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10 Tips for Photographing Bempton Cliffs
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- Опубликовано: 6 июл 2024
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In this video, I'll be sharing my top 10 tips for photographing the stunning RSPB Bempton Cliffs. Whether you're an avid photographer or a casual visitor, these tips will help you capture the beauty of this unique location and its diverse wildlife. Stick around till the end for an exclusive bonus tip!
Tip 1: Look Over Your Shoulder
Always be aware of your surroundings. While focusing on the cliffs and the birds, don't forget to look behind you. Some of the best shots can be found in unexpected places, like a Barn Owl flying low over the path or a dramatic sky over the sea.
Tip 2: Don't Neglect the Other Species
While the seabirds are the main attraction, Bempton Cliffs is home to a variety of other wildlife. Take the time to photograph different species such as butterflies, rabbits, and wildflowers to add diversity to your portfolio.
Tip 3: Check the Weather
Weather can significantly impact your photography experience. Check the weather forecast before your visit and be prepared for sudden changes. Overcast skies can provide even lighting, while clear skies offer dramatic contrasts. Don't underestimate the impact of the wind!
Tip 4: Watch Your Feet
Safety is crucial at Bempton Cliffs. Always watch your step and stay on marked paths. The cliffs can be slippery and unstable, so ensure you are standing on solid ground before setting up your shot.
Tip 5: Don't Neglect the Small Birds
While the larger seabirds are spectacular, don't overlook the smaller birds. Species like the linnet, stonechat, and tree sparrow can provide excellent photo opportunities. Use a zoom lens to capture their details and behaviors.
Tip 6: Look for Gaps in the Vegetation
Gaps in the vegetation along the cliff edges can provide unique vantage points for your photos. These natural frames can help you compose interesting and dynamic shots of the birds and cliffs.
Tip 7: Look for Worn Out Patches on the Path
Worn-out patches on the path often indicate popular spots for viewing and photographing wildlife. These areas are typically tried and tested by other photographers and can offer great angles and compositions.
Tip 8: Fast Shutter Speed for Sharp Photographs
To capture sharp images of birds in flight or action shots, use a fast shutter speed. This helps freeze the motion and ensures your photos are crisp and clear. Aim for a shutter speed of at least 1/1000th of a second.
Tip 9: Slow Shutter Speeds to Show Movement
For more creative shots, use a slow shutter speed to capture the movement of birds. This technique can create a sense of motion and drama in your photos. Experiment with different speeds to find the best effect.
Tip 10: Track Your Bird
For the best bird in flight photography at Bempton Cliffs, pick out a single subject amongst all the birds flying about the cliffs and track that one subject. This will give you the best opportunities for those epic shots!
+ Bonus Tip
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Join me as we explore the incredible Bempton Cliffs and put these tips into action. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more photography tips and travel adventures!
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Thank you for watching, and I hope these tips help you capture the beauty of Bempton Cliffs!
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Great blog mate, as always great video/stills 😊😊
Thank you Keith, always appreciated mate 👍🏻
Great stuff, love Flamborough and Bempton.
Coincidentally I've been thinking about a one person motor home, freedom.
Thanks very much Karen. As for the Motorhome I would definitely encourage you to buy one. The freedom that it brings and the flexibility to go and stay in places that would be a challenge without one is well worth the financial investment. We absolutely love ours 🥰
Love Bempton, love gannets. Thanks
Thank you, I love the Gannets too 👍🏻
Great informative video Dan. Love Bempton, only been the once but defo intend returning in the future.
Thanks very much Ian, always appreciated mate 👍🏻
Love the high-key gannet shots! In flight, they are magnificent, especially when diving! That outstretched wing pic was spectacular. I only get these species in the non-breeding season (in Massachusetts), so the razorbills and guillemots are not mostly black. You're very fortunate to have this place within driving distance. One of these days I need to drive a bit to northern Maine to see them all breeding and get my first Atlantic Puffin sightings. There's an island where you can go and get puffins extremely close behind a hide, but you have to buy tickets in January and it's very difficult to get them.
