Join Alex Hyde & Nick Garbutt on this unique photographic workshop which focuses on macro, landscape and wildlife photography whilst exploring the coastline and islands of Pembrokeshire.
The Welsh County of Pembrokeshire is home to a wonderful variety of wildlife and spectacular landscapes. The county is perhaps best known for its breeding seabird colonies on the offshore islands, some of which remain resident and visible year-round.
However, coastal areas on the mainland are also spectacular, both scenically and in terms of accessible wildlife. As the tide recedes the ecosystems of the inter-tidal zone is exposed. This is a fascinating transitory world, submerged for long periods, but revealed, twice daily, to be discovered, investigated and photographed.
A large rock pool is a discreet ecosystem, in its own way every bit as diverse, intricate and fascinating as a woodland or savannah. The considerable diversity of species - starfish, molluscs, crustaceans, sea anemones and worms etc. – serve up a wonderful cross section of subject matter and potential inspiration for the macro photographer.
In addition, on a full day charter, aboard a vessel specialising in photographic trips, we will visit Ramsey Island, famous for its complex geology, towering sea cliffs echoing sea caves, and one of the largest colonies of Atlantic grey seals in the UK. We will then sail to Grassholm, some 12 kilometres off the mainland that is the year-round home to roughly 40,000 pairs of gannets. And whenever at sea there is a reasonable chance of seeing harbour porpoises, common dolphins and if we are very lucky Risso’s dolphins.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Arrive at our accommodation in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park
We meet at the Druidstone Hotel during the afternoon and after checking into our rooms will enjoy an introduction from Alex and Nick over afternoon tea. If time allows we may then enjoy a short excursion to the nearby beach or in the extensive grounds of the hotel before reconvening for dinner.
Accommodation: The Druidstone Hotel, 4-nights
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Day 2:
Boat charter to Ramsey & Grassholm
Today we enjoy a daytime boat charter to Ramsey Island located 1 kilometre offshore from Pembrokeshire and Grassholm further out to sea. Despite travelling in September, we still have a good chance of seeing plenty of resident species, including various gulls, fulmars, choughs and perhaps hunting peregrines. Our main aim is to photograph the Atlantic grey seal colony: the seals will be in the middle of their pupping season and there should be plenty of adults and pups on view that are tolerant of being viewed from a relatively close, but appropriate distance.
We will then move onto Grassholm to experience the noise and throng of the massive gannet colony. The island is an uninhabited RSPB reserve and landing is not allowed, but from the sea it is still possible to enjoy an immersive experience, with thousands of birds resting on the cliff tops and flying around. During the whole day at sea we will, of course, also be looking out for dolphins and porpoises that are frequently encountered.
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Days 3-4
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Photographic sessions on Pembrokeshire Coast
We have two full days devoted to enjoying the spectacular coastal area, literally on our doorstep. Photographic activities will be dictated by weather and tide times. We hope to take advantage of our location with sunset, landscape and seascape opportunities.
At low tide times, we will concentrate our efforts around rock pools and similar areas along the shore, where a variety of marine life can be photographed in situ and in controlled and semi-controlled conditions. There will be plenty of opportunity to get to grips with basic principles of close-up photography as well as important specialist macro techniques, including the use of flash, reflectors, polarisers (for removing reflections) and focus stacking. Close-up wide angle and fisheye lens photography will also be explored to show subjects in the context of their environment.
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Day 5:
Final morning photographic session & depart
This morning we will have time for one last photographic session on the Pembrokeshire Coast before the trip comes to end at midday.
Please note: The boat charter is scheduled to take place on the first full day of our itinerary. However, we have built in flexibility in case the weather is poor and we need to alter the day this trip operates.
