Perfect your Puffin Photography
Team member and photographer Bret Charman focuses on the UK's mesmerising colonies of Atlantic puffin, arguably our most charismatic species of bird and gives you an insight into our selection of tours which are perfect for photographing them.
Atlantic puffins are, without a doubt, one of the most beloved seabirds anywhere on Earth. It's easy to understand why, with their colourful beaks, entertaining personalities and charming vocals, and so it's little wonder that coming face-to-face with a puffin is a must. The 'Clowns of the Sea', as they are affectionately known, can be found around the UK in some of the country's most spectacular landscapes.
We began offering dedicated photography tours to Skomer Island in 2016, and we have returned each year since (bar the pandemic!). This wonderful island, off the coast of Pembrokeshire, is the perfect place to indulge in puffin photography. It's possible to build an impressive portfolio within a few days, and by staying on the island, you have the chance to photograph in the best light without the crowds of day-trippers. Nothing is more rewarding than sitting on a clifftop, surrounded by thousands of seabirds, with a camera in hand as the sun sets over the Irish Sea. It's simply sublime.
Skomer is also home to an astonishing array of other wildlife. Colonies of kittiwakes, fulmars, guillemots and razorbills nest precariously on the towering cliffs, while three species of gull breed across the island (greater and lesser black-backed as well as herring gull). Both short-eared owl and little owl can be seen as they make the most of this rich coastal habitat.
After dark, the action doesn't stop, as thousands of Manx shearwater return to the island in the soft moonlight. The island is home to 50% of the world's breeding population, so any stay on Skomer isn't complete without witnessing this unique spectacle.
We work with several wildlife photographers who lead our trips to Skomer, including Sean Weekly, Ben Sutcliffe and puffin specialist Kevin Morgans, author of Puffins: Life on the Atlantic Edge. Our photographic leaders are always on hand to help you perfect your puffin photography and offer expert advice and guidance.
Image by Stuart Benson
With so much demand, we have worked hard over the past couple of years to expand our puffin offerings. We're delighted to now be running a new dedicated seabird photography trip to the Shiant Isles off the Outer Hebrides with Kevin Morgans at the helm (figuratively speaking at least!). Operating as a short cruise on a private charter with daily landings, we enjoy two full days photographing the Shiant's seabirds. There will also be the chance to photograph the UK's largest breeding colony of razorbills. A full day is spent whale and dolphin watching in the Minch with minke, humpback and fin whales all possible, whilst bottlenose, white-beaked, common and Risso's dolphin complete our quarry. During this exclusive departure, Kevin will be on hand to provide bespoke photography tuition.
Having operated our Isle of Mull trips for a couple of years, we're thrilled to be running departures with Bret Charman and Sean Weekly. Photographing puffins alongside a wealth of other wildlife, including guillemot, razorbill, white-tailed eagle and cetaceans, including minke whale and common dolphins, amongst the stunning backdrop of one of Scotland's most picturesque isles is a fantastic way to spend a week. Throughout the tour, we'll explore this stunning island on foot, by vehicle and by boat. We'll indulge in macro photography and try out a variety of techniques with the expert help of Nick and Alex.
With limited availability, particularly with Skomer, our puffin trips typically sell out very quickly, so my final advice is to book early!
Speak to our team to find out more about our puffin photography tours to Skomer Island or the Isle of Mull.
