IRISH SEABIRD WORKSHOP

2011 Workshop (FULL) Please register interest for 2012.

A weekend workshop photographing a wide variety of seabirds in a spectacular location on the south-east coast of Ireland. This workshop is timed to coincide with the breeding season for many species of seabird. The birds will be in peak condition and we can expect to witness a variety of behaviour. We will photograph gannet, puffin, guillemot, razorbill, kittiwake, fulmar, shag, lesser black-backed and greater black-backed gull, oystercatcher and possibly chough and peregrine falcon. The seabirds are very approachable as this is not a tourist hotspot like many of the British seabird colonies. Previous visits have provided me with some of my best seabird images. One of the main benefits of this location is the clean surroundings – free from bare earth and guano. Birds can be photographed on grassy slopes and attractive lichen covered rocks. Due to the fragile environment (puffin and shearwater burrows underfoot) I have to restrict this workshop to a small group of no more than 8 photographers.

I have arranged a local boatman to ferry us to and from our location early and late in the day so that we can make the most of the best light (hopefully!). Due to the long summer days we will make several crossings to the islands beginning with a late afternoon crossing on the Friday when we will be on the island from 5pm until 10.30pm. We will go out again early the following morning 6.00am until 11am, returning to the hotel to rest and review our images, before heading back to the island for another late evening shoot between 5pm and 10.30pm. This will be repeated on Sunday. On Monday morning there will be another early shoot between 6.30am and 11am. All these boat trips do push the price of the workshop up a little, but previous experience has shown that this is the best way to make the most of the photographic opportunities. The midday breaks also allow us to discuss techniques in more depth and to consider what we will try to achieve during our next stint. I must stress that in order to make the most of this workshop a telephoto lens of at least 300mm will be required. You will also need to be reasonably fit, as the terrain is quite rough in parts.

I am experienced with both film and digital capture and will be able to advice on all aspects of photographic technique. We will tackle bird portraits, behaviour and flight shots. There may also be a chance for some evening landscape photography. Obviously the weather in coastal locations can be unpredictable. In the event that we are unable to get to our location during the weekend I will refund the cost of all boat trips affected on the Ireland side.

The cost of the workshop is £575 per person. In addition to photographic tuition this figure will include three nights hotel accommodation (in single en-suite rooms) and all boat fees during the workshop (Irish Sea crossing, taxi’s from the port to the hotel, food and drink are not included). I will liaise with all participants in order to make bookings for ferry crossings and taxi’s (if required) on the Irish side.

LIMITED TO 9 PARTICIPANTS

Please click HERE to request more detailed information and a booking form