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12:30 Friday 29th November 2024- 16:00 Sunday 1st December 2024 Winterton-on-Sea, Great Yarmouth NR29 4DE

Wildlife Tour: Seals of Norfolk with an award winning wildlife photographer

Join us this winter for an unforgettable 3 days of photography at the UK’s largest Grey Seal colony, with award winning photographer Paul Alistair Collins

£699- Includes 2 nights B&B - Pay a £200 deposit now to secure your place

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About this event

Join us this winter for a wonderful wildlife photography tour photographing newborn seal pups and fighting bull seals in Norfolk. The Norfolk coastline, with its dramatic sand dunes and crashing waves, provides a breathtaking backdrop for your photography.

This tour spread out over 3 days, from dawn until dusk, will see us capture a wide range of shots - from tender moments between mothers and newborn pups, and pregnant seals waiting to give birth, to the dramatic battles between bull seals fighting for territory. Under expert guidance, we'll make the most of natural light and dynamic conditions, exploring creative approaches such as action shots, backlit compositions and high key photography so you’ll return home with a striking collection of images. All photography will be conducted at a safe distance to avoid disturbing the seals, so lenses around 300-400mm are recommended.


This workshop is perfect for both budding and seasoned wildlife photographers. Paul is proud that several past participants from his workshops have gone on to win major competitions, making this an exceptional opportunity to photograph the charismatic seals in their natural habitat and elevate your portfolio.


About your tutor & tour leader:
Paul Alistair Collins

Paul is an award-winning nature photographer, BBC cameraman, and guide based in London. With a keen eye for capturing animals in low light and minimalist landscapes, his work has been awarded in the British Wildlife Photography Awards, Mammal Photographer of the Year and other prestigious competitions. For over 20 years, Paul has spent each winter on the Norfolk coast with its seals, where his passion for capturing the essence of animals through photography first began. Paul also regularly leads wildlife photo tours overseas, sharing his expertise and love for nature with fellow photographers.

Group size:
This tour will be limited to 9 photographers and Emily Mudie will be assisting. Emily co-ordinates and creates the LeadingLines workshops and is delighted to be working with Paul and supporting him on his workshop with us. Emily's photography career began at Nikon where she co-ordinated all of the photography workshops at Nikon School and she has since been working as a full time professional photographer for the last 7 years with wildlife photography a personal favourite.


Tour Schedule:

Day 1 - Friday 29th November
    •    12:30pm: Lunch/refreshments and welcome meet-and-greet in Winterton-on-Sea
    •    13:30 walk to the seal colony. Late afternoon/sunset photo session with the seals.
    •   16:00- head to the hotel to check in and have dinner. During dinners we can eat as a group and discuss the photography and go through any improvements or tips that attendees would like to discuss.


Day 2 - Saturday 30th November
    •    Head out early to Winterton-on-Sea for sunrise (sunrise time: 07:30)
    •    Sunrise photography session with the seals
    •    Head back to the hotel for breakfast & freshen up
    •    Head back out for the afternoon session with the seals.
    •    Lunch and tea in Winterton-on-Sea.
    •    Afternoon/Sunset photography session with the seals. (Sunset time 15:45)
    •    Dinner - either at pub in Winterton-on-Sea or back in Great Yarmouth.
    •    Overnight in Great Yarmouth.

Day 3 - Sunday 1st December
    •    Head out early to Winterton-on-Sea for sunrise
    •    Sunrise photography session with the seals
    •    Head back to the hotel for breakfast, freshen up & check out
    •    Head back out for the afternoon session with the seals.
    •    Lunch and tea in Winterton-on-Sea.
    •    Optional: Afternoon/Sunset photography session with the seals. After capturing sunrise & checking out of the hotel attendees have the option to head home or stay on for more photography in the afternoon and for sunset.
    •    After sunset: Head home/tour ends.

*Please note the schedule may be subject to changes due to weather & light conditions.


What's Included:
2 nights Bed and Breakfast in a private double en suite room.
Full photography tuition and tour guiding throughout the trip

Accommodation:
We will be staying at the Furzedown Hotel in Great Yarmouth, just a 20 minute drive from the seal colonies: Furzedown Hotel

Secure your place by paying a £200 deposit now! The remaining amount is due by 31st October 2024.

         Fitness
    •    Easy to moderate.
    •    The main seal colony is approximately a 2 mile walk from the car-parking in Winterton on Sea, where they can be found in their hundreds. The walk should take approximately 40 minutes, keeping to a straight sandy coastal path with flat to moderate uphill gradient. Seals can be found at any point along the path and even from the car park. Occasionally, if we spot a protective mother seal with her pups lying on the path (this does happen!), we may have to deviate off path onto the dunes.
    •    If anyone has concerns about mobility or pace, there should be plenty of options to spot seals along the walk in different settings, so there is no need to rush ourselves.
   
    Equipment
    •    Camera, lenses (telephoto of 300mm minimum, 400-500mm ideal for tighter portraits and behaviour shots.



All images copyright Paul Alistair Collins

Event requirements

Equipment

  • Spare batteries
  • Camera
  • Lense cloths
  • Filters
  • Lenses
  • Monopod
  • Camera protection - rain covers etc
  • Tripod

Knowledge

  • Knowledge of ISO Shutter Speed and Aperture

Fitness

  • Medium

Other essentials

  • Sturdy outdoor shoes
  • Warm clothing
  • Wet weather gear
  • For those with mobility issues please email us to check the mobility limitations at this location prior to booking

Event location