Embark on a photographic adventure through Western Scotland’s most spectacular landscapes. From mist-covered peaks to tranquil forests and windswept shores, each location offers fresh inspiration for creating stunning nature images. Our journey takes you into prime wildlife territory, where otters glide through kelp-fringed bays and white-tailed eagles soar overhead creating perfect moments to elevate your photography skills.
Experience the magic of winter in the West of Scotland on this exclusive Nikon School Adventure. Winter is a remarkable season here, quiet, atmospheric, and full of wildlife activity. With a bit of luck, we hope to encounter white-tailed eagles, otters with their kits, and perhaps even the elusive pine marten.
You will be guided throughout the workshop by an experienced Nikon School wildlife and landscape photographer who will support you with every aspect of your photography. From field techniques to camera settings, you’ll learn how to capture professional-quality images. A knowledgeable local guide will also join us, using their expertise to help locate wildlife such as white-tailed eagles and to identify the best places to photograph wild otters.
During the workshop, we’ll focus on making the most of the stunning winter scenery while helping you develop your skills in both landscape and wildlife photography. When wildlife encounters occur, we’ll explain and demonstrate the fieldcraft needed to approach animals responsibly and without causing disturbance. You’ll also learn the optimal camera settings for nature photography, how to achieve pin-sharp results with long lenses, and how to work creatively with composition and available light.
Each day will be spent “following the light,” visiting locations selected for their photographic potential according to the weather and conditions. Should the weather turn against us, we’ll continue learning indoors with image-review sessions, editing workshops, and camera or lens Q&As until we can safely return to the field.
This workshop is limited to just six delegates, accompanied by a Nikon School tutor and a local guide. For wildlife sessions, we will work in small groups of three participants per guide or tutor to ensure the best possible photographic opportunities and to maintain respectful, low-impact interactions with wildlife.
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
Photographing spectacular nature and Winter scenery in Western Scotland.
Weather permitting, optional sunrise and sunset photography shoots.
Wildlife and Landscape photography in stunning locations.
Photography guidance, advice and hints and tips from Nikon School.
Expert wildlife guiding by a local expert.
The chance to see and photograph Pine Martens.
Exclusive Boat charter to photograph White tailed eagles (weather permitting).
An outline itinerary is as follows, but please note this is very weather dependent. We may need to change the arrangements and locations at the last minute as the weather can be very unpredictable in Scotland even in May and June.
Thursday 28th January 2026
Meet at the hotel at 5pm for a welcome briefing by Nikon School and our guide. After introductions and the briefing, we will adjourn to dinner to continue the conversation and answer any questions about the workshop. After dinner, we will go through camera settings and setup and then retire early to bed ready for our photography adventure.
Day 1 - Friday 29th January 2026
Hopefully a pre breakfast Sunrise shoot and then after breakfast, depending on the weather and light we will start to explore the local landscapes and look for wildlife at various locations before returning to the hotel for dinner. After dinner depending on the weather, we might go out for some astro photography or maybe review and edit the images from days photography
Day 2 - Saturday 30th Jan 2026
After breakfast, weather permitting we have an exclusive boat charter exploring the lochs around Mull looking for White Tailed Eagles. After the boat journey and back on land, we will continue to explore various locations, photographing the landscapes and wildlife before returning to the hotel for dinner. After dinner depending on the weather, we might go out for some astro photography or maybe review and edit the images from days photography
Day 3 - Sunday 1st Feb 2026
Hopefully a pre breakfast Sunrise shoot and then after breakfast, depending on the weather and light we will start to explore the local landscapes and look for wildlife at various locations before returning to the hotel for dinner. After dinner depending on the weather, we might go out for some astro photography or maybe review and edit the images from days photography.
Monday 2nd Feb 2026
Weather permitting, we start with an optional sunrise shoot and then return to the hotel for breakfast before our farewells and return journeys home.
To book:
Please contact us at Nikon School to book your space on this amazing photography adventure. This workshop is for photographers of all levels whether you are just starting out in photography or an experienced photographer. Further joining instructions will be sent out closer to the workshop.
Notes:
This is a Photographic workshop and will we prioritise the opportunity for you to shoot great images above everything. We will plan each day around the weather and light, which means that meal times may be at non standard times and we may start the the day very early and be out until late in the evening if the light and weather permits. Depending on the weather and light we aim to visit several locations that have been specifically chosen for spectacular photography. Please note that in the event of severe weather the locations may have to be altered at last minute.
Fitness: Most of the locations involve relatively short walks, but some of the locations will require a walk along uneven tracks and up mountain paths. When tracking wildlife we will also be crossing rocky, seaweed covered shorelines. As we are tracking wildlife we may also need to crouch and lay down on shoreline or mountains to increase the chances of getting great images. Because of this, a moderate to high level of fitness will be required on this course. Embarking / Disembarking the boat for the White Tailed Eagles is done either from a pier or small tender boat, a good level of fitness is required for this.
Loan Kit: We will have a selection of mirrorless cameras and lenses available for you to borrow on the course including 400mm, 600mm and 800mm lenses. 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. We require at least 2 weeks notice for kit requests.
Boat Charters: Our exclusive boat charters are entirely weather dependent. So we may change our plans accordingly. If you do not want to take the optional boat trips, you are free to explore around the hotel on your own until the group returns.
Accommodation: Is not included in this workshop. We will be based at the Lochaline Hotel in Lochaline and the workshop will start and finish at the Lochaline Hotel each day. Please contact Peter at the hotel on [email protected] if you wish to book a room. If the hotel is full, Peter can advise on other local accommodation in Lochaline which is either a short walk or car journey.
Meals: During the day we will endeavour to stop at a local cafe or restaurant for lunch or in the morning we can start at a local supermarket so you can buy lunch, snacks and drinks. These are not included in the workshop costs. In winter, western Scotland has limited choice for restaurants and cafes, please contact us if you are thinking of booking the course and have any specific dietary requirements.
Transport: We will be travelling in a small convey of cars to ensure we do not disturb the wildlife. Our local guides plus the Nikon School tutor have a lot of experience at spotting wildlife in Scotland so for you to get the best from this workshop they do not act as drivers and as such we would look for volunteers to drive their own cars.
Arrival & Departure: Please arrive promptly by 5 pm for introductions and the welcome briefing on Thursday 29th January. The workshop will finish officially after breakfast on the morning of Sunday 2nd February.
Other: Please bring walking boots and suitable gear for being outside in winter in Western Scotland, the weather can be very changeable. Bean bags that allow photography from cars could also be useful. Lunches, dinners, refreshments and drinks are not included nor are the ferry costs on the Corran Ferry (about £15 each way).
Note: During 2023 at various points both ferries that support the Corran - Ardgour route have broken down and have been out of service. If this happens again 2026 a road detour will be in place to get to the Morvern peninsular. This detour is approx 70 - 80 miles.
Joining Instructions: We will provide further information in joining instructions closer to the workshop.
If you have any questions about this workshop, feel free to get in touch at [email protected]
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