Close-up of a puffin's head, showcasing its colorful beak - ideal for a Puffin Photography Workshop.

Puffin photography workshop

Join me for an unforgettable puffin photography workshop on the iconic Isle of May. This accessible island hosts one of the UK’s fastest growing populations of charismatic Atlantic puffins. There are 55,000 pairs and the number is still increasing.

This workshop is designed to help you capture striking, frame-filling images of puffins. I will also guide you in applying the right photographic techniques to grow as a photographer. But most importantly, we will have a memorable encounter with thousands of Puffin.

The Atlantic Puffin

Here are some of the photos I have taken on Puffin photography workshops

Razorbill swimming in the water during a boat trip to Bass Rock.
Razorbill swimming in the water during a boat trip to Bass Rock.
Razorbill swimming in the water during a boat trip to Bass Rock.
Gannet in flight against a cloudy sky.
Gannet in flight against a cloudy sky.
Gannet in flight against a cloudy sky.
Gannet in flight against a cloudy sky.
Gannet in flight against a cloudy sky.
Gannet in flight against a cloudy sky.
Gannet colony on a cliff face, with many birds flying in a blue sky.
Gannet colony on a cliff face, with many birds flying in a blue sky.
Gannet colony on a cliff face, with many birds flying in a blue sky.

The Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica) is one of the UK’s most recognisable seabirds. It is charismatic and often nicknamed the “clown of the sea.” This nickname comes from its brightly coloured bill and distinctive markings. During the breeding season, puffins develop vivid orange, yellow, and blue tones on their beaks, paired with striking black-and-white plumage.

Puffins may look comical on land, but they are superbly adapted to life at sea. They are strong swimmers diving as deep as 60 meters for fish. Puffins use their wings to “fly” underwater in pursuit of small fish such as sand eels. They spend most of the year far out in the open ocean. They only return to coastal cliffs and islands such as Isle of May to breed. There, they nest in burrows and raise a single chick each summer.

Other species

The Isle of May is also home to several other species. Once we have a range of Puffin photos, we may have time to photograph these other species too. Eider Duck, Common Guillemot, Razorbill, Fulmar, Oystercatcher, Black-Legged Kittiwake, Rock Pippit, Lesser-Black Backed Gull and more all breed each year. Arctic Tern can breed on the island. But, Peregrine and Short-Eared Owl have driven them away the past few years. There is some doubt if they will return. Grey Seals can also be photographed from the boat along with passing Gannets.

Gannet in flight against a cloudy sky.
Gannet in flight against a cloudy sky.
Gannet colony on a cliff face, with many birds flying in a blue sky.
Gannet colony on a cliff face, with many birds flying in a blue sky.
Gannet in flight against a cloudy sky.
Gannet colony on a cliff face, with many birds flying in a blue sky.
Gannet in flight against a cloudy sky.
Razorbill swimming in the water during a boat trip to Bass Rock.

What to expect

Our Puffin photography workshop will start in the attractive village of Anstruther, Fife. After a welcome and briefing I can offer help with camera setup before we head for the boat. We may have some time to photograph gulls or terns whilst waiting for the boat. After a final toilet stop we will be off.

Our boat is the May Princess and it takes 45 minutes to reach the Isle of May. There is often opportunities to photograph Gannets, Gulls and occasionally Shearwaters on the crossing. On either the journey out or back, we will sail around the island. We will see the “seabird city” with thousands of Guillemots, Razorbills, and other species. We can also photograph Grey Seals hauled out on the rocks.

One on the island we will get a briefing from the resident warden. Depending on the tide we will then have 2 to 3 hours on the island. Our first focus will be the Puffins – this is a Puffin photography workshop after all!

Throughout the session, I’ll guide you on:

  • Getting sharp, eye-catching portraits
  • Photographing groups of Puffins (known as a circus)
  • Capturing puffins in flight
  • Understanding behaviour to anticipate the shot
  • Working creatively with coastal backgrounds and available light

This is a hands-on workshop with plenty of one-to-one guidance tailored to your level.

Once everybody is happy with their puffin shots, we will normally have some time to focus on other species. But this is not always possible.

Booking & Availability

Group size

This is a small group Puffin photography workshop to help everybody get the best opportunities.

  • Small group allows personal coaching
  • At least 3 for workshop to go ahead
  • Max group of 5 people

Who the Puffin photography workshop is for

This puffin photography workshop is ideal for:

  • Beginners looking to build confidence with wildlife photography
  • Improvers wanting to refine technique and consistency
  • Anyone keen to photograph Puffins in a stunning and accessible location

You don’t need to be an expert — just comfortable using your camera in manual or semi-automatic modes.

We will be walking about a mile during this workshop on grassy paths. It is essential you let me know in advance of any accessibility needs.

Booking & Availability

Accessibility

There are two key factors here relating to accessibility. The first relates to the requirements for the boat trip – to both get on and off the boat safely. The second is the need to move around the paths on the Isle of May which are grass and uneven.

Please get in touch to discuss your requirements. I am committed to making my workshops as accessible. Please see my accessibility policy for more information.

Recommended equipment

You don’t need the most expensive camera to take part in the Puffin Photography Workshop. But ideally, you will have:

  • A DSLR or mirrorless camera
  • A telephoto or zoom lens
  • Spare batteries and memory cards
  • Clothes suitable for the weather
  • Footwear suitable for coastal terrain and grassy paths

If you’re unsure about your gear, feel free to get in touch before booking. I will be happy to help you.

Get in Touch

Location

The workshop takes place on the Isle of May, a National Nature Reserve renowned for its seabird colonies. Over 250,000 seabirds breed on the island each summer (April to August).

We’ll travel to the island by boat (included), departing from the fishing village of Anstruther.

I am also available to guide trips to see and photograph Puffins on Lunga (boat trip from Isle of Mull). Please get in touch if you are interested in this.

Ethical approach

Respect and protection of wildlife is at the heart of everything I do. This workshop follows a strong ethical approach to have minimal disturbance and a positive experience for both wildlife and participants. Practically this means that we will be sticking to established paths. Failing to do so can result in nests being stood on collapsing Puffin burrows from above.

Booking & availability

All workshop bookings are subject to my standard terms & conditions.

Small Group Workshops – £130 per person

This includes the cost of the boat (currently £40). If you are eligible for a concession price please let me know and a discount may be available. Availability on the May Princess is limited, so it is vital that you book in advance. Also, I keep groups small so that you enjoy personal tuition and the highest quality experience.

Private Workshop – Get in Touch

Alternatively I can offer bespoke private workshops tailored to your specific needs and availability. These can be run on either the Isle of May or Lunga (from Mull).

Get in Touch