Otter Photography Workshop - Isle of Mull

Otter photography workshop

Join me for three full days photographing wild otters on the Isle of Mull.

Mull is one of the best locations in the UK to see and photograph otters in a truly wild setting. Its rugged coastline, quiet sea lochs and high population of Otters make it ideal for consistent encounters.

This workshop is designed to give you the time and knowledge needed to photograph otters properly. We focus on fieldcraft, behaviour and positioning to help you create strong, natural images.

As with all my workshops, I follow strict ethical principles targeting no disruption to the Otters.

The Eurasian Otter

The Eurasian Otter (Lutra lutra) is the UK’s only native otter species.

It is a semi-aquatic mammal found along rivers, lochs and coastal shorelines. On Mull, otters are regularly seen hunting in shallow sea lochs and along rocky coastline.

They are highly adapted to life in the water, with dense waterproof fur, strong swimming ability and excellent underwater vision.

Otters feed mainly on fish, along with crabs and other marine prey. Much of their time is spent hunting, grooming and resting between feeds.

They are typically solitary and can cover large areas of coastline. Encounters often come down to patience, observation and understanding behaviour.

Despite being widespread in Scotland, otters can be challenging to photograph well. Getting close, low-level and in good light requires careful fieldcraft and respect for the animal.

What to expect

This is a field-based workshop with long days spent on location. Expect early starts and late finishes as needed. Otter photography often involves patience, but the rewards are so worth it.

We work around tides, light and otter activity. Each day is flexible and adapted to conditions to give us the best possible opportunities.

You will be guided throughout, with support on both fieldcraft and photographic techniques.

Photographic opportunities

Mull offers excellent opportunities to photograph otters in a natural coastal environment.

Subjects can include:

• Otters hunting and bringing fish ashore to feed

• Families of Otter interacting

• Environmental portraits

• Low-level shoreline images

Every encounter is different, but the aim is always to create clean, natural images that tell a story. During the workshop, we strive to capture a variety of images. This will enhance your portfolio.

What you will learn

This workshop is focused on improving both your photography and your understanding of otters.

We will cover:

• How to locate otters in coastal habitats

• Understanding Otter behaviour and predicting movement

• Fieldcraft and positioning

• Shooting from low angles for better perspective

• Managing exposure in challenging light

The goal is to help you become more confident and consistent in your wildlife photography.

Group size

Group size is limited to a minimum and maximum of two participants.

This ensures more consistent Otter sightings, personal tuition and flexible decision-making in the field.

Who this is for

This workshop is suitable for all levels, from beginners to more experienced photographers.

You should have a basic understanding of your camera and be keen to improve your wildlife photography skills.

Patience and a willingness to spend time observing wildlife are essential.

Fitness and accessibility

A moderate level of fitness is required.

We will spend long periods outdoors and will be walking along uneven or rocky shoreline. Some of my Otter sightings have lasted for over 3 hours during which I have been laid on the ground!

Conditions can be wet and changeable, so your clothing should be comfortable working outside for extended periods in all weather.

Please inform me of any accessibility requirements when booking

What's included

This workshop includes the following:

• Three full days of guiding on Mull

• In-field tuition and support

• Pre-workshop guidance on what to bring

• All transport during each day from agreed meeting point

• Hot drinks and snacks from my van

What's not included

• Accommodation on the Isle of Mull

• Travel to and from the island

• Meals (bring a packed lunch each day)

Participants are responsible for arranging their own accommodation. If you want to keep travel to a minimum, book accommodation between Salen and Ardura on the A849.

Ethical approach

Respect and protection of wildlife is at the heart of everything I do. This workshop follows a strong ethical approach to have minimal disturbance and a positive experience for both wildlife and participants.

Full coaching will be given to ensure appropriate fieldcraft techniques with the Otters. You are required to follow this guidance at all times. If you fail to do so, it will significantly limit your encounters with Otters. In the rare event of repeated poor fieldcraft, I will limit your access to the shore. A refund will not be available in this situation.

To avoid locations being overused in the future, participants must not share the locations we use. You should not disclose locations online or by word of mouth