Photograph Puffins and other Sea Birds on Skomer Island in Wales

22 Jun - 25 Jun 2024

FULLY BOOKED

20 Jul - 23 Jul 2024

FULLY BOOKED

BOOK

PHOTOGRAPHY ON SKOMER ISLAND

Photograph and get close to the puffins and other wildlife of this magical island in Wales.

22 Jun - 25 Jun 2024

FULLY BOOKED

20 Jul - 23 Jul 2024

FULLY BOOKED

An unforgettable photography workshop on Skomer Island awaits. The puffins and wildlife of Skomer are amongst the most sought-after photographic subjects in the U.K. - and it’s easy to see why! They are cute, curious, full of character and extremely photogenic.

Our overnight photography workshop allows you to photograph and get close to puffins like never before. Early sunrise hours and the late evening hours, ensure that you get to photograph these cute birds when the light conditions are best - something that the thousands of day visitors never get to experience. Not only that, but you get to experience the swarms of shearwaters that make their appearance during the darkening hours before sunset. This is one of the largest colonies of Manx Shearwaters on earth.

GROUP SIZE

MAX 4 PARTICIPANTS

DURATION

4 DAYS

ACCOMMODATION

Island Farmhouse

MEETING POINT

Martin's Haven, Wales

Dates
Saturday 22 June 2024 - Tuesday 25 June 2024

Saturday 20 July 2024 - Tuesday 23 July 2024

Duration
Four Days, Three Nights

Price (pp sharing)
£865.00

Single Supplement
Not Available

Group Size
4 participants + 1 leader

Meeting Time and Place
8:00am Parking location - Westhook Farm

Exertion Level
Easy / Medium – 90 steps to get onto the island, then its quite easy walking with some gradual climbs and decents.

WHAT TO EXPECT

PLEASE NOTE that boats will only run in favourable weather conditions - we have to take the boatmen call on this.

Group Size: 4 guests, 1 host

A small group allows for a more personalised and intimate experience. I will be available to all the guests throughout our stay and will assist with any question that may arise. I will also be able to provide advice and opinions on your photography. I want you to come away from Skomer with an exceptional experience and photos to match - that's why the group is purposefully small.

Accommodation

You will be staying in a converted old farm building nestled in the very heart of the island. Although basic, the Hostel has everything you will need for the duration of your stay:

Note: there is NO heating on Skomer, so bring extra layers if you need it (blankets are provided).

What to bring (this will not be provided by your host)

Your photographic equipment - please check the recommendations section
Any medication for the duration of your stay. Please note there is NO SHOP on Skomer
Your bedding (bed sheet and pillowcase and either sleeping bag or duvet cover)
Towel and toiletries (including soap)
Suitable clothing for all weathers (including waterproofs and warm layers)
Optional: Binoculars
Optional: Red light torch (for looking at Manx Shearwaters)

Walking on the island

Take the walks at your own pace. To get around the island and to your preferred points itis normal to walk about 6 miles a day. The paths are easy to navigate but care must be taken not to stray from these as they can collapse easily due to the number of burrows created by the birds. There are also 86 steps to navigate to get onto the island ... again, take your time and don't bring unnecessary items with you!

Parking and Luggage - VERY IMPORTANT!

Parking is for your account, and it is recommended to book your car into West Hook Farm (01646 636424 | SA62 3BJ)
Drop your bags down at the beach before parking at West Hook - you are welcome to drive as far down the road as you feel comfortable (turning round is a little tight) Remember, your bags must always be attended to, for biosecurity purposes.
All luggage must be closed - unsealed luggage, including open bags and carrier bags will not be permitted to land.
Pack all luggage yourself in a rodent-free environment and please ensure no rodent has accessed to your luggage before boarding.
Do not leave your luggage unattended in Martin’s Haven to ensure rodents cannot enter your bags.

Food

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be supplied and is included in the cost of the workshop. Some snacks and drinks will also be available but please bring anything you may want to with you but remember your 15kg limits.

Photographic Experience

Whatever your knowledge and experience, you are welcome! All levels of photography are catered for.

