McDougall Photographic

Wildlife Photography for Beginners 05-10-27
2027-10-05 09:00 - 13:00 UTC | Glasgow
Beginners Wildlife Photography Workshop
Location: Glasgow
My popular beginner’s wildlife photography workshop is designed for people who are new to wildlife photography and for those people who just want to understand how their camera works and how they can maximise the equipment that they have to get better images.
Many people have attended this workshop with NO photography knowledge and often attendees have basic camera equipment.
Throughout the beginners wildlife photography workshop I will set your camera up with you to ensure that you are simplifying the camera settings as much as possible and making you comfortable with adjusting minimum settings to get maximum results.
The focus of the workshop is on capturing images of common species in a different way, so we will be photographing swans, ducks and other water birds. I will also explain a little about the behaviour of the birds so that you can look for specific shots.
By the end of the workshop you will be confident in using your camera and adjusting settings to achieve the results that you want.
Course Contents
• Camera Set Up
• Understanding Exposure
• Focus Modes
• White Balance
• Composition
• Exposure Compensation

Creative Wildlife Photography Workshop. Light, Slow Shutter Speeds and ICM 06-10-27
2027-10-06 | Glasgow
Creative Wildlife Photography Workshop
Location: Glasgow
Duration: 6 hours
This workshop is designed for people who have knowledge of photography but either want to become more creative with their cameras or for those photographers that have reached a creative block.
Throughout the workshop we will experiment with motion blur from simple panning techniques to more complex camera movement and longer shutter speeds. We will also look at how light can be used creatively to change your images dramatically. We will look at opportunities where high-key and low-key techniques can be used to completely change your image.
We will also cover different composition and how to crop and frame your images to create a very different look.
The final section of the workshop will teach you to focus on the environment and backgrounds and how these can be used creatively to add more impact to your images
The focus of the workshop is on capturing images of common species in a completely different and imaginative way, so we will be photographing swans, ducks and other water birds. The great thing about this location is that there are numerous different subjects that we can get quite close to and it gives us lots of opportunities to try different things and experiment. The light at this location is also very good.
Course Contents

Using light creatively
Exposure Techniques – high key and low key
Slow shutter speeds
Panning
Slow Panning
ICM techniques
Zoom Bursts
Creative Cropping.
Using the environment to add impact.

By the end of this workshop you will have lots of ideas for how you can be more creative with your photography and when to use different techniques.

Improving / Advanced Workshop 07-10-27
2027-10-07 07:00 - 14:00 | Glasgow
Improving/Advanced Workshop
Location: Glasgow
This workshop is designed for people who have knowledge of photography and know how to do the basics of wildlife photography. It is also intended for people that have a good understanding of their cameras and are already taking good images, but want to take their photography to a higher level.
Throughout the workshop we will look at and discuss what makes a good image. We will talk about the basics of composition but when we should look to do something different, we will also look at how we can use the environment to add impact to our images and how backgrounds can make or break an image. We will spend a lot of time looking at different types and angles of light and how to maximise the lighting conditions that we have to truly change the way an image can look.
We will also look for specific behaviours and will focus on capturing action shots of the birds in flight and interacting with each other. I will be on hand to explain basic behaviour of our subjects and the signs that you need to look for to capture dramatic behaviour shots.
We will also focus on wildlife portraits and how to take snapshots of birds to the next level.
The focus of the workshop is on capturing images of common species in a different way, so we will be photographing swans, ducks and other water birds.
The great thing about this location is that there are numerous different subjects that we can get quite close to and it gives us lots of opportunities to try different things and experiment. The light at this location is also very good.
By the end of this workshop you will have a better idea of how a few small tweaks can completely transform your wildlife photography.
Course Contents
• What makes a good image
• Mastering the Angles of Light
• Photographing behaviour
• Photographing Portraits
• Slow Shutter Speeds
• Mastering Settings

