Teaching Photography to Beginners at RSPB Bempton Cliffs
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.
Setting the Scene
For many in the group, it was their first time visiting Bempton. We started by soaking in the surroundings: gannets soaring effortlessly on the updrafts, puffins darting back to their burrows, and kittiwakes calling from their ledges. Before even lifting a camera, I encouraged everyone to simply watch. Photography starts with observation, and here the subjects are abundant.
Breaking Down the Basics
Teaching beginners often means stripping photography back to its essentials. We covered:
Light and Composition: How the shifting coastal light can change a scene in moments, and how to frame a subject against sea or sky.
Focus and Movement: Practicing tracking fast-flying birds — sometimes frustrating, but always rewarding.
Perspective: Using the viewing platforms to experiment with angles and distances, rather than always zooming in.
I reminded everyone: photography isn’t about expensive kit, but about patience, practice, and seeing creatively.
Group Learning at Its Best
The group dynamic made the day special. Beginners shared tips, encouraged each other, and celebrated small wins — like capturing a puffin mid-flight or a close-up of a gannet’s piercing blue eye. We even paused to review shots together, learning as much from mistakes as from successes.
More Than Just Photos
By the end, the group left not only with memory cards full of images but also with a new appreciation for Bempton’s wildlife. Many said they felt more connected to the birds because they’d slowed down to really watch their behaviour through the lens. That’s what makes teaching photography here so rewarding — it’s about fostering both creativity and conservation awareness.
Looking Ahead
As we packed up, the question everyone asked was: when’s the next session? Bempton Cliffs is a place that calls you back again and again, and I can’t wait to welcome another group of beginners to discover the joy of photography here.
