Red Deer Photography Workshop - Isle of Jura

Join me on a three day Red Deer photography workshop on the Isle of Jura.

Jura is one of the best locations in the UK to see and photograph Red Deer in a truly wild setting. With about 200 people on the island but over 5,000 Red Deer it really makes high quality Red Deer encounters a regular occurrence.

I have designed this workshop to give you a range of encounters with deer. Expect close encounters with Hinds and Stags close to the road, along with more distant views of deer in their natural environment with the hills and mountains of Jura providing a wonderful environmental backdrop.

During the rut, mid September to end of October we will also focus on capturing rutting behaviour such as roaring and competing stags along with harems of hinds being gathered by the stags.

As with all my workshops, I follow strict ethical principles targeting minimal disruption to the deer and any other wildlife we encounter.

The Red Deer

The Red Deer (Cervus elaphus) is Britain’s largest land mammal and one of its most iconic wildlife species. Found across the Highlands, islands and other wild landscapes, these magnificent deer are particularly impressive during the autumn rut, when stags roar to attract females and compete for dominance.

Red Deer are most often associated with open hills and glens, but they can also be found in woodland and lowland areas. Their combination of size, character and dramatic behaviour makes them one of Scotland’s most rewarding mammals to photograph.

What to expect

On this Red Deer photography workshop, we will spend some time based from our vehicle driving the long road on Jura looking for deer aiming to achieve a full mix of close and more distant shots of Stags, Hinds, Bucks etc. 

On some days we will also get up early or stay out late to make the most of the golden hour and get some environmental or silhouette shots of deer in the fantastic Jura scenery. If we are lucky wee might even get an image with the legendary Paps as our backdrop.

Lastly, we will also take some walks into the hills (participant fitness permitting) to get a feel for the deer’s habitat and hopefully some more natural environmental shots. 

Whilst not the focus of this workshop it is also likely that other subjects will present photographic opportunities during this workshop and we will be happy to take time out to make the most of these. Jura is an excellent location for raptors (Hen Harrier, White-Tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Buzzard) as well as mammals including Otter.

Each day is flexible and adapted to conditions to give us the best possible opportunities.

I guide all my workshops and will be on hand throughout to support you with both fieldcraft and photographic techniques.

Photographic opportunities

Jura offers excellent opportunities to photograph Red Deer in a variety of habitats including mountainous, moorland and coastal environments. This is why I host my Red Deer photography workshops here.

Subjects can include:

• Close ups of Stags roaring or sizing each other up

• Close ups of individual or groups of Hinds potentially overseen by a Stag

• Deer with a mountain backdrop to show them in their natural environment

• Silhouettes of deer on a mountain ridge

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

Other Species

Whilst not the primary focus of this workshop Jura is also a fantastic location for Otter and Raptors (Golden Eagle, White-Tailed Eagle, Hen Harrier and Buzzard in particular). It is possible that opportunities arise during the workshop to photograph some of these species. It is also possible to add a day or two with me to specifically photograph Otter. I call this the surf and turf option! Please get in touch if you are interested in this.

What you will learn

With this Red Deer photography workshop I focus on improving your photos, your photography and your understanding of this magnificent species.

We will cover:

• How to locate Red Deer in their natural habitat

• Understanding Red Deer behaviour and predicting future behaviour – for example to capture a Stag roaring

• Fieldcraft and positioning when leaving the road

• Choosing an attractive background to create better small in frame shots

• Managing exposure in challenging light

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

Location

The Otter photography workshop takes place on the Isle of Jura known for its fantastic population of Red Deer.

We will spend quite a lot of our time driving the single track road which goes from south to north about two thirds of the way up the island. We will also take some time to walk into the hills seeking deer in their natural habitat.

Participants are advised to stay in Craighouse (this is where the majority of accomodation is on the island). We will travel in my vehicle each day and I will collect you from your accomodation at an agreed time.

Group size

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

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

Who this is for

This Red Deer photography 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

A moderate level of fitness is required to take the walks into the hills and mountains. That said these are optional and if you feel fitness may be an issue please let me know at the time of booking and we can do more road based photography instead.

Conditions can be wet and changeable, so your clothing should be comfortable working outside for extended periods. If it is really wet we can of course photograph from the vehicle too.

Accessibility

This workshop can be adapted for those with accessibility limitations (for example car based photography or including less walking). Please get in touch to discuss your requirements. I am committed to making my workshops as accessible. Please see my accessibility policy for more information.

Please inform me of any accessibility requirements when booking

What’s included

This workshop includes the following:

• Three full days of guiding on Jura

• In-field tuition and support

• Pre-workshop guidance on what to bring

• All transport during each day from your accomodation

• Hot drinks and snacks from my van

What’s not included

• Accommodation on the Isle of Jura (however see option below)

• 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.