Taste ᐧ Light ᐧ Story

The Spring Retreat

A cosy, creative photography day in Bibury
‘the most beautiful village in the world‘
Join us in April 2026!

Details are being finalised – join the waitlist and be the first to know when early bird tickets open in February 2026.

Light, Learning & Storytelling in

THE Cotswolds

Bibury isn’t just pretty – it’s been called “the most beautiful village in England” by William Morris and “the most beautiful village in the world” by Forbes magazine (2025). It’s home to the iconic Arlington Row, and it’s where I got married.

There’s something very special about Bibury , it feels like a breath out – soft stone cottages, quiet riverside paths and that gentle light that makes everything feel a little more magical.

This April, I’m hosting a small hands-on photography workshop where we’ll explore light, mood and storytelling in one of my favourite Cotswold villages. A day for slowing down, noticing more and creating images that feel like you.

If you’d like early access to tickets, you can join the waitlist below.

join the waitlist

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

01.

Find Your Eye

2 hours exploring Bibury’s soft stone cottages, water reflections and spring light. I’ll teach you how to spot and work with natural light, compose with intention and capture the mood of a place.

02.

Capture Food & Moments

A sit-down meal at a beautiful local venue, where I’ll casually show you how I approach food and drink photography. Simple, natural techniques you can use anytime.

03.

Edit With Purpose

Learn my Lightroom workflow: how to shape light with masks, create cinematic colour grades and build a cohesive style. No laptop required – just watch, absorb and ask questions.

04.

take it home

You’ll receive a seasonal Lightroom preset (Spring Sage) and my Taste ᐧ Light ᐧ Story PDF guide. Plus, all the photos you take throughout the day are yours to keep and edit.

this is for you if…

  • You love photography but feel like you’re not quite ‘getting’ the light
  • You’re drawn to storytelling, not just pretty pictures
  • You want to learn how to edit for mood, not just exposure
  • You’re looking for a warm, friendly, supportive group
  • You love the Cotswolds (or want an excuse to visit!)
  • You shoot with a camera, an iPhone, or both

No experience necessary. No pressure. Just gentle guidance, exploration and creativity.

join the waitlist

what’s included

  • A full day together: Guided walk, demo, editing session and plenty of time to ask questions.
  • Lunch at a beautiful Bibury venue: Delicious food, relaxed atmosphere and a mini food-photography demo.
  • Seasonal Lightroom preset: My custom Spring preset – soft sage tones, gentle contrast, cinematic warmth.
  • The Taste ᐧ Light ᐧ Story Guide (PDF): A beautiful takeaway guide covering shooting basics, light spotting, and editing essentials.

at a glance

  • 10:00 Welcome coffee and introductions
  • 10:30 Photography walk
  • 12:30 Lunch and demonstration
  • 14:00 Editing workshop
  • 15:15 Reflection and wrap-up
  • 15:30–16:00 Farewell

Small group. Slow pace. Lots of personal support.

join the

spring waitlist

Early access. No commitment. Just first dibs.
Join below and I’ll send you the date, pricing and early bird details before anyone else sees them. If you have any questions, just email me [email protected] I’m always happy to help.

a few

cotswold moments


These are some of my favourite images from Bibury and the Cotswolds – the kind of light, mood and storytelling we’ll be working with together.

  • Soft spring light falling across the stone cottages of Arlington Row in Bibury, photographed by Lou Carruthers as part of her Taste • Light • Story Spring Retreat in the Cotswolds.
  • Visitors crossing the wooden bridge over the River Coln in Bibury during golden hour, captured by Lou Carruthers for the Taste • Light • Story Spring Retreat in the Cotswolds.
  • “Spring sunlight falls across a winding riverside path beside honey-stone cottages in Bibury, Cotswolds, by Lou Carruthers Photography.
  • Golden winter light on The Swan Hotel in Bibury, Cotswolds, photographed by Lou Carruthers, showing ivy-clad stone walls, arched entrance and riverside bridge as part of the Taste • Light • Story Spring Photography Retreat setting.
  • Spring sunlight reflecting across the River Coln in Bibury, with stone cottages, parked cars and winter trees lining the riverbank in the Cotswolds, photographed by Lou Carruthers Photography

about

LOU CARRUTHERS

I’m Lou – a photographer, storyteller and lover of light. For over 20 years, I’ve been working in creative fields, and for the last several years, I’ve been photographing the places, food and moments that tell a story.

I live in the Cotswolds, where I get to explore gentle stone villages, shifting light and seasonal beauty every day. Bibury is special to me – it’s where I got married, and it’s one of those places that never stops teaching me how to see.

I believe photography isn’t about expensive gear or technical perfection. It’s about learning to see – to notice light, to feel mood and to trust your creative instincts.

This day retreat is everything I love: teaching, community, storytelling and spending a day in a place that feels like magic. I can’t wait to share it with you.