ABOUT BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY ACADEMY
The Bird Photography Academy is a unique collaboration between David Tipling, Nick Wilcox-Brown and Swarovski Optik, makers of the worlds finest birding optics.
At the Academy of Bird Photography, we specialise in teaching photographers how to get the most from their cameras in real‑world conditions.
Our workshops are designed for small groups, ensuring personal attention and expert guidance. You’ll work alongside David Tipling — one of the UK’s best‑known bird photographers — and wildlife photography specialist Nick Wilcox-Brown, learning proven techniques to capture stunning shots in any light or weather.
What You’ll Learn
- How to set up your camera for birds in flight and fast‑moving subjects
- The best camera settings for bird photography in different light conditions
- Composition tips for wildlife and bird portraits
- How to track and focus on birds for sharp, detailed images
- Fieldcraft skills for getting closer to wildlife without disturbance
Why Swarovski Optik?
Born from our own logic that a decent pair of binoculars is not only helpful, but in our opinion, essential for photographers who photograph birds
Binoculars not only to help to locate birds, but increase our enjoyment of the whole experience. We find that we frequently put down the camera and use binoculars only to appreciate the finer details. The key is to get the correct balance between size, weight and magnification so we are not overloaded when using alongside our cameras.
It is important to stress that these workshops are not about selling; Swarovski Optik share our sentiments and are kind enough to sponsor these events.
Why Choose Us?
With decades of combined experience photographing birds worldwide, David and Nick bring professional insight and practical teaching to every workshop.
Our training goes beyond theory — you’ll be out in the field, learning techniques you can use immediately to improve your photography.
Biographies and Information
David Tipling
David Tipling is one of the World’s most widely published wildlife photographers renowned for his artistic images of birds. His many accolades include a coveted European Nature Photographer of the Year Award for work on Emperor Penguins, and in North America, Nature’s Best Indigenous Peoples Award for his pictures of Mongolian eagle hunters.
David is the author or commissioned photographer for many books including the RSPB Guide to Digital Wildlife Photography. David writes regularly for various magazines including Amateur Photographer. TV and film work have seen appearances in front of the camera on Springwatch and The One Show, while David has worked behind the cameramaking short films.
David is an ambassdor for OM System cameras.
Nick Wilcox-Brown
Famous for five minutes for his work with Elephants and Explorer John Blashford-Snell in the early nineties, Nick built a long and successful career as a photographer for brands such Land Rover, Morgan cars, Aston Martin and magazines such Country Life, Country Living and Hello!
In parallel he was involved in writing Canon's Professional Network website, some development of Canon DSLRs and Sony movie cameras, together with product strategy and latr training of Capture One and Adobe Lightroom software.
Nick continues to make films, photograph wildlife and train aspiring photographers as an ambassador for OM System cameras.
Swarovski Optik
Makers of the World's finest optics, Swarovski Optik is a division of the Swarovski group of companies, manufacturing premium optical instruments.
The company’s success is based on its innovative strength, the quality and intrinsic value of its products, and their functional and esthetic design.
Appreciation of nature is an essential part of its company philosophy and is reflected commendably in its environment-friendly production and its long-term commitment to selected nature conservation projects including the much-loved Global Birdfair.
Frequently Asked Questions
The best camera setting for photographing birds in flight is shutter priority with subject detection.
Join our workshops around the UK's finest bird reserves to learn more.
David Tipling and Nick Wilcox-Brown are working with Swarovski Optik to provide world-class bird photography workshops around the UK over the winter of 2025 and 2026.
Please check the front page of this site to see which location works best for you.
The key to sharp pictures of birds in flight is the correct shutter speed and accurate focus.
Join our workshops around the UK's finest nature reserves to find out more about getting beautiful pictures of birds in flight and on the ground.
The cost of each workshop is £165 to include training and a light lunch
The List of workshops and dates is below:
November 26 2025, WWT WELNEY.
December 3 2025, WWT MARTIN MERE.
January 14 2026, WWT SLIMBRIDGE.
February 25 2026, WWT CAERLAVEROCK.
March 25 2026, WWT ARUNDEL.
April 22 2026, RSPB BEMPTON.