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Award-winning photographer gets on-board popular seabird cruisesLast modified: 19 May 2010
An award-winning Scottish wildlife photographer will be passing on the tricks of his trade as RSPB Scotland takes to the waves once again for its annual sea bird cruises. Dean Bricknell was recently named Favourite Nature Photographer at the Scottish Nature Photography Awards. Now the wildlife lover has agreed to share his snapping skills in a series of free tuition sessions during RSPB Scotland’s summer seabird cruises on the Firth of the Forth. Back for another year, these popular trips on the historic MV Maid of the Forth start at the end of this month. During the three-hour journey from South Queensferry, visitors will get the chance to catch sight of some of Scotland’s most precious and spectacular seabirds, as well as learn more about the history of the area. Dean, who volunteers for the conservation charity, has had a passion for photography for almost 25 years and has spent almost the same amount of time travelling Scotland in search of new feathered or furry subjects. He believes there is a knack to getting things picture perfect: “What you need to take a brilliant wildlife picture isn’t a great camera or even a great location, it’s patience and knowledge of your subject. As well as offering step-by-step guidance on how to set up a camera or what equipment to use, I’ll also be showing seabird cruisers how to track a bird or animal and understand its movements. “The Forth has some amazingly active wildlife and seabird cruises are a great way for budding photographers to snap anything from flying fulmars to playful puffins. I’ll be happy to pass on tips I’ve learned when behind the lens, so that, even if people don’t get a great shot this time, they’ll have the know-how to get some beautiful wildlife images next time they take their cameras out.” Matt Barnes, RSPB Scotland seabird cruise co-ordinator, added: “We’re delighted that Dean will be joining us on some of our cruises this year. I’m sure visitors will have plenty questions for him and will be keen to learn how to grab that perfect shot. Every year our visitors are thrilled to see such an amazing wildlife spectacle and are always blown away by the sheer number and variety of seabirds out there. It’s a great way to learn more about the gannets, eider ducks, terns, puffins and seals that call the Inner Forth home.” RSPB Scotland’s seabird cruises run from 26th of May until the 14th July on selected Wednesday evenings and Sunday mornings. Dean will be offering photography workshop on four selected cruises (details below) Tickets cost £13 for adults, £6.50 for children, or a family ticket (2 adults plus 2 children) costs £35. Book early to avoid disappointment, by calling Matt Barnes on 0131 311 6530 or emailing matthew.barnes@rspb.org.uk What can I do?Let us introduce you to some amazing wildlife at one of our date with nature events across the UK |
Curlew feeding in grassy field - Steve Round
Red admiral on Michaelmas daisy - Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)
Bird illustrations by Mike Langman (RSPB)