Behind the Lens: Doug Allan

Twice winner of the underwater category in the Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition, join photographer, Doug Allan, as he shares insights from his incredible 40-year career and reflects on the impact of climate change on the natural world.

Featuring his own photographs and clips from well-known TV programmes, Doug will discuss how the natural world has inspired his photography, his passion for capturing wildlife on film, and share some of the challenges faced when working in the wild.

What freezes first at -35°C – your eyeballs or your shutter button? What’s it like diving with seals under the ice? Can we all become better caretakers of our environment?

The event will be followed by an audience Q&A. Questions can also be submitted in advance by emailing publicevents@nms.ac.uk

BSL interpretation for this event will be provided by Deaf Action Scotland. The interpreter will be situated to the left of the stage and seats will be reserved in the front two rows of the auditorium for people who would like to maximise the visibility of the interpreter.

Doug Allan and a colony of Emperor Penguins. Courtesy of Doug Allan.

It was a chance meeting with David Attenborough in Antarctica that started Doug off on his wildlife filming career 40 years ago. His cinematography awards include eight Emmys and five BAFTAs. He has Honorary Doctorates from Stirling, St Andrews and Edinburgh Napier in recognition of his camerawork. In 2018 he was awarded the Royal Scottish Geographical Society’s Mungo Park Medal for his outstanding contribution to geographical knowledge through exploration.

This event will be held in the Auditorium, just behind the Collecting Stories gallery, on Level 1.

Please note that filming and photography will take place at this event.

Please note that entry to the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is not included in this event.

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit. 

• There is level access to the Museum via the main doors to the Entrance Hall on Chambers Street and the Tower entrance at the corner of Chambers Street and George IV Bridge.  
• Lifts are available to all floors and accessible toilets are available on Levels 0 and 3, as well as a Changing Places (U) toilet in the Entrance Hall on Level 0. 
• Wheelchairs are available for loan at no charge. Please note wheelchairs cannot be booked in advance. On arrival, ask about availability at the Information Desk. Small mobility scooters are permitted inside the museum.
• There is an induction loop in the Auditorium. 
• Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other recognised assistance dogs are admitted. 

Find out more about our access information. If you have any questions about accessing this event, please email us in advance at publicevents@nms.ac.uk.