Otter Photography Workshops
available throughout the year
The Isle of Mull is one of the best places in the UK to see and photograph the Eurasian otter. With an abundance of other wildlife, including white-tailed eagles, golden eagles, short-earred owls, hen harriers, buzzards, red deer, fallow deer, grey seals, common seals, and more... no two days are ever the same.
Join Lara and George for an otter photography workshop as you explore and uncover Mull’s wild beauty. You'll focus on otter behaviour and learn fieldcraft techniques that will enable us to share intimate encounters with an otter.
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It is highly recommended that you book for a minimum of two, ideally three, days. Simply put, the more hours you put in, the greater your chances of capturing 'that moment' - the one we all dream of sharing with a wild otter.
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By keeping group sizes small to a maximum of 2 people, we’ll ensure wildlife isn’t disturbed — nature always comes first.
the nitty gritty
Important Info
Dates
Otter workshops are available throughout the year with Lara and George, please enquire for availability. As stated above, it is highly recommended that you book for a minimum of two days to maximise your chances of capturing 'the moment', and to fully immerse yourself in the magic of Mull.
Your Workshop guides
Lara & George
Lara Jackson
George Benjamin
Lara is a conservation biologist, award-winning wildlife photographer, Nikon Creator and Ambassador for Save The Rhino. Her work has taken her around the world and she has conducted numerous cutting-edge research projects with several critically endangered species. Combining her scientific background with her love for photography and story-telling, Lara's work has received international recognition in competitions such as Wildlife Photographer of the Year.
George is a UK-based wildlife photographer and photographic guide, spending most of his time in East Africa and beyond. His work has taken him from the rainforests of the Congo Basin, through to the northern climes of Canada photographing polar bears on foot. Following a brief stint as a creative in advertising, he has won a number of wildlife photography awards, as well as being widely published both nationally and internationally in prestigious publications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if the wildlife doesn't show up during our workshop?
Living on the Isle of Mull, Lara & George have amassed a wealth of local wildlife knowledge and they know the best places to find and photograph otters. However, the otters on Mull are wild. If they don't appear, the weather is dreich, or luck is against us, there’s not much we can do. This unpredictability is simply part of the adventure of wildlife photography.
How fit do I need to be for a workshop?
Quite fit and agile. We won’t be hiking miles and miles but when we do walk, it’ll be across tricky terrain. Some of the tidal flats are rocky and extremely slippery. Otter fieldcraft requires equal measures of stealth and agility — so long as you’re ready for some quick dashes, you’ll be all good! Please convey any fitness or mobility concerns to Lara & George ASAP.
What will the weather be like? What shall I bring?
Put simply: very Scottish. Expect the weather to be highly unpredictable. It’s not unreasonable to expect sunshine, rain, hail, and snow in a single day... seriously. Once booked, Lara and George will be in touch with a list of what to bring on your workshop. This will cover clothing suggestions, as well as the camera equipment you may need for otter photography.
Do you organise accommodation on Mull?
Unfortunately not. If you've booked a two or three day workshop with Lara & George, you will be expected to find your own accommodation. They will pick you up and drop you off each day. However, please bear in mind they are based in the North of Mull and depending on your location, they may organise a nearer meeting point instead.
Do you offer longer workshops on Mull?
YES! Lara and George run longer workshops on Mull every spring and autumn. Please head to our 'Workshops' page for more information. The longer workshops are styled more like a package holiday and include your accommodation, two full days of otter searching, one full day at the Treshnish Isles to photograph puffins and seabirds (spring only), and a boat trip with Mull Charters to see the white-tailed eagles up close and personal.