Wildlife Photography for Beginners 11-10-27
2027-10-11 09:00 - 13:00 | Glasgow

Wildlife Photography for Beginners 12-10-27
2027-10-12 09:00 - 13:00 | Glasgow

Isle of Mull - Otter Workshop 22-11-27
2027-11-22 - 2027-11-25 | Isle of Mull
Isle of Mull – Otter Workshop
Location: Isle of Mull
This is a 4 day workshop to give you the best opportunity to photograph otters.
The Isle of Mull has a very healthy population of Otters yet they can be both elusive and frustrating. Sightings can never be guaranteed, and many frustrating hours can be spent walking or driving and searching the coastline.
Otters are mythical creatures and many people have never seen an Otter. However, they have often seen their signs, i.e. their spraint or droppings. Here on Mull, the otter hunts during the day and they are more governed by the state of the tide, than whether it is morning or night. Otters are only occasionally seen in fresh water here, and it is just offshore near seaweed covered rocks where you will most likely see one.
They find their prey mostly in the sea, but they are not sea otters, a different species found on the Pacific coast. The Mull otter is the Eurasian otter, Lutra lutra, a member of the Mustelid family which also includes Badgers, Mink and Pine Marten. The Eurasian Otter is the only species of otter in the UK, occupying sea, rivers and lakes across the country. An adult otter will be about 1-1.2 metres long from tip of the nose to end of the tail.
When the sea is calm, it may be easier to spot an otter swimming on the surface while fishing. However wild the weather, otters must try to look for food, so otters can be seen in all weathers at all times of the day.
This workshop is designed to give you the best opportunity to photograph otters. Nothing is guaranteed, but we will search for them in the best locations. You will be given advice on the correct fieldcraft to use, what signs to look for and the best settings to capture some incredible otter images,
Mull also has a wealth of other wildlife and away from the otters we will attempt to find White Tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Hen Harrier, Short eared Owl and Red Deer.
The Schedule Will be as follows:
Day 1: Arrival (approx. 1pm)– Afternoon/Evening Otters
Day 2: Full Day Otters
Day 3: Full Day Otters
Day 4: Departure (approx. 1pm) – Early morning Otters
The price includes all transport whilst on the Isle of Mull and all photographic guiding.
The price does not include accommodation.
It also excludes all meals.

Isle of Mull - Otter Workshop 26-11-27
2027-11-26 - 2027-11-29 | Isle of Mull

Wildlife Photography for Beginners 01-12-27
2027-12-01 09:00 - 13:00 | Glasgow

Improving / Advanced Workshop 03-12-27
2027-12-03 07:00 - 14:00 | Glasgow

Mountain Hares Workshop 04-12-27
2027-12-04 08:00 - 15:00 | Blairgowrie/Glenshee
Mountain Hares
Location: Blairgowrie/Glenshee
I have teamed up with a local wildlife expert and guide to facilitate this Mountain Hare wildlife photography workshop in the mountains around Glenshee.
We will walk in to the mountains to search for and find local populations of the hares. We will then sit with them and try to carefully approach them to enable us to get some interesting images. It is worth noting that they are found in areas that are just spectacular in terms of scenery so sometimes shooting wider and showing the environment can provide more impact than shooting just close ups.
Seeing and photographing hares is an incredible experience and these hares can be fairly relaxed around people if treated with respect and approached in the correct way.
It is a wonderful opportunity to capture images of these beautiful and unique animals.
The Time of this trip would be from approximately 8am – 3pm
The start and end time is highly variable on these workshops as they are very much weather dependent. The exact start time will be given a week before the date.
As with all my workshops I will be on hand to give advice on settings and various shots that can be achieved. The group will be a maximum of 2 people so there will be plenty of opportunities to work with everyone one on one if required.
There is also an opportunity to add Pine Martens to the day. After we have finished with the hares we will use a hide near Blairgowrie to photograph images of these elusive animals, there is a high success rate in this hide and the hide is equipped with floodlights to enable us to shoot after it gets dark. The hide is also heated.
Contact me to add on the Pine Marten
The price does not include accommodation. It also excludes all meals. If booking accommodation, I would suggest booking with free cancellation due to the possibility of adverse weather.

Scottish Photography Hides Workshop – Kingfisher, Pine Marten 06-12-27
2027-12-06 | Kirkcudbright
Scottish Photography Hides Workshop – Kingfisher, Pine Marten
Location: Kirkcudbright
Please note that this can be combined with the day before or day after Scottish Photography Hides Workshop.
Scottish Photography Hides Workshop – Kingfisher, Pine Marten
This hide workshop is designed to highlight the very best of the Dumfries & Galloway area in south-west Scotland.
The Scottish Lowlands in this part of Scotland are a real gem, They are often overlooked for the more iconic Scottish wildlife destinations of the highlands and islands. But you won’t be disappointed as the wildlife is rich, unique and plentiful. We work with Alan McFadyen as no one knows the wildlife of this area better than him. Alan is an award winning photographer and his hides have been used by fellow professionals and hobbyists alike, the hides have featured on BBC, ITV, national papers and have provided many award winning images and was the face of Canons 1DX mkii advertising campaign.
We’ll be based throughout the trip near the town of Kirkcudbright where we will have access to 4 carefully selected hides situated in a number of locations.
Daytime Hide – Kingfisher:
The Kingfisher Photography Hide is spacious inside and there is also ample space to store bags etc. behind you. The Kingfishers here are regular visitors and have been coming to the hide for several years. The choice and variety of perches and backgrounds is excellent and some really good images can be captured here of this otherwise difficult to photograph bird.
Evening Hide – Pine Marten:
Located on Scotland’s South West Coast near Kirkcudbright, over the past four years Alan has worked tirelessly to develop a unique opportunity to photography the elusive Pine Marten. The hide is on the edge of a pine forest with years of conservation work taking place to establish a breeding population in the region. LED lighting is used to illuminate the area and low powered flash will be used (no experience needed). The backdrops and set ups in this hide give you a unique opportunity to capture some really different images of this hard to see animal.
The start time is at approximately 7am for the daytime hide, we will usually finish at around 2pm or whenever we have had enough of waiting/taking images.
The evening hide will start at approximately 7pm and can finish as late as midnight.
Exact timings for the hides and meeting places will be given on booking.
There are 2 options for this hide either a one day trip or 2 consecutive days. It is not possible to swap the days around so please book both days or whichever includes the subjects that interest you.
As with all my workshops I will be on hand to give advice on settings and various different shots that can be achieved. The group will be a maximum of 4 people so there will be plenty of opportunities to work with everyone one on one if required.
The price includes the hide booking exclusively for our group.
The price does not include accommodation. It also excludes all meals.

