Photography Workshops and Tours 2014
Below is a summary of holiday tours and workshops on which I will be acting as tutor/tour leader over the months ahead.
Please note that I am also happy to put together bespoke UK tours and workshops for small groups, and to quote for one-to-one sessions.
SEABIRDS OF THE FARNE ISLANDS
Wednesday 4th June 2014
Places available
Field excursion with Nikon Training, led by Chris Gomersall
Meet Seahouses harbour 09.00
An all-day field excursion to one of Britain’s most spectacular and photogenic seabird colonies.
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Puffin in flight |
There are also razorbills, guillemots, shags, kittiwakes and arctic terns, among other approachable bird subjects, while grey seals are abundant in the surrounding waters. Our day will include visits to both Staple Island and Inner Farne, up to three hours on each. Chris Gomersall will be your photographic tutor, and will offer advice on how to deal with tricky exposures, flight action, etc, and generally to make sure you get the best out of this experience.
Non-Nikon owners welcome.
Maximum group size:
12 participants.
Cost per person:
£129
Further information & booking enquiries
Tel. 0330 123 0934
INNER HEBRIDES & SMALL ISLES CRUISE
Wednesday 18th to Thursday 26th June 2014
In association with Elizabeth G Charters
Three places available
A wildlife and photography cruise, based on live-aboard motor vessel 'Elizabeth G', with a maximum of twelve passengers, departing Oban.
We aim to make a more leisurely cruise this year, with a little less time engaged in long sea passages, and more time available for visiting islands such as Eigg and Muck. This will also allow us to make lengthier observations at some known cetacean feeding areas, such as the Cairns of Coll. And not forgetting Lunga in the Treshnish Isles, which is possibly the best place in the UK for photographing puffins - especially if you can stay late in to the evening, which is an option when you have your own boat! Exact itinerary is determined by local conditions and the discretion of the skipper.
The nature of this small live-aboard vessel means we can anchor in some of the most beautiful, remote and otherwise inaccessible
locations, and see the jewels of Scotland from an entirely new angle, making the most of the long days of mid-summer.
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Elizabeth G at Canna |
Every voyage is different of course, each with its own special moments and encounters. There will be ample opportunities for photographing landscapes, wildflowers, geology, birds and wildlife, and naturally we’ll endeavour to take in some of the really special seabird colonies. While the main focus of this trip will be on wildlife photography, it is essentially a sea-going adventure so please be aware that it can never be sixteen hours a day of picture-taking.
Photography at sea is more challenging, but we will get close to plenty of seabirds and probably a few cetaceans. There are puffins, gannets, manx shearwaters, storm petrels, great skuas, fulmars, etc while golden and white-tailed eagle are both regularly seen.
Cetaceans generally include harbour porpoise, common, bottlenose and Risso's dolphin, minke whale (sometimes close enough to smell their breath), with occasional records of orca and humpback whale.
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Common dolphin on the bow |
Grey and common seals are plentiful, and there is a good chance of seeing otters. Basking sharks have been reliable in recent summers, and ocean sunfish were highlights of 2004 and 2006.
Chris will be sailing as your expedition leader, wildlife guide and photography mentor. There will be a digital projector on board and Chris will give at least one AV presentation during the cruise.
Cost per person:
£1450 (eight night cruise including full board, sharing twin berth accommodation). Non-photographer partners are also welcome.
Further information and booking enquiries:
tel: 01767 260769
e-mail Chris Gomersall
BIG SPLASH: SCOTLAND
Monday 14th to Friday 18th July 2014
Begins Monday evening, ends Friday morning after breakfast
Fully booked
In association with Nikon Training
Led by Chris Gomersall
Our main interest on this short tour is going to be in photographing the ospreys and bottlenose dolphins for which this part of Scotland is renowned.
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Osprey catching trout |
We will have exclusive use of the purpose-built osprey photographic hides at Inverdruie Fish Farm on the Rothiemurchus Estate, where these charismatic birds of prey come to fish, on two consecutive mornings. This location has proved to be very reliable, and is well-sited for light, background and viewpoint.
In the afternoons and evenings we shall move north to the Moray Firth, in the hope of capturing some dolphin action at the best place in Britain to see these exciting marine mammals in all their glory.
Maximum seven participants.
Non-Nikon users welcome.
Accommodation:
Grant Arms Hotel, Grantown-on-Spey (3 star)
Your package includes full board in en-suite accommodation, with a cooked breakfast, packed lunch, and a 3-course evening meal with coffee. There is no single supplement.
Transport:
Minibus transport provided for local journeys throughout the holiday.
Cost per person:
£995
Further information & booking enquiries
Tel. 0330 123 0934
GREY SEALS AT DONNA NOOK
Saturday 27th September 2014
Places available
Sunday 28th September 2014
Places available
In association with Nikon Training
Led by Chris Gomersall
A full day field excursion, photographing wild Atlantic grey seals on location in Lincolnshire.
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Grey seal cow |
Learn how to approach these sensitive marine mammals safely and responsibly, in a remote colony at the mouth of the Humber estuary, and benefit from Chris’s expert tips on fieldcraft and photographic technique.
