A close-up of a mountain goat in the snow.

Bespoke Autumn and Winter Guiding (September - February)

A majestic elk with large antlers standing in snow near a partially frozen river, with a snowy landscape in the background.

The Cairngorms National Park - The Highlands - Isle of Skye - Isle of Mull - The Outer Hebrides - Orkney Islands.

I offer 1, 2 and 3-day Bespoke Wildlife & Nature Photography Workshops for small groups covering the Highlands & Islands of Scotland. Autumn and Winter bring a dramatic transition in nature, characterized by falling leaves, cooling temperatures, and intense wildlife preparation for scarcity.

Winter is a magical time, with cold, crisp mornings and chilly starlit evenings. Winter has two start dates depending on which definition you follow, Astronomical or Meteorological. The start of winter is marked by the winter solstice, the day of the year with the fewest hours of daylight, also known as the shortest day and midwinter. Weather scientists split the year into quarters based on annual temperature cycles.

Brave the cold and you’ll be rewarded with memories that will last a lifetime. 

Overview

  • Purpose: Practical, field‑based tuition tailored to your experience and photographic goals. Each workshop focuses on improving technical skills, observational techniques and ethical wildlife practices while producing stronger images.

  • Group size: Small groups (typically 1–3 participants) to ensure individual attention and flexibility. For larger groups please contact me to discuss.

  • Locations: The Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

  • Format: Mix of guided field sessions, on‑location tuition, critique and image review. Editing, workflow and post‑processing guidance as required.

A majestic elk with large antlers standing in a grassy field

What’s included

  • Full professional tuition and guidance throughout the session.

  • Pre‑workshop briefing with advice on kit, clothing and expected subjects.

  • Site selection and local logistics planning.

  • On‑site guidance in camera technique, approach, composition and wildlife ethics.

  • Group image review sessions. For multi‑day workshops, post‑processing demonstrations and workflow tips.

What to bring

  • DSLR, Mirrorless or Bridge Camera.

  • A 300-500mm lens, a wide angle or standard zoom lens is also highly recommended.

  • A tripod or beanbag, this will be down to individual preference.

  • Spare batteries, memory cards and weather protection for your camera equipment.

  • Outdoor clothing with spare warm clothing, waterproof clothing is essential, suitable outdoor footwear.

  • Packed lunch and drinks.

  • Laptop for image review (recommended for multi‑day workshops).

Logo featuring a stylized puffin bird and the text 'Ian Herd Wildlife & Nature Photography'.
Two deer with large antlers in a snowy landscape, one facing forward and the other with its back turned.

What’s not included

  • Accommodation

  • Photograpic Equipment

  • Personal/Travel Insurance

  • Transport

  • Packed Lunch and Drinks

Pricing - Bespoke Autumn & Winter Guiding - (September - February)

One to One Guiding £220 Per Day

Group Price Per Day @ £150 Per Person

For groups larger than 3 or multi-days please get in touch for availability and price.

A non-refundable deposit of £50 per person must be paid at time of booking.

Balance to be paid in full, 4 weeks before your workshop.

The above costs are for my time, tuition and guidance only, additional costs may apply for food and drink, and any private hides or entrance fees.

For Guiding outwith my local area, additional costs may apply for mileage, ferries and accomadation.

For workshops involving boat trips, it’s advised to book these in advance to guarantee a place. Boat operators can cancel trips at short notice, due to for example adverse weather, mechanical issues etc, in which case I will offer an alternative date or workshop.

Ethics and conservation

  • Ian promotes responsible wildlife photography: minimise disturbance, follow local guidelines, and prioritise animal welfare. Instruction includes ethical field practices and how to make images without compromising habitats or behaviour.

  • If you would like to discuss dates, objectives or receive a sample itinerary for a 1, 2 and 3 day workshop, please get in touch with details of your experience level and photographic goals.

Booking and customisation

  • Workshops are bespoke and can be tailored to specific species, techniques or learning outcomes. Specialist requests (e.g. hide use, night photography) can be arranged where local conditions allow.

  • Dates are arranged to match seasonal wildlife activity; Ian will advise the best time for your chosen subject.

  • Contact to check availability, discuss objectives and confirm logistics.

Make an Enquiry
Make a Booking
A bird with brown and white feathers, standing on rocky terrain with grass around, calling out with its beak open.
Close-up of a squirrel eating a nut, with detailed fur and a bushy tail.
A bird camouflaged against a rocky surface with its head peeking over, featuring detailed brown and gray plumage.
A sea otter floating on its back in a water filled with seaweed, looking directly at the camera while water droplets splash around.
A roaring elk in a grassy field with autumn foliage in the background.
A bird with a speckled brown and white plumage standing on a rock in a natural landscape.
A close-up of a crested bird with a distinctive black and white crest, perched on a tree branch among green pine needles.
Two otters peeking out from a pile of seaweed on a beach.
A brown elk with antlers standing on snow-covered ground in a winter landscape.
Close-up of a snow leopard cub with blue eyes in the snow.
A deer with large antlers walking through snow-covered landscape.
A white snow hare with long ears standing on snow with a blurred background of bushes.
A small bird with brown, white, and black feathers perched on a rock.
Two otters swimming among seaweed on the beach.
A close-up of a seal in the water holding a piece of seaweed in its mouth, with water reflections visible around it.