One of the things I’ve really enjoyed over the last year is teaching photography at RSPB Saltholme. It’s one of those places that just works perfectly for beginner photographers. You’ve got wildlife all around you, peaceful surroundings, great walking routes and plenty of opportunities to stop, slow down and really enjoy photography properly.

Every time I run a workshop there, I’m reminded that photography isn’t just about the pictures — it’s about the experience of being outdoors, learning something new and noticing moments you’d normally walk straight past.

That’s exactly why I love teaching at Saltholme.

There’s a place on the Yorkshire coast where the air feels different – sharp with salt, alive with sound, and thick with a kind of magic that stays with you long after you’ve turned for home. That place is RSPB Bempton Cliffs, and for me, it’s more than just a nature reserve – it’s somewhere my soul feels completely at rest.

I still remember the first time I walked along the cliff top paths here. Below me, the North Sea stretched out like a sheet of rippled blue glass, meeting a sky so wide it felt endless. But what took my breath away – literally – was the noise. Thousands of seabirds calling, crying, and wheeling in the air; a swirling, living carpet of wings, feathers and movement. This is one of the most important seabird colonies in the whole of the UK, and standing there, surrounded by Gannets, Puffins, Guillemots and Razorbills, you realise just how precious and wild our natural world really is.

I’ll soon be back at RSPB Saltholme running another Beginner Photography Workshop, and honestly, I’m really looking forward to this one.

Saltholme is one of those places that’s perfect for learning photography. You’ve got wildlife everywhere, open landscapes, peaceful walks and constantly changing light, which means there’s always something interesting to photograph no matter your experience level.

What I love most about running these workshops at RSPB Saltholme in Teesside is how relaxed they feel. There’s no pressure, no complicated jargon, and no expectation that you need expensive camera gear or years of experience. Most people who come along are simply wanting to understand their camera properly and feel more confident using it.

Some of the best moments in photography aren’t planned.

I was at RSPB Saltholme recently, running a one-to-one beginner photography workshop, when this grey heron stepped out from the reeds and into the water. There was no rush, no sudden movement — just that slow, deliberate pace they have, completely at ease in their surroundings.

It’s funny how quickly everything else fades when something like that happens.

We’d been working through the basics earlier in the session, getting comfortable with camera settings, understanding light, and just building confidence. But moments like this are where it all starts to make sense. Not because of the technical side, but because you realise what photography is really about.

Scarborough seafront has always been one of those places I keep coming back to with a camera. During the day it’s busy, colourful and full of life, but once the evening settles in and the lights begin to glow, it becomes something completely different.

It’s also one of my favourite places to run a night photography workshop on the Yorkshire coast.

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.

There’s something really rewarding about teaching a beginner photography workshop and seeing that moment when everything finally clicks for someone. Recently I had the pleasure of running one of my Beginner Photography Workshops at Sewerby Hall in Bridlington, and it turned out to be a fantastic day for everyone involved.

For many people, photography begins as a simple hobby. A new camera, a walk outdoors, a curiosity about light and landscapes. But over time, it often becomes something deeper — a reason to slow down, step outside, and reconnect with both nature and other people.

That’s something I see time and time again on my photography workshops.

While people often arrive wanting to understand their camera or improve their photos, what they frequently leave talking about isn’t just photography. It’s how calm they feel. How good it was to spend a day outside. How much they enjoyed learning alongside others without pressure or expectation.

Photography, when taught in the right environment, can quietly support wellbeing in powerful ways.

If you’ve ever bought a “proper” camera and thought I have no idea what any of these buttons do…, you’re not alone.

In fact, almost every beginner or amateur photographer I meet on my workshops arrives feeling exactly the same:

• Photos turning out too dark

• Everything blurry

• Confusing buttons everywhere

• Videos and tutorials making it feel even more complicated

• That constant feeling of “I must be doing something wrong”

RSPB Bempton Cliffs

There are places that make you stop, breathe in, and feel something — Bempton Cliffs is one of those places. Standing at the edge of the coast with endless sky and sea stretching out ahead, you can’t help but feel inspired to create. That’s exactly why I’ve chosen it as the home for my brand-new 2026 Beginners Photography Workshops.