We shall be able to watch and photograph the adult seals at fairly close quarters, where they are hauled out on the beach, and as they come ashore through the surf.
We will be making a very early start, to take full advantage of the early morning light. While this course is essentially an opportunity to enjoy photographing wild animals on location in their natural habitat, your tutor is on hand to offer practical advice and ensure you get the shots, and make the most of this wonderful opportunity.
This excursion has been planned in consultation with the Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust, and timed to avoid disturbance to seal pups.
Non-Nikon owners welcome.
Maximum group size:
10 participants.
Cost per person:
£129
Further information & booking enquiries
Tel. 0330 123 0934
SNETTISHAM KNOT ROOST SPECIAL
Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th October 2014
Begins Thursday evening, ends Sunday morning after breakfast
Fully booked
This workshop has been timed to coincide with the autumn spring tides, to give us the best possible chance of witnessing the spectacular knot roost at Snettisham RSPB reserve. Early morning starts are essential, but we shall return to the hotel for a hearty breakfast after the bird activity subsides. Thereafter, we'll explore the north Norfolk coast for other photo opportunities with wading birds and wild geese.
Previous bird photography experience desirable, and telephoto lenses of 400mm or longer recommended. Maximum six participants.
Accommodation:
Le Strange Arms Hotel, Old Hunstanton (3 star).
Transport:
We share cars during the workshop, but if you plan to arrive by public transport you can almost certainly be accommodated - just let us know beforehand.
Cost per person:
£495 (includes three nights full board with packed lunches)
No single room supplement. Partners and non-participants are welcome at the hotel at a reduced rate.
Further information and booking enquiries:
tel: 01767 260769
e-mail Chris Gomersall
NORTH NORFOLK BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY
Sunday 9th to Thursday 13th November 2014
Begins Sunday evening, ends Thursday morning after breakfast
Fully booked
Famous for spectacular winter flocks of geese, wildfowl and wading birds. Skeins of pink-footed geese commute between their roosts on the Wash and inland feeding areas at dawn and dusk, and clouds of knot whirl around as the tide covers the mudflats. In the harbours and on the beaches we’ll try to get close to turnstones, sanderlings, bar-tailed godwits, and redshanks.
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Knot murmuration |
Owls and farmland birds are also likely to figure in our itinerary. We shall visit Titchwell, Cley, and other wonderful nature reserves along the Norfolk coast, make use of permanent hides, learn how to stalk bird subjects on foot, and use vehicles as mobile hides. These workshops are designed to give delegates greater confidence in their fieldcraft, to foster independence, resourcefulness and responsibiliy in wildlife photography, and to promote the creative process from conception through to successful conclusion. We don't work with captive subjects or depend on pre-baited sites, preferring to find our own subjects as we go along. Join me in one of my favourite photographic locations and try your hand at capturing the essence of Norfolk's winter birdlife.
Previous bird photography experience desirable, and telephoto lenses of 400mm or longer recommended. Maximum six participants.
Accommodation:
Le Strange Arms Hotel, Old Hunstanton (3 star).
Transport:
We share cars during the workshop, but if you plan to arrive by public transport you can almost certainly be accommodated - just let us know beforehand.
Cost per person:
£645 (includes four nights full board with packed lunches)
No single room supplement. Partners and non-participants are welcome at the hotel at a reduced rate.
Further information and booking enquiries:
tel: 01767 260769
e-mail Chris Gomersall
Cranes of the Hula Valley
Saturday 24th January to Friday 30th January 2015
Places available
In association with Nature's Images
Led by Danny Green & Chris Gomersall
Up to 45,000 common cranes winter in the Hula Valley in the north of Israel, and at the Agamon Hula nature park they have devised a novel way of approaching the flocks with mobile safari wagons towed behind a tractor.
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Common crane bugling |
This enables fabulous photo opportunities unrivalled anywhere in Europe. At this time of year, there is a supplementary feeding programme to mitigate aginst crop damage by the cranes, so that allows for even closer views of the birds as they feed on maize. As well as the cranes, there are lots of other wetland birds present such as three species of kingfisher, avocet, glossy ibis, and the rare pygmy cormorant. There are also many wintering raptors in the area, such as greater spotted, eastern imperial, and white-tailed eagles, plus lots of marsh harriers and black kites. Mammals include wild boar, and there's a fair chance of seeing jungle cat.
Danny Green and Chris Gomersall will be leading this exciting new six night tour. Our accommodation will be in comfortable chalets at the kibbutz guest house of Nofey Gonen.
Maximum group size:
10 participants.
Cost per person:
£1495
Includes all local transfers and transport by minibus, six nights accommodation, all meals, nature reserve entry fees, use of safari wagon hides, services of Danny Green and Chris Gomersall as guides.
Does not include international flights, items of a personal nature.
Further information & booking enquiries
or telephone 01952 411436.
