Hebridean Seabirds: In collaboration with Wild Discovery

Blending time aboard the MV Lucy Mary with carefully chosen land-based comfort, this immersive small-group workshop explores some of the most atmospheric seabird landscapes in the British Isles. From the Puffin-covered islands of Lunga and remote basalt cliffs to the unforgettable spectacle of Manx Shearwaters gathering at dusk, the workshop is designed around access, flexibility, and time spent truly observing. Working from a small vessel allows us to move with changing conditions and reach otherwise inaccessible colonies, while the limited group size ensures a slower, more considered photographic approach throughout.

“This workshop is designed to offer unrivalled access to Scotland’s seabirds, combining some of the most iconic species with moments that feel far more intimate and rarely witnessed. While puffins are always a much-loved highlight, there is something so special about photographing Manx shearwaters rafting quietly on glass-still water at dusk, as the light softens and the day slips into evening. Working from a small vessel allows us to reach remote islands and seabird colonies, while the small group size ensures space, flexibility, and time to truly observe behaviour rather than rush images. It’s an experience shaped as much by atmosphere and anticipation as by photography itself — as well as the sense of being immersed in one of Europe’s most important seabird landscapes.” - Rachel Bigsby

Expedition Highlights

• Seven-day small-group workshop exploring Scotland’s Inner Hebrides

• Four nights aboard the MV Lucy Mary and two nights at the Lochaline Hotel

• Access to remote seabird islands and rarely visited archipelagos

• Extended time photographing Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Shags, and Kittiwakes

• Evening encounters with the world’s largest Manx Shearwater colony

• Opportunities to photograph rafting behaviour in soft dusk light

• Full-day RIB charter around the Treshnish Isles

• Small group size (maximum 8 guests) for tailored, in-field tuition

• Creative techniques including high key, low key, and in-camera multiple exposures

• Strong emphasis on producing finished images in camera

• Additional support from a dedicated onboard naturalist guide

The Hebrides are shaped by movement. Tides pull constantly through narrow sounds, weather shifts without warning and seabirds move through the landscape in patterns that feel both chaotic and familiar. This workshop is designed to work within that rhythm, combining the flexibility of a small expedition vessel with extended time in some of Scotland’s most important seabird environments.Throughout the voyage, we move slowly through the 'Small Isles' and surrounding archipelagos, adjusting to light, sea conditions, and wildlife activity as opportunities unfold. Puffins gather along grassy slopes, Guillemots and Razorbills crowd the cliffs in dense formations, and Shags patrol the shorelines between black volcanic rock and Atlantic swell.

The Treshnish Isles provide some of the UK’s most iconic seabird encounters, but this workshop is equally shaped by quieter moments. As dusk begins to settle over the open water around Rum, thousands of Manx Shearwaters gather silently across the sea surface. In calm conditions, the water can become almost glass-like, seabirds stretching into the distance as the final light softens around them. It is one of the most atmospheric seabird experiences in Europe, and one that very few will ever experience... Working from the MV Lucy Mary allows us to position carefully and respond instinctively to conditions throughout the expedition. The small group size creates space to slow down, refine compositions, and spend longer with behaviour as it unfolds naturally.

Throughout the workshop, Rachel offers tailored, in-field tuition shaped around each participant. Guidance is grounded in real conditions from technical decisions such as exposure and autofocus, to the more nuanced process of recognising behaviour, reading light, and developing a personal visual style. You will work with Rachel’s distinctive creative techniques including high key and low key imagery, in-camera multiple exposures, and motion-based approaches such as intentional camera movement and shutter drag. Central to her teaching is a commitment to creating images in camera, refining light, composition, and timing in the field, rather than relying on post-production.

👉 Sign up at Wild Discovery: https://wild-discovery.com/tours/fully-inclusive-tours/hebridean-seabird-photography-workshop-bigsby

Outline Itinerary

Day 1 — Oban & Departure

Workshop begins in Oban as we board the MV Lucy Mary, our expedition vessel for the coming days. Sailing north through the Sound of Mull, we begin our journey toward the Small Isles.

Day 2 — The Small Isles & Manx Shearwaters

Explore the islands of Muck, Eigg, and Canna, photographing puffins, guillemots, razorbills, shags, and kittiwakes in changing coastal conditions. As evening approaches, we move offshore near Rum to witness thousands of Manx Shearwaters rafting at dusk.

Days 3–4 — Seabird Colonies of the Inner Hebrides

Flexible exploration of the Small Isles and Treshnish archipelago, allowing us to respond to weather, light, and seabird activity to maximise photographic opportunities.

Day 5 — Lochaline

Disembark the MV Lucy Mary and transfer to Lochaline. Time to photograph local wildlife, review images, and refine creative approaches from the voyage so far.

Day 6 — Treshnish Isles RIB Charter

Full-day private RIB excursion to the Treshnish Isles for close encounters with puffins, shags, guillemots, and other seabirds in one of Scotland’s most celebrated island groups.

Day 7 — Return to Oban

Transfer back to Oban for onward travel arrangements.

About Rachel

Rachel Bigsby is a wildlife photographer specialising in seabirds, known for work that balances visual impact with behavioural depth. Her images are shaped as much by observation and fieldcraft as they are by composition and light, an approach developed through years of independent study and time spent volunteering with seabirds in remote coastal environments. She is the winner of the 'Natural Artistry' category in Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Portfolio Winner of Bird Photographer of the Year. Her work has been published by organisations including National Geographic, and she is a Nikon Europe creator and RSPB ambassador. Rachel has photographed extensively across the Antarctic, subantarctic islands, the Falklands, the Arctic, and the British Isles, often working in challenging marine conditions. Alongside her photography, she lectures internationally, with talks hosted by institutions such as the Royal Geographical Society and the Natural History Museum. As an IAATO-certified expedition guide, licensed powerboat operator, and advanced first aid professional, she brings a high level of operational experience to her workshops. This ensures that participants are supported not only creatively, but practically, allowing them to focus fully on their work in the field. Her teaching combines tailored, in-field tuition with an emphasis on observation-led photography, helping participants develop a personal visual style while working with light, movement, behaviour and creative technique in a deliberate and considered way.