Diving Gannets of Bass Rock

South East Scotland

Boat based half day photography / videography workshop

NEXT DATE: Saturday June 19th 2021  SOLD OUT

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Chris Packham voted this "Gannet Feeding Frenzy" the No. 1 experience in his UK Nature Top 40!

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And no wonder - nothing prepares you for the exhilaration of hundreds of gannets rocketing into the seas just a few feet away from your camera.  Bring your A-Game because this is a photographic challenge you won't want to miss!

WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS

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• Boat base gives unrivalled opportunities for gannet flight, diving and underwater shots

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• Bass Rock backdrop and open sea locations

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• Chance of puffin, razorbill, arctic tern, eider, seal, minke whale, porpoise or dolphin on the journey out and back!

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• Option to try  DSLR videography with BBC natural history presenter and film maker Trai Anfield

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• Friendly and experienced tutor- come and learn new techniques!

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• Unique challenges for more experienced photographers

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• Smaller group than usual to comply with Covid regulations

Workshop Itinerary

PLEASE NOTE: Timings may vary according to sea conditions and weather

10.00   Meet at Dunbar Harbour, outside the coffee cart  

Detailed Photography Briefing & Health & Safety Briefing

Group photography briefing with camera set up, technical advice and creative inspiration, plus H&S ...and a last chance to nip to the loo too!)

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10.30  - approx 11.30  Outward transfer

Roughly an hour boat journey to and around the Bass Rock. Fantastic views of Bass Rock with thousands of gannets wheeling around it in the air. Occasional opportunities to photograph seals, dolphins, whales, puffins and other seabirds plus coastal landscapes from the boat.

11.30 to approx 13.00 Diving Gannets

The highlight of the trip - and in Chris Packham's opinion any UK wildlife safari - is an intense session photographing hundreds of gannets diving extremely close to the boat for the fish we provide.  An exhilarating chaotic frenzy that will set your heart, shutter finger and brain cells racing!

One to one photography and videography tuition as required. Photography can seem impossible to begin with - how do you know which birds will dive and where?? - but your tutor Trai Anfield is on hand with the knowledge, experience, and techniques necessary to help you capture the incredible action unfolding all around!

approx 13.00 to 14.00  Return transfer to Dunbar

More opportunities to photograph gannets on the wing, along with puffins, guillemots, razorbills and other breeding seabirds.  Seals, dolphins and whales are also occasionally spotted alongside.

Workshop Notes:

There is limited free car parking available around the harbour, otherwise you can park up the hill in the town or by the Leisure Pool

Please bring any food or drink you require. 

Toilet facilities are NOT available on the boat.  Facilities are available prior to departure by the Leisure Pool above the harbour.

In the event that your workshop has to be cancelled due to adverse weather conditions, an alternative date or full refund is offered.

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*COVID19 PRECAUTIONS

Please do not attend the workshop if you or your family are showing any symptoms of Covid 19. 

Social distancing measures are required for this workshop, though you can still be sure of the usual wonderfully intimate experience with the animals and birds.

Please note that your booking constitutes acceptance of the need to prioritise safety for yourself and all others associated with the safari at all times.  This means you agree to adhere strictly to the relevant government's current Covid19 advice throughout, which may include the wearing of a mask when necessary. 

Informal Track and Trace BackUp

As an extra measure we ask if you have a positive Covid-19 test result within 14 days of your workshop or safari, please let us know immediately, so that we can inform the other members of the group, asking them to self-isolate. 

We cannot accept responsibility for any subsequent infection.

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- No group transfer: we will travel separately to the location

- Places on the boat are strictly limited to 6 guests plus tutor (usually up to 12)
- Hand sanitiser will be available at all times 
- 1m+ distancing will be maintained
- Masks will be worn by all participants
- Trai will also be wearing gloves when helping with guest cameras

2021 Dates and Rates  

NEXT DATE Saturday June 19th 2021  SOLD OUT

£125.00 per person

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Please Note: the slight increase in the price of this workshop is due to social distancing safety measures limiting places on the boat to 6 from 12

Includes: return boat trip around Bass Rock breeding area and all photographic tuition

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BOOKING

please click on the date you require and then follow the secure payment instructions through the checkout

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Diving gannets available to book in combination with:

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Wildlife: Fast Action & Creative Portraiture

Wild Treasures of Lindisfarne

Introduction To Wildlife Film Making

Small Animals Studio Photography

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Email Us To Book This Workshop In Combination With Another Workshop and receive 10% discount on each one!

Or combine Farne Islands Summer Seabirds with glorious Northumberland coastal landscapes!  Contact Us For Details