Workshop details
Duration
7 days
Country
Scotland
Dates
October 10 to 17, 2026
Workshop
Wildlife / Landscapes
Participants
4 to 10
This photography workshop in Scotland takes you to an island inhabited by red deer during the slabbing season, for a week’s immersion in Scottish wildlife.
The isle of Jura is a unique place where more than 6,000 red deer live. Comparatively, human population density is only 212. This North Atlantic island is a small paradise for lovers of majestic animals such as deers and golden eagles.
During this photo workshop in Scotland, you will be accompanied by two photographers, Samy Berkani and Urip Dunker. They will be your guides on the island, sharing their knowledge and experience to help you perfect your shots.
During this photo workshop in Scotland, you will be accommodated in one of the island’s traditional houses, which have all the necessary facilities (shower, toilet, etc.)
What is included
- Ferry ride to the isle of Jura
- Accommodation in a dormitory room
- 3 meals/day during the tour
- Wildlife and landscape photography workshops during your stay (in English, French and German)
- Optional online post-processing seminar after the trip
What is not included:
- Personal travel insurance
- Transport to and from Glasgow
- Accommodation in Glasgow
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Photographic equipment
- Snacks and spirits
Workshop program
13/10/2025
Day 1 :Departure to the isle of Jura
We leave Glasgow airport for the village of Kennacraig (approx. 2hrs 30mins) from where we take the ferry (approx. 2hrs) to the Isle of Jura. We disembark on the Isle of Jura and make our way to our accommodation.
10/10/2025 au 15/10/2025
Day 2-7 : Stay on the isle of Jura
This is the core of the tour! You'll be living to the rhythm of the stags' braying. Every morning we get ready to go out before daybreak to enjoy the light of the rising sun and the red deer, which are very active. There's always the chance of an encounter with an otter or a grey seal!
16/10/2025
Day 8 : Departure to Glasgow
We take the ferry again and then the road to the big city of Glasgow. We can drop you off at the airport, unless you choose to extend your stay.
The red deer
The isle of Jura in Scotland is mainly inhabited by red deer. This majestic and emblematic species lives on the island’s plains, mountains and coast, where it feeds on seaweed. A unique environment for those used to seeing red deer in the forests of Europe.
We’ll take you to photograph this majestic species during the bellowing season! At the beginning of October, the island of Jura is decked out in warm colours, the skies are often filled with dark clouds, and the sunrises and sunsets offer unique lighting, perfect for dramatic shots.
Our wildlife photographer Samy Berkani will accompany you and teach you how to blend in with your surroundings, so that you can observe and photograph the red deer without disturbing the wildlife.
The local fauna
Scotland’s Isle of Jura is famous for its red deer, king of the island. But despite this high density of deer, the local fauna remains rich in birds and mammals.
Numerous birds of prey patrol the skies above the Paps of Jura, the island’s three mountains. The two largest birds of prey are the golden eagle and the white-tailed eagle. But there are also many birds of prey. You may come across the Hen Harrier, the Common Buzzard, the European Sparrowhawk or the Peregrine Falcon.
Owls are also present on the island. The most common are the short-eared owl, the tawny owl and the barn owl.
Finally, on the coast, the grey seal and the European otter are the mammals you are most likely to encounter. Seals can be seen alone or in groups. Certain areas of the island are known to be pupping grounds. As for the European otter, each pair occupies around 5 km of coastline. They can only be seen at dawn or dusk.
The landscape
The landscape of the isle of Jura is dominated by the Paps of Jura mountains, whose highest peak is 785 m above sea level. The density of red deer prevents the island from being reforested, as they consume the buds of young trees. As a result, during this photo course, we’ll be crossing mainly meadows, peat bogs, coastal areas (rocks) and a few small forests.
Those with a passion for landscape photography will be able to take advantage of an exceptional setting to capture images and improve their skills. The island’s dramatic scenery, lakes, mountains and cloud-laden skies are the perfect ingredients for a photography course.
Photographer Urip Dunker will be leading the landscape photography workshops. He will share with you his experience and the knowledge he has acquired in Europe and Latin America.
The territory
Jura is a Scottish island located in the south-west of the country, in the inland hybrids. It was successively occupied by Celts and Vikings before becoming part of Great Britain. Geographically, the island is closer to Northern Ireland than to Glasgow.
Jura’s population has been declining for two centuries, falling from over 1,300 in 1830 to around 200 today. Only a few houses and a hotel remain on the island. But the most important building is the distillery where the famous Jura single malt whisky is made. The island is a paradise for anyone who enjoys tranquillity and seclusion.
To the south-west of Jura is the isle of Islay, which is also known for its large red deer population. The two islands are linked by daily ferries. The crossing takes just 10 minutes.
In October, the climate on the Isle of Jura is mild. Temperatures are generally between 10° and 14° and rainfall, as on the whole of Europe’s west coast, is variable and unpredictable. Hence why we’re always armed with our rain gear to cope with any situation!
The red deer photography workshop in Scotland
This trip to Scotland is a photo workshop dedicated to the red deer, Scottish wildlife and the landscapes of the North Atlantic. Nature photographers Samy Berkani and Urip Dunker will accompany you on this adventure. The aim is to enable you to improve your photography skills and learn the approach techniques in wildlife photography.
This photography workshop in Scotland is open to all levels. Whether you’re a beginner, intermediate or advanced photographer, we’ll create the space you need to feel at home and fully enjoy the experience.
During this 8-day photography course, we’ll form working groups according to your individual interests. The limited number of participants (a maximum of 10 per stay) gives our guides the opportunity to accompany each person and enjoy a peaceful immersion in Scottish nature every day.
Lastly, for those interested, we offer a free post-production course to help you develop your photos of deer in Scotland after the workshop.