Birling Gap - Beachy Head Lighthouse

Photography workshop

Birling Gap & Beachy Head Photography Workshop (3-hour session)

Join me for a 3-hour photography adventure along one of the South Coast’s most iconic locations. From dramatic cliffs to sweeping seascapes, this workshop offers breathtaking scenery and hands-on guidance to improve your photography skills.

What we’ll explore

We’ll meet at the Birling Gap Visitor Centre, on the benches between the building and the sea. After a short introduction covering camera basics, composition, and the rule of thirds, we’ll set off along the clifftops with panoramic views in every direction.

Highlights of the walk include:

  • Bell Tout cliffs, where we’ll experiment with perspective, light, and framing

  • Beachy Head Lighthouse, an epic seascape subject perfect for capturing drama and mood

  • Alternate viewpoints on the return journey, offering fresh angles on this iconic coastline

  • Sunset on the beach, a chance to put manual settings, long exposures, and creative techniques into practice

Throughout the session, I’ll guide you in spotting interesting subjects, composing compelling images, and using manual settings (aperture, shutter speed, ISO) to capture the best possible shots.

Who it’s for

This workshop is suitable for photographers of all levels – from beginners to more experienced shooters wanting to explore full manual control. Groups are kept small (maximum 8 participants) to ensure personalised guidance in a relaxed and friendly environment.

What you’ll walk away with

By the end of the session, you’ll:

  • Have confidence using your camera in manual mode for landscapes and seascapes

  • Capture stunning images of cliffs, lighthouse, and coastline

  • Learn practical skills in composition, light, and perspective

  • Leave inspired with new ideas for exploring both your camera and the natural world

Meeting point & logistics

We’ll meet at Birling Gap Visitor Centre. The workshop lasts approximately 3 hours.

Please bring: your camera, sturdy walking shoes, a light tripod if you have one (optional but useful for low-light/long exposures), spare batteries/memory cards, water or a warm drink, snacks, and warm clothing/hat/gloves.

How to book

Places are limited to keep the experience personal. Reserve your spot here: Book now →
In the event of severe weather, the workshop will be rescheduled.

Why Birling Gap & Beachy Head?

Birling Gap and Beachy Head offer some of the most dramatic and photogenic coastline in England. From towering cliffs to the striking lighthouse and dynamic seascapes, it’s a location where light, landscape, and composition come alive. Every step provides opportunities for creative shots and breathtaking views, making it a photographer’s dream location.

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Upcoming Photography workshops

Gift Vouchers

Capture stunning images with a 3-hour photography lesson in the heart of Sussex. The perfect gift for photography enthusiasts or anyone eager to master their camera.

Testimonials

  • I had a great time with James and two other keen-to-learn photographers at Birling Gap. James was very knowledgeable on camera settings and composition and a great tutor for the three of us. We spent an excellent final hour or more on the beach where we were blessed with an amazing sunset. James made many suggestions on ideas for shots as the sun began to set. I highly recommend booking a workshop.

    John Howe

  • I had a great afternoon with James and our cameras on a 3-hr, 1to1 workshop from Birling Gap last Sunday. James was friendly and inquisitive about my photography, where I was at with it and where I wanted to go next. He shared with me tips and tricks, as well as his unique and highly talented view on some idyllic scenes. Thanks James for and enjoyable and productive experience - I'm delighted with lots of the photos you helped me capture (although I've still not sat down to process them yet) 😁👍📷

    Matt Durrant

  • This 3 hour plus landscape photography course at Birling Gap was excellent. James is quietly enthusiastic, knowledgeable and very easygoing. It was a stress free and very interesting day. I took some photos I really liked which I could not have done without James’ help. My level is “used to take snaps, trying to more ambitious”and to start learning the art of photography . I felt very encouraged and also was helped to see things in a new way. The other people on the course were beginners too and I think we all used the word “great” a lot as we examined our photos. I can’t recommend this course and James enough!

    Brendan Morrissey

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