Looks like the gannet population is rebounding after a few years of flu outbreaks?
Thanks very much I really appreciate it. Northern Maine sounds fantastic but the tickets saga sounds very similar to Skomer Island here in the UK!
The Gannets are definitely recovering but the numbers are down on previous years.
All the very best 👍🏻
Great Dan, just got to North Yorkshire. This has just dropped into to my you tube box we're going there on Wednesday never even searched, think some body's watching me, great tips mate and some great shots
Thanks very much Alan, I hope you’ve had a fantastic and fruitful trip to Yorkshire.
All the best 👍🏻
Tip 4: Watch your feet. Yes! I rolled my ankle visiting here last year. Hobbled my way around Yorkshire, Edinburgh and Frankfurt Airport. When I got home to New Zealand I discovered it was slightly broken. Still. . . got some great shots. Razorbills were my favourite birds. Another great video Dan.
Thanks very much Bruce, your ankle experience sounds very similar to my own experience 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
All the very best 👍🏻
You summed up Bempton perfectly 👍. I agree get there early, enjoy it then have a well earned breakfast.
can u get full english?lol
@@michaelsaltsman7550 there’s a nice cafe at Bempton in the visitor centre, but no not a full English, lots of good cafes nearby though. I live nearly 5 hour drive away, so go up very early, fuelled on service station coffee, spend a few hours at Bempton then go to my hotel for late breakfast
Completely agree with you Sue, some fantastic cafes in Bridlington for a full English ☺️☺️
Thanks for your comment and support 👍🏻
Great video Dan...thank you! I'm just getting back into birding and trying bird and wildlife photography for the first time too! I haven't been to Bempton Cliffs for many many years but definitely want to go back.
This has answered a lot of questions.
I live in Sherwood Forest, so it's a bit of a trek for me but hoping to get a day in before the summer ends! 🤞
New subscriber here. Many thanks.
Graeme
Thanks Graeme I always enjoy reading comments such as yours. I first started this channel as people wanted to know or were curious how I captured my images. So it’s always great to read a comment from someone who is either getting back into or just starting this wonderful hobby.
All the very best and thanks for the subscription 👍🏻
Another great video Dan lovely barn owl good photos of birds on the cliffs 👍🏻👍🏻
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Excellent advice and tips Dan, loved that high key photo of the pair of Gannets. Bempton is a place I have beem visiting for many years, equally good though just down the coast is the stretch in Flamborough from North Landing to and around the Lighthouse at Flamborough Head. Although there are no man made viewing points, the natural inlets make for better views of the cliffs and views of the auks and other seabirds on the cliffs. The cliffs are lower than Bempton and it is more likely to get puffins nearer the top, and with better viewing angles . No nesting Gannets, but great views of their fishing parties going to and from Bempton, making for some great flight shots. Also quieter .
I found last year that leaving the Bempton reserve and heading towards Flamborough is the best place for Puffins. Only need to travel a few hundred meters and they were nesting is nice positions close the cliff tops
Thanks very much Rob, funnily enough I have made a video of Flamborough Head which should air a week on Sunday. I completely agree with your suggestion 👍🏻
I always enjoy seeing that place in the videos from my friends across the pond. It looks to be such a wonderful place. Thank you, Dan, for letting me tag along! Cheers!
My pleasure Jon, thanks for the comment and continued support 👍🏻
I love Bempton Cliffs too, it's a beautiful coastline and the gannet are amazing to see. We filmed gannet there a few years ago. We only use a DJI gimbal and a camera with a good zoom, but we were happy with what we got as unprofessionals. That was great seeing the barn owl, they are such a privilege to see. Another great video, really enjoyable.
Thanks very much I really appreciate your comment and it’s always great to read comments from fellow RUclipsrs.
