Bird of Prey Workshop
*Gift Vouchers Available - A Perfect Christmas Gift*
Aviemore - Cairngorm National Park
Sunday 12th January 2025 - FULL
Sunday 16th February 2025 - FULL
More dates will be added on demand - Please message to be added to the waiting list
A bird of prey photography workshop set in the heart of the stunning Cairngorms National Park is an ideal way to capture stunning images of these magnificent birds in a controlled and measured way whilst learning some new skills along the way.
Both Andy and Lyndsey will be on-hand during the day to advise and help you with the correct camera settings, they will also tutor you on the best angles for lighting your subject and how to choose the best background.
Note: All birds will be wearing jesses and transmitters - For ascetic reasons some images have been edited to remove these.
To maximise the time spent with our guests there will only be six photographers on the day, split into two groups of three.
The day will begin with a welcome drink and shortbread, a briefing on the day and a quick check over your camera to make sure you're set up and ready to go!
We will then transport you to the first location on the estate which will be the forest setting. Here we will be photographing the majestic Grey Grey Owl, this bird is very relaxed with photographers which provides us with a variety of photographic opportunities. Up next is the spectacular and often temperamental Goshawk, a master of pursuing prey by weaving through the forest at top speed which will really test you and your camera to the limit! Don't worry though, there will be ample opportunity to capture images of the Goshawk afterwards as it rests on the forest floor. A short walk away are open fields, it's here we will witness and attempt to capture images of the ghostly Gyrfalcon. These birds are experts at both speed and agility and therefore always a favourite amongst our guests.
LUNCH
After a hearty lunch we will head to the hills and spend some time with two of the most iconic birds found within the Cairngorms. The king of all birds, the Golden Eagle and the fasted bird of all, the Peregrine Falcon. This session uses the dramatic and stunning panorama of the Cairngorm massif as its backdrop and is the perfect location to photograph these majestic birds.
The finale of the day is spent in the company of the mighty White-tailed eagle, this photographic opportunity allows you sit or lie on a low level platform over a lochan as the eagle flies straight towards your lens, filling the frame as it swoops over the water just meters in front from you. A spectacular and memorable way to end the day. (Subject to the pond being free of ice).
Please note: Although we will endeavour to provide exactly as we've mentioned above, due to circumstances out with our control it may not be possible to fly certain birds on every workshop. If this is the case a replacement bird and opportunity will be given.
Birds that may be used:
White-tailed Eagle
Golden Eagle
Bald Eagle
Peregrine Falcon
Gyrfalcon
Great Grey Owl
Barn Owl
Harris Hawk
Caracara
Objectives of this one-day workshop:
Learn how to get the best performance from your camera.
How to shoot stunning bird portraits.
How to capture and improve your technique for photographing birds in flight.
How to photography birds in their environment.
Have fun whilst learning.
Included in the workshop:
Coffee/Tea/Hot Chocolate
Cakes and snacks
Soup and sandwich lunch
Transport to the photography sites within Rothiemurchus Estate
Workshop Details:
Start time: 09:30
Finish time approximately: 15:00
Location: Rothiemurchus Falconry Centre - Aviemore
Cost: £275.00 per person
Payable at the time of booking.
Gift Vouchers Available - Message for details
Maximum of six photographers - Don't get lost in a crowd!
If the workshop is postponed due to unsuitable weather an alternative date will be offered.