England: Spectacular Squirrel Photo Workshop
Product Manager Ian Loyd describes our new photography workshop dedicated to celebrating the photogenic red squirrel. From our base in the Yorkshire Dales, this workshop led by multi-award-winning photographer Kevin Morgans is the perfect trip for a squirrel photography bonanza.
One of our most iconic mammals, with its twitching ear tufts, bushy tail and beautiful colouration, it's no wonder the red squirrel is among the most cherished of British species to watch and photograph. Once widespread across the country, for most, just catching a glimpse of a red squirrel is now a rare event that's only possible in a small number of locations outside of the Scottish Highlands.
Image by Dani Free
Although there are several locations where red squirrels can be seen, photographing them remains challenging. The use of specialist hides, designed with photography in mind, creates unrivalled photographic potential and offers the best chance of capturing this charismatic species on camera.
Image by Dani Free
For our new specialist red squirrel photography workshop, we've teamed up with a local Yorkshire-based photographer, Kevin Morgans, to offer the most outstanding red squirrel photography experience imaginable. Our base is a charming country hotel on the northern edge of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Known for its distinctive and atmospheric landscapes, the park’s woodlands are a refuge for many nationally rare species, including an important population of red squirrel.
Image by Dani Free
Over the course of our workshop, we have exclusive access to various hides, including a reflection pool hide, and woodland hides which feature a unique jumping platform - an unsurpassed photographic highlight! Here squirrels can be photographed frozen in time, in the midst of athletic mid-air leaps.
Image by Dani Free
The reflection pool hide offers a fantastic opportunity to see and photograph the squirrels while they're feeding, drinking and even playing in the water. In still conditions, you can obtain perfect reflection images against a clean woodland floor backdrop.
Image by Nick Garbutt
The woodland hide has been purposely designed to enable comfortable photography, with windows offering views of perches on three sides. At the front of the hide, there are dual-height windows which allow for shots of squirrels on the trees, on the taller or lower perches or ground-level shots.
Image by Dani Free
We've timed our workshop to provide soft morning light and the warm colours of early autumn. This rich palate serves as a stunning backdrop when a squirrel pauses to eat a nut, or takes that first sip from the mirror-perfect reflection pool.
Image by Dani Free
For the ultimate pictures, we can switch our focus to capturing the agility of the squirrels at the dedicated jumping platform. Red squirrels are capable of leaping distances of more than two metres - an impressive feat for an animal that's only 25 centimetres high, and a thrill to observe. Photographing this behaviour is even more special and rewarding. It takes patience and practice to capture this exciting moment, but with luck, the image will stay with you forever.
Image by Julie Wright
Red squirrels are wonderful animals to spend time with. At this quiet woodland site, there are usually several around at any given time, giving us near-constant activity.
Image by Dani Free
Throughout our workshop, we're guided by expert photographer Kevin Morgans. Kevin’s love for Britain’s star species, and his passion for gentle and enjoyable teaching, will help you to build a fantastic portfolio of squirrel images. No matter how much experience you have in photography, you're sure to come away feeling inspired by new photographic techniques and with a stunning collection of images to treasure.
Image by Julie Wright
If you're interested in our Spectacular Squirrel Photo Workshop Holiday, our friendly team are available to help - contact them today.