All the very best 👍🏻
Another great vlog Dan, some excellent advice & tips in there too. Loving the high key images 👌
Great to see the barn owl out in daylight too, I saw it on my last trip to Bempton (4:30 am start for me) up until around 9am then I went for breakfast around 11am & as i walked back down for the afternoon session at around 1:30pm it flew right over my head! Like you said, keep looking over your shoulder, because it's easy to miss things.
Great vlog mate.
Keep on keeping on!
Best,
Nick
Thanks Nick, it’s always a pleasure to hear from you mate. Hope you are well?
All the very best mate 👍🏻
One of my favourite places to visit as well, thank you for another fabulous video.
Thanks Sheila, always very much appreciated 👍🏻
Great video Dan, one more tip for you, visit early evenings, the winds usually drop, the crowds have gone and the Barn owls and SEO's come out to play. We have had some of our best memories from Bempton in the evenings. We will be back there in a few weeks again, can't wait!
Thanks very much and I think you have shared a fantastic tip and one I will definitely be using on my next visit 👍🏻
Evening Dan loved the whole video, the Gannets with the white background were absolutely gorgeous, it's years since I visited Bempton, was planned for this spring but stuff crops up earliest is 2 weeks time and I'm guessing the Gannets will have left by then, thanks for another great, Derek
Thanks very much Derek, I think you should still see a number of Gannets in 2 weeks time so may be worth your efforts.
All the best mate 👍🏻
Cracking foties and lots of great tips. I'm afraid that you have now officially become an old man by wearing that flat cap. 😂❤❤❤❤
😂😂😂 loving the comments on the flat cap.
Thanks very much Andrew, all the best 👍🏻
Bempton is fantastic, but I think Troup Head is better for Gannets, although it's quite a trek to get there, especially if you live south of London!
Thanks for suggesting Troup Head, I’ve not been there before but after a quick google search it’s definitely on my list 👍🏻
Fantastic presentation of my favourite reserve, it pretty much charts my annual visit to Bempton too. I’m always on the reserve by around 5am leave around 10am then go back on the evening. As you say It is so much more than just the sea birds. Great video
Thanks very much Tony, I’m glad my video resonates with your own experience.
All the very best 👍🏻
This venue is on my list to visit, so thank you Dan for the very helpful info.
You are more than welcome, glad you found it useful 👍🏻
I am 100% in agreement with you on the “favourite RSPB site” comment. Ham Wall runs it close, but I love seabirds (gannets and Fulmar especially) and Bempton is somewhere I would visit daily if I could..! Tremendous video once again mate and love the flat cap in Yorkshire 🙌🏼🙌🏼)
Thanks very much Sean, glad you appreciated the flat cap for Yorkshire 😂😂😂
All the very best mate 👍🏻
nice video and thanks for sharing. I feel like I'll be stopping by for my next trip.
I’m glad you enjoyed it and thanks very much 👍🏻
Stunning high key gannet images - great vid - can't wait to visit this beautiful area of the UK again....especially if the barn owl pops up unexpectedly. Speaking of dolphins, have you paid a visit to Chanonry Point yet - totally spectacular experience.
Thanks very much I really appreciate it.
Yes I’ve been to Channory Point several times for the dolphins and completely agree with you that it’s an incredible place.
I think I have made a video about it 🤔
Hi Dan, please please please if possible could you try and film the wild cats up in Scotland? If you're up to the challenge. 😺
That would definitely be an epic photo challenge and something I would love to have a go at.
Watch this space 👍🏻
What an amazing location! Would love to visit someday!
Definitely worth a visit it’s a fantastic reserve with incredible wildlife 👍🏻
Brilliant as always Dan. Spot on with time to arrive, we made the mistake of first going on a Saturday at 10.30 am and could not get anywhere near a platform. Luckily we had a week at Bempton and avoided that mistake. Never saw the owl but the peregrine falcon, and a kestrel made for some good shots. Many thanks for the incredible videos you make.. Ray Best @ Deviationswithray.
