Dunure, UK

29 November 2025

Attending the 617 Club meet-up in Dunure was a refreshing way to start the day, even if the weather didn’t quite play along. We’d all hoped for a bit of drama in the sky to light up the castle and coastline at sunrise, but the clouds stayed thick and the light remained stubbornly flat. With little colour to work with, long exposures quickly became the theme of the morning, softening the sea, drawing out movement in the waves, and squeezing as much atmosphere as possible from the muted tones.

The lack of dramatic detail made the small details stand out more, such as the texture of the rocks, the patterns in the tide, and the soft movement of the clouds drifting overhead. It became less about chasing the perfect sunrise and more about enjoying the process itself and finding creativity in places you might otherwise overlook.

Croatia and Montenegro

23 October - 02 November 2025

Going on a Hidden Photo Tours trip through Croatia and Montenegro felt like stepping into a little world of adventure, creativity and discovery. We wandered through lively city streets, then suddenly found ourselves hiking up hills to remote old churches that seemed untouched by time. It was also my first time trying Urbex photography, and exploring those abandoned mansions and forgotten hotels was unforgettable. Walking through peeling rooms and silent corridors was strangely calming and deeply inspiring, as if each space quietly invited you to imagine the stories it once held.

What really made the trip special, though, was the group. It was a small mix of people who all genuinely loved photography, and that made everything easy and fun. We shared ideas, encouraged each other and laughed constantly, sometimes at the situations we ended up in and sometimes simply because the energy within the group was so relaxed and positive. Photographing such a wide variety of places with people who have the same passion made the whole experience feel less like a tour and more like an adventure shared between friends.

North Yorkshire, UK

11 October 2025

Attending the All the Wood’s a Stage exhibition by Simon Baxter and Joe Cornish at Nunnington Hall was a real highlight of the 617 Club meet-up. The exhibition showcased an extraordinary collection of woodland photographs that captured the quiet majesty and intricate textures of the natural world.  It was inspiring to see such accomplished large-format work up close, and the shared passion for fine landscape photography made for lively conversations among fellow members.

Nunnington Hall itself provided a perfect setting for the event. The National Trust property, nestled in the North Yorkshire countryside, was surrounded by grounds glowing with rich autumn colour; golds, russets, and deep greens reflected in the still water of the nearby river. Peacocks wandered freely across the lawns, adding a touch of quiet splendour to the day. The combination of remarkable photography and such a beautiful location made the day feel both reflective and celebratory which was a fitting tribute to the art of seeing and sharing the natural landscape.

Loch Tulla, UK

20 September 2025

Our latest 617 Club meet-up took us to Loch Tulla, and it turned out to be one of those days where the Scottish weather seemed to have a sense of humour. The sun broke through often enough to light up the water like glass, but just as quickly we’d find ourselves pulling up hoods as rain swept across the loch. The mist rolled off the hills in waves, sometimes dropping so low it felt like we could almost touch it, before lifting just enough to reveal glimpses of the wider landscape beyond.

The Scot’s pines around the shoreline gave us patches of shelter, and standing among them you got that sense of timelessness, like the place has been quietly holding watch over gatherings like ours for centuries. We wandered, we laughed, we got soaked and dried off again, and somehow the shifting weather only added to the experience. It wasn’t about chasing perfect conditions or ticking off sights; it was about being there together, sharing the day, and creating the kind of memories that will keep us smiling until the next meet-up.

North Berwick, UK

04 July 2025

Intentional Camera Movement (ICM) photography captures mood and motion rather than sharp detail, like painting with light. Under the expert guidance of Shona Perkins, a group of us explored this expressive art form across East Lothian’s evocative beaches: Belhaven, Seacliff, and Gullane.

We began in North Berwick, where Shona introduced ICM’s core principles: exposure, movement, and intuition. At Belhaven Beach, shifting tides and light inspired dreamy, blurred images that felt like memories. Seacliff Beach offered dramatic views of Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle, where we experimented with wave motion and horizontal pans. Gullane Beach, with its vast dunes and whispering grass, brought everything together: soft light, broken clouds, and a slower, more mindful approach.

ICM isn’t just a technique, it’s a way of seeing. And sometimes, embracing the blur reveals what truly matters.

Newcastle, UK

14 June 2025

After a whirlwind year of photography, creativity, and connection, the 617 Club wrapped up the season with a long-awaited meet-up at Anarchy Brewery in Newcastle and it couldn’t have been more perfect.

The brewery’s laid-back atmosphere, quirky charm, and deep appreciation for craft brewing set the tone for a relaxed and inspiring evening. We kicked things off with a behind-the-scenes tour, learning how their unique beers come to life. The tasting session was a definite highlight, especially for those of us partial to a bold IPA or something a little offbeat.

After the tour, we gathered around with slices of pizza, sharing stories, swapping prints, and diving into conversations about photography. It was a joy to see the variety of work everyone had produced with each piece reflecting a different perspective, style, and journey. The energy was warm, creative, and collaborative. Everyone brought something different to the table, both literally and figuratively.