolated archipelago just off the northwest coast of Scotland, is a place where nature has the final say, and human presence feels like a whisper in the grand landscape. Spanning 200 kilometers from north to south, these islands offer a captivating contrast between untouched beauty and wild, natural forces. In the Outer Hebrides, you are met with vast, dazzling white sandy beaches that stretch like endless ribbons towards the crystal-clear, turquoise waters of the Atlantic. It is a place where the horizon seems to vanish in an eternal collision between sky and sea. At the same time, the raw, rugged cliffs watch over the coast, their surface shaped by millennia of winds and waves that crash with undiminished force. The green, gently rolling hills that stretch toward the vast sky break up the otherwise wild landscape, offering a moment of calm and serenity.

ITINERARY

ITINERARY 

28/7 – 1/8 2025

Note! Since the weather in the Outer Hebrides is very changeable and can shift from sunshine to rain within just a few hours, the program may be adjusted on-site. This is to ensure you get the best possible photography opportunities.

Day 1 (July 28) – Callanish Standing Stones
Upon arrival on the Isle of Lewis, we will meet at the Royal Hotel in Stornoway where Mats Andersson will be waiting. Before heading out for our first photo session on the island, we will have dinner. Afterward, we will familiarize ourselves with the surroundings, with the goal of visiting the legendary Callanish Standing Stones, one of Scotland’s most iconic monuments. These 5,000-year-old stones stand as silent witnesses to an ancient culture, and at sunset, this site transforms into something magical. The slowly setting sun bathes the stones in a golden hue, casting long, dramatic shadows across the landscape. Here, you can capture close-ups of the stones’ details as well as wide panoramas with the sky as a backdrop. Among these mysterious stones, Mats will give us an introduction to his now-classic photographic techniques, showing us how to best use the stones as subjects to create interesting images. After the photo session, we will return to Stornoway and our hotel for a good night’s sleep. (Dinner included)

Day 2 (July 29) – Mangersta Beach & Sea Stack
The day takes us to the wild and remote Mangersta Beach, where the Atlantic meets the dramatic coast of the Isle of Lewis. The golden sand contrasts with the dark cliffs and the powerful sea, creating fantastic opportunities for dynamic landscape photography. Here, we can experiment with long exposures to capture the movement of the waves or use fast shutter speeds to freeze the power of the ocean.
We will also photograph at the Mangersta Sea Stack, a solitary rock formation rising from the sea. This is a place where nature’s raw power is truly felt, and the dramatic landscapes provide excellent opportunities to capture majestic images. The endless horizon, the ocean’s movements, and the rugged cliffs give us a sense of being at the world’s edge, which we can use to create images that convey both strength and serenity. (Breakfast, dinner included)

Day 3 (July 30) – Luskentyre Beach & Loch Bhaltois
On our third day, we head south to one of the most famous spots in the Outer Hebrides – Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris. This beach has been named one of the most beautiful in the world, and when you stand here, you will understand why. The crystal-clear water and white sand create a striking contrast against the surrounding mountains. Here, we can work with minimalist compositions, where the sky and sea almost blend together, capturing the wild yet peaceful beauty of the beach.
On the way back, we stop at the tranquil Loch Bhaltois, a secluded lake offering a completely different atmosphere. Here, we have the chance to capture mirror reflections of the landscape in the still water.

Day 4 (July 31) – Historic Village & Dramatic Landscapes 
The day takes us on a journey through both time and nature’s forces. We will visit the historic village of Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, where traditional stone houses from the 19th century have been preserved and restored to showcase what life once looked like in the Outer Hebrides. These sturdy stone buildings blend into the landscape and offer excellent photographic opportunities. The round shapes and raw texture of the stones stand in beautiful contrast to the surrounding nature and the distant sea.

We will make a stop at the impressive archaeological site – Dun Carloway Broch. This ancient stone fort, dating to around 100 AD, is one of the best-preserved brochs in all of Scotland. It is perched on a hill overlooking the sea and the landscape below.

Finally, we will visit one of the trip’s most dramatic sites, Stac a’ Phris Arch. This natural stone arch stretches out over the Atlantic and symbolizes nature’s raw power. The arch’s shape and location give us the chance to photograph spectacular views, where the massive cliff meets the endless sea. With waves crashing against the cliffs far below, we can work on compositions that highlight the grandeur of the landscape. This place offers endless possibilities for creative images – from wide panoramas to detailed close-ups of the rock formations.
Back at the hotel, we will have a farewell dinner, and during the evening, Mats will announce the “Photo of the Trip,” which will automatically advance to the final round of Zoom’s “Photo of the Year 2025” competition. (Breakfast, dinner included)

Day 5 (August 1) – Morning Photography and Departure
After one last morning photography session, breakfast, and check-out, it’s time to head to the airport for further transfer on your own. (Breakfast included)

Program for the Outer Hebrides. Click below to read more about the daily itinerary.

