MTog Retreats

Member’s-only all-inclusive photographic experiences


“A life-changing experience!” ~ Lucy Sellors-Duval

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Where do you want to go?

Don’t worry, you can complete the registration for multiple different Retreats if you’d like to participate in them or would just like to get tickets to at least one!

2027 Retreats:

 We can confirm that no MTog Retreats will run in 2027 due to other commitments. 

2026 Retreats:

Scotland 2026

March 2026
Galloway Forest Park, South West Scotland

5 tickets remaining.

Cairngorms 2026

September 2026
Cairngorms National Park, Scotland

2 Boutique Super King tickets remaining.

Past Retreats:

COMPLETE: Scotland 2025

16th – 21st March 2025
Galloway Forest Park, South West Scotland

5-night stay | 5 days tuition

COMPLETE: The Lakes 2025

7th – 11th April 2025
Lake District, England

4-night stay | 3.25 days tuition

COMPLETE: The Lakes 2024

15th – 19th April 2024
Lake District, England

4-night stay | 3.25 days tuition

"An experience of a lifetime

...to say the least. Between the people, models, locations, and other attendees, this experience was truly amazing. I feel more confident, have improved my skills, and feel I have grown as a photographer. Hands down one of the best photography experiences I have ever had!" - Gina Soule

Cannot wait to join the next one

"This retreat was awesome and I cannot wait to join the next one already. I am not always confident about my photography skills but the knowledge, supports and encouragements that I have received from everyone really helped me to conquer some of my fears. Jess and Sophia are great mentors and the in person learning from the best is priceless. Dan and Rhys are so patience with us on keep repositioning the wonderful models. I truly had an incredible week, thank you for all the hard work planning this retreat." ~ Lauren Wang

My high expectations were exceeded

"I was so excited for the retreat and I have to say my high expectations were exceeded! Everything about it was so thoughtfully done and I learned so much, both professionally and personally and can’t wait to put my learnings into action. I’ve already pre-registered for the next one and really hoping I manage to get a place!!" ~ Nicola Stewart

I had tears of joy when reflecting on this amazing adventure

"Just finished the most amazing dog photography retreat in the Lake District led by Jess M’Govern. I can’t thank her enough for the effort put in to make it happen. Great locations, unbelievably fantastic dogs, the best support team, amazing company, phenomenal learning environment , great accommodation, great food, some pretty good photos were taken as well. I had tears of joy when reflecting on this amazing adventure. Thank you." ~ Bruce Leiper

Outstanding service and experience

"The amount of effort, attention to detail and passion that has gone in to creating this experience is mind-blowing. An amazing atmosphere to learn and grow alongside others, and making the most of in the moment coaching and support is not something to miss! In the space of less than a week I feel my in-camera skills and confidence have rocketed, my images have significantly improved, and I have made some wonderful new connections. Thanks Team Tog for the outstanding service and experience!" ~ Heather Thompson

An absolutely amazing week

"It was an absolute amazing week. Packed with lots of different locations I've never seen before. I've learned a lot about how to see the perfect spots for the photos, and it was great to see other photographers at work as well. The team was fantastic, the organisation was great and the dogs were perfect. I am really glad I got the chance to join this journey." ~ Vera van Lier

It was absolutely worth it

"This retreat took me to the types of locations that I had not had experience shooting in for dog photography before: UK woodland, lakes and hills. I love using environment in my images, so being able to go to vast and impressive landscapes and gain experience in photographing a dog in these environments was invaluable to me. We worked hard, but it was absolutely worth it. I left feeling inspired and invigorated, and learned a lot from the experience. The mix of people was absolutely fantastic, and the whole retreat was planned meticulously. I thoroughly enjoyed it, and would do it again (in different locations) in a heartbeat. I found the shooting skills will also apply to my wildlife work too - how to think about backgrounds and foregrounds to help frame the subject. Loved it." ~ Frankie Adamson

It was EPIC!

