About Scottish Wildlife Photographer Michael Cook
I am here to deliver fantastic workshops and guiding experiences
Hi, my name is Michael Cook and I am an experienced Scottish wildlife photographer and guide based in Scotland. I offer wildlife photography workshops Scotland-based and to a high standard. I also offer Scottish wildlife guiding with tailored itineraries to your needs. My wildlife photography workshops Scotland are designed to cater to all skill levels.
A huge range of wildlife experience
I have been photographing wildlife around the world for the past 25 years. During this time, I have captured images from Scotland’s wild coasts to its snow-capped mountains. And, I have explored some of the most extraordinary habitats on Earth. Over the decades, I’ve traveled extensively visiting over seventy countries across six continents. One highlight was an independent eight-month wildlife journey through Latin America. During this journey, I saw over 1,500 species of birds leaving me 28th in the world on eBird.
But as a Scottish Wildlife Photographer, Scotland is my home, and it’s where my deepest understanding of wildlife and landscape has developed.
Skilled and safe in the outdoors
These wild places are not just photographic backdrops for me. They are living and changing environments. They support a rich diversity of wildlife. I’ve spent decades exploring them on foot. I have climbed all 282 Munros (Scotland’s highest mountains). This has given me a detailed appreciation of both the terrain and the species that inhabit it.
Additionally, I hold the Mountain Leader qualification and also served for several years in my local Mountain Rescue team. You can feel confident in my photographic guidance. But you can also trust in the safety and judgment behind every day in the field.
Professional wildlife photographer
Join me and other Scottish wildlife photographers for incredible wildlife photography workshops Scotland, where you can enhance your skills and capture stunning images of Scotland’s diverse wildlife.
My photography has been recognised in various competitions at national, and international levels. This includes reaching the final round of the British Wildlife Photography Awards with the above image of two Badgers. My images have also been published by organisations like the BBC.
For those interested, my wildlife photography workshops Scotland offer an opportunity to immerse yourself in nature while honing your skills.
Recognition is not the goal for me. It’s simply a by-product of spending time in the field, working carefully and doing things properly.
Nature First
In all my work, I am committed to strong wildlife ethics in everything I do. As a Scottish wildlife photographer, I am proud to be a member of Nature First. This means I have committed to seven key principles of wildlife ethics:
- Prioritise the well-being of nature over photography.
- Educate yourself about the places you photograph.
- Reflect on the possible impact of your actions.
- Use discretion if sharing locations.
- Know and follow rules and regulations.
- Always follow Leave No Trace principles and strive to leave places better than you found them.
- Actively promote and educate others about these principles.
Prior Career
Before moving into Scottish wildlife photography full-time, I had a varied and rewarding career across financial services and the charitable sector.
In my 20s and 30s, I worked in financial services. My first job was with PwC, where I qualified as a Chartered Accountant and lead a team of ethical hackers. I later joined Prudential, working in Internal Audit and Change Management.
Seeking more purpose and meaning, I transitioned into the charitable sector. I served as Centre Director of a large outdoor residential centre, working mainly with children and young people. Then I went on to spend over seven years as Chief Executive Officer of a national environmental charity. I still hold some environmental roles for example as Chair of my local SOC (Scotland’s birding charity) branch.
Throughout this time, my connection to the outdoors continued to grow. That passion ultimately led me to make the move to become a full-time Scottish wildlife photographer in early 2026.
Recent Reviews
Why choose me?
You’re not just looking to capture a better photograph. You want to become a better photographer.
And more than that, you hope to genuinely experience Scotland’s wildlife and connect with the natural world.
Not just ticking species off a list but creating moments and images that will last a lifetime.
As a Scottish wildlife photographer, my wildlife photography workshops Scotland are here to help you.
Just starting out in wildlife photography?
- You don’t need someone to simply set up your camera and tell you where to point it. You need to understand why
- This builds confidence and develops your photography skills
- And you need to start learning the fieldcraft that leads to a lifetime of wildlife encounters
A more experienced wildlife photographer looking to photograph iconic Scottish species?
- You’re not here to chase an image at any cost
- But you are looking for a more thoughtful approach to wildlife photography workshops in Scotland
- You want to work with an ethical guide who can help you experience Scotland’s wildlife naturally
- They should support you in creating a stronger, more meaningful portfolio
- And help you by continuing to grow in your skills
Planning a trip to Scotland to experience its wildlife?
- For your holiday you are looking for more than the standard tourist route
- You want to experience the richness of Scotland’s wildlife
- So you need a wildlife guide who can shape an itinerary around your interests
- This includes combining iconic locations with time spent away from the crowds
- By choosing an experienced photographer as your guide you can also take away some fantastic images to remember your trip
If this sounds like you, then you’re in the right place. Because this is exactly what WildScot Photography is here to deliver through my wildlife photography workshops Scotland.
Wildlife photography workshops Scotland
With my workshops, my focus is always on three things:
the photos, your progression and the natural encounter
My first priority is ensuring you get a range of high quality images from our time together. Second, I will help you progress as a photographer by developing both your technical skills and fieldcraft abilities. Lastly, I seek to create opportunities for an authentic and memorable encounter with nature. It is my strong belief, based on decades in the field, that each of these elements supports the others.
My approach centres on strong wildlife ethics. I have respect for natural behaviour. I am committed to slowing down and experiencing wildlife on its own terms.
Alongside that, I focus on helping you grow as a photographer. This involves building confidence with your camera and improving your fieldcraft. It also includes learning how to see and compose stronger, more intentional images that capture the essence of meaningful encounters.
Every WildScot wildlife photography workshop in Scotland is built around the same key goals to help you:
- get better photographs
- become a more capable photographer.
- gain a deeper understanding of and connection to Scotland’s wildlife.
Wildlife guiding with bespoke itineraries
And WildScot wildlife guiding services are similar, these experiences are designed to:
- not just to guide you through Scotland’s wild places but help you connect with them meaningfully.
- help you slow down, read the landscape, and create space for genuine wildlife encounters in natural conditions.
My goal is simple: I want you to leave with great photos but also with lifelong memories.
If this is what you are looking for please get in touch.