Join Nikon School for an unforgettable winter photographic adventure in the breathtaking Highlands of Scotland. Capture the magic of wild red squirrels, elusive crested tits, majestic red deer, grouse, playful mountain hares, graceful white-throated dippers and other native wildlife — all under the expert guidance of Nikon School’s Neil Freeman and Ricci Chera.
Joining the team is renowned wildlife photographer Chris Gomersall, who will share insider tips on fieldcraft and advanced techniques to help you create striking, memorable images. Over five nights in a fully immersive residential workshop, you’ll hone your skills and learn how to get close to wildlife without disturbing their natural behaviour, ensuring every shot tells a story.
And new for 2027 — an exclusive day with expert falconers, giving you the rare chance to photograph magnificent great grey owls, golden and white-tailed eagles, goshawks and peregrine falcons. Set against dramatic woodlands and sweeping mountain backdrops, these encounters will take your portfolio and your passion for wildlife photography soaring new heights.
On this workshop we will spend the days exploring the Cairngorms looking for the best light and wildlife photography opportunities. You will learn about wildlife photography and the camera settings needed to ensure you can get the best images from the wildlife encounters we may have. If the weather turns against us, we can spend the time in the hotel hosting image editing and critique sessions as well as wildlife photography lectures and camera setting Q&A's until the weather clears. This workshop is for photographers of all levels whether you are just starting out in photography or an experienced photographer.
We will have a selection of cameras and lenses available for you to borrow on the course including Z 6 III, Z 8,s and Z 9's and 100-400mm, 180-600mm, 400mm f/2.8, 600mm f/4 and 600mm and 800mm f/6.3. However, If you would like to borrow any specific kit for this course please get in contact with us at [email protected] with your request and we will do our best to bring it along.
Photography
This winter tour offers superb opportunities for photographing some of Scotland’s special wildlife such as red squirrels using well-established feeding stations and purpose-built photography hides. From our base in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, we may also make excursions in search of red deer and mountain hare – or simply to enjoy photographing the amazing Highland landscape. Weather and the light will obviously influence what we are able to do, but we have various options if it does turn against us. Time permitting, there will be digital slide shows and editing sessions in evenings after dinner hosted by Neil, Ricci & Chris.
Accommodation
We will be staying at the Grant Arms Hotel, in Grantown-on-Spey. Your package includes 5 nights half board with a cooked breakfast and evening meal. There is no single supplement and all rooms are en-suite. The Grant Arms is known for its amazing facilities for bird and wildlife watchers, with its own club room, lecture theatre and a comprehensive library available to guests.
Arrival & Departure
Please arrive late afternoon or early evening on the first day of the course ready for an evening meal about 6pm for introductions and a welcome briefing. The workshop will finish officially after breakfast on the last morning. More information and joining instructions will be provided closer to the time. We will also host a Zoom Pre-briefing in January for you to ask any questions you may have about the workshop.
Monday 15th Feb (meet 6pm) - Saturday 20th Feb (Finish after breakfast)
Neil, Ricci & Chris Gomersall will be leading the workshop with a maximum 9 delegates.
We will spend each day exploring the Cairngorms in small groups of 3 delegates to 1 tutor.
Transport
We will be travelling in a small convey of cars depending on the weather conditions. Please note that the hotel does not have a car park, however, there is ample on street free parking in the vicinity of the hotel. For any delegates wishing to arrive train, your closest station is at Aviemore. For flights it's Inverness Airport which is about 1 hour away by hire car or taxi.
Fitness
Moderate fitness level required for this workshop. Getting to some of the shoot locations Involves walking over rough ground, normally no great distance, but our quest for mountain hares could be a little more strenuous with a gentle climb. Please bring walking boots, hiking poles (optional) and suitable protective gear for winter mountain conditions.
Booking
To book a place on this workshop, you can either e-mail Nikon School at training.uk.com and we will arrange a time to speak with you so you can pay a non- refundable deposit of £500 to secure you place on this workshop. The balance will due due around 3 months before the workshop commences. Otherwise, book online to pay the full amount which will also secure your place on this workshop.
Three groups of 3 delegates were led by Neil, Ricci and Chris Gomersall and spent time at two different hides to photograph red squirrels and woodland birds, as well as snow buntings near Cairngorms Mountain,, red deer, and mountain hares and other woodland birds. It was possible to try out top quality lenses and the advice and guidance from the trainers was excellent. The hotel in Grantown was comfortable and an ideal base for the week.
Peter G.
Once you have completed the course on location, or the training online, use your online portal access to upload your photos, share them with others on the course in the gallery area, compare ideas and results, plus get direct feedback from your trainer.
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