These sessions are designed for anyone who wants to build confidence with their camera, understand the basics properly, and start taking images they’re truly proud of — in a setting that naturally encourages creativity.

On Saturday, I had the privilege of leading a Grass Roots Photography Workshop at RSPB Saltholme — and what an inspiring day it was.

This workshop wasn’t about wildlife, high-end gear or chasing portfolio shots.
It was about something much more valuable:

I’m absolutely thrilled to be teaching at yet another fantastic RSPB reserve — RSPB Old Moor. It’s a real privilege to work in such a beautiful and ecologically significant location, especially one that draws in a wide variety of wildlife throughout the year. For anyone passionate about nature photography, Old Moor offers an incredible backdrop: from majestic marshland landscapes to close encounters with rare bird species.

Standing on the edge of RSPB Bempton Cliffs, it’s impossible not to feel inspired. The dramatic chalk cliffs, the roar of the sea, and the sheer spectacle of thousands of seabirds make it one of the UK’s most breathtaking places for wildlife photography. Recently, I had the joy of leading a beginners’ photography group here — guiding people to not only capture images, but also to connect with the landscape and its incredible wildlife.

I’m thrilled to announce that I will be teaching a photography workshop at RSPB Saltholme on the 1st of November this year. It’s an incredible opportunity to share my passion for nature and photography in such a spectacular setting.

I can hardly contain my excitement for the upcoming beginners photography workshop at Sewerby Hall and Gardens in Bridlington on the 17th of September. This stunning location offers a perfect blend of historic architecture and beautiful natural surroundings, making it an ideal spot for aspiring photographers to hone their skills.

Sewerby Hall provides a rich backdrop with its grand Georgian architecture, while the gardens burst with vibrant colours and interesting textures that are perfect for practising composition, lighting, and focus. It’s a fantastic opportunity for beginners to explore different styles of photography, from detailed close-ups to sweeping landscape shots.

I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that I’ll be back at RSPB Bempton on the 27th of September, leading another photography workshop! There’s something truly special about this location – the dramatic cliffs, the bustling seabird colonies, and the ever-changing light make it an incredible place to capture stunning images.

Teaching photography at RSPB Bempton Cliffs was an absolutely unforgettable and deeply rewarding experience. The sheer beauty and raw drama of the towering cliffs, combined with the incredible variety of wildlife, created the perfect and inspiring backdrop for photography enthusiasts at every skill level. From the graceful soaring gannets high above to the charming nesting puffins tucked safely in their crevices, every moment presented an amazing opportunity to capture stunning images that truly captivate and tell a story.

I’m thrilled to announce that I will be running my very first Photography Workshop for beginners at RSPB Bempton Cliffs! This special location offers an incredible backdrop for anyone looking to dip their toes into nature photography, with its stunning sea cliffs and diverse birdlife providing perfect subjects.

I'm thrilled to announce that on 2nd July, we'll be hosting a Photography Basics Workshop at the stunning RSPB Bempton Cliffs. This location, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and vibrant wildlife, provides the perfect backdrop for budding photographers to learn and grow their skills.

Working alongside the RSPB is a proud moment for me. Their dedication to wildlife conservation and environmental education aligns perfectly with my passion for sharing the joy of photography. The cliffs are a sanctuary for several seabird species, and capturing their magnificence in images not only brings the beauty of nature to life but also raises awareness about the importance of protecting our natural habitats.

Embrace the art of photography at the picturesque Sewerby Hall in Bridlington, where I have the pleasure of hosting immersive photography workshops. Set against the stunning backdrop of the North Yorkshire coastal landscape, these workshops are designed for all levels of photographers—from beginners to seasoned enthusiasts.

At Sewerby Hall, participants can delve into the fundamentals of photography, explore the intricacies of composition, and discover the joy of capturing moments that tell a story. The beauty of this location provides endless opportunities for creativity. Attendees can expect to engage in guided walks around the hall's picturesque grounds, learning to frame shots that highlight the natural beauty of the area, from historic architecture to lush gardens.