DETAILED ITENARY

Day 1 - Saturday - 22 June / 20 July

We will meet at the parking location - Westhook Farm - to park the cars and greet each other. Here we will check and prepare all luggage and then make our way down to the dock. At around 9:00am, the boat will leave from Martin's Haven and take us all onto the island. After a briefing from the island staff and myself, we begin our adventure! This is a great time to get a feel for the island, to discuss ideal locations and to prepare for the sunset of the first evening.

Day 2 - Sunday - 23 June / 21 July

Our first full day on the island will allow us to head out for sunrise to witness the wildlife at the beginning of their day - usually the most active time for most wildlife on the island. Depending on how the morning progresses, a late breakfast is likely. This will be held back at the hostel.

During the hottest time of the day (and the harshest light) we will remain at the farmhouse to rest, review our shots and to discuss editing techniques, if required. Of course, you are welcome to explore the island as well.

Before leaving for the evening shoot (it is summer, so evenings are late) we gather for dinner and head out together.

Day 3, Monday - 24 June / 22 July

Mondays are special - the island is all ours!

No day visitors come through to the island on Monday, so there are only the overnighters and the wardens around. This gives everyone unparalleled access to the puffins, and loads of time to appreciate the island without the bustle of people.

Day 4, Tuesday - 25 June / 23 July

The last day on the island, allows for one last sunrise shoot before breakfast. Bags will be collected at 8:00 so some time is needed to prepare for this - in my experience, pack up as much as you can the night before and enjoy a stress-free final morning. We will depart the island around 9:00, return to shore and prepare to make our way home.

Tuition, Field Craft, Techniques

Based on my personal experiences, during the shoots, I will give you advice on field craft that will allow you to get the shots you desire. There will also be plenty of time during the harsh daylight hours, for us to discuss any photographic and editing questions that you may have. I will have a laptop with me which will allow me to go through some post-processing techniques and advice with you, both for Lightroom and Photoshop. All questions are welcome, and I like to keep these sessions quite informal

WHAT'S INCLUDED

*Accommodation for 3 nights on Skomer Island

*Access to the island via boat (arranged by Wildlife Trust)

*Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

*Some drinks (alcoholic and soft drinks)

*On-site tuition as required

WHAT'S EXCLUDED

*Any transportation other than the boat from Martin's Haven to Skomer

*Off-site accommodation before or after the workshop

*Personal travel insurance

*Property insurance

*Anything not specifically mentioned in the "included" section above.

RECOMMENDED

*Your photographic equipment of choice

a long lens (300mm is enough) + a Teleconverter
a wide lens (24mm or less)
an intermediate lens (24-105 is perfect)
a tripod (although this is not strictly necessary)

*A rain cover for camera/lens

*A pair of comfortable boots

*Weatherproof clothing (just in case)

Stay overnight on magical Skomer Island and photograph puffins when no one else is around.

BOOK

RETURN TO ALL TOURS

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Dates
Saturday 22 June 2024 - Tuesday 25 June 2024

Saturday 20 July 2024 - Tuesday 23 July 2024

Duration
Four Days, Three Nights

Price (pp sharing)
£865.00

Single Supplement
Not Available

Group Size
4 participants + 1 leader

Meeting Time and Place
8:00am Parking location - Westhook Farm

Exertion Level
Easy / Medium – 90 steps to get onto the island, then its quite easy walking with some gradual climbs and decents.

WHAT TO EXPECT

PLEASE NOTE that boats will only run in favourable weather conditions - we have to take the boatmen call on this.

Group Size: 4 guests, 1 host

A small group allows for a more personalised and intimate experience. I will be available to all the guests throughout our stay and will assist with any question that may arise. I will also be able to provide advice and opinions on your photography. I want you to come away from Skomer with an exceptional experience and photos to match - that's why the group is purposefully small.

Accommodation

You will be staying in a converted old farm building nestled in the very heart of the island. Although basic, the Hostel has everything you will need for the duration of your stay:

Note: there is NO heating on Skomer, so bring extra layers if you need it (blankets are provided).

What to bring (this will not be provided by your host)

Your photographic equipment - please check the recommendations section
Any medication for the duration of your stay. Please note there is NO SHOP on Skomer
Your bedding (bed sheet and pillowcase and either sleeping bag or duvet cover)
Towel and toiletries (including soap)
Suitable clothing for all weathers (including waterproofs and warm layers)
Optional: Binoculars
Optional: Red light torch (for looking at Manx Shearwaters)

Walking on the island

Take the walks at your own pace. To get around the island and to your preferred points itis normal to walk about 6 miles a day. The paths are easy to navigate but care must be taken not to stray from these as they can collapse easily due to the number of burrows created by the birds. There are also 86 steps to navigate to get onto the island ... again, take your time and don't bring unnecessary items with you!

