From Nervous About Birds in Flight to This

One of the most rewarding parts of leading these workshops is watching photographers surprise themselves.

Susan Goudge joined us from Apache Junction, Arizona, and admitted afterward that she had been nervous before arriving because she didn't consider herself a bird photographer. Her original hope was simply to come home with some cute photographs of puffins sitting still.

Instead, she made the wonderful head-on flight photograph shown here, with the puffin flying directly toward her and its wings stretched beautifully across the frame.

Here's what Susan had to say about her experience:

“I was a little nervous about attending Chris’s Deluxe Puffin Workshop, because I am definitely NOT a bird photographer, and I knew those little guys moved very quickly—but hoped at least I could get some cute photos of them at rest….

With Chris’s guidance and patience, I was actually able to capture them in flight, in focus—a dream for me!! The island itself is an incredible setting, and the staff is welcoming and helpful. I understand why so many people are repeat attendees—Chris has created a truly a special experience!

Hope this helps, Chris. Just loved the experience—thanks again for your patience!!”

— Susan Goudge, Apache Junction, Arizona, USA

I think Susan's photograph says the rest.

And I think Susan deserves some serious credit for this one. Photographing an Atlantic Puffin flying directly toward the camera is no easy task. They're fast, the distance is changing rapidly and keeping focus exactly where it belongs can be a real challenge. She nailed it, with the puffin coming straight at her, wings beautifully extended and eyes sharp.

Not bad for someone who arrived hoping she might just get a few cute photographs of puffins sitting still!

Watching someone arrive unsure whether they'll be able to photograph these extraordinarily fast little birds in flight—and then seeing them make an image like this—is one of my favourite parts of what I do.

Atlantic Puffin flying directly toward the camera with wings fully extended, photographed by workshop participant Susan Goudge during the Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop. © Susan Goudge