Journey to Skomer Island: A Photographer's Tale

From the moment I first landed on Skomer Island, I knew I was not going to just photograph puffins but to immerse myself into the island's unique rhythms and customs.

Once the boat docked at the island's rocky harbor, we faced our first task as temporary islanders. We formed a human chain to pass all the bags up the steep steps. Each bag, each item of necessity was transferred hand to hand with camaraderie, before being loaded onto a small tractor. This tractor would then carry our belongings to the rustic farmhouse that was to be our accommodation for the duration of our stay.

The farmhouse, charming in its simplicity, was a reminder of a bygone era. It was basic, yes, but it was clean, cozy, and utterly in sync with the surrounding wilderness. However, let me assure you that when they say basic, they do mean it. Do not expect hot water to always be available, and power outlets are a rare commodity. I'd strongly recommend packing a warm sleeping bag - despite the invitingly sunny days, nights on the island can get quite chilly.

I was incredibly lucky to be graced with fantastic weather during my stay. The days were warm and clear, while the nights were cool and crisp. This made for spectacular sunsets and sunrises, the fiery hues dancing over the Atlantic and painting the puffins in a radiant, golden light. There was something truly special about standing at the edge of the island, watching the sun disappear or emerge from the horizon, all while being accompanied by the comical, yet intriguing, figures of puffins.

The island was a visual treat during this time of the year, bathed in a vibrant carpet of bluebells and wildflowers. The flora added an enchanting backdrop to my photographs and enhanced the overall experience. With every puffin that I captured through my lens, I was also capturing a small piece of the island's captivating beauty.

But the magic wasn't confined to just the day. Come nighttime, I was privileged to witness the breathtaking spectacle of the Manx Shearwaters returning to the island. Armed with a red light to guide our path, we ventured into the darkness, listening to the sounds of thousands of birds returning home after a day at sea. As they swooped and swirled around us, we had to be ready to duck at a moment's notice to avoid any potential feathered collisions.

However, the most magical moments of my journey were at the start and end of each day. During these times, the day-trippers were gone, and we had the island to ourselves. It was during these hours that I was able to spend my time photographing the puffins in the beautiful golden light. Their quirky behaviors, their interactions, and their sheer resilience made for some amazing photographic opportunities.

My journey to Skomer Island was an unforgettable experience. Not only was I able to capture stunning photographs of puffins, but I also got to immerse myself in the island's unique rhythm. It was a journey that taught me to appreciate the simple things in life and the importance of preserving the beauty of nature.