Read more

28/7 – 1/8 2025

Day 1 (July 28) – Callanish Standing Stones
Upon arrival on the Isle of Lewis, we will meet at the Royal Hotel in Stornoway where Mats Andersson will be waiting. Before heading out for our first photo session on the island, we will have dinner. Afterward, we will familiarize ourselves with the surroundings, with the goal of visiting the legendary Callanish Standing Stones, one of Scotland’s most iconic monuments. These 5,000-year-old stones stand as silent witnesses to an ancient culture, and at sunset, this site transforms into something magical. The slowly setting sun bathes the stones in a golden hue, casting long, dramatic shadows across the landscape. Here, you can capture close-ups of the stones’ details as well as wide panoramas with the sky as a backdrop. Among these mysterious stones, Mats will give us an introduction to his now-classic photographic techniques, showing us how to best use the stones as subjects to create interesting images. After the photo session, we will return to Stornoway and our hotel for a good night’s sleep. (Dinner included)

Day 2 (July 29) – Mangersta Beach & Sea Stack
The day takes us to the wild and remote Mangersta Beach, where the Atlantic meets the dramatic coast of the Isle of Lewis. The golden sand contrasts with the dark cliffs and the powerful sea, creating fantastic opportunities for dynamic landscape photography. Here, we can experiment with long exposures to capture the movement of the waves or use fast shutter speeds to freeze the power of the ocean.
We will also photograph at the Mangersta Sea Stack, a solitary rock formation rising from the sea. This is a place where nature’s raw power is truly felt, and the dramatic landscapes provide excellent opportunities to capture majestic images. The endless horizon, the ocean’s movements, and the rugged cliffs give us a sense of being at the world’s edge, which we can use to create images that convey both strength and serenity. (Breakfast, dinner included)

Day 3 (July 30) – Luskentyre Beach & Loch Bhaltois
On our third day, we head south to one of the most famous spots in the Outer Hebrides – Luskentyre Beach on the Isle of Harris. This beach has been named one of the most beautiful in the world, and when you stand here, you will understand why. The crystal-clear water and white sand create a striking contrast against the surrounding mountains. Here, we can work with minimalist compositions, where the sky and sea almost blend together, capturing the wild yet peaceful beauty of the beach.
On the way back, we stop at the tranquil Loch Bhaltois, a secluded lake offering a completely different atmosphere. Here, we have the chance to capture mirror reflections of the landscape in the still water.

Day 4 (July 31) – Historic Village & Dramatic Landscapes 
The day takes us on a journey through both time and nature’s forces. We will visit the historic village of Gearrannan Blackhouse Village, where traditional stone houses from the 19th century have been preserved and restored to showcase what life once looked like in the Outer Hebrides. These sturdy stone buildings blend into the landscape and offer excellent photographic opportunities. The round shapes and raw texture of the stones stand in beautiful contrast to the surrounding nature and the distant sea.

We will make a stop at the impressive archaeological site – Dun Carloway Broch. This ancient stone fort, dating to around 100 AD, is one of the best-preserved brochs in all of Scotland. It is perched on a hill overlooking the sea and the landscape below.

Finally, we will visit one of the trip’s most dramatic sites, Stac a’ Phris Arch. This natural stone arch stretches out over the Atlantic and symbolizes nature’s raw power. The arch’s shape and location give us the chance to photograph spectacular views, where the massive cliff meets the endless sea. With waves crashing against the cliffs far below, we can work on compositions that highlight the grandeur of the landscape. This place offers endless possibilities for creative images – from wide panoramas to detailed close-ups of the rock formations.
Back at the hotel, we will have a farewell dinner, and during the evening, Mats will announce the “Photo of the Trip,” which will automatically advance to the final round of Zoom’s “Photo of the Year 2025” competition. (Breakfast, dinner included)

Day 5 (August 1) – Morning Photography and Departure
After one last morning photography session, breakfast, and check-out, it’s time to head to the airport for further transfer on your own. (Breakfast included)

 

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

MATS ANDERSSON – Art- & Naturephotograher 

Mats Andersson resides in Jönköping, Småland. He studied photography at the School of Arts and Crafts in Gothenburg during the late 1980s, and since 1989, he has worked as an Art Director and photographer at Concret Reklam in Huskvarna. He also runs his own company, Andersson Consulting, where he organizes photography trips with us, gives lectures, holds exhibitions, publishes books, and more. Mats is a Leica ambassador in Scandinavia. Over the years, Mats has published no fewer than 13 books and has won numerous international awards, including Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016 (Black & White), Nordic Nature Photographer of the Year 2016, and Nature Photographer of the Year 2016. In 2017, he also secured a silver in Wildlife Photographer of the Year (often referred to as the World Championship of nature photography). Mats has received several grants, including from the Swedish Authors’ Fund (2014, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023), for his photography books.

 

Mats Andersson is one of Sweden’s most renowned and award-winning art and nature photographers. Read more about him here.

Read more

 

MATS ANDERSSON – Konst- och naturfotograf

Mats Andersson resides in Jönköping, Småland. He studied photography at the School of Arts and Crafts in Gothenburg during the late 1980s, and since 1989, he has worked as an Art Director and photographer at Concret Reklam in Huskvarna. He also runs his own company, Andersson Consulting, where he organizes photography trips with us, gives lectures, holds exhibitions, publishes books, and more. Mats is a Leica ambassador in Scandinavia. Over the years, Mats has published no fewer than 13 books and has won numerous international awards, including Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2016 (Black & White), Nordic Nature Photographer of the Year 2016, and Nature Photographer of the Year 2016. In 2017, he also secured a silver in Wildlife Photographer of the Year (often referred to as the World Championship of nature photography). Mats has received several grants, including from the Swedish Authors’ Fund (2014, 2019, 2021, 2022, 2023), for his photography books.

