Caitlyn McDonald says photography has helped her to overcome challanges.
Caitlyn McDonald says photography has changed her life. (Image: Supplied)
A Scots teen with autism says taking up photography has changed her life and helped her to build confidence.
Caitlyn McDonald, from Ayrshire, struggled with busy environments and talking to strangers due to autism and auditory processing disorder.
However, she recently completed more than 15 wildlife photography workshops and said this helped her to overcome challenges linked to the condition.
The 18-year-old came second in the Young Photographer Awards with a photo of her dogs, and decided to continue to pursue her new hobby.
She signed up for the workshops run by wildlife photographer Paul McDougall, who specialises in helping photographers learn to read animal behaviour and capture difficult-to-get images, while keeping outings calm, safe and supportive.
Caitlyn said she had no confidence before taking up photography. (Image: Supplied)
Caitlyn said: “Before I met Paul I didn’t have much confidence at all, but he understood me straight away. He taught me how to focus on the animals, the behaviour and the moment – and that helped me focus in life too.
“Photography makes me feel like I can actually do things I never thought I could.”
Since joining her first workshop in February 2024, Caitlyn has photographed an incredible list of species, including ospreys diving for fish, puffins with bills full of sand eels, mountain hares in deep snowfall, red squirrels, otters, beavers and even a lynx.
She now keeps detailed notes on animal behaviour – something Paul teaches all his students to look for when anticipating the perfect shot.
Paul said: “Caitlyn has a fantastic eye and a natural gift for wildlife photography. Her progress has been extraordinary – shots that take years for some people, she’ll nail in one try. Watching her confidence grow has been incredible.”
Taking pictures helps the teen focus. (Image: Supplied)
Caitlyn’s mum Paula says her daughter bonded with Paul within minutes, describing his supportive style as transformative.
Paula added: “People see her wonderful photos, but they don’t see the sensory overload afterwards – the noise, the anxiety, the exhaustion. But photography gives her purpose, and because she loves it so much, she pushes through.
“She uses her photography to show that disabilities don’t stop you achieving amazing things. She’s proving that every day.”
The teen’s skills have improved so quickly that she has now been invited to shadow professional photographers, volunteers at local events, and has even been booked for her first wedding photography job next year.
She also runs a craft stall selling mugs, slates, notebooks, calendars and prints featuring her wildlife images, and hands out a business card explaining her autism and APD – something she says helps her feel understood and helps others feel represented.
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Caitlyn is now preparing for a dream expedition next year to Finland, where she hopes to photograph wild bears and wolves alongside Paul – her biggest challenge yet, but one she finally feels ready for.
If you’re Inspired by Caitlyn’s journey, Touch The Wild offers supportive wildlife photography workshops and safaris for all levels, led by Paul McDougall. Learn more and view upcoming dates at https://www.mcdougallphotographic.co.uk/