East London Wildlife Photography Workshop

Join wildlife guide and photographer Harry Rice (Chiltern Wildlife) and Andy Washington (wildlife photographer and long-time Walthamstow Wetlands volunteer) for a relaxed, expert-led East London Wildlife Photography Workshop.

This experience is designed for both wildlife watchers and photographers, whether you’re bringing a camera, binoculars, or simply a curiosity for what lives in the hidden wild corners of the city.

Our session begins at Walthamstow Wetlands, one of Europe’s largest urban wetland reserves, but we won’t be limiting ourselves to the reservoirs alone. We’ll explore a wider patch of East London’s marshes, waterways and green corridors, including visits to the Paddock area and other wildlife-rich spots in and around the Wetlands.

This part of London is a surprisingly productive place for wildlife. Depending on the day, we may encounter species such as Kingfishers, Kestrels, Great Crested Grebes, Little Grebes, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, Goldcrests, waterfowl and other wetland birds, along with seasonal surprises.

What to expect

We’ll start with a short introduction covering key photography techniques, simple camera settings, and fieldcraft tips for approaching wildlife responsibly. We’ll then head out on a guided walk, stopping regularly at the best vantage points to watch wildlife and practise what you’ve learned. Throughout the workshop you’ll receive friendly, practical guidance on composition, focus, exposure, and how to work with natural light in a wetland environment.

We’ll finish with a relaxed review session where you can share your favourite shots, ask questions, and get feedback and ideas for improvement.

Who it’s for

This workshop is suitable for wildlife lovers, birdwatchers and photographers of all levels. A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a zoom lens is ideal, but bridge cameras are also welcome.

Important note

Wildlife is always unpredictable, and the species we see will vary from day to day. The focus of the workshop is on learning the skills to photograph and observe wildlife well, whatever we encounter.