Parking and Luggage - VERY IMPORTANT!

Parking is for your account, and it is recommended to book your car into West Hook Farm (01646 636424 | SA62 3BJ)
Drop your bags down at the beach before parking at West Hook - you are welcome to drive as far down the road as you feel comfortable (turning round is a little tight) Remember, your bags must always be attended to, for biosecurity purposes.
All luggage must be closed - unsealed luggage, including open bags and carrier bags will not be permitted to land.
Pack all luggage yourself in a rodent-free environment and please ensure no rodent has accessed to your luggage before boarding.
Do not leave your luggage unattended in Martin’s Haven to ensure rodents cannot enter your bags.

Food

Breakfast, lunch, and dinner will be supplied and is included in the cost of the workshop. Some snacks and drinks will also be available but please bring anything you may want to with you but remember your 15kg limits.

Photographic Experience

Whatever your knowledge and experience, you are welcome! All levels of photography are catered for.

DETAILED ITENARY

Day 1 - Saturday - 22 June / 20 July

We will meet at the parking location - Westhook Farm - to park the cars and greet each other. Here we will check and prepare all luggage and then make our way down to the dock. At around 9:00am, the boat will leave from Martin's Haven and take us all onto the island. After a briefing from the island staff and myself, we begin our adventure! This is a great time to get a feel for the island, to discuss ideal locations and to prepare for the sunset of the first evening.

Day 2 - Sunday - 23 June / 21 July

Our first full day on the island will allow us to head out for sunrise to witness the wildlife at the beginning of their day - usually the most active time for most wildlife on the island. Depending on how the morning progresses, a late breakfast is likely. This will be held back at the hostel.

During the hottest time of the day (and the harshest light) we will remain at the farmhouse to rest, review our shots and to discuss editing techniques, if required. Of course, you are welcome to explore the island as well.

Before leaving for the evening shoot (it is summer, so evenings are late) we gather for dinner and head out together.

Day 3, Monday - 24 June / 22 July

Mondays are special - the island is all ours!

No day visitors come through to the island on Monday, so there are only the overnighters and the wardens around. This gives everyone unparalleled access to the puffins, and loads of time to appreciate the island without the bustle of people.

Day 4, Tuesday - 25 June / 23 July

The last day on the island, allows for one last sunrise shoot before breakfast. Bags will be collected at 8:00 so some time is needed to prepare for this - in my experience, pack up as much as you can the night before and enjoy a stress-free final morning. We will depart the island around 9:00, return to shore and prepare to make our way home.

Tuition, Field Craft, Techniques

Based on my personal experiences, during the shoots, I will give you advice on field craft that will allow you to get the shots you desire. There will also be plenty of time during the harsh daylight hours, for us to discuss any photographic and editing questions that you may have. I will have a laptop with me which will allow me to go through some post-processing techniques and advice with you, both for Lightroom and Photoshop. All questions are welcome, and I like to keep these sessions quite informal

RECOMMENDED

*Your photographic equipment of choice

a long lens (300mm is enough) + a Teleconverter
a wide lens (24mm or less)
an intermediate lens (24-105 is perfect)
a tripod (although this is not strictly necessary)

*A rain cover for camera/lens

*A pair of comfortable boots

*Weatherproof clothing (just in case)

WHAT'S EXCLUDED

*Any transportation other than the boat from Martin's Haven to Skomer

*Off-site accommodation before or after the workshop

*Personal travel insurance

*Property insurance

*Anything not specifically mentioned in the "included" section above.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

*Accommodation for 3 nights on Skomer Island

*Access to the island via boat (arranged by Wildlife Trust)

*Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

*Some drinks (alcoholic and soft drinks)

*On-site tuition as required

ACCOMMODATION

Island Farmhouse

MEETING POINT

Martin's Haven, Wales

DURATION

4 DAYS

GROUP SIZE

MAX 4 PARTICIPANTS

BOOK

BACK TO ALL TOURS