Kingfisher Photography Workshop

An unforgettable day photographing one of Britain’s most beautiful and elusive birds

Join me for a full day of kingfisher photography at a stunning private estate in North Shropshire, where beautiful parkland surrounds a tranquil estate lake.

This purpose-built kingfisher hide offers fantastic opportunities to photograph these charismatic birds at close range — both beautifully perched and spectacularly diving into the water.

And while kingfishers are the stars of the show, there is plenty more to keep your camera busy. The lake regularly attracts a variety of waterfowl, including Mute Swans, Coots, Ducks and Little Grebes, providing additional photographic opportunities throughout the day.

A comfortable, purpose-built hide

The hide is just a gentle five-minute walk from the car park beside the estate lake. The route can occasionally be wet or muddy, so suitable outdoor footwear is recommended.

Once inside, you can settle in and concentrate entirely on your photography. The hide is heated and comfortably furnished, with toilet facilities nearby, comfortable seating, coat and equipment hooks, mobile phone charging and gimbal heads with mounting plates provided.

Everything is designed to make your day as comfortable as possible, allowing you to concentrate on capturing the action.

Photographing kingfishers

There are two main opportunities throughout the day.

Perched kingfishers

For perched images, a lens in the region of 300–600mm is recommended. The hide provides close-range opportunities to capture the detail, colour and character of these stunning birds.

Kingfisher diving

For the ultimate challenge, you’ll have the opportunity to photograph kingfishers as they dive into the water.

This requires a slightly different approach and equipment. A lens capable of around 100mm on full frame, or approximately 65mm on a crop sensor, is recommended. A camera body with a good frame rate will also give you the best chance of capturing that split-second moment as the kingfisher hits the water.

For this part of the session you will also need either a wireless remote or a 5m wired remote, together with a waterproof camera and lens cover.

My help throughout the day

This is much more than simply spending a day in a kingfisher hide.

I will be with you throughout the workshop, helping you get the very best from the experience and your equipment. Whether you’re looking for advice on camera settings, focusing, composition, technique or capturing the perfect moment, I’ll be on hand to guide you.

I’ll also help you understand how to anticipate the birds’ behaviour and make the most of the opportunities as they develop.

Whether you’re experienced with wildlife photography or looking to take your kingfisher photography to the next level, this workshop is all about enjoying time in a beautiful setting and coming away with images you’ll be proud of.

What to bring

• Camera body with a good continuous shooting frame rate
• 300–600mm lens for perched photography
• Approximately 100mm full-frame equivalent for diving photography
• Spare batteries
• Spare memory cards
• Wireless or 5m wired remote for diving photography
• Waterproof camera/lens cover
• Suitable outdoor footwear and clothing
• Your enthusiasm for photographing one of Britain’s most spectacular birds!