The Seals & The Seagull

2024

Every year something very special happens on the sandy beaches of Norfolk between November and the end of January – large colonies of grey seals haul themselves onto the sand for pupping season, giving birth to thousands of beautiful fluffy pups. In my opinion, to stand upon the coastal sand dunes, looking down at the miles of sandy expanse that play host to a mosaic of new life, and new families, is one of the most beautiful sights in all of nature, and a great privilege.

2024 marks my third consecutive year working with these incredible creatures. Getting close is not an option – these creatures will defend their territory and their pups with great vigour, and I have no desire to make any living creature feel any unease – I am never and will never be within 25metres of these creatures – their happiness must always come before my desire to leave with a photograph.

It is one of the toughest trips of the year, and it becomes more and more challenging with each passing year. You always hope for some drama in the sky, some large seals to fill the frame, and a little something extra special – I have long hoped for a seagull to fly over, but the odds are slim, and it isn’t easy laying in the sand, 25metres from your subject, exposed to the East Anglian winds, preying for a seagull to appear! On attempt number three, we got there.

It’s shoots like this that push you and your cameras the extra mile. I am grateful to Nikon for their incredible cameras and lenses – without world-class equipment it would be a challenge to photograph these creatures, in these conditions, and from this distance. I will be back next year.