10,000 Birds Took Off at Once… and I Captured It on Hornøya

Join me on a remote island in Arctic Norway, where thousands of seabirds gather each winter to begin their breeding season. In this video, I document my journey to Hornøya—home to puffins, guillemots, razorbills and shags—and share the emotional, creative, and ethical challenges of photographing wildlife in such a sensitive environment.

From capturing ruffled feathers in golden light, to witnessing the thunderous flush of 10,000 guillemots from the cliffs, this trip offered moments of quiet beauty and overwhelming chaos alike. But it also raised questions about the impact of our presence in wild spaces, and what it truly means to photograph with care.



📘 THE ART OF WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY (EBOOK)

Over 55 comprehensive pages, I share the creative mindset, fieldcraft, patience, and creative approach on how to capture the natural artistry of wildlife.

Whether you're a seasoned photographer or someone just starting to explore nature through a lens, this book is designed to help you slow down, see more deeply, and create with greater purpose.

👉 Download the eBook here: https://www.rachelbigsby.com/product-...



👋 Who am I?

My name is Rachel Bigsby, I am a wildlife photographer driven by my genuine passion for nature and creative flair. At just 27 years old, I’ve been fortunate to achieve milestones such as winning the 'Natural Artistry' category in Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the Portfolio Award in Bird Photographer of the Year. I am also a proud Nikon Creator, a published photographer for National Geographic, an RSPB ambassador and a wildlife photography expedition leader. Without any formal training, I’ve built my career from the ground up, carving my own path and honing my skills and artistic vision through relentless dedication. My photography is about more than capturing beautiful images—it’s about telling intricate stories. With a deep knowledge of my carefully chosen subjects, I have developed a unique ability to anticipate moments and capture the finer details and behaviors that often go unnoticed. I strive to infuse my images with these insights, offering viewers a perspective that is both scientifically informed and artistically profound.

🎥 Equipment featured in this video:

‪@NikonEurope‬ Z9
Nikkor Z 135 mm f/1.8
Nikkor Z 14 - 24 mm f/2.8
‪@ShimodaDesigns‬ Action X30 v2 Backpack Army Green
‪@vallerret‬ MARKHOF PRO V3 PHOTOGRAPHY GLOVE
‪@DelkinDevicesInc‬ Black 1.2 TB CF Express Cards


🎥 Chapters

00:00 This is Hornøya

01:32 The Journey & The Birds

04:18 A special encounter with one of my favourite birds

05:31 A Sky Full of Guillemots

09:11 The Reality of the Island


12:06 Puffins: The Fighters

14:05 Closing thoughts

15:45 The Art of Wildlife Photography EBook


Visit my website for more information: www.rachelbigsby.com

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