Meet the gamekeeper who is an amazing shot – with his camera.
John MacTavish’s day job involves looking after a 1,500-acre farm and pheasant shoot near Oban.
But in his spare time, the 48-year-old captures astonishing pictures of both the beauty and violence of life in rural Scotland.
From running gun dogs to raptors with their prey and shooters taking down deer, his breathtaking photographs would grace the pages of any wildlife magazine.
The snaps include his dogs – three springer spaniels and a cocker spaniel – leaping through the air and jumping through streams as they race after and collect pheasants.
He has also managed to capture incredible images of birds in mid-flight, as well as pictures of other gamekeepers with their kills.
He developed a passion for taking photographs whilst at school.
Mr MacTavish, who has never had any photography training, said: “It’s just a hobby I have. I always have the camera in the Land Rover when I’m at work.
“The most enjoyable thing with photography is getting a sharp shot of something the eye only sees for a blink. It’s not easy, but when it comes off it’s enough to drive me on to the next one.
“It’s fun taking pictures of the dogs. They are mega-friendly and affectionate.
“They look like they are flying in some of the pictures. They’ll take 10 steps and then do a big jump, even when carrying heavy birds.”
His three springer spaniels include two year-old Bailey, five-year-old Barney and 13-year-old Skipper, who “doesn’t jump quite as much as he used to”.
Three-year-old Rusty, a cocker spaniel, also sometimes accompanies him at work.
Mr MacTavish added: “I’ve always had dogs around me and taken pictures of them. My job gives me access to photo opportunities that would otherwise be difficult to get, and it allows me to have a camera with me most of the time.
“A lot of people find it hard to capture pheasants mid-flight, but I’ve developed the knack of predicting what they are going to do.”
Asked if he is a better shot with a camera or gun he replied: “I can shoot well with either – and equally as bad at times too.”