Testimonials for "The Magic Of Mull 2026"
Twelve months ago we started researching photography workshops in Scotland. After not finding anything that suited we came across Craig’s ‘Magic of Mull’ workshop.
His blog just sounded ‘right’ for what we envisaged. We liked his ethical approach to photographing wildlife and his care and respect for nature really appealed to us.
We didn’t want to be another tourist taking meaningless random photos alongside a dozen other happy snappers.
With only four participants it made for a beautifully custom experience where we were immersed in the beauty of the Isle of Mull.We photographed otters every day alongside deer, white-tailed eagles, hen harriers, wheatears, sandpipers, oyster catchers, green finches, red-breasted merganser and the list goes on!! At 68 I never imagined I’d be lying flat out on a rock edge taking wildlife photos like a real life nature photographer - a dream come true!
Our accommodation was brilliant - full buffet breakfast, amazing packed lunches and a three course dinner. Craig is a real genuine bloke whose care and concern for his clients is paramount.
He helped us so much to get those special shots we had travelled across the world to get!! Our tour of Mull was truly magic.
Great company, lots of laughs and amazing wildlife experiences. We highly recommend Craig’s workshops and will definitely book with him again in the future.
Thanks Craig you are a legend.
Jennifer and Julie - Australia
I joined Craig for his workshop on the Isle of Mull. We met at Oban, drove on to the car ferry and I was then able to follow Craig on the drive to our Hotel. I even spotted a porpoise as we entered The ferry port at Craignure. What a treat!
We arrived at our stunning hotel but not before taking some photographs of the dramatic boat wrecks at Salen and the sandpipers that flitted around the surrounding coastal rocks. Western Isle Hotel sits on a hill; a clear vantage point that overlooks Tobermory , the harbour and the isles and to say that it's a stunning view is an understatement!
We sat in the hotel, chatted and waited for the other guests that were joining our small group to arrive; two lovely ladies all the way from Australia!
We had time to settle in and explore the beautiful town of Tobermory before meeting up for our three course meal. We sat and talked about what the week was going to entail and Craig gave us some valuable information about the best times to see otters and how we should behave around them.
Our first full day out, armed with packed lunches provided by the hotel - Craig was our tour guide and chaffeur for the week and drove the group to a good location to see otters, stopping in various locations along the way, taking in the stunning scenery and occasionally stopping to admire and photograph different birds. We arrived in time for high tide, the perfect time for the otters to feed. We got ourselves settled in a good location and patiently waited. No luck this time, but sandpipers, oystercatchers, herons and even some rather noisy peacocks, kept us entertained.
Driving to a different location, we got out and Craig scouted the area for the majestic White-Tailed Eagle. Within minutes, he'd spotted one. High up in the trees overlooking the loch was the Eagle! What absolute magic to see such a fantastic animal sat in his natural environment, wild and free AND if that wasn't exciting enough, a sleepy otter was curled up on the coastline having a snooze; a bit obscured for a photoshoot, so we kept our distance so as not to disturb him.
Now this is where the rest of our time on Mull becomes a bit of a blur. We had so many magical moments that it's hard to know where to begin. Using our instructions from Craig on how to behave around otters, we managed as a group to have the most amazing experiences with several different otters. One otter was busy washing himself and never spotted us, rolling on his back and showing us his great, big, fish filled belly. Another day and another otter treated us to his amazing hunting skills in the water, diving for eels and bringing them back to the coast to eat and then as if we had been treated enough, another busy otter sat on a small rocky outcrop in the loch eating his eel and then unbelievably plodded his way across to the coast where we were sat poised with our cameras Unbelievable We were quiet and respectful of the otter and his environment and oh boy, did he treat us to a fantastic and unforgettable experience.
Hen harriers, wheatear, golden eagles, curlew, little ringed plover, deer the list goes on. We got to see so much thanks to Craig and his fantastic knowledge. He was always on hand to help with camera settings and to make sure we came away with the best images of these fantastic moments.
As a group we spent our time collectively enjoying some pure magic laughing lots and coming away with fantastic memories and photographs as well as being considerably heavier thanks to very tasty hotel meals.
