Welcome to the Stu Brown Photography Blog, sharing stories and photography from Saltburn-by-the-Sea, the North Yorkshire coast, and the Cleveland Way.
Here you’ll find field notes from landscape and wildlife shoots, updates from my photography workshops, and insights into working along one of the most dramatic stretches of coastline in the North East of England.
I spend most of my time outdoors — watching the tides, the weather, and the changing light across the moors and cliffs. This blog is a place to share those moments: coastal landscapes at sunrise, wildlife encounters around Saltburn and the North Yorkshire Moors, and the quiet details that make this coastline so special.
Whether you’re here to discover new locations, improve your photography, join a workshop, or simply enjoy the view — I hope these stories bring you a little closer to the landscape.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs – Small, Characterful and Completely Captivating
There’s something about razorbills at RSPB Bempton Cliffs that always makes me stop and watch a little longer.
They’re not the biggest or the most dramatic seabirds on the cliffs, but they’ve got so much character. Small, compact, with that distinctive black and white colouring and the thick, blunt bill, they almost look like little wind-up toys dotted along the rock edges.
I was photographing at Bempton Cliffs in East Yorkshire recently and found myself completely drawn to one particular razorbill. It was just sat there quietly, perched on the cliff face, totally unfazed by everything going on around it. Then for a brief moment, it turned and looked straight into the lens.
The Beauty of Black-Tailed Godwits at RSPB Saltholme
RSPB Saltholme, located within the Tees Valley wetlands, is a haven for birdwatchers and photographers alike, especially during the migratory seasons. Among the many avian treasures that grace this nature reserve, the Black-tailed Godwit stands out for both its striking appearance and its captivating behaviour.
Through the Lens: The Heron’s Elegance at WWT Washington
WWT Washington Wetland Centre is a true gem for wildlife photographers, especially those keen to capture the elegant herons that grace its waters. Nestled in the North East, this reserve offers a perfect blend of accessible hides and stunning natural habitats, making it an ideal spot for both amateurs and seasoned photographers.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs | Stu Brown Photography
Photographing birds at RSPB Bempton Cliffs is a breath taking experience that should not be missed by any nature enthusiast. Nestled along the stunning Yorkshire coastline, this reserve is renowned for its dramatic chalk cliffs and rich birdlife. The sight of gannets, puffins, and various seabirds nesting on the ledges provides incredible photographic opportunities, especially during the breeding season.
Gannets in the Sky: Winged Wonders of Bempton Cliffs
On an exhilaratingly windy day at RSPB Bempton Cliffs, the conditions were ripe for a photography adventure. This spectacular nature reserve, perched on dramatic chalk cliffs overlooking the North Sea, is a haven for seabird enthusiasts and photographers alike. With the wind whipping through my hair, I was eager to capture the essence of the majestic gannets as they soared through the turbulent skies.
RSPB Bempton Cliffs | North yorkshire wildlife Photographers
The RSPB Bempton Cliffs reserve offers one of the most spectacular birdwatching experiences in the United Kingdom. Nestled on the dramatic Yorkshire coast, it is renowned for its towering cliffs and stunning sea views, making it an ideal location for photographers seeking to capture the beauty of gannets and other seabirds.