WINTER WILDLIFE IN THE CAIRNGORMS
Saturday 21st to Thursday 26th February 2015
Places available
In association with Nikon Training
Led by Chris Gomersall
This late winter tour offers superb opportunities for photographing some of Scotland’s special wildlife subjects such as red squirrels and crested tits, using well-established feeding stations and purpose-built photography hides, right on our doorstep.
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Red squirreel at feeding station |
Other subjects here include birds of the northern forests such as great spotted woodpecker, siskin, and occasionally treecreeper. From our base in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, we may also make excursions in search of red deer and mountain hare – or simply to enjoy photographing the amazing Highland landscape. Weather conditions will obviously influence what we are able to do, to some extent. There will be digital slide shows in the evenings after dinner, featuring presentations by Chris Gomersall, and participants are encouraged to bring some of their own work to share with the group.
Moderate fitness level required. Involves walking over rough ground.
Maximum eight participants.
Non-Nikon users welcome.
Accommodation:
We shall be staying in a spectacular lodge at Ballintean, Glenfeshie, which has been reserved for our exclusive use. This sympathetically converted farm steading offers en-suite bedrooms for single or double occupancy, with a comfortable shared lounge and meeting area, and remarkable views of the Cairngorms landscape. Meals are freshly prepared on site by our resident chef, using the finest local produce.
Cost per person:
£995 - including 5 nights full board, all local transport, use of hides, tuition and presentations.
Further information and booking enquiries:
Tel. 0330 123 0934
TIGERS OF MADHYA PRADESH
Thursday 5th to Tuesday 17th March 2015
Places available
In association with Nikon Training and Wildlife & Wilderness
Led by Chris Gomersall
Wildlife & Wilderness have joined with Nikon School UK to present some outstanding wildlife photography experiences. Under the skilled leadership of professional wildlife photographer, Chris Gomersall you can expect to photograph the very best wildlife on the Indian subcontinent. Tigers are the main draw but a host of other wildlife can be found including sloth bear, wolf and numerous ungulates. Bird life is prolific too. We will be visiting India’s two best national parks.
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Bengal tiger at Bandhavgarh |
Bandhavgarh is a delightful reserve, very varied with huge cliffs, open meadows, streams and of course the characteristic forest of Madhya Pradesh, the central Indian state with the largest tiger population. Further south you will spend most of your time at Kanha National Park. This is without doubt the best place to view and photograph tigers and travelling in March means that you are travelling at the perfect time; the grasses are low, the leaves have fallen making sightings so much better. Furthermore, we have chosen two wonderful lodges that will ensure your stay is very comfortable and enjoyable.
Of course no visit to India is complete without seeing the Taj Mahal. This imposing structure and some of the sights of Delhi will give you a terrific introduction to the contrasts of India.
Non-Nikon owners are welcome.
Maximum group size:
12 participants.
Cost per person:
£3295
Includes international flights London/Delhi, domestic flights, A/C train to Agra, local transfers by private A/C vehicle, full board accommodation in national parks, B&B accommodation in cities, safari activities by jeep, entrance fees to reserves & national parks, local guides, services of Chris Gomersall.
Further information and booking enquiries
tel: 01625 838225
BEARS AND WHALES OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
Monday 31st August to Sunday 13th September 2015
Places available
In association with Nikon Training and Wildlife & Wilderness
Led by Chris Gomersall
Wildlife & Wilderness have joined with Nikon School UK to present some outstanding wildlife photography experiences. Under the skilled leadership of professional wildlife photographer, Chris Gomersall you can expect to capture some stunning images of bears and whales that abound around the coast of western Canada off Vancouver Island.
We have specifically chosen some of the greatest places for viewing bears and whales and at the very best time of the year.
Telegraph Cove is the gateway to the Blackfish and Broughton Archipelagos, these are one of the richest marine eco-systems in the world and have proven to be the ideal location to study marine mammals. Orcas are resident year round with a population in the area of some 750 animals. Many other cetacean species inhabit these waters including humpback whales which are seen regularly, Pacific white-sided dolphins, Dall’s porpoise and minke whales. The boat captain is an avid photographer and naturalist and pioneered whale watching in these waters. Exclusive charters means that opportunities for photography will be at their very best.
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Grizzly bears fighting |
During September the great salmon run occurs and this is a time of feasting for the grizzly bears. The lodge that we will use for 6 nights is Great Bear Lodge, one of the very best in the Great Bear Rainforest region, and run by a biologist. It has been used by BBC wildlife film crews for the last couple of years specifically for filming bears. This has led to the construction of several viewing platforms in locations that these film crews found best for bear watching.
As you can tell this combination has been carefully chosen to provide unequalled wildlife viewing opportunities throughout this photographic holiday in Canada.
Non-Nikon owners are welcome.
Maximum group size:
10 participants.
Cost per person:
£6495 (tbc)
Includes international flights London/Vancouver, internal flights to Port Hardy and Great Bear Lodge, transfers by road, two days exclusive boat charter for whale-watching, 13 nights accommodation in hotels and lodges, meals as indicated in the itinerary, services of Chris Gomersall.
Further information and booking enquiries
tel: 01625 838225