Puffin Photography Workshop
The Atlantic Puffin is probably the most famous of Pembrokeshire's seabirds and Skomer island offers great opportunities to capture stunning images of this photogenic seabird. With their recognisable colourful beaks and bright orange feet they are often called 'sea parrots' or 'clowns of the sea' .
Puffins lay one egg and during the months of June and July the parents are constantly feeding their chick with sandeels. The puffins fly in at great speed, often landing a little awkwardly and then trot off to their burrows which are very close to the paths and usually only feet away from us.
Workshop Details
Photographic Opportunities
Skomer Island is the ideal place to develop your wildlife photographic skills due to the abundance of puffins, razorbills, guillemots and seals. In addition to the wildlife the coastal views are spectacular with hidden gems around every corner.
We will spend between 4 and 5 hours on the island exploring various locations to practice capturing images of standing birds, sea diving shots and inflight panning techniques.
What will I learn
Appropriate camera settings, working with light, composition techniques, depth of field and focusing, exposure and the histogram.
Who is it suitable for
From complete beginners to experienced photographers, the course is limited to three photographers so that the workshop can be tailored around your individual requirements.
You will need to be reasonably fit as there is a uphill walk from the boat landing station to the top of the island. The walk can be taken at your own pace and a talk from the resident wardens is given half way up the walk where you will hear about the island and you can take in the wonderful views. The island paths can be uneven and you will be walking approximately 1-2 miles.
What is included
Full Tuition and guidance throughout the day and image reviews.
Pre workshop communication to understand what you would like to achieve.
What's NOT Included
Travel to and from Martin's Haven.
Boat Crossing Fees and the National Trust Island Landing Fees.
Personal and Camera Insurance.
Camera Equipment.
Food and Drink.
What do I need to take
Camera
Full Frame or Crop.
Lenses
300mm will be the largest recommended lens unless you want to take distant shots of birds on the cliffs.
70-200mm is ideal for the remainder of the action shots.
Wide angle lenses to capture the puffins when they walk past your feet as they can get extremely close and for coastline landscapes.
Spare batteries (fully charged), Memory Cards and a Monopod if required.
Waterproof and warm clothing and sturdy footware as the weather can be changeable.
Drinks and a packed lunch.
Cost
£175 per person. (Group Workshop) £40 Booking fee
£250 One to One Workshop £40 Booking fee
The booking fee is non refundable in the event of a cancelled booking unless the dates subsequently booked by another party.
2024 Dates
Our 2023 workshops have now completed and we will again be running workshops throughout June and July in 2024 to experience the wonderful event of puffins visiting the island. The booking system for the boat crossings and island landing tickets changed in 2021 to an online booking system.
Please visit the following website to check if there is any availability with the boat crossing company and then complete the workshop enquiry form.
Boat Crossing company website Boat https://www.pembrokeshire-islands.co.uk/boat-trips/land-on-skomer/