What to expect from a wildlife photography workshop in Scotland

A Q&A with photographer and workshop leader Will Hall

The Scottish Highlands offer a raw beauty that feels untouched by time. Jagged peaks rise from moorland like ancient guardians, while lochs mirror skies that shift from bruised grey to piercing blue in minutes. There’s a quiet here, a kind of cinematic stillness that doesn’t just invite observation—it demands it.

For wildlife photography, the Highlands are a kind of open-air theatre where nature performs without pretense. Red deer emerge from mist like ghosts, golden eagles patrol ridgelines, and otters ripple through silent lochs with effortless grace. The region’s sparse human footprint gives animals the space to thrive and photographers the chance to witness behaviors undisturbed by modern life. Whether you’re tracking a mountain hare in its winter coat or waiting for a pine marten to slip from the trees, there’s a thrill in patience—knowing the land is generous, but only on its own terms.

This October, we’ll be venturing to this Scottish wilderness for a wildlife photography workshop; a trip that allows keen photographers to track and photograph species such as red deer, mountain hare, red squirrels, and crested tits. The workshop will be guided by Will Hall, a wildlife photographer and filmmaker with a wealth of local knowledge. We asked him some questions about his experience photographing in the Highlands, our upcoming trip, and his passion for Scotland.

How long have you been photographing in the Highlands?

“I’ve been living and working in the highlands since 2021 and I’ve had the pleasure of exploring some of the most remote and challenging environments with some of the rarest of Scotland’s endemic wildlife.”

Perhaps obvious, but what makes this area special?

“Very few areas of the UK can be thought of as ‘wild’ but the highlands boasts some of the richest environments in the country with fantastic natural history and human history. Photography in the highlands requires skill and knowledge and can be challenging in the conditions but this makes it so rewarding.”

Find out more about our upcoming wildlife photo tour in Scotland

Which animal can people expect to photograph?

“While it’s never possible to guarantee certain species, I can confidently say that participants can expect to see red deer, mountain hare, red squirrels, crested tits, golden eagles. There’s also the potential to see ptarmigan, reindeer, otters, goshawk, dolphins, whales, orca, and more.”

What are the challenges of wildlife photography in the Highlands?

“The biggest challenge is usually the conditions. Weather can play an important part in any trip with conditions fluctuating from fair and warm to wet and cold in a matter of minutes. Alongside that, a good understanding of fieldcraft can really increase the chances of success on a photography trip. Sometimes finding wildlife is the biggest challenge because the areas can be vast – which is why having a guide can be essential!”

Can you describe any favorite moments of doing wildlife photography in Scotland?

“My personal favourite photography moment in Scotland was on a very wet wintery day. I took a group out onto the hills to photograph mountain hares as they were changing from their winter coats to their summer coats. We managed to find the animals and get close enough to get some really unique shots of the hare as they shook water from their fluffy fur!”

Who should consider joining this trip?

“Anyone with an interest in expanding their knowledge of British wildlife, expanding their portfolio or challenging themselves with some of the UK’s most spectacular landscapes. Participants will get professional and experienced training and so total beginners are welcome although a good zoom lens (at least 200mm) would be essential.”

Interested in joining us? Here’s all you need to know about the trip!