Shetland Photography Workshop

Wildlife Photography Expedition to Shetland Islands

Co-led by Rachel Bigsby for Muench Workshops Experience the dramatic landscapes and abundant wildlife of the Shetland Islands during the height of the breeding season, co-led by Rachel Bigsby in collaboration with Muench Workshops. The Shetland Islands, Britain’s northernmost frontier, offer a unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and nearly endless daylight during summer’s ‘simmer dim.’ This workshop is tailored for wildlife photographers with private boat charters, expert-led instruction, and time spent in the best locations for bird photography to help you build a diverse portfolio.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Glasgow, Scotland

• Arrive in Glasgow and check in to our hotel.

• Join the group for a welcome dinner and introductory meeting to prepare for the trip.
  

Day 2: Arrival in Shetland & Sumburgh Head Sunset

• Morning flight to Sumburgh airport in Shetland.

• Check in to the hotel and enjoy dinner.

• Weather permitting, a short excursion to Sumburgh Lighthouse for your first puffin photography session.
  

Day 3: Noss National Nature Reserve

• Spend the day exploring Noss National Nature Reserve, home to accessible colonies of puffins and gannets.

• A moderate hike (2 miles each way, 100m ascent) will bring us to the best photography spots.

• Target species: puffins, gannets, guillemots, and skuas.
  

Day 4: Sunrise Gannet Diving Boat Charter and North Mainland

• Morning: Private sunrise boat charter to photograph a spectacular gannet feeding frenzy.

• Return to the hotel for a late breakfast and check out.

• Afternoon: Travel to the north mainland of Shetland, with stops to photograph divers (loons) and breeding passerines.
  

Day 5: Sunrise Gannet Diving Boat Charter and Eshaness Cliffs

• Morning: A second sunrise boat charter for gannet feeding frenzy photography.

• Afternoon: Visit the dramatic Eshaness Cliffs, ideal for long exposure landscape photography and fulmar photography.

• Stay alert for sightings of orca pods, a regular presence in the area.
  

Day 6: Hermaness National Nature Reserve

• Travel to Unst, the northernmost Shetland island, via two ferry journeys.

• Spend the day at Hermaness National Nature Reserve, one of the UK’s top locations for puffin and gannet photography.

• Expect a moderate hike of 5-6 miles.

• Target species: puffins, gannets, great skuas, and more.
  

Day 7: Flexible Shooting and Return to Sumburgh

• Use this day to revisit key locations or photograph new species as we travel back to Sumburgh for our final night.

• Target species: arctic terns, golden plover, snipe, oystercatcher, and black guillemot.
  

Day 8: Return to Glasgow

• After breakfast, fly back to Glasgow.

  
  

Booking Details

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