This is the second trip I have done with Craig. He's so easy to get a long with, it really is like sharing the experience with a group of friends. I've enjoyed Mull so much that I've already booked to join Craig in the Shetlands.
Throughout the trip, Craig had two main concerns, one for the welfare of the animals we were photographing and two, to ensure that I accomplished and achieved images that I would be happy with throughout the trip.
Prior to the trip, I still needed to acquire a camera that was more tailored to wildlife photography and was confused by all the different options available and worried that I would be paying a lot of money for the wrong equipment as this was all new to me. Craig rang me and advised me on the best camera equipment and specifications for my budget, meaning the equipment I eventually purchased was exactly what I needed.
Despite been the only women in the group, I was made to feel welcome, safe and very much included within a friendly small group which along with Craig’s easy-going nature ensured that the whole trip from start to finish was like meeting up with old friends, with lots of laughter along the way.
Craig even went through the camera settings and functions with me, with meticulous attention to detail, but in a way that made it easy to understand. In the past, I have found photography books complex and confusing, but Craigs way of explaining things was like a breath of fresh air.
As Craig knew the area around Mull inside out, his knowledge of where and when to see the animals was invaluable. The fieldcraft on how to approach the animals undetected, allowed me to get close enough to take some good images without spooking or stressing the animal concerned, meaning we had plenty of time to play around with different shots.
White tailed eagles, otters, puffins, seals, numerous birds, boat trips and even the magnificent Fingles Cave were all on the agenda, with Craig open to suggestions, should anyone wish to photograph a particular animal that wasn’t, if time allowed.
I would highly recommend Craigs trips to anyone wanting to learn more about wildlife photography and fieldcraft or who just want to spend time with people with similar interests and a photographer who knows exactly where the best spots are for incredible wildlife photography opportunities and a vast knowledge of photography techniques to match.
In fact, I enjoyed this trip so much, I have already signed up for another trip with Craig in Buxton, this November
Many thanks, Craig, for such a stunning trip I learned a huge amount from you, especially about exposure, and it was good to have an extended opportunity to put some of the things you taught me on our one-to-one into practice. What a beautiful island! The early morning sessions photographing Avocets in such lovely light were completely magical. Thanks for all the tips and for sharing your understanding of bird behaviour and fieldcraft so generously. We couldnt have stayed at a better hotel - stylish, comfortable and with food to die for! I hope you continue to run this workshop because I already want to go back!
Great trip Craig, would recommend to anyone great sightings great photos and great tips and advice from you. And well always remember the puffin expression.
A total master at what he does fantastic trip Craig get signed up for one of Craigs trips you wont regret it we had a wonderful time. Thanks for your Patience Craig.Some great memories looking at my photos.
I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed your Magic of Mull trip. The variety of wildlife, stunning scenery and good company made for a really memorable week. Thank you so much for sharing your knowledge of the local wildlife as well as your photographic expertise. I learned so much in just those few days, and it has given me so much enthusiasm to go out and transfer the skills I learned on Mull to other projects. There was lot packed into each day, but I wouldnt have missed those early mornings for anything! Best wishes
As a relative newcomer to photography I looked long and hard before settling on the June Magic of Mull trip. Would I be out of my depth I wondered? The vast rugged landscape and fantastic wildlife may have stolen the show but equally impressive was Craigs knowledge and experience which ensured that our small party (lovely people!) all got the most out of the week. Craigs assured but relaxed approach and a few basic principles quickly had us on the path to some impressive images and a heightened respect for the rich wildlife of the island. My only regret would be that I hadnt taken the plunge earlier. Set out with an open mind and you cant fail to improve your photography, whatever your level. I cant wait to put some of the technique Ive learned into practice on future trips and adventures. Thanks again Craig. I cant believe it was over so quickly, the memories and new found confidence will certainly outlast the midge bites.
Thanks for a fantastic week Craig and for all that you taught and showed me I learned so much from you. I thoroughly enjoyed the week photographing the amazing wildlife on the island of Mull.Craig was very knowledgeable and his organisation and enthusiasm was infectious throughout the week, with his willingness to do everything possible to ensure that all the group were catered for meant we all got the maximum from the week. Everything that it promised to be and more.