Beginner Photography Workshop at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire
I was back at RSPB Bempton Cliffs the other day running another full beginner photography workshop, and it turned out to be one of those days that just reminds me why I love doing these.
There’s something about Bempton that always delivers. It’s not just the location — although the cliffs, the seabirds and the views out over the North Sea are hard to beat — it’s the whole experience of being there. You’ve got wildlife right in front of you, space to move around, and that constant feeling that something’s about to happen.
From a teaching point of view, it’s pretty much the perfect place to run a photography workshop for beginners.
We started the day as I always do, with a relaxed session going over the basics. Most people arrive with a camera they’ve had for a while but never really felt confident using properly, so the aim is to strip everything back and make it simple. Aperture, shutter speed, ISO — all explained in a way that actually makes sense, without overcomplicating it.
Once everyone starts to understand what those settings are doing, you can almost see the shift straight away.
Heading out onto the cliffs is where it all comes together. That’s the bit people always enjoy most. You’re not just sat listening — you’re out there, camera in hand, putting it into practice straight away. With the seabirds flying, the light changing and the views constantly pulling your eye in different directions, there’s always something to work with.
What stood out on this workshop though was the group. Honestly, they were brilliant. Everyone got stuck in, asked questions, helped each other out, and just enjoyed the whole experience. That makes a huge difference. It turns it from a “course” into something much more relaxed and enjoyable.
By the end of the day, people who had started off unsure about their camera were adjusting settings confidently and actually understanding what they were doing. That’s always the goal.
The team at RSPB Bempton Cliffs were, as always, great to work with. It’s such a well-run reserve and it really does make a difference when you’re running workshops in a place that’s set up properly for visitors. Everything just works, and it allows the day to flow exactly how it should.
What I always notice with these workshops is that people don’t just take away better photos. They leave feeling more confident, more relaxed, and having had a proper day outdoors. It’s not rushed, it’s not pressured, and it’s not about being perfect — it’s about understanding your camera and enjoying it.
That’s why photography workshops at RSPB Bempton Cliffs work so well. You’ve got an incredible location, wildlife right on your doorstep, and a learning environment that actually makes sense for beginners.
At one point during the day I managed to capture a really special moment with a Razorbill. It was just sat there on the cliff edge, and for a second it looked straight down the lens. Not past it, not through it — straight into it. Those are the moments I love most. It’s not about the technical side of photography at all, it’s about that brief connection with something completely wild. Just you and the bird, sharing a second in time before it moves on. You can’t force it, you can’t plan it, and that’s what makes it so powerful when it happens.
If you’ve ever picked up a camera and thought you should probably know how to use it properly, this is exactly what these days are designed for.
You can find upcoming Beginner Photography Workshops at RSPB Bempton Cliffs and other locations here: Group Photography Workshops
Or call | Text | WhatsApp - 07739121743
My Next RSPB Bempton Workshop can be found and booked - Check out my Group Photography Workshop Page - I’d love to meet you!
