Forest Hide Photography Workshop
Red Squirrel Photography in Perthshire, Scotland
Red squirrels are amazingly charismatic little animals and makes for a perfect wildlife photography experience. They change through the season as does the habitat surrounding them which means there are so many opportunities for distinct images.
Red Squirrel in winter
Red Squirrel in summer
Forest Hide
The forest hide is in my local woodland near Dunkeld in Perthshire Scotland. The hide is a Tragopan Monal Hide which comfortably seats two people. I use a combination of the Monal, V6 and Grouse V+ Tragopan hides when I have more visitors.
The forest hide is located in an old birch and oak forest and I’ve tried to keep a very natural setting best suited for photography.
Monal Forest Hide
Forest Hide View
What to Expect
I like to start the workshops as close to dawn as possible as it increases the chances of more activity at the hide. There are parking spaces by my house in Butterstone which is about a 10 minute drive from Dunkeld, Perthshire. I will meet you at the parking lot and from here we walk through the woodland to the forest hide which takes about 5-10 minutes.
Outside of the drier summer months the woodland can get waterlogged and I would recommend either a good pair of walking boots or some wellies. I like my muckboots for this as they also keep me warm when it gets a bit colder. We’ll be sitting still in the hide for about 4 hours so bring clothes to keep you warm during the colder months including gloves and hat.
We can take breaks and leave the hide to stretch, warm up or use the natural bathroom at any time. The hide is mostly to hide our movements and for some of the more sensitive species such as jays and deer.
Bring a tripod to keep you camera and lens steady at the shooting window, if you don’t have a tripod, let me know and I can bring a spare.
Red Squirrel in Winter
Species
Alongside the red squirrels many other species tends to visit the forest hide. Coal tit, blue tit and great tit are regular visitors to the hide, occasionally I’ve had 4 jays visiting the feeders at the same time. The great spotted woodpecker sometimes makes an appearance, not just on the feeders, but also feeding naturally on the old dead tree trunks that are near the hide. Chaffinch, nuthatch, wren and pheasant are also regular visitors that helps themselves to free food.
Lookout for treecreepers that will feed naturally on the trunks all over the woodland.
Roe deer and fallow deer use the forest regularly, and if we’re lucky and keep an eye out we may get some close encounters. Brown hare use the forest to rest in during the day and I often flush one from its hiding spot when making my way to the hide.
Roe deer wandering in the forest
Great spotted woodpecker feeding naturally - taken from the hide
Testimonials
“Thanks Espen for making this a thoroughly relaxing day and for helping me make a start with wildlife photography with your excellent coaching and knowledge.”
Andrew, May 2022
"I had the pleasure of attending the Black Grouse Lek workshop (April 22) with Espen. The organisation, communication and the planning of the workshop was brilliant prior to attending. It was relaxed, easy going and very informative pre workshop when we were walking to the site. The use of the hides and location was fantastic. We had a clear morning and the light was fantastic. With over 3hrs of the lek I was more than happy with my results. I cannot recommend enough"
Thank you very much for the Black Grouse Lek experience. I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience of walking in in the dark and then hearing the Grouse arriving and calling just as the sun was rising. The Grouse put on a good show and I thoroughly enjoyed watching and photographing their antics from the hide. I look forward to booking next year.
Best Wishes
K Daly.
What You’ll Need
Camera
Telephoto lens, ideally a minimum of 300mm (we can move the hide to best suit your focal length)
Tripod
Fully charged batteries (+ spares)
Spare memory card
Hiking boots or wellies
Warm clothing if it’s cold
Water, hot drinks and any snacks to keep you going
Price
£135 (1 Person)
£200 (2 People)
Level of Experience
This is a perfect place to learn more about wildlife photography. Getting your settings right and working on composition. I will be there for the entire duration to help out and you can ask any questions.
FAQs
What’s included?
Use of the Forest Hide and chair to photograph some iconic species
Photography guidance and recommendations for settings and composition
What’s not included?
Transport to and from the meeting place
Accommodation
Insurance
Camera gear
Tripod (I can lend you one if needed)
Drink, food and snacks
How long is a morning session?
A morning session tends to start at dawn we’ll spend about 4 hours in the hide
What if the squirrels don’t show up?
Though the red squirrels regularly come to feed by the hide, there are no guarantees with wildlife. If the squirrels happen to not show we will focus on the birdlife in the forest.
What if the conditions aren’t right?
As with all outdoor and wildlife photography, sometimes the light or the weather conditions just don’t go as you want them to. We will talk about how to make the most of the light whatever the conditions, and how to look for composition opportunities and ideas to work with what you have.
What if I need the bathroom?
During the session you can leave the hide to use the natural facilities in the forest. Best to use proper facilities before the workshop, there are places to stop on your drive here.
How do I book?
To book your place, you can purchase a session through the booking page and email me to agree a specific date that suits us both: info@espenhelland.com
Red squirrel in winter with ear tufts