An 18-year-old Scottish teenager with autism has found transformative confidence and purpose through wildlife photography, overcoming significant challenges related to her condition. Caitlyn McDonald from Ayrshire previously struggled with busy environments and communicating with strangers due to autism and auditory processing disorder, but has experienced remarkable personal growth after completing more than 15 wildlife photography workshops.
McDonald's journey began in February 2024 when she first joined workshops led by wildlife photographer Paul McDougall, who specializes in teaching photographers how to read animal behavior and capture challenging images while maintaining calm, safe, and supportive environments. Her natural talent quickly became apparent when she placed second in the Young Photographer Awards with a photograph of her dogs, inspiring her to pursue photography more seriously.
"Before I met Paul I didn't have much confidence at all, but he understood me straight away," McDonald explained. "He taught me how to focus on the animals, the behavior 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 beginning her photography journey, McDonald has captured an impressive array of wildlife 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. Following McDougall's teaching methods, she now maintains detailed notes on animal behavior to help anticipate perfect shot opportunities.
McDougall praised McDonald's exceptional abilities, noting her rapid progress and natural eye for wildlife photography. "Caitlyn has a fantastic eye and a natural gift for wildlife photography," he said. "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."
McDonald's mother, Paula, witnessed her daughter's immediate connection with McDougall and describes his supportive teaching style as transformative. However, she emphasizes the challenges that remain hidden behind her daughter's success. "People see her wonderful photos, but they don't see the sensory overload afterwards – the noise, the anxiety, the exhaustion," Paula explained. "But photography gives her purpose, and because she loves it so much, she pushes through."
The teenager's rapid skill development has opened new professional opportunities. She has been invited to shadow professional photographers, volunteers at local events, and has already booked her first wedding photography assignment for next year. Additionally, McDonald operates a craft business selling mugs, slates, notebooks, calendars, and prints featuring her wildlife images.
As part of her advocacy efforts, McDonald distributes business cards that explain her autism and auditory processing disorder, helping her feel understood while providing representation for others with similar conditions. "She uses her photography to show that disabilities don't stop you achieving amazing things. She's proving that every day," her mother added.
Looking ahead, McDonald is preparing for what she considers her biggest challenge yet – a dream expedition to Finland next year where she hopes to photograph wild bears and wolves alongside McDougall. This ambitious project represents the culmination of her remarkable transformation from a teenager lacking confidence to an accomplished wildlife photographer ready to tackle her most demanding assignment.
For those inspired by McDonald's journey, McDougall continues to offer supportive wildlife photography workshops and safaris for all skill levels through Touch The Wild. His specialized approach focuses on creating inclusive environments where photographers can develop their skills while learning to understand and capture animal behavior in natural settings.