Scottish Photography Hides Workshop – Red Squirrel, Badger, Tawny Owl 07-12-27
2027-12-07 | Kirkcudbright
Scottish Photography Hides Workshop – Red Squirrel, Badger
Location: Kirkcudbright
Please note that this can be combined with the day before or day after Scottish Photography Hides Workshop
This hide workshop is designed to highlight the very best of the Dumfries & Galloway area in south-west Scotland.
The Scottish Lowlands in this part of Scotland are a real gem, They are often overlooked for the more iconic Scottish wildlife destinations of the highlands and islands. But you won’t be disappointed as the wildlife is rich, unique and plentiful. We work with Alan McFadyen as no one knows the wildlife of this area better than him. Alan is an award winning photographer and his hides have been used by fellow professionals and hobbyists alike, the hides have featured on BBC, ITV, national papers and have provided many award winning images and was the face of Canons 1DX mkii advertising campaign.
We’ll be based throughout the trip near the town of Kirkcudbright where we will have access to 4 carefully selected hides situated in a number of locations.
Daytime Hide – Red Squirrel and Fighting Finches
The main targets are Red Squirrel, However you will be entertained all day from Woodland bird species such as Great Spotted Woodpecker, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Blue, Coal and Great Tits, Pheasant, Robin, Dunnock, Nuthatch, Chaffinch and a good chance the Sparrowhawks and or Buzzards will be around. During the warmer months there is also a good chance Tawny Owls and Badgers will visit during daylight hours. The set up here makes it possible to photograph Red Squirrels jumping straight at you and goldfinches and chaffinches squabbling over food.
Evening Hide – Woodland Floor – Badgers, Tawny Owl and Fox
Set in a quiet tranquil corner of Galloway this hide offers some unique evening photography. You will be at eye level with your subjects as if you are lying on the woodland floor, however you will be seated in a comfortable chair for this unique experience.
The main targets are Badger and Tawny Owl. Sometimes you will get a late bonus visit from Red Fox.
The start time is at approximately 7am for the daytime hide, we will usually finish at around 2pm or whenever we have had enough of waiting/taking images.
The evening hide will start at approximately 7pm and can finish as late as midnight.
Exact timings for the hides and meeting places will be given on booking.
There are 2 options for this hide either a one day trip or 2 consecutive days. It is not possible to swap the days around so please book both days or whichever includes the subjects that interest you.
As with all my workshops I will be on hand to give advice on settings and various different shots that can be achieved. The group will be a maximum of 4 people so there will be plenty of opportunities to work with everyone one on one if required.
The price includes the hide booking exclusively for our group.
The price does not include accommodation. It also excludes all meals.

Wildlife Photography for Beginners 09-12-27
2027-12-09 09:00 - 13:00 | Glasgow

Argaty Red Kites and Red Squirrel Workshop 11-12-27
2027-12-11 | Doune
Argaty Red Kites – Red Kite and Red Squirrel Workshop
Location: Doune
My bestselling and most popular workshop.
This is a small group wildlife photography workshop, I will be on hand throughout the day to help you with your camera settings and leave the day with some truly memorable wildlife images.
It is ideally for people who want to improve their wildlife photography and increase understanding of how to use their camera.
Workshop Contents
• Understanding Exposure
• Focus Modes
• White Balance
• Composition
• Exposure Compensation
• Shooting in Raw
• Understanding Animal Behaviour
• Capturing Action shots
• Photographing Birds in Flight.
The day will be split in to 2 sessions with the morning focusing on Red Squirrels, the objective here will be to use the available light to capture interesting portraits and behaviour. We will also be hoping to capture images of the many woodland birds that frequent the hide.
Set in secluded woodland, this specialist 1-6-person hide gives close-up and intimate views of red squirrels and a spectacular array of woodland birds (including greater spotted woodpecker, nuthatch, long tailed tits and more.)
The afternoon session will be focusing on the Red Kites. The objective here will be to capture eye catching images of the birds in flight as they feed at the hide.
A purpose-built hide for up to 3 photographers, the Red Kite Photography Hide brings you closer to the action (distance to the feeding area 35m) for an unforgettable encounter with nature!
The hide looks out onto a beautiful deciduous woodland copse, which provides the perfect backdrop to photograph kites against, even in overcast weather.
It is an action-packed day full of wildlife photography opportunities and fully guided throughout.
The price includes the hide booking exclusively for our group.
The price does not include accommodation. It also excludes all meals.
