Landscape and Wildlife Photography in the Cairngorms

We travel to the Cairngorms in Scotland for an adventure in some stunning wintery snow conditions to capture some wildlife and landscape photography.
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See how a real nature photographer does things - / lyle_mccalmont
Last week I missed uploading a video for the first time in two and half years and it’s good to be back. I head up to Scotland to visit the Cairngorms with my very good friend Lyle McCalmont, to capture some landscape photography and wildlife photography. Lyle is an expert wildlife photographer and is my sole inspiration to go out and capture our animal friends. In this video he takes me deep into the Cairngorm woods to photograph the Crestie, known locally as the ‘Crestie’. A small and interesting bird that moves incredibly quickly and is pretty shy compared to the other locals.
See Lyles KZbin channel here - / mrlylos
The day did not go exactly according to plan. Every time I travel to Scotland I am overwhelmed by the scale of the place. I am often associated with the Lake District, it is truly an incredible place and dear to my heart but Scotland takes things to a whole other level. The mountains are taller and the lochs are bigger than the lakes, but the highlands are so very huge and isolated in a way that will humble any person. The scale of the place is so very impressive but it makes it difficult to capture your best landscape photography. When you do not know a place, photographing it is a real challenge. Travelling to a new location and trying to find a good composition can be frustrating when you know something amazing could be round the next corner but you just can’t see it.
I did my best to overcome this and find some nice shots. I succeeded in one sense but failed in another when I could not make a picture out of the incredible trees that were on offer. It was very good fun capturing some wildlife photography though. I am not always a big fan but I do enjoy the challenge of a bit of bird capture. The crestie turned out to be very shy but I still managed to grab a couple of decent snaps of the bird that only shows itself in the Cairngorms.
The snowy and wintery landscape provided some superb opportunities for some top draw drone footage that was immensely enjoyable. The frozen water of Loch Morlich was also an incredible sight to witness. I feel incredibly privileged and it will be something I never forget.
My video photography blogs are designed to entertain and document how I go about capturing my work. If it provides landscape photography tips and inspiration along the way then please share it with your friends so more people can benefit from the content. If you enjoyed this photography vlog I would really appreciate it if you subscribed to the channel so you can come along for the journey.

[@X_explorer]

Great video! I love observing nature, explore and decompress...

[@roytarbox7733]

Great Photography love the wildlife shots awesome

[@X_explorer]

Great clip!

[@Andrew_marr]

What a stunning video Adam, the Scotland landscape provides such gorgeous scenes and your videography captured it all beautifully. I enjoyed hearing your thought process while shooting the birds and understanding the challenges that this kind of photography presents. The snow looks amazing and it was a wonderful pano you captured at the end. Looks like you and Lyle had a great trip, wish I could have joined you and had a break from our heat!

[@Dan-kb2oz]

Realise this is an old video but I'm going back up to Scotland soon (First time with a decent camera) and I instantly recognised that loch as we came across it by chance about 3 years ago on a beautiful sunny day. Didn't know the name of it and will have to go back this time as it should be wintery. Cheers Adam, noticed there hasn't been a PhotoNerds for a couple of months too and Paul hasn't posted in a couple more. Hope all's well with you all and you continue with it!

[@lorrainewhite8215]

Appreciated how you shared your thought process when searching for a good shot

[@ccoggins451]

Great video, I would love to travel to Scotland. Beautiful country

[@mondujar279]

Brilliant video Adam. Love it

[@WayneRobertsonPhotography]

Loved the video Adam and your panorama of Loch Morlich. The drone footage was great, gave me a different view of an area I've been to a lot.

[@lindadavison1418]

Super video Adam, beautiful scenery

[@taylorstewart5397]

As always another great video Adam, loving the wildlife photography.

[@mikedeakin6842]

Great shots of the birds Adam love the simplicity.

[@somersalt]

Great job Adam. Some of your best drone footage yet. It really does add so much to your story. I look forward to your next video.

[@henrybrening]

Great video Adam! Really enjoyed another awesome video!

[@chriseastty2874]

Been a couple of weeks glad to see u back

[@rishisarangi]

wow!! u r killing it with ur drone shots

[@BrentHall]

Great video Adam, and beautiful B-Roll footage!

[@garyclaytonphotography5708]

Adam so true. Woodland shots so hard to compose and yet everything around you looks like a great image. Great location. And yes we all missed you last week.

[@kylasmay5691]

I enjoyed seeing the combination of landscape and bird photography. You got some great shots!

[@markboweringphotography4408]

Great drone shots. The wildlife images are great.

[@hkdd6716]

Very Pro!! Love it.

[@nzlenz1164]

Cool video. Thanks for producing and sharing. Really enjoyed how you shared different thought processes with framing landscape and capturing wildlife.