Thanks very much Ray, always appreciate your feedback and support mate 👍🏻
Hello Dan, One of my favourite places, try to get three or four a year. Was there 4 weeks ago. At 6:30am had Barn owls hunting, and so many others. Good coffee and cake not sure about the microwaved bacon butties. You are spot on it is a super location
Thanks very much John, I totally hear you about the microwaved bacon butties. We usually pop into Bridlington for a full English breakfast 👍🏻
Excellent again Dan, I could live on the cliffs.
I totally agree with you Martyn, me too 😁
Superb video Dan, brilliantly put together!
Thanks very much I really appreciate it 👍🏻
Great video. It is just a magical place.
Couldn't agree more, thanks very much 👍🏻
Hi Dan another great video m8 what time dose the carpark open
Thanks very much. There’s no barrier or gate on the car park so you can enter at any time 👍🏻
I always enjoy your light, but infoprmative videos Dan. The Hi-key on Gannet was great, I must explore that method.
Thanks very much Scott, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Never been there Dan but will definitely put on the calendar for next year. Thanks for this great film.
Thanks very much Alasdair I’m glad you found the video useful and it’s inspired you to take a visit. I always think that’s the best compliment I can receive 👍🏻
Dan, great video. I guess most of the breeding birds will have left the cliffs by now - when is the best time of year to visit to capture the birds at their best, please?
Thanks very much Keith, the breeding birds hang around until August but the peak time is June.
Although I think the best time to visit Bempton is in the winter for the Short Eared Owls 👍🏻
Excellent and informative - never been but I will go soon.
Thanks very much Keith, definitely worth a visit 👍🏻
I’m hoping to get here some time next week. Fantastic tips to.
Thanks very much John I hope you have a fantastic trip mate 👍🏻
Great video as ever Dan. Did Bempton last summer and loved it!
Thanks very much Clive, I’m glad you enjoyed it mate 👍🏻
Great Video Dan! Hope to visit there one day!
Thanks very much, well worth a visit 👍🏻
Hi Dan
Another excellent video! You currently seem to be doing a tour of some of my favourite UK locations. I visited RSPB Bempton Cliffs on 17th June for my almost annual pilgrimage to this amazing site and the awesome experience that it provides.
I noticed you snuck in a photo of a certain Black-browed Albatross which I saw successfully saw in 2021 and 2022 🙂.... I wonder where Albert Ross is now?
Your tips provide sound advice for photographers (as always). I fully endorse your “get there early” message given the growing popularity of the site. The weather conditions/wind direction tip I found particularly useful for planning next year’s trip 🙂
I loved the panto tip .... "It's behind you!" …. yes, it often is 😀
2 additional tips from me, one behavioural and one culinary 🙂 …. Gannet bill pointing (upwards) is almost always a prelude to bird a taking off from the cliffs and a visit to the excellent café is mandatory 🙂
Richard
Thanks very much Richard I really enjoyed reading your comment and excellent feedback mate.
I didn’t know about the Gannets bill pointing upwards being a prelude to them taking flight and it’s definitely something I will be looking out for on my next visit.
I 100% agree with you on the food especially the homemade soup.
All the very best 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography
Hi Dan.
Re: Gannet bill-pointing …. Birds typically very slowly raise their heads and point their bills skywards for a few seconds before taking flight. It is a good cue to get ready for the flight shot! You actually captured this behaviour in your film at 21:47, evidently without realising it 🙂
Richard
Great video, Dan. Love this reserve but cannot visit this year - will definitely book for next year.
Thanks very much Debbie I really appreciate it ☺️
Brilliant Mate. Love this place too. 👍🏻
Thanks very much Craig, really appreciate it mate 👍🏻
Great video once again Dan just one question im guessing most of the time your using your 500mm can i ask how much do you end up cropping into the images to get the beautiful end results
Thanks very much and a great question. The lens is a 400 with built in 1.4 TC and all of these shots were shot with the TC engaged. As for cropping, most of these shots required no cropping other than for composition purposes as the birds came really close. I try not to crop more than 50% into an image as a general rule
Hello Dan, one of the best rspb site's ❤ love it . Martin in Norfolk.
