Our journey begins in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, where we’ll meet at our accommodation overlooking the beautiful Loch Alvie. For those travelling from further afield, collection from Inverness can also be arranged.

After settling in and meeting the group, we’ll spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding landscapes directly from the lodge. Ancient pine forest, riverine woodland, flood meadows and the wide gravel beds of the River Feshie provide a wonderful introduction to the rich and varied habitats of the Highlands.

The first photographic opportunities are often found close to home, with crested tits, woodpeckers and other woodland birds regularly moving through the lichen-covered Caledonian pines — offering a perfect opportunity to ease into the rhythm of the week and begin photographing within this extraordinary landscape.

Accommodation: The Rowan Tree, 7 nights

Following breakfast, we journey deeper into the Cairngorms in search of one of the Highlands’ most iconic species the mountain hare. Surrounded by sweeping moorland and open mountain scenery, today offers the opportunity to photograph these remarkable animals within their natural environment.

Reaching our chosen area involves a gentle walk into the landscape, where mountain hares can often be found surprisingly close to lower ground. During the colder months, many wear their beautiful pale winter coats, blending effortlessly into the muted tones of the Highlands.

We’ll spend the day working carefully and patiently on the hillside, allowing plenty of time to observe behaviour, respond to changing light and create thoughtful, atmospheric images. Throughout the day, Kevin will provide guidance on fieldcraft, composition, storytelling and working creatively within wild conditions.

After dinner, there will be time to review images together, discuss editing techniques and reflect on the day’s experiences, with further guidance available throughout the evening.

Over the next couple of days, we’ll spend time within the ancient Caledonian pine forests photographing two of the Highlands’ most charismatic woodland species. Our mornings are focused on red squirrels, working from a beautifully positioned hide nestled deep within the forest, where these energetic and endlessly photogenic animals are regular visitors.

As the light changes through the day, we’ll move into nearby pinewoods in search of crested tits one of Scotland’s most sought-after woodland birds. Photographing them without hides allows us to work freely and creatively within the forest, responding to natural light, behaviour and atmosphere as opportunities unfold.

Surrounded by twisted Scots pines, lichen-covered branches and rich green woodland textures, this remarkable habitat offers endless opportunities to create more intimate and atmospheric wildlife images while experiencing the quiet beauty of the Cairngorms forest itself.

This morning, we head into the Highlands in search of snow buntings, one of Britain’s most beautiful winter visitors. During the colder months, these charismatic birds can often be found at lower elevations, offering excellent opportunities to photograph them within the open landscapes of the Cairngorms.

Later in the day, we turn our attention to red deer within a beautiful Highland estate where the surrounding woodland and mountain backdrop create a wonderfully atmospheric setting for photography. As the deer descend from the hillsides, we’ll spend time working with behaviour, light and composition to create images that feel both intimate and connected to the landscape around them.

Both locations offer a very different experience of the Highlands and provide excellent opportunities to continue refining your wildlife photography while immersed within some of Scotland’s most iconic scenery.

Over the final couple of days, the itinerary remains flexible, allowing us to respond to the weather, light and photographic opportunities unfolding across the Cairngorms. This approach gives us the best chance to create meaningful and atmospheric wildlife images while experiencing the Highlands at their most dynamic.

If conditions are favourable, we may head into the Northern Corries in search of ptarmigan, often beautifully camouflaged within the mountain landscape during the winter months. Alternatively, we may revisit mountain hare locations, spend more time photographing red deer or explore new areas of the National Park in search of further wildlife opportunities.

For those preferring a slower pace, there is also the option to remain close to the lodge and photograph the wildlife and woodland surrounding the accommodation. With ancient pine forest, birdlife and constantly changing light right on the doorstep, excellent photographic opportunities are never far away.

After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to the Cairngorms and begin the journey home. For those requiring transport back to Inverness, transfers can be arranged, while others are free to depart at their own pace.

By the end of the week, you’ll leave not only with a collection of wildlife images, but also with a deeper connection to the landscapes, atmosphere and wild spirit of the Scottish Highlands.