[@travelwell8098]

Hi Adam I don't know if I've ever commented before... but I have been watching your videos for the better part of a year now. Your videos and your photography are always a treat for me. I always look forward the next video. I enjoy your videos like I enjoy a movie... I don't watch them in haste. I wait until I have some down time at home and then I watch your videos when things are peaceful and calm. Thank you for what you do! You never fail to make my day better. Your work is beautiful and I love your demeanor. You're positive and your love for your craft shines through! I find that inspiring. I spent a little time in the Cairngorms a few years ago, but since I was traveling internationally, I didn't get to carry much equipment. I could easily have spent a week there! It was summer, so it was warm. The hiking was gorgeous. It was a pleasant surprise that you were there for this video... it made me feel a little connected to you and your work! Thanks again and keep up the great work! You are a delight to watch! Be well! P.S. Your patience paid off... the photos of the cresties were spot on! Beautiful!

[@Firstmanphotography]

What an amazing message. Thank you. It means everything to me receiving comments like this and makes all the effort worthwhile. I am honoured that you choose to spend your time watching my videos and am really pleased you enjoy them.

[@TandemzoneSkydiving]

Visually I'd say that is the best vlog of yours that I've seen, absolutely beautiful

[@scotty4418]

Adam, certainly missed your vlog last week, so great to see your release this week. Your images of the birds were fantastic and again demonstrates the skill you have as a photographer. Loved the final pano image too and overall I'd say you looked liked you had a good day all in

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Wow what a place. I want to get there in snow love it. You video processing is fantastic

[@theexploringphotographer]

Stunning, love the intro!

[@mikebavington5853]

Enjoyed that. Thanks.

[@RafaVera_gisrave]

Stunning video Adam! How lucky to be able to enjoy such wonderful landscapes, in Scotland.

[@Rallybear]

Great vlog. Love the bird pictures 😀

[@geographerix7104]

Makes me wanna travel to Scotland again soon. The Cairngorms, Aviemore and surroundings are just full of photo opportunities. As is most of Scotland.

[@davekemp750]

Great vlog, Loved the bird shots. What an awesome location.

[@craigyb71]

I think this is probably my favourite of your vlogs Adam. Absolutely love winter scenes, and the pic of the robin was stunning.

[@derekgordon7]

Great Vlog as usual Adam, lovely images, the bird shots were fantastic.

[@goldenstardust]

Wildlife photography is daunting to me. One needs time and patience. Love the bird pics!

[@oswaldbastable4139]

Great production, very slick and enjoyable to watch. Glad to see you back 😀

[@arghyadipsen2429]

I love this guy... and his way of talking.. !

[@gcarmichael]

Well done Adam!

[@GlenDomulevicz]

Even a dedicated landscape photographer can shoot wildlife. Nicely done. I like the aerial footage.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Glen

[@50Acres]

Great storytelling, I swear you could have a career doing books on tape. You have the most amazing voice I could listen to you narrating paint drying.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Ha thanks. You're too kind.

[@BeatingTheBroomWagon]

Love the opening montage to this video Adam, amazing footage :) I live quite near the Cairngorms and want to get in about them now after seeing this.

[@floridaofiowaaerialsandpho1440]

Nice job Adam. I believe this is some of your best work. Very enjoyable!

[@nldazuu]

enjoyed the scenery and your energy you put in it.... I definitely need to go there...

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks buddy. Appreciate you watching. Can't go wrong with Scotland.

[@davidburns6529]

Hi Adam, missed last weeks upload but you have come back with a cracking location. Been there many times and going back in April for a week. Looking forward to next week already, lucky with the snow too.

[@mickmckean7378]

HI Adam, as a birder myself, I can say you captured some beautiful bird shots there mate. Smart move getting down to their level, much better than shooting down on them.

[@cathyann1601]

Excellent video, Adam! I always enjoy the drone shots as well as your narrative with the beautiful shots of the birds that you ended up with. Well done!

[@weekendwanderer5514]

You outdid yourself on this video. I watched it twice!

[@AussieJill]

Great video Adam, I loved the bird shots.

[@jimhamilton8775]

Great video Adam. I enjoyed it. Well done

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Jim. Appreciate it.

[@jmcdeal9516]

Adam. Exceptional video. Thanks for sharing. Jmc.

[@Mcguppy]

Thanks for another great video, the intro was really well done, really enjoyed it. It did have some flickering but that could be because I was it via Apple TV on my tv. Looking forward to the next one, cheers.

[@nogroove3819]

Very nice. Also like your drone shots.

[@gavinjmcgrath6983]

Stunning scenery, Adam, splendidly captured! Well done!

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Gavin. Much appreciated.

