A Year to Reset – What’s Next for My Photography and Workshops
It’s been a while since I last sent out a proper update—January, to be exact—and a lot has changed since then. Life has been full of shifts, challenges, and unexpected turns. It’s not been easy, but I’ve found some clarity along the way and a stronger sense of direction for what’s next. So here’s a bit of an honest catch-up, and a look at where things are heading with my landscape photography work.
As many of you know, we made the big move to the Faroe Islands last October. It was a dream we’d talked about for years—my partner Iris is Faroese, and we’d always wanted to return to her home country. Over the winter, we lived on the Island Suðuroy, which, while absolutely stunning, was a bit more remote than we were used to. We’re now based in Tórshavn, the capital, and it feels like the right place for us. The boys are settling in, we’re slowly building a life here, and I can finally see a future that feels rooted and exciting.
At the start of the year, I was full of ideas. I’d planned ten photography workshops across the Faroe Islands for 2025, aiming to build on the success of the past eight years. My previous workshops were often fully booked at least eight months in advance, so I felt confident. But then... nothing. By February, I’d only received one confirmed booking. It wasn’t just me—after talking with other landscape photographers and workshop leaders, I realised many of them were experiencing the same slowdown. Travel patterns had shifted, interest was down, and for many people, committing to international trips felt less certain.
It was a moment of realisation—and if I’m being honest, it was a bit of a gut-punch. I had to make a very tough decision. I could keep everything live and hope for last-minute bookings, or I could press pause and take care of the bigger picture—my family’s stability and our future in the Faroes. In hindsight, I believe I would’ve filled some of the workshops closer to the time, but the financial risk was just too high. I couldn’t afford to wait it out.
So, I did something I hadn’t done in years—I started looking for a job. That’s no small task in a place where unemployment is remarkably low. But by some stroke of luck (and maybe a bit of my past hospitality experience coming back to help me), I landed a brilliant role as the manager of one of Tórshavn’s top restaurants. It’s a busy, vibrant place, and it’s been a great reminder of how much I enjoy working with people. This job gives me a steady income, a path towards eventually buying a house here, and—most importantly—it gives me space to breathe.
Now, you might think that’s the end of my photography story, but it’s not even close. If anything, stepping back for a year has given me the opportunity to plan more deliberately and think long-term in a way I haven’t done in a while.
Here’s what’s happening behind the scenes...
My 2026 and 2027 Faroe Islands workshop dates are already live on the website. I’m offering a range of immersive, private workshop experiences that go far beyond ticking off the usual sights. These are deep-dive trips into the heart of the Faroese landscape, and they’re built with space to connect, reflect, and create without pressure.
I’m also launching private photography day tours for summer 2026. These will be ideal for travellers wanting a full-day guided experience, tailored to their pace and photographic interests. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned photographer, these sessions will focus on building confidence and making the most of this incredible landscape.
I’m excited to say that the wildlife trips with Alyce Bender and Lee Hoy are also finalised and will go live very soon. These collaborations bring together a fantastic mix of local knowledge, photographic expertise, and a shared love of the natural world.
My Isle of Harris workshop is nearly ready—I’m heading there this October to gather a fresh batch of images and refine the itinerary. The Outer Hebrides are a place I’ve always loved, and I can’t wait to share that part of the world with a new group of photographers.
Closer to home, I’m developing a workshop series in the North East of Scotland. It’s where I grew up, and it holds some of the most underrated beauty in the UK. From dramatic coastlines to ancient forests and quiet mountain valleys, the region has a lot to offer—and I’m excited to show it off.
And finally, I’m still planning a scouting trip to Georgia (the country, not the U.S.) in 2026. It’s been on my radar for years, and I want to create a workshop experience that explores its diverse landscapes, culture, and hospitality.
Creatively, I’ve been doing something I haven’t done properly in years—slowing down. I’ve always been guilty of shooting, editing, and then not sharing much of it. This year, I’m taking the time to build three themed image collections, each one paired with short video content that shows how the photos came to life. I want to be more thoughtful with what I share and give you something deeper than a quick scroll on social media.
So yes—it’s been a tough year. But also, an important one. Taking time to step back, reflect, and refocus has allowed me to reconnect with why I do this work in the first place. Photography is not just a job for me—it’s how I process the world, how I slow down, and how I share what I see with others. And now, with a more stable foundation under my feet, I feel ready to move forward with intention.
If you’ve stuck around through all this—thank you. I genuinely appreciate the support. This isn’t a restart. It’s just the next chapter.
You can find all the live dates and offerings on my website, and I’ll be sharing updates as each new piece comes together. Whether you’ve joined me on a workshop before, or you’re thinking about it for the first time—I’d love to see you out in the wild one day.
– James