Celebrate Your Islay Time
Couples Photography on the Isle of Islay
Your time on Islay deserves more than windswept selfies and empty landscapes. You're here together in one of Scotland's most dramatic settings—whether it's your honeymoon, an anniversary, a proposal, or simply because you've fallen in love with this island. Professional photography turns these moments into something you'll treasure for decades.
I'm Ben, and I live here full-time. I know Islay's beaches, its light, its moods, and exactly where to take you for photographs that capture both the island's magic and your connection to each other. This isn't about stiff poses or awkward photoshoot feelings—it's about having an adventure together in spectacular places while I document something beautiful.
Alex and Alison’s Anniversary shoot at Saligo Bay
Why Book a Couples Photoshoot on Islay?
Because you're already here, in this place
You've travelled to Islay for a reason. Maybe it's the whisky, maybe the wild coastlines, maybe the peace and remoteness. Whatever brought you here, you're experiencing something special together. A photoshoot gives you images that prove you were both actually here—not just views, but you in those views, present and together.
Because memories fade, photographs don't
In five years, you'll struggle to remember exactly how Machir Bay looked that afternoon or how the wind felt on the Oa cliffs. But you'll have these images—the two of you laughing at the Atlantic waves, sharing a dram on the sand, wrapped up against the weather. That's worth having.
Because Islay makes you look incredible
The dramatic skies, the golden light, the endless beaches—Islay's landscape does half the work for us. You don't need to be "good at photos." The setting is so stunning that you'll look amazing simply by being here and being yourselves.
Because it's an experience, not just pictures
Think of this as part of your Islay adventure. We'll head somewhere spectacular and we'll spend an hour or two exploring together, usually with a dram in hand. Most couples tell me afterwards it was one of their favourite parts of the trip—not because of the photos (though they love those), but because it gave them time to just be together somewhere unforgettable.
What Actually Happens During Your Photoshoot?
If you're worried about feeling awkward or unnatural in front of a camera, you're not alone. Most couples tell me this. Here's what actually happens:
We'll meet at a location we’ve discussed and thought about. Then we'll walk, explore, chat, and I'll take some photos along the way. This isn't about stiff poses. It's about you being yourselves in a spectacular place while I capture that. Most sessions feel more like an adventure with a camera along for the ride than a traditional "photoshoot."
The Islay landscape does most of the work—you just need to show up, be willing to get a bit windswept, and trust the process. By the end, you'll have forgotten I'm even photographing. That's when the best images happen.
Honeymoon Photography on Islay
Your honeymoon on Islay is already special. Professional photographs make sure you remember it properly.
After the whirlwind of wedding planning and the big day itself, your honeymoon is when you finally get to breathe, relax, and just be married. Islay's the perfect place for that - remote enough to feel like an escape, beautiful enough to take your breath away, and full of whisky distilleries, wildlife and dramatic coastlines to explore together.
A honeymoon photoshoot here isn't about recreating your wedding. It's about capturing this specific moment - newly married, probably still a bit giddy, definitely more relaxed than you were on your wedding day. The photos feel different. Easier. More like yourselves.
What honeymoon couples love:
No pressure, no timeline—you're on ‘Islay Time’ now
Spectacular beaches and clifftops you'll want to remember
Images that show you happy and relaxed (not stressed and posing)
Something meaningful to share with family who couldn't join you
Photos that remind you of this peaceful, romantic time together
We can arrange your session around your plans - early morning on an empty beach, golden hour at Machir Bay, or late afternoon with the Atlantic light doing incredible things. Most honeymoon couples choose ‘The Island Experience’ package for the flexibility of multiple locations and a proper amount of time to explore.
Austin and Paige’s autumn Islay adventure
Proposal Photography on Islay
Planning to propose on Islay? I can help make sure the moment's captured beautifully—and secretly.
Proposing on a remote Scottish island with the Atlantic crashing behind you is properly romantic. Having professional photographs of that exact moment? That's something you'll both treasure forever (and your families will absolutely love seeing).
Here's how it works:
The Planning:
We'll have a proper consultation beforehand. You tell me your plan—where you're thinking, rough timing, how you want it to unfold. I'll suggest locations based on weather, light, and logistics. We'll figure out where I'll position myself so I'm discreet but able to capture everything. I’m quite used to being a random ‘landscape photographer’ or pretending to photograph a whisky bottle when the magic moment happens.
The Moment:
I'll be there, hidden (or ‘doing something else’) but ready. Your partner won't know I'm photographing until after you've proposed. I'll capture the proposal itself, the reaction, the joy, all of it.
Afterwards:
Once you've both recovered and had a celebratory dram, we spend about an hour doing a proper couples session together—celebrating, exploring, documenting your newly-engaged selves in Islay's landscape.
Why book The Proposal Package:
Professional documentation of an unrepeatable moment
Images you'll both treasure (and share immediately)
Takes the pressure off trying to capture it yourselves
Built-in couples session afterwards while you're still giddy
Local expertise on best proposal locations and logistics
Best Islay proposal locations:
Machir Bay (endless sand, dramatic waves)
The Oa peninsula (cliffs, remoteness, wild beauty)
Singing Sands (intimate, peaceful, stunning)
Saligo Bay (wild rolling waves, gorgeous light)
Drop me a message and we'll start planning something unforgettable. I'm excellent at keeping secrets!
Neil and Aditi’s stunning Saligo proposal and sunset shoot.