 

HOTEL

HOTEL

ROYAL HOTEL**** 

PRICE, FACTS & BOOKINGS

PRICE, FACTS & BOKING  

Price per person: SEK ???:-

Price includes:

  • All bus transfers according to the program.
  • Accommodation in double rooms at the Royal Hotel.
  • Meals according to the program. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
  • All photography activities as per the program.
  • Participation of Mats Andersson throughout the trip.
  • Lectures and image editing with Mats Andersson.
  • A host from Zoom Fotoresor.
  • Travel documents and practical travel information before the trip.
    Local hotel and other taxes.

Priset inkluderar ej:

  • Flights to the Outer Hebrides.
  • Single room supplement: SEK 6,900.
  • Personal expenses, such as beverages during meals, etc.
  • Cancellation protection/travel insurance. For more information, see our website under “Other.”

TRANSPORTATION 

Flights to Stornoway are arranged independently. You should arrive at Stornoway Airport no later than 4:00 PM on July 28. The return flight can be scheduled no earlier than 11:30 AM on August 1.
If you would like assistance with booking flights, we are more than happy to help. Call us at +46 470 466 40, email us at info@zoomfotoresor.se, or indicate this when making your reservation.

LUNCHES

As we will be moving around the island during the days, we have chosen not to include lunch in the price. Lunches will be paid directly on-site by each participant. Expect to spend around £15 per day for lunch, depending on what you order.

FACTS

Target Audience: Landscape and nature photographers. To get the most out of the trip, we recommend some prior photography experience.
Min/Max Participants: 8/10
Languages: Swedish / English
Exchange Rate: GBP 13.61 (as of September 16, 2024)
Other: For more information about Zoom Fotoresor, delivery terms, etc., please visit our website under “Other.”

CAMERA EQUIPMENT

  • Your digital camera
  • 70-200 mm or 100-400 mm lens
  • Wide-angle lens, such as 14-24 mm or 16-35 mm
  • Monopod or tripod
  • A computer with Photoshop or Lightroom
  • Extra batteries, charger, etc.

BOKNING

You can book your participation by clicking the button below. You are also welcome to call us at +46 470 466 40 or email us at info@zoomphototours.com

Photographer: Mats Andersson

PRICE

Price includes:

  • All bus transfers according to the program.
  • Accommodation in double rooms at the Royal Hotel.
  • Meals according to the program. (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner)
  • All photography activities as per the program.
  • Participation of Mats Andersson throughout the trip.
  • Lectures and image editing with Mats Andersson.
  • A host from Zoom Fotoresor.
  • Travel documents and practical travel information before the trip.
    Local hotel and other taxes.

Priset inkluderar ej:

  • Flights to the Outer Hebrides.
  • Single room supplement: SEK 6,900.
  • Personal expenses, such as beverages during meals, etc.
  • Cancellation protection/travel insurance. For more information, see our website under “Other.”

TRANSPORTATION 

Flights to Stornoway are arranged independently. You should arrive at Stornoway Airport no later than 4:00 PM on July 28. The return flight can be scheduled no earlier than 11:30 AM on August 1.
If you would like assistance with booking flights, we are more than happy to help. Call us at +46 470 466 40, email us at info@zoomfotoresor.se, or indicate this when making your reservation.

LUNCHES

As we will be moving around the island during the days, we have chosen not to include lunch in the price. Lunches will be paid directly on-site by each participant. Expect to spend around £15 per day for lunch, depending on what you order.

FACTS

Target Audience: Landscape and nature photographers. To get the most out of the trip, we recommend some prior photography experience.
Min/Max Participants: 8/10
Languages: Swedish / English
Exchange Rate: GBP 13.61 (as of September 16, 2024)
Other: For more information about Zoom Fotoresor, delivery terms, etc., please visit our website under “Other.”

CAMERA EQUIPMENT

  • Your digital camera
  • 70-200 mm or 100-400 mm lens
  • Wide-angle lens, such as 14-24 mm or 16-35 mm
  • Monopod or tripod
  • A computer with Photoshop or Lightroom
  • Extra batteries, charger, etc.

BOKNING

You can book your participation by clicking the button below. You are also welcome to call us at +46 470 466 40 or email us at info@zoomphototours.com

Foto: Mats Andersson, Daniel Iglesias

NYHETSBREV

Bli först med att höra om nya resor, erbjudanden och reseinspiration från Zoom.

KONTAKTA OSS

Följ våra fotoäventyr på sociala medier!

Foto: Serkan Günes

NYHETSBREV

Bli först med att höra om nya resor, erbjudanden och reseinspiration från Zoom.

KONTAKTA OSS

Följ våra fotoäventyr på sociala medier!

Foto: Hans Strand