Introduction to Seabird Photography

During this ‘Introduction to Seabird Photography’ workshop, you will spend time refining your seabird photography skills under the expert tutelage of renowned wildlife photographer, Rachel Bigsby.

RSPB Bempton Cliffs is the largest mainland seabird colony in the UK, providing photographic unique opportunities below or parallel with the sea cliffs for Northern Gannet, Atlantic Puffin, Northern Fulmar, Black-Legged Kittiwake, Common Guillemot and Razorbill. With over half a million seabirds to photograph, Rachel will be on hand at all times to ensure that you are able to locate and photograph your most desired species with ease.

Throughout the workshop, Rachel will guide you on all aspects of photographing seabirds, delivering continuous support and advising on basic to advanced creative techniques. There will be plenty of opportunities to explore the reserve together on foot seeking the best light, angles and active areas to work with in order to produce outstanding seabird images and to ask any questions you may have about the seabird species.

Please note: This workshop is aimed at photographers of all abilities from beginners to advanced. However, all attendees must have a competent understanding of their main camera controls such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO and their focusing system. This workshop will not cover the basics of wildlife photography. Each workshop will be limited to 4 attendees, ensuring that expert advice and support can be efficiently delivered. Alternatively, a private, 1:2:1 option is available.

Workshop Information:

• Location: RSPB Bempton Cliffs, Cliff Lane, Bempton, Yorkshire YO151JF
• Meeting Point: RSPB Bempton Cliffs Car Park (by visitor centre). Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time.
• Fitness Level 2 (Leisurely but long walking with some uneven ground. Approximately 2 - 4+ miles)

Camera:

• DSLR or Mirrorless camera (plus second camera body if you have one).
• Batteries (and spares)
• Memory cards (and spares)
• Waterproof cover for camera and lenses

Lenses:

• Focal lengths of 400, 500 and 600mm are recommended. Lenses such as 200-500mm or 100-400mm would be ideal. 70-200mm, 24-120mm, 24-70mm or similar can be used for environmental shots.

Clothing and Additional Equipment:

• Please bring appropriate clothing for changeable weather conditions. You must bring:  Windproof and waterproof jacket. Layers (i.e a mid layer / fleece then jacket) Appropriate walking boots Suncream, sunglasses, sunhat Drinking water Binoculars (optional). Gloves (optional).

Food:

• A variety of hot and cold food and drink is available to purchase in the cafe at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. You are welcome to bring your own refreshments to have throughout the workshop. Please note: food / refreshments are not included in the price of the workshop.

Other:

• There are toilet facilities at RSPB Bempton Cliffs.
• If the trip is canceled due to adverse weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you will be offered an alternate workshop date or given a full refund.
• Parking and entrance to Bempton Cliffs for RSPB members is free, for non members it is currently £6 (subject to change).

What is included?

• Private wildlife photography tuition
• Post workshop advice

What’s not included?

• Health / travel insurance
• Travel or accommodation
• Food or drink
• Visas and vaccinations
• Photography equipment
• Entry fee to RSPB Bempton Cliffs (if applicable).

 

Small Group Workshops And 1-2-1 Terms & Conditions. Booking & Payment 

Half Day (1/2) and One Day (1) Workshops

To confirm a workshop booking you are required to pay in full when you place your order - a non-refundable deposit of £50 is included within the price. An acknowledgement email of your order and confirmation of payment will be sent automatically. If this is not received, it is workshop attendees responsibility to inform Rachel Bigsby.

Cancellation of Booking

If workshop attendees wish to cancel a workshop booking, they must advise Rachel Bigsby in writing via email at least 28 days before the workshop commencement date. For cancellations made within this time workshop attendees will be refunded the workshop fee, less the deposit. For cancellations made less than 28 days before the workshop commencement date, workshop attendees will be liable for the full workshop fee.

Changes to Workshops 

Rachel Bigsby reserves the right to make changes to the workshop advertised. If cancellation is due to circumstances beyond her control (e.g. fire, flood, industrial disputes, bereavement, etc.) less than 28 days notice could be given. Should this unlikely event occur, Rachel Bigsby will contact workshop attendees to advise of the workshop changes, and give the option of accepting or rejecting the change.  If workshop attendees choose to reject, a full refund of payment (including deposit) for the workshop will be offered. Alternatively, workshop attendees can transfer any payments already made to an alternative workshop or print from Rachel Bigsby.

Workshop Cancellations by Rachel Bigsby 

Rachel Bigsby reserves the right to cancel any workshop and should this happen, you will be contacted as soon as is reasonably possible. Upon cancellation, a full refund (including deposit) will be offered. Alternatively, workshop attendees can transfer any payments already made to an alternative workshop or print from Rachel Bigsby.

Accommodation and Travel Expenses 

Accommodation and travel expenses are the responsibility of workshop attendees and must be arranged and paid for by workshop attendees. The cost of which is not included in the price of the workshop.

Risk

All 1-2-1 and group workshop attendees participate at their own risk and Rachel Bigsby accepts no responsibility for injury or damage to their persons or property. It is recommended that workshop attendees hold their own insurance to cover against injury, damage, theft or cancellation.

Tuition 

For the avoidance of doubt, Rachel Bigsby will not be delivering basic photography tuition. Attendees must have a competent understanding of their main camera controls such as shutter speed, aperture, ISO and their focusing system. There will of course be the opportunity to refine and improve current skills.

Legal Age

All workshop and 1-2-1 attendees must be aged 18 years or over on the day of the workshop.  Attendees under 18 are welcome, but must be accompanied by an adult. If the adult wishes to also participate in the course, the adult must book a place.

Applicable Law 

All contracts made between Rachel Bigsby and workshop attendees shall be governed by the laws of England. Workshop attendees accept that the total liability to them on any matter whatsoever relating to the contract or on any consequential loss relating to the contract cannot exceed the total contract price. Any dispute arising from the contract must be confirmed by workshop attendees in writing within 30 days. In the first instance workshop attendees agree to reach an amicable settlement via agreement or mediation with Rachel Bigsby; if these fail the dispute shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the English courts.