Anniversary & Special Occasion Photography
Whether it's your first anniversary or your fiftieth, celebrating on Islay makes it memorable. Photography makes it permanent.
Some couples return to Islay year after year. Others come here to mark something significant - a big anniversary, a vow renewal, or simply because life's been busy and you needed time together somewhere beautiful and remote.
A photoshoot on one of Islay's wild beaches or dramatic clifftops gives you images that mark this specific time in your lives. Not just "we were on Islay" but "this is who we were together when we came here."
Perfect for:
Milestone anniversaries (10th, 25th, 50th)
Vow renewals on Islay's beaches or clifftops
Marking a life change - just before kids, retirement, whatever matters to you"!
Just wanting professional photographs together (when did you last have those?)
I've photographed couples in their twenties and couples in their seventies. Age doesn't matter. What matters is wanting to mark your time here together with images that actually mean something. One of my favourite sayings is “You’ll never again be as young as you are today.” Do it. Book it. You really won’t regret it.
Pauline and Matt celebrating their Ardbeg time!
The Packages
The Islay Portrait - £395
Perfect for: Quick sessions, specific locations, tighter schedules
One hour at your ideal Islay location. We'll find somewhere spectacular (I know all the best spots), work with the weather and natural light, and create 50 beautiful images of you both in this landscape, which I’ll deliver in colour and stunning black and white.
What's included:
One hour on location
50 fully edited, high-resolution images
Private online gallery for viewing and downloading
Full download rights—your images to print and share however you wish
Pre-shoot consultation and location advice
The Island Experience - £595
Most popular for honeymoons, special occasions, whisky lovers and adventurers.
Two hours exploring Islay's most dramatic locations. This gives us time to visit two beaches or viewpoints, work with changing light, and really capture your connection to this island. Includes complimentary premium Islay drams to share during the session (optional, but highly recommended).
What's included:
Two hours on location (multiple spots possible)
100 fully edited, high-resolution images
Traditional peat fire to warm yourself on the beach (where locations allow)
Complimentary premium Islay whiskies to enjoy during the shoot
Private online gallery for viewing and downloading
Full download rights
Pre-shoot consultation and location planning
The mini-whisky bottles are yours to keep (if there's any left)
This package gives you flexibility, variety, and a proper Islay experience. Most couples choose this one.
The Proposal Package - £495
For moments that only happen once
Discreet coverage of your proposal moment plus a full couples session afterwards to celebrate. Includes planning consultation to help choose the perfect location and timing.
What's included:
Proposal coverage (I'll be hidden but ready)
One hour couples session immediately after
50 fully edited, high-resolution images
Complimentary celebratory whisky, or champagne (or both!)
Private online gallery for viewing and downloading
Full download rights
Planning consultation beforehand
Location scouting and logistics advice
Your proposal is unrepeatable. Let's make sure it's beautifully documented.
Islay Photoshoot Case Studies
Alison and Alex
Travelling to Islay from the USA for their 5-year anniversary, this wonderful couple had the most fantastic idea I’ve heard - every five years they’d put on some wedding clothes, go somewhere amazing, and have a photoshoot. They chose the Islay Experience, we had plenty of time to work together, and they could experience the awe-inspiring waves at Saligo Bay, the beauty of a peat fire, fantastic Islay whisky and some stunning photos at sunset. Their images were nothing short of magical. These are pictures and an experience that will last a lifetime.
Yuki and Kataro
From the first moment of getting in touch, Yuki and Kataro from Japan let me know they wanted something a little different, as well as some stunning couple images! We worked out a schedule which included some images at Ardbeg, followed by some creative shots at the Singing Sands - who doesn’t want to appear next to a giant bottle of Ardbeg!!!
If you’re travelling thousands of miles for your Islay whisky journey of a lifetime, then this is a perfect way of making it memorable - with a shoot that’s all your very own.
Frequently Asked Questions
When's the best time of day for photos?
Golden hour (evening light, roughly an hour before sunset) is spectacular on Islay. But honestly, I can work with any light conditions—stormy weather often creates the most dramatic images. We'll plan timing based on your schedule and the forecast.
What should we wear?
Whatever makes you feel good and suits Islay's weather. Layers are smart (it's often windy). Colours that complement the landscape work beautifully—earth tones, blues, greens. Avoid logos and bright whites. I'll send specific suggestions once you book.
What if the weather's terrible?
I'll watch forecasts obsessively and suggest timing adjustments if needed - I love the rain and cloud radars! But "terrible" weather often makes for incredible photographs - dramatic skies, moody light, windswept romance. I know every sheltered spot on this island. We'll make it work.
Can we bring our dog?
Absolutely! Islay's brilliant for dogs, and they're welcome in your photos. We do have to be careful with location choice around lambing time, but there are always options!
Do you provide the whisky?
For The Island Experience package, yes—I'll bring three complimentary premium drams tailored to your preferences.
How soon will we get our photos?
Sneak peek images within 24-48 hours (because you'll want to share something immediately). Full gallery delivery is between 4-8 weeks, depending on time of year.
Ready to Plan Your Islay Photoshoot?
Whether you're here for your honeymoon, celebrating an anniversary, planning a proposal, or simply want beautiful photographs together in this landscape, I'd love to hear about what you're planning.
Drop me a message through the contact page and we'll figure out the perfect location, timing, and package for your Islay experience.