Testimonials for "Scottish Winter Wildlife 2027"
In spite of pretty poor weather conditions, I learned some valuable insights from my time with Craig in the Highlands. I learned that the weather does not need to be a barrier to getting out there and doing it.
As I fought to stand-up in 50 - 60 mile an hour winds, I gained a new respect for the way in which wildlife survives in such difficult conditions and I was rewarded with my first ever sighting of Mountain Hares in their winter plumage.
I will always remember this experience. I learned that being in the moment is the most important thing with wildlife photography, to enjoy and adapt to what’s happening in front of me and be less concerned about getting the ‘best’ image.
I also learned that capturing wildlife in the context of its environment is important and as a result will think more carefully about what to include in my images.
I loved Craigs knowledge about wildlife, his absolute respect of the natural world and the impact he has through his work in conservation. Thank you for an enjoyable week in quite difficult conditions.
I decided to book the winter Cairngorms trip with my main goal being to see crested tits and mountain hares.
It’s quite daunting travelling for hundreds of miles to meet with a complete stranger. But on meeting Craig at the fantastic Grant Arms Hotel any anxieties or stresses about my trip disappeared within the first two minutes.Craig is a fantastic, warm and approachable guide who puts you at ease immediately and from the get go I knew I was going to be in for a fantastic week full of fun and laughter.
The weather was certainly against us, with two storms in one week, but yet we still managed to spend everyday getting up to new adventures.
Day one was an opportunity to get familiar with the hotel and each other and after a long journey, a gentle local trip eased us into the week nicely. Little did I know what was going to happen on day 2.
Relaxation time over. Day 2, a day I’ll never forget. The first storm had subsided to an extent, but conditions were still fierce.
High winds made birding out of the question, so mountain hares it was. Craig transported us to the spot and prepped us for what to expect, how to spot the hares, how to move and adjust behaviours around the hares and signs to watch out for if the hares were looking disturbed, as well as best camera settings and techniques.
Craig scouted the area first, and within minutes, they’d been spotted and off we went. To say conditions were harsh is an understatement. Possibly the most savage weather I’ve encountered, but luckily for us, the hares were hunkered down on a ridge that protected us from the worst of the weather. From there it was crawling commando style across the ground, edging ever nearer without ever disturbing the hares, till we were a mere 10 metres away.
From there we had the best opportunities to get some fantastic shots of these beautiful animals, without ever bothering them. Freezing cold, getting lashed by gale force winds and crawling across the ground to get to our spot. I absolutely loved it.
What an adventure and the harsh weather conditions portrayed in the amazing photographs our group got, really showed what tough little mammals mountain hares are. We even saw two golden eagles and plenty of buzzards in the area too. Fantastic and the first of my wish list, ticked off.
Day 3 and crested tits it was. Craig gave us tips and guidance for photographing these beautiful, unique birds and to see them in their natural environment, amongst many other passerine birds, was just awesome. We all came away with photographs to treasure our encounter. Quick stop to get some amazing cake at the local coffee shop and back to the hotel where Craig was there to help with any photography processing.
Day 4 and 5 was red squirrels, trip up Mount CairnGorm and more beautiful crested tits.
Even had chance to stop off and photograph the most gorgeous highland cow and of course more cake stops.
The entire week was fantastic thanks to Craig’s relentless sense of humour, thoughtful guidance where needed and his obvious over spilling passion for what he does and the welfare of the animals at the forefront. His enthusiasm and passion was infectious and I’ve come away not just seeing animals in their most natural state and undisturbed, but with some amazing memories.
A fantastic time in the Cairngorms, everyday was more like going out with a group of friends on and adventure, instead of feeling like a service provided for a client. I will definitely be meeting Craig again when I book my next trip.
Fantastic workshop, really enjoyed meeting you and valued the conscientious approach to wildlife photography, with the subjects welfare always being top priority. Learning the fieldcraft to approach a mountain hare, spend time taking shots with the hare totally at ease and then working our way carefully back out with no disturbance is up there with my all time fav wildlife encounters. Also really interesting to dig into the technical side of under-exposing to create mood. Thanks again, would highly recommend your workshops to anyone who is passionate about both the wildlife and the photography.
Was a fantastic trip with lots of laughs, great photo opportunities and some of the best food I've ever tasted.
Craig's Scottish Winter Trip is well recommended, he is very professional in how he organises his trips, and there is always room for maneuver, great guidance and very good expertise always having the time to give One to One knowledge. I hit the jackpot with Ptarmigan, Mountain Hare, Crestie's and Squiggers, even having good banter and reviewing images over Dinner at the lovely Grant Arms Hotel, which is superb.
Craig Jones is one of the best wildlife guides we have ever had (and we are well-travelled, wildlife enthusiasts). His very genuine enthusiasm and commitment to sustainable and empathetic wildlife study and education, is both instructive and inspiring! Just look at his photography, it is imaginative and sensitive, requiring patience, dedication and a respectful knowledge of the wildlife he captures. He doesn’t just take an excellent picture of an animal or bird, he takes a picture of it’s soul and exposes his in the taking. Thank you Craig, continue being the inspiring leader that you are.
Hi Craig
Thank you for great week photographing the wonderful wildlife of the Cairngorms. Craig you are a great photographer and teacher with great passion and an easy going personality that really work. Your methods of tracking and fieldcraft allow photography by getting close to the animals in their natural environments. I took away a realisation that there is another way of photographing wildlife that doesn’t involve paying someone to use a hide with a dressed set up. The ethics you teach and live by are an inspiration. Most importantly I have a good selection of new skills and techniques with a great group of pictures.
Ian Sherratt