"Most incredible experience on so many levels, photography, instruction, locations, dogs, other students…everything. It was EPIC!!" ~ Sue Campbell

A life changing experience

"Wow what a life changing experience. Everything was so thought out to give the most amazing week from the locations, the hotel, the food and the amazing team who worked to so well together. The locations were truly stunning & varied giving the opportunity to try out new techniques guided by both Jess and Sophia. The dog models were amazing to work with & the handlers Dan & Rhys were so patient. Nothing was too much. To spend a week learning, improving but having fun alongside fellow photographers who helped and support each other is truly something special. I cannot thankyou Jess, Dan, Sophia and Rhys enough for a truly amazing week." ~ Lucy Sellors-Duval

A full, exhausting, educational, fun and fulfilling week

"I went on the first MTOG Retreat feeling a bit anxious but also hopeful and excited. I find it difficult to take up a space when everyone is watching and I am not confident about my skills to find lines within location and pick a spot to put a dog on, especially when everyone is watching. Within 2 days I did have that confidence. It helped a lot to work with groups within the group so that we could help each other and that everyone wanted the other photographers to make beautiful pictures as well, so we gave each other the space and respect to take their shot. Jess taught us to see and search for lines while reading locations, she (and of course Sophia, Dan and Rhys) gave pointers about the placement of the models and learned us to apply new skills. During the image review sessions we saw ourselves grow and focus on new higher level skills. The house and other students were amazing. I had a full, exhausting, educational, fun and fulfilling week." ~ Marieke Hoeijmakers

The retreat was incredible

"The retreat was incredible. I learned so much about how to use skills and equipment that I’ve never been really interested in utilising because I didn’t understand them - but now I’ve learned how to use them in the Jess McGovern way of teaching, which is incredibly to the point and simple to understand - the room in my head that would have otherwise been confused by technicalities, is instead reeling and sparking with a huge amount of inspiration for what I can do next, even in a location unlike the lakes. The other mtogs on the retreat were all amazing people and I genuinely just learned so much, not only about shooting in locations I’d never seen anything like before, but also about myself, from being in those locations and around so many great people. Jess does a lot more than teach people how to use a camera proficiently, and I really hope she understands that." ~ Amie Barron

I've come away a better photographer

"I went into the retreat really not knowing what to expect and feeling very nervous about 'fitting in' as well as not being sure I was good enough in comparison to the other Mtogs going. I came away from the retreat feeling like I am a welcomed part of a community of supportive and genuine people. Jess, Sophia, Rhys and Dan created such a great atmosphere where everyone was included and felt like they could be themselves. Every shoot I felt like I was learning so much and my decision making became more intentional and purposeful. I definitely feel I have come away a better photographer than when I went in. I can't thank Jess enough for putting together such a great week - the people were top notch, the locations were epic, the dog models were fantastic and all the feedback as well as the on location teaching was invaluable!! Here's hoping for retreat 2025!" ~ Dawn McCutcheon

On a scale of 1-10...it would be 100 for sure

"Wow where do I even begin to summarize how the retreat was. When I first boarded the plane I was really struggling with confidence. I saw the beautiful images that the other participants were already creating and truly was worried that my ideas, angles, posing and images would be far below the general quality. When we broke into the small groups on Day 1, I second guessed all of the images I took. The first image review I was so worried, but the entire groups positive reactions, and the feedback both Jess and Sophia gave was so helpful. By the end of the week I was more confident in the images I was composing, and the resulting images surprised me with how beautiful they were. Jess and Sophia were incredible with giving subtle changes to try and tips of what to watch for, and the other participants were so open and ready to help if I had questions or needed ideas. This was my first workshop ever and I am SOOOOOO glad that I came! On a scale of 1-10, if I had to say how helpful this retreat was…..it would be a 100 for sure!" ~ Desiree Nickerson

If you are lucky enough to get a space - you have won the jackpot

"The MTog retreat 2024 was the most amazing photographic experience ever. The venue was superb; the food second to non; the locations were stunning and the participants absolutely fabulous. Jess and her crew were flawless, every need was considered and catered to- they literally work around the clock. If you are lucky enough to get a space in the next one you have won the jackpot… i will definitely be going back." ~ Shirley Cove

Like living in a fairytale

"Words can’t even describe how amazing this retreat has been! The people, models, food, locations, teachers and much more, everything has been on a high level standard. I’m left more confident and raised my photography skills to a whole new level. But not least all the new friends I have made. It felt like we were living in a fairytale that came true. Thank you" ~ Regine Jenson