[@No2theBS]

Love the bird shot's cheers.

[@paulbowen6600]

Great vlog Adam, some great bird shots there

[@Snowcatnz2]

Great video Adam. Love the wildlife shots, and that pano was pretty amazing as well. Hope you managed to fix the your drone without too much difficulty. Looking forward to next weeks vlog, I love Scotland and miss visiting it and you video reminded how beautiful it is!!👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@cdduffy]

Nice vlog Adam looks amazing up there. Great images as always, thanks for getting out and sharing.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks. It was a great trip and always a pleasure to see Scotland.

[@carpernick]

Great video, the biggest tip I have taken from it is where you are waiting for the cloud cover to break & not to settle for second best in the shot. Good stuff thank you

[@markjohnson6132]

How much I relate to your comments at the start, trying to capture that woodland composition compared to ones eyes! Great video as ever!

[@MrCochise71]

Excellent Bird captures 👌

[@paulburwood8231]

What a fantastic pano; Scotland is just such a great location.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Paul. Scotland is truly amazing.

[@libork5397]

Hello Adam, Nice video, my favorite is the panoramic image at the end. The composition just feels right.

[@melvin6217]

Great video!! Love it

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Melvin.

[@SignalBox]

My local patch! Great video

[@macmcmillen6282]

Great bird shots. I love wildlife photography. Hope you do more in the future.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks mate. Glad you enjoyed it I'll do it as often as I can.

[@GingerPhotographer]

Wow! Fantastic Vlog Adam!! Loved the Drone footage - as a viewer I can see there's a lot of work gone into this one! Kudos on the bird shots. Thumbs up!!

[@RobOutenPhotography]

Great work Adam. Really enjoyed the pano image. Hope the drone is ok. Thanks for sharing.

[@cillyede]

Great!

[@ian_worth]

Great Video Adam, Some really nice drone footage :)

[@cjbjcb5377]

fantastic drone work, absolutely loved the bird shots, that is my love at the moment

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks. It can be very addictive as you chase the perfect shot. My patience just runs out too quickly most of the time.

[@peterrennison465]

Hi Adam, I'm new to photograph and I find this and your other video's very informative and educational. Please keep posting I'm learning so much from watching and hopefully getting better. Thanks.

[@edwardjenner1381]

Trees/forests are so challenging. One reason I really admire Simon Baxter. The pano seemed worthy of a days work to me. I'd probably print and hang that shot if I took it. I thought the second bird shot you showed was the best, the thing about birds is not just getting the eye sharp, light good and background, but also the exact pose that makes it interesting. I liken it to flower photography - flowers are pretty on their own, you need something a little 'extra' to make them interesting. Also you can tell us umpteen times about how 'it's not your thing', but you are certainly good enough that we expect (and get) great things. So you can be modest is you like but it's not going to dampen our expectations.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Ha. Thanks. Its not my thing because half the battle is getting into position and it's Lyle that makes that happen for me. Once I'm there I'm not too bad at handling the camera and making the most of the light etc. Simon Baxter shows a similar amount of patience to get into the right position, at the right time to capture those trees at their best.

[@RS.Outdoors]

Great stuff and one of my favourite places to visit. Not done much in the way of wildlife photography but might give it a go the next time I am up there. Just back from Glencoe with all the heavy snow last weekend and it was epic. Atb

[@Firstmanphotography]

I watched your video earlier. It was great. We were actually there on the same day and will be the theme of my video next week. I'm not sure epic covers it.

[@johnbentley1056]

Beautiful location and lovely images. It can often be a challenge photographing small birds because they are so fast however you caught beautiful image that is full of character.

[@DouglasWeir]

Loved the video, I was on the other side of the Cairngorms the last two weekends (I live in Aberdeen) but missed all the 'proper' snow as I was working in Glasgow. I also managed to crash my Mavic into a tree last Friday, thankfully it was at head height and it fell out!!

[@tompetersphotography]

Loved it adam👍🏻 wildlife looks very addictive but frustrating lol

[@GaryGough]

Cracking video Adam. Fantastic production too. Personally I thought the bird shots were sublime. Welcome to the drone crash Club :)

[@Firstmanphotography]

Ha thanks Gary. Its always frustratingly satisfying to pop your cherry.

[@TheBassline303]

Great Video. Thank you :-)

[@alanjones8579]

Lovely video Adam, nice to see you back. I must give bird photography a try sometime, I have a 300mm lens with a 1.4 converter which I haven't used for years.....

[@thevalleywalker]

Great conditions, love the shots of the cresties. - Oops with the drone :(

[@MiguelACoronaDM]

Really nice Adam! I've not had chance at wildlife photography but inspired to do some after viewing those beautiful little guys. Cheers!

