Discover the Art of Seabird Photography – OM System Special at RSPB Bempton Cliffs

Seabird Photography Workshop at RSPB Bempton Cliffs – OM System Special Edition

Ever wondered what that dream lens would do for your seabird photography? Now's your chance to find out.

On these two special days, OM System are joining me, Ali Marley, at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. They're bringing their kit so you can try it on some of the most spectacular seabirds in the UK. You could put the M.Zuiko 100-400mm, 150-400mm or the 50-200mm through its paces on gannets and puffins. You could see what the OM-1 Mark II can do if you're shooting on an older OM or Olympus body. Or you could simply be curious about the system. This is your chance to try before you buy, at the best seabird location there is.

A workshop built around OM kit

This day is tailored to OM System cameras. I shoot OM myself, so I'll show you exactly which settings I use to get my seabird images. That covers autofocus modes and tracking, Pro Capture, and the settings I rely on for birds in flight. You'll go home knowing how to get those shots yourself, whether you're using your own camera or the kit you've tried on the day.

Learn from a seabird specialist

I'm not just a photographer who happens to teach. I'm a seabird specialist who lives and breathes these magnificent birds. I've spent years chasing gannets at Bass Rock and waiting for the perfect puffin moment on Lunga. I've learned the rhythms of seabird life at the Farne Islands, St Abbs Head and right here at Bempton Cliffs. I'm an award-winning wildlife photographer and the author of Discover the Art of Seabird Photography, and I can't wait to share it all with you.

You'll also discover the field craft most photographers never learn. You'll see the telltale signs that a gannet is about to launch, the body language of a puffin preparing for takeoff, and the patterns of birds returning laden with fish. That knowledge turns snapshots into perfectly timed captures. And May is a wonderful time to be on the cliffs, with the colony in full swing.

How the day runs

We'll start cosy and warm in the classroom. There we'll cover the technical essentials, including OM-specific settings, in a relaxed, jargon-free way. Then we head to the clifftops, where thousands of seabirds put on one of nature's greatest spectacles. With my guidance and the OM System team on hand, you'll learn to read the action, anticipate the moment and capture images you'll be proud of.

Small groups mean plenty of one-to-one attention. Whether you're a complete beginner or have been shooting for years, I'll meet you where you are.

What's included:
• A full day of expert tuition from an award-winning seabird photography specialist
• The opportunity to try OM System cameras and lenses on the day, with the OM System team on hand
• Classroom session covering camera settings (with a focus on OM System), composition, light and seabird behaviour
• Extended hands-on session on the clifftops with personal guidance
• Tea and coffee during the classroom session. Lunch isn't included, so bring a packed lunch or pre-order from the lovely on-site café.

What to bring:
• Your own camera and lens if you have them (any brand is welcome, though the day is geared towards OM System)
• A spare SD card, so you can take home the images you shoot on the demo kit
• Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear, as we're on the cliffs!
• Your sense of adventure

Places are strictly limited, and to give as many people as possible the chance to try the kit, bookings are limited to one day per person. Please only book onto either 20 May or 21 May, not both.

Don't miss this rare chance to learn seabird photography and try OM System gear at the same time. Book now and let's create some magic together at Bempton Cliffs!