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⭐ Scottish Shores Photo Workshop Highlights – Winter 2025/6

Feb 5
3 min read

Updated: 3 days ago


Winter on the East Lothian coast is one of my favourite wildlife photography experiences.


This winter I ran four Scottish Shores wildlife photography workshops. I've been running this event since 2012, back when I was studying in Edinburgh. Fourteen years later, I still love coming back to these beaches each winter and introducing keen photographers to their special beauty.


A Great Introduction To Bird Photography


For shorebird photography workshops, I think you'd be hard pushed to find a better spot in the UK. The East Lothian coastline offers some truly atmospheric opportunities to get very close to a remarkable variety of shorebirds. With the incoming tide bringing birds towards us, sensational winter light and the dramatic backdrop of Bass Rock, there's plenty to work with.


It's a great introduction to general wildlife photography too. Beginners can get to grips with composition, exposure and camera technique, while more experienced photographers can concentrate on creating something a little different.


And despite what you might expect from a Scottish winter, the weather has been kind. In 14 years of running this intimate small-group photo workshop, we've only had rain once! Here are a few favourites from this winter's sessions, and a glimpse of what the day has to offer.


Fancy joining me on the East Lothian coast? → Find out more about my Scottish Shores Wildlife Photography Workshop

We begin as the sun comes up, timing our arrival with the incoming tide. As the light creeps across the sand, redshanks and plentiful other shorebirds get pushed towards us - creating beautiful opportunities for silhouettes, backlighting and atmospheric portraits.
We begin as the sun comes up, timing our arrival with the incoming tide. As the light creeps across the sand, redshanks and plentiful other shorebirds get pushed towards us - creating beautiful opportunities for silhouettes, backlighting and atmospheric portraits.
Redshanks are very approachable here, allowing us to work with short zoom lenses (100-300mm) and concentrate on feather detail, soft backgrounds and intimate portraits.
Redshanks are very approachable here, allowing us to work with short zoom lenses (100-300mm) and concentrate on feather detail, soft backgrounds and intimate portraits.
"I heartily recommend Paul's workshops. He's a fantastic instructor, always willing to provide tips, and the workshops are smal enough that you get lots of 1-on-1 attention. He always makes sure you practise the photography you prefer while introducing you to cool new techniques. I've had a brilliant time on each one, and am already booked for the next workshop" - Alicia
I always encourage guests on my wildlife photography tours to step back from the close-ups. Including the beach, sea and town can transform a wildlife photograph into something artful that feels much more connected to its surroundings.
I always encourage guests on my wildlife photography tours to step back from the close-ups. Including the beach, sea and town can transform a wildlife photograph into something artful that feels much more connected to its surroundings.
Rock pipits are a constant presence along the rocky shoreline. With other waders gathering behind them, they make wonderfully characterful subjects for experimenting with layered compositions and mixed-bird photo portraits.
Rock pipits are a constant presence along the rocky shoreline. With other waders gathering behind them, they make wonderfully characterful subjects for experimenting with layered compositions and mixed-bird photo portraits.
Among the seaweed-covered rocks, purple sandpipers often settle to rest. Their subtle colours work beautifully against the darker shoreline, particularly when photographed from a low angle.
Among the seaweed-covered rocks, purple sandpipers often settle to rest. Their subtle colours work beautifully against the darker shoreline, particularly when photographed from a low angle.
With a variety of portrait shots in the bag, we turn our attention to flight photography. Larger birds such as herons and curlews are a good place to start, while smaller sanderlings demand anticipation, timing and a little luck.
With a variety of portrait shots in the bag, we turn our attention to flight photography. Larger birds such as herons and curlews are a good place to start, while smaller sanderlings demand anticipation, timing and a little luck.
Looking into improve your bird photography in the UK? → Explore my bird-focussed Scottish photography tours

After lunch, we headed to Aberlady Bay, with its dunes, cliffs and tidal mudflats. Grey Herons and Little Egrets often stand quietly around the rockpools, waiting for fish and crabs. Their stillness and the darker surroundings make beautiful subjects for more atmospheric images.
After lunch, we headed to Aberlady Bay, with its dunes, cliffs and tidal mudflats. Grey Herons and Little Egrets often stand quietly around the rockpools, waiting for fish and crabs. Their stillness and the darker surroundings make beautiful subjects for more atmospheric images.
"Almost all of my favourite images I've ever taken have been on Paul's Scottish Shores workshop - a testament to his expertise and helpful guiding. Thank you" - Kerri
Our final target was one of the great spectacles of the East Lothian winter. At sunset, around 20,000 Pink-Footed Geese return to roost on the lagoons. Knowing where and when they are likely to appear gives us the chance to work on timing, exposure and flight photography as they descend.
Our final target was one of the great spectacles of the East Lothian winter. At sunset, around 20,000 Pink-Footed Geese return to roost on the lagoons. Knowing where and when they are likely to appear gives us the chance to work on timing, exposure and flight photography as they descend.
Even after the geese have settled, there's time to look for something different. Low winter sunlight creates intricate patterns of light and shadow across the bay, with Edinburgh's skyline visible in the distance.
Even after the geese have settled, there's time to look for something different. Low winter sunlight creates intricate patterns of light and shadow across the bay, with Edinburgh's skyline visible in the distance.

A Winter Day On The Scottish Coast


There are few winter wildlife photography experiences I enjoy more than a day on the East Lothian coast.


The combination of approachable shorebirds, quietly dramatic landscapes and reliably breathtaking winter light gives us plenty of opportunities to work creatively, whether you're picking up a camera for the first time or looking for something beyond the classic wildlife portraits.


And because it's a full day small-group photography workshop, there's time to slow down, experiment, review images, enjoy a nice hearty lunch, and try again in pursuit of stronger images.


Thank you to everyone who joined me for this winter's Scottish Shores workshops. It was wonderful as always to share another season on this remarkable coastline.


Paul Alistair Collins

Ready to photograph Scotland's wildlife for yourself? → Discover Scottish Shores Wildlife Photography workshops

Species Highlights: Curlew, Redshank, Purple Sandpiper, Sanderling, Grey Plover, Rock Pipit, Pink-Footed Goose, Oystercatcher, Grey Heron, Short-Eared Owl, Fieldfare, Little Egret.

 
 
 

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