[@Firstmanphotography]

It's definitely fun. Not easy though but always satisfying when you nail one.

[@RalphGoldsmith]

Like the bird shots and the pano worked out well. I thought that avenue of trees would make a nice composition when you showed it the first time (at about 2.24).

[@esperoutdoors9421]

great vid, and some nice pics! the Cairngorms are one of my fav places... thought you might have headed to the green lochan? but loch morlich look stunning as always

[@Firstmanphotography]

The Green Loch was top of my list. It just didn't work out though and it probably wouldn't have been green when frozen.

[@kelv52]

Have the Air Investigation Branch (pun intended) been in touch yet.....glad it was only a blade damaged, love the Pano, and the shot of the Robin, hope everything is ok as you were off last week....take care.

[@Decimator92]

Beautiful shots of the birds. Songbirds aren’t easy and getting sharp shots of them is so rewarding. Definitely need to pick up a copy of the 400mm f/5.6L to replace my Tamron 70-300mm.

[@Badger220455]

Really enjoyed that Adam. These are among my favourite locations for landscape and wildlife photography. Liked the crested tit shots particularly. I know what you mean about the tree shots in the forest. Its hard to capture the essence of the forest but worth it when you get the right image. Rodger

[@nordic5490]

Those bird shots are great. On my 5D3, also recommend centre 5points (single point falls of the bird too easily) and focussing mode Case6, erratic objects, with the sensitivity set to max.

[@oldgrumpyjim5003]

Well done Adam Great video! I did Cairngorms from the east side in the middle of December last year and cloud cover was down to ground level visibility 0 Luckily I stay in Scotland so will be going back end of year. jim

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Really nice bird shots :) Would love to see more of the mountains around Cairngorms! Do you use a service for your music or how do you find it? :)

[@Firstmanphotography]

Hi Mads. Appreciate the comment mate. The Cairngorm mountains are very remote and can be difficult in winter. We didn't have the right gear or time to venture into them properly. Something for another day. I do use Epidemic, like many others, but most of the tracks on the vlogs over the last year were created by a guy called Dan Phillipson. He's a very talented composer from Manchester. I got much of the stuff directly from him but have recently been licensing tracks straight from Premium Beat. Not cheap but worth it in my opinion.

[@ninacleven7889]

Nice images.

[@andrewfrost8866]

Excellent Adam.

[@Firstmanphotography]

Thanks Andrew. Glad you liked it. Always appreciate your comments.

[@SandipMehta]

Really enjoy...

[@DavidDixon]

Nice work Adam, that intro sequence was spectacular! Your bird shots were great for someone who says they're not that into it, great effort. You were lucky with your Mavic there, mine went into a tree about 25 metres up, dropped out of the sky and shattered on the ground!

[@Firstmanphotography]

You're right I was lucky. It was just the prop. It hit the tree and dropped into a couple of feet of soft powder.

[@DavidDixon]

That means we can look forward to some more of that awesome footage in future uploads 😁

[@JohnHaswellPhotography]

Great video. The opening drone footage was amazing. I loved the flying off the balcony. I'm going to steal that sometime :-) I was talking about drone footage in my latest video as I'm always worried about putting too much in. I think it can really open up a video though

[@Firstmanphotography]

I did use more drone footage than normal. Mainly because i didn't shoot enough additional footage with the camera. It was a landscape to dream of though in terms of flying a drone. The balcony shot was very risky but I knew it had to happen. Any error and it would have dropped 50ft into a raging waterfall. I also had to do it twice because I forgot to focus the first time.

[@JohnHaswellPhotography]

First Man Photography it certainly worked well. Loved it all!

[@stevealder8186]

What are the gloves you are wearing that allow you to fold back the finger section?

[@OneHellOfASandwich]

Hey Adam! Have you ever visited the Rocky Mountains? I think you'd love the Colorado portion, it's seriously amazing out there.

[@paulcomptonpdphotography]

Oh no the drone. And where was the balcony shot wicked

[@klackon1]

The view from the balcony in the opening sequence was stunning. Was it a hotel or your mate's house? Good shots of the birds. For me it's wildlife all the way: I doubt I could produce a good landscape to save my life. When I owned Canon kit the 400mm f5.6L was the only lens I could not get on with. I think it was the lack of image stabilisation.

[@ryanwemyss6567]

Great video, and only half an hour from my home.Bought a 400 prime based on one of your videos and use it for wildlife all the time. Cant fault it.

[@stephenmclean4127]

Loved latest vlog Adam. I am going to cairngorms in may. Whereabouts were you when you photographed the birds?

[@tonyturner7676]

Great video, Adam. Loved the three images of the birds and the panorama. Did you have to overexpose slightly with the panorama image to compensate for all the ‘white’ snow?