Thanks Martin, completely agree with you mate.
All the best 👍🏻
Another great video Dan. Hoping to visit there next May with some friends, so your video will be very useful. Keep up the great content
I’m really glad that you found the video useful, thanks very much for your feedback and continued support 👍🏻
Great pics! Went bempton a couple weeks ago and it was amazing. I think you should try and find a laughing kookaburra in a future video
Thanks very much Amber, I think a trip to Australia would be awesome which I believe is where I would need to travel for Kookaburra 🤔
All the best 👍🏻
Fantastic video Dann, question, is there a camping area and toilets nearby? Do you think an overnight with the sunset would be a good place to stay there,so it's possible to spot awls?
Top notch information 🤘🤘🤘
Thanks very much, there are quite a few campsites close by to the reserve and I would definitely recommend sunset, I’ve done this a few times and the Peregrine is very active at dusk as are the Barn Owls 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography muchas gracias Amigo 🤘
Hello Dan, great info for which many thanks. Seems I was arriving there just as you packed up,, 90 mile ride from Sheffield. I went to snap the Puffins , of which there were none 🥲 Have they all flown out to sea already ? Thanks again pal.
Thanks very much, I personally think that Flamborough head is a better location than Bempton for Puffins. At Bempton the Puffins usually nest on the lower ledges of the cliffs where there are holes they can burrow in.
The Puffins will be around until the end of July, possibly into the first week of August.
All the very best 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography cheers Dan, planning to go to Flamborough this Weds !
Great video as usual Dan. I’m travelling up from south Wales this week to have a couple of days before calling back at the Global Bird Fair. This will be my first visit, but sadly the weather isn’t looking that great at the moment.
Thanks very much Daron, I appreciate it. Hope you have a great trip 👍🏻
I would also say at Bempton, be prepared to walk outside the area of the viewing platforms into the wilder areas (although be careful not to get too close to the edge) , you can definitely spot the popular areas. Also embrace rolling around in the dirt to look for some good angles.
Two fantastic tips Paul that I would definitely second 👍🏻
Love Bempton Cliffs and try to get there once a year - but you didn't mention the smell..........
You are absolutely right Geoff, the smell is certainly an experience for the nostrils 😂😂😂
cheers for the advice , what lens do u use ?
heading to the Isle of May next week so took onboard your tips and hopefully can walk away with a cpl decent images ( il be using nikon d500 paired with sigma 150 -600)
Thanks very much, I have owned both the D500 and sigma lens. That’s a quality setup and the D500 is an incredible camera.
The lens I use on this video is the Z400mm 2.8 TC.
Have a fantastic trip to the Isle of May 👍🏻
@@danwillis_photography cheers Dan .
Thanks Dan great tips and another brilliant video, hoping I can get up there next year are you using the 600mm lens to capture these awesome shots?
Thanks very much I really appreciate it. I use a 400 with built in 1.4tc so shooting at 560mm 👍🏻
Hi Dan, did you manage to see any Puffins on this visit, I’m going there in a couple of weeks time and was wondering if a 300mm lens be sufficient. Super video yet again !! 👍🏼
Hello, I was there a couple of weeks ago, and was using my 100-500mm lens on full frame Canon R6, for the puffins they were nearly all shot at 500mm, and some with the 1.4 extender attached. I did get lucky in the evening when a puffin with a beak full of sand eels landed just below my feet, and stood staring up at me, in which case 300mm was more than enough.
Thanks very much. I did see Puffins there but I always think that Flamborough Head is better for Puffins which is only 15 minutes away. 300mm will be perfect for birds in flight but for the perched Puffins it might be a little short 👍🏻
Just one question Dan, How much do you crop in on editing?
Always depends on the image but rarely greater than 50% 👍🏻
Whitethroat dan.
It certainly was, thank you 👍🏻