For those who want to fine-tune their outdoor photography skills this autumn, Bowmore, the first Islay Single Malt whisky, is collaborating with renowned landscape photographer Colin Prior to host a series of complimentary Bowmore 'Great Outdoors' Photography Workshops. Hosted in conjunction with whisky specialists, The Whisky Shop, the workshops will coincide with the launch of the National Geographic UK 2011 International Photography Contest (IPC), which Bowmore is sponsoring for the second year. The workshops will take place in four cities across the UK and will allow budding photographers to pick up hints and tips before entering the contest.

Taking place within the Whisky Shops, the workshops fit 10-15 guests and are open to all levels, from beginners to keen and aspiring photographers, or those who are fans of a good dram. Colin will take guests through a relaxed and informal tutorial on how to best capture the great outdoors, providing anecdotes to some of his photographs as well as sharing technical advice. Guests will also learn how to develop or refine their skills to produce original photos that are attention-grabbing and incorporate interesting light, mood and patterns into the composition.

In between talks, Colin will also take guests through an exploration of the three special and unique bottlings from Bowmore, where they will experience the unique warm and smoky characteristics of this perfectly balanced Islay spirit, and learn the finer points of Single Malt whisky.

Fri 30 Sept York

Thur 6 Oct Birmingham

Fri 7 Oct Edinburgh

Tue 11 Oct London

To attend, readers can simply call or email the individual Whisky Shop whose workshop they wish to take part in.

As a champion of the outdoors, Bowmore is inviting readers to capture outdoor moments at their finest, for a chance to feature in a future issue of National Geographic magazine and win a truly unforgettable trip for two to the magical island of Islay, the home of Bowmore. Inspired by the key elements that come together to create the warm and smoky character of Bowmore, the categories for entries are fittingly: People, Places and Nature. To enter the IPC, photographers can submit their best shots towww.ipcuk2011.nationalgeographic.com  before the contest closes on 31st  October 2011.

The International Photography Contest forms part of a long-term international partnership that Bowmore has signed with the National Geographic, the world-renowned authority on the photography and the outdoors. The partnership is also part of a wider national marketing campaign for 2011 for Bowmore, which sees it extending its presence further to the outdoors, including the 'A Taste of Islay' experience - an experiential sampling activity at the UK's most popular outdoor events - and the sponsorship of the Bowmore Ben Nevis challenge.