Description

Running From March to October

Northern Gannet Photography

RSPB Bempton Cliffs is renowned for its large population of Northern Gannets, the largest seabird in the United Kingdom with a wingspan of two meters. It takes five years for these majestic birds to reach maturity, at which point they will find a mate and begin to reproduce. Mates of the Northern Gannet stay with each other for life, with a maximum lifespan of thirty years.

The Gannet is renowned for its impressive hunting skills, diving from heights of up to 70 meters with no clear preference in altitude. Traveling at an incredible speed of around 60 mph, they plunge into the water like an arrow and can swim to a depth of 60 meters in pursuit of their meal. With a white body and black wings, a bright golden-yellow head, and pale blue eyes, these birds are truly a sight to behold. Their diet consists of small fish 2.5 to 30 cm in length, making them a photogenic predator.

Course Overview

This full-day course is approximately 8 hours, but if that length doesn’t meet your requirements, please contact me and I will do my best to accommodate you. We will be discussing equipment such as lenses, types of cameras, and tripods, as well as camera settings like shutter speed, ISO, and aperture. After that, we will move on to technique and composition. Additionally, we will dive into learning about the Northern Gannet, such as its winter location, diet, range and migration pattern.

To get the most out of your experience, it is best to have a camera that has a lens of 300mm or more, such as a 150-600mm or 200-500mm. Furthermore, there will be a lot of walking involved, so be sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring waterproof clothing and a cover for your camera. All the while, I will provide 1-2-1 time with each student, catering to their individual abilities and providing the guidance that is needed to get the photos of your dreams.

New customers will also receive a gift pack worth over £10

Please click on the image below to watch a short video

Equipment you will need

• A good solid tripod.
• A lens with a focal length of at least 300mm. (200-500 or a 150-600mm would be ideal)
• Memory cards.
• Spare batteries.
• Lens cloths and cleaning equipment.
• Waterproof clothing.
• Good waterproof walking boots or wellington boots

Location

This course takes place at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, the Address is  Cliff Ln, Bempton, Bridlington YO15 1JF  (Parking is FREE)

DISCLAIMER

With the nature of this photography, we can not guarantee that you will see all the birds listed. Also, the course will go ahead whatever the weather so any payment made is non-refundable unless extreme circumstances dictate otherwise and due to our opinion.​

We will not be held responsible for any equipment damage, theft or personal injury while attending the walk participants do so at their own risk!

If you pay a deposit you will be required to pay the remaining balance 48 hours before the day of the course. If you fail to pay the full amount before the day of the course you will lose your deposit and will not be able to attend the course.