​Paul McDougall

 Wildlife Photographer 

Scotland Based Wildlife Photographer

Paul McDougall is a Scotland based Wildlife Photographer with a name that resonates with passion, dedication, and excellence in the world of wildlife photography. With over 25 years of experience capturing the beauty of wildlife both in the UK and around the globe, Paul has tried to establish himself in the field. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and a deep love for nature.

Early Beginnings and Passion for Wildlife

Paul’s fascination with wildlife began at a young age. Growing up in the Oxfordshire countryside, he was surrounded by nature and developed a keen interest in the wildlife that inhabited it. This early exposure laid the foundation for his future career. Paul’s passion for wildlife photography really started when he was 18 and travelled to South Africa. When Paul was 23 he went on a life changing trip to Kenya where, in collaboration with local Kenyan Guide Isaac Kinyanjui they set up photographic safari company Wildconnection Safaris. Paul lived in Kenya on and off over the years and between Paul and Isaac the business grew and became very successful.

In 2010 Paul decided to look at other destinations for wildlife photography and visited Uganda, Finland, Canada, India and Nepal and in 2017 he set up Touch the Wild. During this period one of the highlights for Paul was photographing Red Pandas in Nepal, at the time Paul was one of the first photographers outside of India and Nepal that had photographed them in the wild. During this this period Paul went back to working full time and the wildlife photography became part time, but he still regularly ran tours to various locations and visited Kenya every year.

In 2020 at the time of the global covid pandemic Paul really began to appreciate the wildlife on his doorstep, living just South of Glasgow he rediscovered his passion for British Wildlife and began to explore the local area. Over the last few years Paul’s wildlife photography has been more Scotland based with him concentrating on the iconic wildlife of Scotland including Ospreys, Red Squirrels, Pine Martens, Badgers, White Tailed Eagle and his personal favourite Otters.

At the end of 2023 Paul was made redundant from his corporate sales management job and subsequently went back to doing photography full time refocusing on his passion for Scottish wildlife and teaching photography on workshops, whilst also running wildlife photography tours to Kenya, Finland, India and many other worldwide destinations.

Professional Journey and Achievements

Paul’s professional journey as a wildlife photographer has been marked by numerous achievements and accolades:

• 2024 Nature TTL Photographer of the Year – Runner Up
• 2024 Bird Photographer of the Year – Finalist – Image selected for the book publication
• 2024 BWPA Finalist
• 2023 Published First Book – The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Wildlife Photography. Number 1 best seller on Amazon.
• 2023 WPOTY Finalist
• 2023 BWPA Finalist
• 2022 WPOTY Finalist
• 2022 BWPA Finalist
• 2021 WPOTY Finalist
• 2021 Africa Geographic Finalist
• 2020 Natures Best Finalist
• 2017 WPOTY Finalist
• 2016 WPOTY Finalist
• 2015 WPOTY Finalist
• 2013 WPOTY Finalist
• 2013 IPF NATIONAL PRINT AND PROJECTED Silver Medal Winner
• 2011 WPOTY Finalist

He has spent over 400 days guiding in the Masai Mara, Kenya, one of the world’s premier wildlife photography destinations. His extensive experience in this region has allowed him to capture some of the most stunning and unique wildlife moments, earning him recognition and respect in the photography community.

Back in the UK and specifically Scotland where he now lives. Paul has continued to hone his craft, focusing on capturing the beauty of British wildlife. His work has been featured in various publications, exhibitions, and online platforms, showcasing his ability to bring the natural world to life through his lens. In October 2024 Paul was invited on to STV’s Scotland Tonight Program to discuss the 2024 Wildlife Photographer of the Year winning images and also showed some of his own images including his Award Winning “ Elephant in the Storm”. Paul’s photographs are not just images; they are stories that evoke emotions and inspire a deeper appreciation for wildlife.

Workshops and Mentoring

Paul is not just a photographer; he is also a dedicated mentor and educator. He runs regular workshops and training courses aimed at helping aspiring wildlife photographers improve their skills. His workshops cover a range of topics, from basic camera settings and understanding light to advanced techniques for capturing unique wildlife moments. Paul’s teaching style is engaging and supportive, making him a favourite among workshop participants.

One of his most popular workshops is the Beginners Wildlife Photography Workshop, which provides a comprehensive introduction to wildlife photography. Participants learn everything they need to know to get started, from setting up their cameras to understanding composition and lighting. Paul’s workshops are designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of their prior experience with photography.

Paul also is a firm believer in the ethics of wildlife photography and this is evident in his approach when capturing images. This is also something that is taught on all of his workshops

Conclusion

In conclusion, Paul McDougall is a true advocate for wildlife photography. His journey from a young nature enthusiast to an award-winning professional photographer is a testament to his dedication and love for wildlife. Through his stunning images, engaging workshops, tours, and commitment to mentoring and teaching, Paul hopes he has made an impact on the world of wildlife photography. He hopes his work continues to inspire and educate, ensuring that the beauty of the natural world is captured and preserved for generations to come.

If you’re looking to learn wildlife photography, Paul McDougall is a name you can trust. His expertise, passion, and willingness to share his knowledge make him an invaluable resource for anyone interested in wildlife photography.