Photograph grey seals at Donna Nook with expert guidance, capturing natural behaviour, coastal atmosphere and unforgettable wildlife moments

Wex Workshops: Donna Nook Grey Seal Photography Experience with Andrew Mason & The Wex Events Team.

Location: Donna Nook National Nature Reserve, Lincolnshire
Duration: 09:00 – 16:30
Group Size: Maximum 10 photographers
Skill Level: All levels from beginners to advanced.

Spend a full day photographing one of the UK's most spectacular wildlife events. The annual grey seal colony at Donna Nook. Guided by a Andrew Mason & the Wex Events Team, you'll learn how to create compelling wildlife images while respecting the animals and their protected environment.

This experience combines technical tuition, fieldcraft and creative storytelling, helping you return home with a portfolio of intimate wildlife photographs and a greater understanding of ethical wildlife photography.

The seal viewing season typically runs from late October until December, with the highest numbers of mothers and pups usually seen during November and early December.

Timetable

09:00 – Arrival & Welcome

• Meet at the Donna Nook main car park.
• Welcome briefing & introduction to the day.
• Safety information & respecting wildlife and conservation.
• Camera setup & lens recommendations.

09:30 – Camera Setup Workshop

Before entering the viewing area we'll optimise cameras for wildlife photography.

Topics include:

• Autofocus settings.,continuous shooting, subject detection.
• Manual vs Aperture Priority., exposure compensation.
• ISO management, Image stabilisation, shooting RAW.

Recommended equipment: Bring your own camera gear.

• 70–200mm ( Or Similar), 100–400mm (Or Simlar) 150–600mm ( Or Similar)
• Monopod (optional), Polariser (optional)

10:00 – Guided Photography Session One

Our first field session focuses on:

• Portraits of grey seals, mothers with pups.
• Animal behaviour, eye contact.
• Framing, background control.
• Natural light techniques.

The instructor will work individually with each participant to improve composition and camera technique.

11:30 – Wildlife Storytelling

Moving beyond individual portraits we'll explore:

• Environmental images, behaviour sequences.
• Interaction between seals, texture & patterns.
• Black & white opportunities, building a photographic story.

12:30 – Lunch Break

Enjoy lunch while discussing the morning images with optional image review with live critique.

13:30 – Creative Photography Session

Afternoon exercises include:

• Low perspective shooting, minimalist compositions.
• Compression with telephoto lenses, capturing movement.
• Using changing weather creatively, high-key and low-key wildlife images.

15:00 – Advanced Wildlife Techniques

Learn professional techniques including:

• Reading animal behaviour, working with changing light.
• Fast action settings, anticipating movement.
• Creating award-winning wildlife compositions.

16:00 – Portfolio Review

We'll gather for an informal review of the day's favourite photographs, with editing recommendations & wildlife storytelling.

16:30 – Experience Ends

Guests depart with:

• New wildlife photography skills.
• Greater confidence photographing animals.
• Professional advice for future wildlife trips.
• A portfolio of memorable images from one of Britain's finest wildlife spectacles.
• Wildlife camera setting & composition techniques.
• Working with natural light & capturing animal behaviour.
• Storytelling & ethical wildlife photography.
• Editing advice & portfolio building.

Important Information

Donna Nook is a protected nature reserve managed for wildlife conservation. Visitors must remain behind the viewing fence, keep a respectful distance from the seals, avoid flash photography, and follow guidance from reserve staff. Dogs are not permitted in the seal viewing area. Weekday visits are generally quieter than weekends during peak seal season.