Grey Seal Photography Workshop – Lincolnshire, UK

Grey Seal Photography Workshop – North East Coast, UK.

Join me on this small group photography workshop to see the vast seal colonies that come ashore to breed during the winter months. We will spend the day photographing these huge mammals and their fluffy white pups in the atmospheric sand flats of the Lincolnshire Coast. Group size is a maximum of four participants to ensure everyone gets tuition throughout the day and we do not cause any unnecessary stress or disturbance. 

About Grey Seals

For much of the year grey seals are out at sea or hauled out on far away sandbanks, but from October to December our seals come ashore to give birth to their pups on the sand dunes. The Lincolnshire Coast is home to one of the largest and most accessible grey seal colonies in the UK. There are about 3,000 Grey Seals along the coastline, and 900+ pups are born each year. 

You can find more of my grey seal images in this gallery. ALL images were taken at the workshop site. 

Bull Seal and Cow in the Surf - Grey Seal Photography Workshop, Lincolnshire Wildlife PhotographyBacklit Grey Seal. Grey Seal Cow backlit by the warm rays of the setting sun. I chose to use the stunning rim lighting to highlight the shape of this seal relaxing on the sand dunes. Lincolnshire, UK. Backlit Grey Seal - Grey Seal Photography Workshop, Lincolnshire Wildlife PhotographyGrey Seal Pup - Grey Seal Photography WorkshopGrey Seal Cow - Grey Seal Photography Workshop, Lincolnshire Wildlife Photography Portrait of a female grey seal (Halichoerus grypus) at the salt marshes near Donna Nook on the Lincolnshire coast. Females grey seals are usually silver grey to brown in colour and are generally much lighter than the males.Grey Seal Pup - Grey Seal Photography WorkshopGrey Seal FlipperBull Seal and cows playing in the Surf - Grey Seal Photography Workshop, Lincolnshire Wildlife PhotographyGrey Seal Bull in a Sandstorm - Grey Seal Photography Workshop, Lincolnshire Wildlife PhotographyGrey seal flipper. This detailed image shows the thick fur and powerful front flippers of an adult grey seal. Lincolnshire, UK. The flippers are made up of long bones covered in very thick skin which forms a web, used like a paddle to propel the seal along. The long sharp claws on their front flippers are used to help them move around on land, providing very effective grip. Grey Seal Cow Close up of Flipper - Grey Seal Photography Workshop, Lincolnshire Wildlife PhotographyBull Seal and cows playing in the Surf - Grey Seal Photography Workshop, Lincolnshire Wildlife PhotographyGrey Seal Pup at Sunset - Grey Seal Photography Workshop, Lincolnshire Wildlife PhotographyA grey seal pup relaxes on the pebbly beach. Lincolnshire, UK. Grey Seal Pup - Grey Seal Photography Workshop, Lincolnshire Wildlife PhotographyBull Seal in the Surf - Grey Seal Photography Workshop, Lincolnshire Wildlife PhotographyAbstract Seal. The day before my seal workshops began I headed down to the beach at dawn to work on my personal portfolio. Whilst I was photographing the colony in the sea, I turned and noticed this lone seal across a channel of water. The low winter sun glistened off the water beautifully causing the bokeh in the foreground but leaving the seal in shadow.Backlit Grey Seal Pup. Grey Seal Pup backlit by the warm rays of the setting sun. Lincolnshire, UK.

Fitness difficulty:

Moderate

Potentially long walks (3+ miles) along uneven boggy ground and over wet sand. 

Availability:

November-December

January

December

This fixed date workshop is timed to see the colonies at their best with plenty of fluffy white pups. 

Available Dates:

7th December : 1 Space available

8th December : FULLY BOOKED

9th December :  3 Spaces available

 

 

Prices

7

Full Day Workshop

7 hours // £80 deposit

£160

Per Participant

Reduced or extended workshops may be available on request.

Get in touch to book your workshop:

Seals are naturally very inquisitive animals and whilst we were photographing them playing in the surf, they kept taking it in turns to get closer to investigate us. This seal came right up out of the water and gave us a good look before heading back out into the waves to join their friends.
Lincolnshire Seal in the Surf. Image taken during my 2018 seal photography workshops. This image was taken as we watched the seals playing and socialising in the surf. Images like this are all about timing and here I was lucky to catch the wave cresting over the seals head, making the spray look like hair!

What Do My Guests Think?

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I had a great day out on the Lincolnshire coast taking photos of seal pups and their parents. The weather was perfect for being outdoors in a beautiful location, and the seals were fascinating to watch. With plenty of help from Francis to adjust the camera settings, I have some lovely photos that I can barely believe were taken by me! I also got some useful tips and things to think about (watch out for wonky horizons!), I learnt lots about seal behaviour too. Thanks!!

 

View more testimonials

What can You expect?

Whether you are a complete beginner or a seasoned professional this workshop is tailored to meet your individual needs. All technical aspects will be covered as required along with invaluable fieldcraft skills.

Throughout the day (weather dependant) you will have the opportunity to capture a range of images, from portraits, backlit images and silhouettes to action shots and environmental images. My grey seal photography workshops will show you how to capture a stunning portfolio of images of these amazing mammals. 

The welfare of the subject is of utmost importance in all my wildlife photography workshops. I will teach you the essential fieldcraft skills required to get close and capture stunning images without causing stress or disturbance. 

Recommended Photographic Equipment

  • DSLR, mirrorless or bridge camera
  • 500mm+ lens or 300mm with teleconverters (or equivalent on crop/bridge camera).   
  • lightweight and water-resistant bean bag.
  • There may also be opportunities for landscape photography, so a wide angle or standard zoom lens and a sturdy tripod are recommended. 

Additional information

  • Due to the remote nature of the location there are no toilet or refreshment facilities on site. 
  • Camouflage is not essential for this workshop, however neutral colours are advisable.
  • Due to the nature of the coastal location, we will be crossing boggy ground and wet sand to get close to the seals. Waterproof walking boots or wellies are essential and waterproof clothing or a ground matt is strongly recommended as we may have to lie on wet sand to get to eye level with the seals. 

Please visit the FAQ’s section for more information on what to bring.

Grey Seal Photography Workshop – Lincolnshire, UK
A fluffy white seal pup taken during one of my grey seal workshops. By approaching very slowly and carefully we were able to get close without causing disturbance. Seals are typically very inquisitive creatures and this pup came closer to give us a good look!

Useful links

 

Get in touch to book your workshop: