Where the Gannets Fly: A Photographer’s Unexpected Love Story

21 Jul

This blog is what it looks like when someone’s drowning in their own emotional shit!

I struggle writing an emotional blogs, this year so far I’ve been through so much emotion it hard to contain it some times. Times like this always end up with my camera in my hand.

There are moments in life when nature reaches out and touches something deep within us—a quiet, unspoken connection that helps to heal, to steady, to uplift. For me, one of those moments came with the Northern Gannets at RSPB Bempton. What began as a simple photography trip gradually evolved into a heartfelt romance with these magnificent seabirds—a bond that has profoundly shaped my emotional wellbeing.

The Northern Gannet, with its striking white plumage, black-tipped wings, and piercing blue eyes, cuts a dramatic figure against the jagged cliffs of Bempton. Watching them soar effortlessly on the sea breeze, diving spectacularly into the crashing waves to catch fish, it’s impossible not to be captivated. Their grace combined with raw power embodies both freedom and purpose—qualities I desperately needed to reconnect with during those times when my mood is fragile.

Photography became my lifeline. Focusing my lens on these creatures helped me pull back from the fog of depression. Each shutter click was a reminder that beauty exists, even amidst inner darkness. I found calm in the patterns of their wings against the endless sky, in the gentle bobbing of the sea beneath them, and the chorus of calls echoing from the cliffs. It grounded me, pulling me away from spiralling thoughts and into the present moment.

More than just images, the Northern Gannets became symbols of resilience. Watching their dedication during the breeding season, their nurturing of chicks despite the harsh coastal winds, I saw parallels with my own struggle—to protect hope and nurture light in difficult times. This connection made my photographs more than just pictures; they became expressions of healing, markers of progress, and reminders that recovery is possible.

Returning to Bempton, season after season, photographing the gannets provides me with a rhythm and routine that helped stabilise my mental state. The fresh sea air, the sound of waves, and the company of these extraordinary birds all worked together as a form of natural therapy. I can honestly say that the affection I’ve developed for the Northern Gannets has been a vital part of my journey through my low moods and depression.

For anyone struggling with their mental health, I would encourage you to find that one thing in nature that speaks to your soul. Whether it’s a bird, a tree, or a landscape, the world around us holds incredible power to heal, if we just allow ourselves to listen. The Northern Gannets at Bempton gave me that gift, and for that, I am forever grateful.

This is something I try to emphasise during my photography workshop, yes the technical knowledge you learn is great, but the social mindfulness is unbreakable.

Even the grumpy Gannets make me smile.