I've heard it said that travel broadens the mind… now travel and wildlife that’s a thing.
One - to - One
Possibly/Probably
the best way to learn.
Oh!… this has potential…
Wildlife photography might seem straightforward when you see experts on TV, but in reality, learning to capture wildlife is a journey that takes patience and persistence.
Those TV pros likely have years of experience behind them, and they probably started just where you are now—seeking guidance and taking the first steps.
Today, many animals are quite accustomed to humans, and some may even ignore your presence.
Have you ever seen a lion or an elephant run away? Most likely not. But you might have seen a deer, squirrel, or bird dart away — that’s wildlife in action. Welcome to Scottish Wildlife—full of surprises and stories just waiting to be captured.
Every adventure begins with the first step. With guidance, patience, and a love for nature, you’ll learn how to position yourself, anticipate animal behaviour, and unlock the secrets of wildlife photography.
The wild world is inviting you to discover it—one shot at a time.
For those who prefer a more intimate and personalised learning experience, I offer one-day, one-to-one private photography lessons, carefully tailored to your individual needs.
Although I specialise in offering one-to-one tuition days within the stunning landscapes of Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park. I am happy to travel to locations within a 25-mile radius of Aberfoyle at no extra charge, ensuring you get a personalised and flexible learning experience amidst some of Scotland’s most beautiful scenery.
Duration
My personalised one-to-one photography tuition sessions offer 8 hours of dedicated, hands-on training tailored entirely to your needs.
Please feel free to contact me to organise a convenient date for your session or to discuss your specific learning goals in more detail.
I aim to be as flexible as possible with my schedule, primarily offering these intensive tuition days during mid-week. However, I am also happy to arrange sessions over weekends when I am not scheduled for group workshops, to best suit your availability.
Benefits of a One-to-One Photography Tuition Day
A one-to-one tuition day offers unparalleled flexibility, personalised specifically to meet your individual needs and objectives.
We will arrange a date that suits both of us, ensuring you have ample time to cover all the topics you're passionate about and receive personalised guidance every step of the way.
Are you eager to master the art of photographic composition and develop a strong artistic eye?
Do you want to move beyond auto mode and take full control with manual settings, gaining confidence in your camera?
Throughout our eight-hour private lesson, I can provide expert instruction on these topics below and many more. Whether it’s understanding light, exploring different genres of photography, or improving your post-processing skills, I’ll tailor the experience to your interests and skill level.
This is your ideal opportunity to develop your own photographic voice and style, boost your confidence behind the camera, and unlock new creative potential — all in a relaxed, supportive environment designed to inspire and empower you.
I believe the best place to learn initially is in a hide. Locally with have 3 hides, unfortunately 2 have fees to access, however they are brilliant and in my opinion worth every penny but the choice is yours. The FREE hide has Red Squirrels, lots of birds and occasionally Pine Marten, Badgers and even Fox
Flexibility…
Alongside individual tuition, we can discuss partners or a companion joining the session, making it a wonderful shared learning experience.
Looking ahead to 2025/26, my schedule remains deliberately flexible. I’m available to organise several consecutive days of tuition if desired, and non-consecutive multi-day bookings can also be arranged to suit your plans. My goal is to offer maximum flexibility so you can make the most of your photographic journey.
PRICE
One Person
£225.00
(excludes fees for hides)
upto 8 hrs on Location
(or as long as light permits)
In Summary…
Wildlife photography offers a fascinating glimpse into the natural world, full of surprises, beauty, and stories waiting to be told. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to build confidence in capturing animals in their habitat, this workshop is designed to ignite your passion and develop your skills.
We’ll explore the fundamental techniques for photographing wildlife, from understanding animal behaviour to choosing the right settings. Along the way, we’ll also delve into a variety of genres within wildlife photography:
Birds in Flight—freezing the dynamic movement of birds soaring through the sky.
Close-up & Portraits—capturing the personality and intricate details of individual animals.
Habitat & Landscape—plein airs (French for Open air and natural light) environments that tell the story of where wildlife lives.
Night & Dawn Scenes—using low-light conditions and natural darkness to create atmospheric images.
In-the-Wild Action Shots—following animals in motion and capturing their energy and vitality.
While covering these exciting areas, we’ll focus on what’s most relevant to beginners. You’ll learn practical skills to get started confidently, knowing that each shot brings you closer to capturing the wonder of nature. You don’t need to be an expert in all genres—this is about building your confidence and curiosity, with plenty of room for exploration.
You Will Experience…
Understanding camera set-up and optimal settings for wildlife, including shutter speed, ISO, and autofocus modes
Getting comfortable with lens choices, such as telephotos and macro lenses, to bring subjects closer
Techniques for composing compelling wildlife images that tell a story
How to predict animal behaviour and use this knowledge for better shots
Practical tips on approach and patience, respecting animals and their environment
Using apps and tools to track animal movements, plan your outings, and find ideal locations
Basic post-processing tips to enhance your images without losing their natural authenticity
This workshop aims to give you the skills and confidence to eagerly venture into wildlife photography, fostering a deeper connection with nature and giving you the tools to create memorable images—whether you’re on a simple walk or a dedicated safari.
Contact me
philcrowder@mac.com
+44 (0) 7428 658874
Aberfoyle
The Trossachs, Scotland.