What to Expect from a Mountain Hare Photography Workshop in Scotland

What to Expect from a Mountain Hare Photography Workshop in the Scottish Highlands

The Scottish Highlands are a stunning location for nature and wildlife photography, offering rugged landscapes and a rich variety of species. One of the most sought-after animals for photographers in this region is the elusive mountain hare. Known for their striking seasonal changes—from a brown coat in summer to a snow-white fur in winter—these creatures make for captivating subjects. If you’re considering a mountain hare photography workshop, here’s what you can expect from the experience.

1. Stunning Landscapes and Locations

Mountain hare photography workshops are typically held in remote, picturesque areas of the Scottish Highlands, such as the Cairngorms National Park or Glencoe. The high-altitude regions where these hares live are filled with sweeping views, moorland, and dramatic skies. Even if the weather doesn’t always cooperate, these atmospheric changes—fog, snow, or mist—can add an extra layer of mood to your photos.

Expect to start your day early, often before sunrise, as the soft light of dawn is ideal for capturing wildlife. The workshops usually involve walking and hiking, sometimes through steep and uneven terrain, so a moderate level of fitness is helpful.

2. Guidance from Expert Photographers

A key benefit of joining a workshop is the expert guidance you’ll receive. These workshops are led by professional wildlife photographers who are intimately familiar with the region and its wildlife. Not only will they help you spot mountain hares more easily, but they’ll also offer advice on photography techniques. You’ll learn how to make the most of challenging conditions—such as low light, fast-moving subjects, or snowy environments.

You’ll likely cover topics such as:
– How to use long lenses for wildlife photography.
– Adjusting your camera settings for fast-moving subjects.
– Techniques for blending into the landscape to avoid disturbing the animals.
– Compositional tips to make your images stand out.

Our upcoming Mountain Hare Photography Workshops in November are guided by Will Hall, a professional nature photographer and filmmaker with a wealth of experience in both wildlife photography and tour guidance.

3. Close Encounters with Mountain Hares

Mountain hares are notoriously shy and fast-moving animals. However, during the workshop, the guides will take you to known habitats and vantage points to increase your chances of getting close-up shots without disturbing the hares.

During winter, their white coats allow them to blend into the snowy landscape, making them more difficult to spot. However, the expert guides will help you track them. The aim is always to observe them in their natural environment without causing them stress or harm.

Patience is key here. Sometimes it takes hours to capture a single great shot. But when the opportunity arises, you’ll be able to photograph these animals in various postures—whether they’re resting, foraging, or sprinting across the snow.

Find out more about our upcoming Mountain Hare photography workshops in Scotland!

4. Seasonal Considerations

The experience of photographing mountain hares changes significantly depending on the time of year you visit. In winter, you’ll capture the iconic white coats against a stark landscape, while in autumn, the hares retain their brown fur, blending into the surrounding heather and bracken

Workshops in winter often present more challenging conditions, with potential snow, ice, and wind. However, the reward is dramatic and unique images of these animals in their snowy habitat. Autumn and early spring workshops may offer more moderate weather, but with equally spectacular scenery.

5. Wildlife and Landscape Photography Combined

While the focus is on the mountain hares, many workshops also provide opportunities to photograph other wildlife and the breathtaking landscapes of the Highlands. Red deer, ptarmigans, and golden eagles are often spotted in these areas, so you may have the chance to diversify your portfolio. The Highland scenery itself, with its rolling hills, dramatic cliffs, and serene lochs, provides endless backdrops for your photography.

6. Equipment Recommendations

When attending a mountain hare photography workshop, having the right gear can make a significant difference. You’ll likely need:

– Telephoto lens (300mm or more) to capture distant wildlife.
– Sturdy tripod for steady shots, especially in low-light conditions.
– Weather-resistant clothing (including waterproof and windproof layers) since conditions in the Highlands can be unpredictable.
– Sturdy, insulated boots for walking on uneven or snow-covered ground.
– Polarizing and ND filters to manage light and reflections on bright days.

Workshops often provide advice on how to use your gear most effectively, but it’s a good idea to be familiar with your equipment beforehand.

7. Connection with Like-Minded Photographers

One of the often overlooked aspects of a workshop is the camaraderie with fellow photographers. These workshops attract people with a shared passion for nature and photography, allowing you to exchange tips, share experiences, and even form lasting friendships.

During down times—whether it’s over a warm drink after a long day of shooting or while waiting patiently for the perfect shot—you’ll have the opportunity to discuss techniques, review your images, and learn from each other.

8. Respect for Nature and Conservation

Mountain hare photography workshops are built on principles of ethical wildlife photography. This means respecting the animals’ space, avoiding disturbance, and minimizing environmental impact. Many workshops also offer insight into the conservation efforts aimed at protecting mountain hares, whose populations are impacted by climate change and hunting.

9. Post-Processing Techniques

After the fieldwork, many workshops offer tutorials on editing your photos. You’ll learn how to enhance your wildlife images using software like Adobe Lightroom or Photoshop. Post-processing sessions focus on techniques like sharpening details, adjusting exposure, and fine-tuning colors to bring out the best in your shots.

Final Thoughts

A mountain hare photography workshop in the Scottish Highlands is more than just a chance to capture stunning images—it’s an adventure into the wild, filled with the excitement of encountering elusive animals in their natural habitat. With expert guidance, spectacular landscapes, and the thrill of the chase, it’s an experience that will stay with you long after the workshop ends.

Whether you’re an aspiring photographer or a seasoned professional, joining a Mountain Hare photography workshop will help you hone your skills, immerse yourself in nature, and take home images that tell a story of the wild Highlands.