Staying on Skomer Island: A Photographer's Dream Puffin Experience

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4 Jul

Nestled off the coast of Pembrokeshire, Wales, Skomer Island is a hidden gem for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. This enchanting island is home to an array of seabirds, but none capture the heart quite like the charismatic puffins. I had the incredible opportunity to spend a week on Skomer Island thanks to an invite from good friend and fellow photographer Rachel Bigsby who is the seabird QUEEN, immersing myself in its natural beauty and capturing unforgettable moments with these delightful seabirds. Here's a glimpse into my adventure:

Photographing Puffins on Skomer Island - June 2024

Arriving on Skomer

The journey to Skomer Island began with a short and super smooth boat ride from Martin's Haven. As the island came into view, I was struck by its rugged cliffs and lush greenery, almost forgetting my entire reason for the trip, my landscape photography brain was working in overdrive! Upon landing, I was greeted by the island's wardens and previous guests who were staying on the island the week prior - shout out to Felix, Jayne and Kevin who likewise took some amazing pictures on their stay. Once we made our way up the giant set of steps, the volunteers provided a brief orientation on the island's rules and wildlife. With my camera gear on my back and overnight bag in the dump truck (the only way to carry everyone’s kit from the landing zone to the cottage), I set off to find my accommodation that would be our home for the week.

Skomer Island is a haven for wildlife, and I was eager to explore its diverse habitats. The island is crisscrossed with well-marked trails, leading through flower-filled meadows, rocky outcrops, and coastal cliffs. Each step brought new discoveries – a family of seals basking on the rocks, vibrant wildflowers swaying in the breeze (we even saw some bluebells, and it was MID JUNE?!) and the distant call of seabirds. But the highlight of the day was my first encounter with the puffins… I honestly have never seen one in real life before, and they are SO small and cute it’s really hard to put into words how photogenic they are.

Welcome to The Wick

After dropping off our luggage, we grabbed our camera bags and headed to The Wick, one of the best spots on the island to observe puffins. These charming birds, with their colorful beaks and comical expressions, were everywhere – perched on the cliffs, burrowing into the ground, and flying about with beaks full of sand eels. We spent hours photographing their antics, trying to capture the some nice contextual shot as they took off and landed, sometimes comically crash-landing into their burrows (if you’ve seen the picture over on my Facebook, you’ll know what I mean by this).

Wildlife photography often requires patience, and this was especially true on Skomer Island. Over the week, I set out with the goal of capturing a puffin in flight. It proved to be a challenging task, as these agile birds zipped through the air at incredible speeds. After countless attempts and hours of waiting, I finally managed to get a sharp, well-composed shot of a puffin soaring gracefully against the backdrop of daisy’s and burrows (please scroll back to the top to see the final result). The sense of accomplishment was immense, and it reminded me why I love wildlife photography so much.

High and Low Key Photography with Puffins

While observing and photographing puffins, I decided to experiment with high and low key photography to create striking images with natural white and black backgrounds. High key photography involves using bright lighting to create images with predominantly white or light backgrounds, while low key photography uses darker tones and shadows to achieve a predominantly black or dark background.

High Key Photography: For high key photography, I positioned myself so the puffins were backlit by the bright sky. By adjusting my camera settings to overexpose the image slightly, I was able to achieve a clean, white background that made the puffins stand out in sharp contrast. This technique highlighted the puffins' vibrant beaks and expressive eyes, creating a fresh and airy aesthetic.

Low Key Photography: Low key photography required a different approach. I sought out areas where the puffins were perched against darker backgrounds, such as the shadowed cliffs or dense foliage. By underexposing the image slightly, I enhanced the shadows and deepened the natural darkness of the background, making the puffins appear dramatically lit and almost emerging from the darkness. This technique emphasised the texture of their feathers and the intensity of their gaze.

The Golden Hour Experience

One of the most magical experiences on Skomer Island is photographing during the golden hour – the period shortly after sunrise and before sunset when the light is soft and warm. On this particular evening, I found myself back at The Wick, where the puffins were even more active than usual. As the sun dipped below the horizon, the sky turned into a canvas of oranges and pinks, providing a stunning backdrop for my photos. The puffins seemed to glow in the golden light, creating images that I knew would be some of my favorites from the trip.

As my week on Skomer Island came to an end, I took one last stroll around the island, soaking in its beauty and reflecting on my experiences. The island had given me so much – stunning photographs, unforgettable wildlife encounters, and a profound appreciation for the natural world. Leaving Skomer was bittersweet, but I knew I would carry the memories and lessons of this magical place with me forever.

Tips for Visiting Skomer Island

If you're inspired to visit Skomer Island and photograph its puffins, here are a few tips:

Book Early: Accommodation on the island is limited and fills up quickly, so plan your trip well in advance.
Pack Light: Bring only essential gear, as you'll need to carry everything from the boat to your accommodation.
Respect Wildlife: Always maintain a safe distance from the animals and follow the guidelines provided by the wardens.
Be Patient: Wildlife photography requires patience and persistence, so take your time and enjoy the process.

Skomer Island is a true paradise for nature lovers and photographers. Whether you're an experienced photographer or just starting out, a visit to this enchanting island will leave you with memories and images to cherish for a lifetime - I’ll certainly be booking a return trip for next year as soon as possible, so hopefully see you there!!!