An Introduction to Seabird Photography

Combining expert guidance and hands-on practice, this bird photography workshop is aimed at aspiring wildlife photographers of a beginner or intermediate level. It offers an introduction to wildlife photography techniques, composition, the use of light, and an understanding of camera settings.

These techniques will be tailored to capture the essence of seabirds in their natural habitat at Bempton Cliffs.

Carl Hare is a Fujifilm UK Product Specialist and Freelance Photographer based in Hampshire, UK. After starting his photography life as a wedding and event photographer, Carl has since expanded his photographic skills into many genres. He has a great passion for the outdoors and has been teaching photography courses and workshops on many different genres of photography since 2014.

These days, Carl is just as comfortable shooting headshots in a studio, teaching lighting techniques for portraits, as he is on the streets of London or shooting landscapes and wildlife in the depths of winter in the Arctic.

You’ll learn about tracking and photographing birds in flight, capturing clear and detailed images. The workshop will cover utilising the Fujifilm telephoto lenses to magnify birds in flight and on the cliffs, ensuring striking photos from a safe distance.

Bempton Cliffs also lends itself to creative compositions, involving unconventional angles or perspectives shooting down the cliffs, adding artistic flair to your bird portraits.

While comprehensive training and guidance will be provided on the day, it would be useful if all attendees had a basic understanding of the exposure triangle — aperture, shutter speeds and ISO.

Note: Please aim to arrive 15 minutes before your session time.

Introduction to photography: A brief overview of the essential elements of photography, including camera settings, composition techniques, and understanding light.

Bird photography techniques: Tips and tricks for bird and wildlife photography. Emphasis will be placed on capturing birds in flight, behaviour shots, and establishing a connection with the subject.

Practical sessions: Hands-on photography sessions in various locations around Bempton Cliffs, where participants can practice the techniques learned with real-time guidance from Carl.

Group review and feedback: A review of the images captured during the workshop, with constructive feedback and tips to further improve your skills.

You’re welcome to bring your own set-up, although a selection of the latest FUJIFILM cameras and lenses will be available on the day. Photographers travelling lighter are also welcome to borrow 3LeggedThing tripods and Kase filters. 

Please do contact us on fujifilm_schoolUK@fujifilm.com or call us on 0203 486 4610 if there is anything you want to try and we will try our best to accommodate you.

Be sure to pack weather-appropriate clothing and wear comfortable shoes — wellies or sturdy walking boots are advised. It’s also a good idea to bring a bottle of water and snacks to keep you going. Although we will have a designated break time to rest, catch up and reset, there will be a lot of walking and time spent outside.

First Aid: Your workshop leaders are fully First Aid Trained for outdoor activities and will always carry a full First Aid kit.

Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs 9 - 11 Cliff Lane, Bempton, Bridlington YO15 1JF

What 3 Words Location: ///dozens.marginal.hamper

Meeting point: The Entrance to the reserve

Date: 23rd of August 2024

Time: 10:00 - 16:00

Price: £129

Once you have purchased a ticket, your place on the day will be reserved. If circumstances change and you need to cancel your place, please let us know 10 working days before the event and we will be happy to issue you a refund in full. Places cancelled after this time are non-refundable. You need to be at least 18 years of age in order to take part in this event and a disclaimer form will need to be completed on the day in order to take part in the day’s activity. In case of emergency on the day, please email fujifilm_schoolUK@fujifilm.com.

Please also note that tickets do not include any expenses such as train fares, lunch, taxi fares or parking charges unless otherwise stated.