Fine Art News Contact Links

Pre-paid Vouchers for Workshops available. Makes a great gift!

National Trust Stackpole NN Photography Workshop
Grassholm Island gannetry is our destination on this early evening boat spectacular. Local Welsh photographer Andy Davies will provide hands-on expert advice to small groups who are guided in capturing this outstanding venue.

Situated 11 km due west of Skomer Island, Grassholm is home to more than 78,000 breeding gannets, together with a number of "club birds" who have yet to reach maturity, bringing the total to nearly 100,000. It is the third most important site for gannets in the world, after St. Kilda and Bass Rock in Scotland and is managed by the RSPB. This is a rare chance to capture this world-class site during photography's Golden Hour, when the evening sun bathes the island in rich light.

Once in the vicinity of Grassholm, we will throw fish from the boat to see plunge-diving gannets at close quarters. Razorbills, guillemots, kittiwakes and shags together with Atlantic Grey seals are also found on and around the island. Encounters with porpoise and common and rissos dolphins are frequent and we may be lucky enough to photograph minke, pilot and killer whales. Sunfish and basking shark can also be added to this awe-inspring list of possible opportunities.

The return journey is timed to coincide with witnessing the tens of thousands of shearwaters that congregrate at sea before they return to their burrows on Skomer and Skokholm Islands under the cover of darkness.

Whether a complete beginner, enthusiast, aspiring professional or seasoned photographer, Andy provides comprehensive tuition to suit all levels in a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere. The Workshop will only run if the sea and weather conditions are favourable.

We will spend an hour for an introductory talk and camera set-up session before boarding the boat. The session on the boat lasts 5 hours giving us plenty of time to cover all the subjects we may encounter.

Please contact Andy on 07977 562321 or email andy@andydavies.info for details of dates, times and joining instructions.

Possible workshop dates for 2012
Workshops will run from April until the end of October on Thursdays and Sundays, weather and sea conditions permitting. Please contact Andy if you wish to be placed on the email list. A message will be sent out if it is looking likely that the trip will run a couple of days in advance.

Trips are subject to weather, sea conditions and minimum numbers. We will only go if these are in our favour.

Cost
Workshop £135.

Location
The location Grassholm Island can also be found on Google Maps or the Ordnance Survey's Get-a-map.

How to book
Numbers are limited and workshops must be booked as early as possible in advance. Email andy@andydavies.info or contact him on 01264 268061 or 07977 562321.

Equipment required
Digital compact cameras or digital single lens reflex cameras (DSLRs) with interchangeable lenses. Warm clothing. Food and drink. National Trust Stackpole Camera manual and software installation disk.

Optional
Laptop computer loaded with Adobe Photoshop. Trial versions can be downloaded from the Adobe website.


Image galleries and comments from participants
Gannet
Mark Clayton
June 2011
gannet
Alannah Ruthen
June 2011

gannet
David Miller
June 2011

Gannet
Dot Griew
June 2011
       
       
       
 
  Skomer Island Photography Workshops Dinefwr Stackpole Photography Workshop St. Brides Castle
  Manor House Wildlife Park Photography Workshops Grassholm Island Photography Workshop Welsh Wildlife Centre Workshop Skomer Snorkel
andy davies photography & video tel ++44 (0) 1267 268061 Mobile: 07977 562321 andy@andydavies.info