January saw me back up in the Scottish Highlands for a week of dog shoots. I grew up in the Highlands, so heading back north a few times a year is familiar territory for me, and it’s very much part of my job that I genuinely enjoy. This trip was focused on four dog shoots, all dotted around in new places I hadn't visited before.
This January, the dogs really took centre stage. Across the week, I worked with a full mix of breeds: Labradors, spaniels, pointers, collies, to name just a few. Each shoot brought something different, and it’s always interesting seeing how various dogs work in different conditions and setups.
Two of the shoots involved four or more dogs, which always takes extra patience and organisation on the day. Making sure we've got enough people to help, and getting that split second where I have all the digs attention always makes these shoots worth the planning!
After a long spell of snow, we were also treated to a proper January thaw. The deep freeze eased, allowing the browns and greens of the landscape to reappear, adding depth and texture back into the hills. Winter sunshine made a welcome appearance on two of the days, and we also had a beautiful white frost on another morning—classic Highland winter conditions and ideal for shooting.
Shooting in the Highlands
I head up to the Highlands four times a year and keep a dedicated diary for shoots north of Aviemore. If you’re interested in booking a shoot or would like to be part of one of these trips, please get in touch, I’m always happy to chat through dates and details.