Isle of May Puffin Photography

Workshop Details

Scheduled Dates:

Friday, 10 April 2026 (Morning Departure)
Saturday, 25 April 2026 (Afternoon Departure)

Friday, 17 July 2026 (Afternoon departure)
Friday, 24 July 2026 (Afternoon departure)

Duration: Morning or afternoon departures Afternoon into early evening (we travel via Anstruther Pleasure Cruises, with several hours on the island)

Group Size: Maximum 3 participants

Cost. £150 per person

Capture Scotland's Puffin Paradise in Golden Light

Join us for an exclusive photography workshop on the Isle of May, Scotland's National Nature Reserve located just 5 miles off the Fife coast. We've timed these trips perfectly to position you on the island during the beautiful afternoon or early evening light, when the warm glow transforms these charismatic seabirds into portfolio-worthy subjects.

The Isle of May: A Photographer's Paradise

The Isle of May is a National Nature Reserve and bird sanctuary with the largest puffin colony found in the UK, alongside spectacular colonies of other seabirds. Known locally as "the jewel of the Forth," this peaceful island offers stunning views everywhere you turn.

Wildlife Photography Opportunities

Puffins

The star attraction of any Isle of May visit, puffins are enchanting subjects with their colourful bills and endearing expressions. Up to 100,000 puffins can nest on the island, providing endless opportunities for close-range photography. These fast-flying birds present an exciting challenge for action photography, and our experienced guides will be on hand to offer advice on shutter speeds and exposures to help you nail those dynamic flight shots.

Seabird Colonies

Beyond the puffins, you'll photograph large colonies of guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and shags. Each species offers different photographic opportunities, from the dramatic cliff-edge gatherings to intimate portraits of birds tending their young.

Additional Species

Other birds that can be seen around the Isle of May include gannets, great skuas, purple sandpipers, turnstones, redshanks, and curlews. The diversity means you'll never run out of subjects.

Grey Seals

About 300 seals live year-round on the Isle of May, often hauled out on the rocks or swimming in the crystal-clear waters around the island, offering wonderful opportunities for marine mammal photography.

Local Expertise

We've visited the Isle of May many times and have intimate knowledge of the best spots for photography. We know where the puffins congregate, which locations offer the best backgrounds, and how to position yourself for those spectacular flight shots that puffins are famous for.

Technical Guidance

Puffins are notoriously fast flyers, and capturing them in flight requires specific camera settings and techniques. We'll be there throughout the workshop to offer practical advice on shutter speeds, exposures, and focusing techniques tailored to seabird photography. Whether you're shooting your first puffin or refining your technique, you'll benefit from hands-on guidance.

Perfect Timing

Our afternoon trips are deliberately scheduled to take advantage of the beautiful warm light of late afternoon and early evening. This golden hour light adds depth, warmth, and drama to your images, elevating them from snapshots to stunning works of art.

Small Group Experience

With a maximum of just 3 participants, you'll receive personalized attention and won't be competing for the best positions. Everyone gets their shot.

What's Included: