Perfect Puffin Photography

Capturing the “Clown of the Sea”

A Guide to Puffin Photography on the Bonavista Peninsula in Newfoundland

For more Puffin images, check out my Puffin Collection.

Who doesn’t love a puffin? Often called the “Clown of the Sea,” these charming birds are a favorite among wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike. With their stocky bodies, colorful oversized beaks, and comically large orange feet, puffins are both beautiful and entertaining to watch. While there are several puffin species spread across the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans, this post focuses on the vibrant Atlantic Puffin, found along the rugged shores of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada.

Puffins are small, averaging between 15 and 20 centimeters (6–8 inches) in length. Their striking appearance — black feathers on the wings and back. White on the front, and that unmistakable bright orange beak — makes them a photogenic subject. Interestingly, the puffin’s colorful beak is seasonal: it appears in its full glory during the breeding season (May to late July) and is shed to reveal a smaller, blander beak once the season ends.

Puffins are also remarkable for their behavior. Their short wings are adapted for underwater propulsion, similar to penguins. But in the air, their small size means they must flap their wings up to 400 times per minute just to stay airborne—adding to their comic charm both above waves.

Puffin Colonies in Newfoundland

Puffins spend most of the year at sea, returning to land only to breed and raise their young during the summer months. In Newfoundland, two top locations for Puffin photography are found on the Bonavista Peninsula. These are located just outside the town of Elliston, and just beside the Bonavista Lighthouse.

Elliston: Up Close with Puffins

Not far from the village of Elliston lies a small peninsula. This faces a rocky island that serves as the main breeding site for local puffins. While the island itself is too far for decent photography, the puffins also congregate on the peninsulas tip. This allows for closer observation and great photo opportunities. Be aware that parking is limited and there are no washroom facilities on site, so plan accordingly.

Bonavista Lighthouse: Puffins and Iconic Scenery

Near the famous Bonavista Lighthouse, you’ll find another rocky island teeming with puffins during breeding season. Puffins here also come ashore in large numbers, making it a fantastic spot for both bird watching and photography. As the lighthouse is a major attraction, there’s ample parking and washroom facilities—your bladder will thank you!

Photography Tips

Photography Tips for Puffins

1. Observe Before Shooting: Before setting up your camera, take time to watch the puffins. Understanding their behavior helps you anticipate great moments and compose better shots. Plus, they’re a hoot to watch!
2. Gear Up Wisely: Though puffins come close to shore, a long lens (like a 400mm or longer) is a definite asset for close-ups. Use a wide aperture (e.g., f/4 or f/2.8) to create a beautiful bokeh effect and make your subject pop.
3. Freeze the Action: Puffins flap their wings at up to 400 times per minute. To capture sharp images, use a fast shutter speed—1/2000th of a second or faster works well.
4. Choose Your Backgrounds: Get down to eye level, instead of standing up. This gets you eye to eye with the Puffins. You should also position yourself for a good background. Use the dark rocky islands as a dramatic backdrop, or aim for the lighter hues of ocean and sky for a softer effect. Newfoundland’s dramatic coastal scenery offers plenty of options.
5. Pack for the Outdoors: Weather on the Newfoundland coast can be unpredictable. Bring a waterproof jacket, sturdy footwear, and consider a toque for breezy mornings. Don’t forget extra batteries and memory cards!

Conclusion

Photographing puffins in Newfoundland is a very rewarding experience. It offers a chance to capture one of nature’s most charismatic birds against a backdrop of stunning coastal scenery. Whether you choose Elliston’s quiet charm or the lively Bonavista Lighthouse, take time to soak in the sights and sounds. With the right preparation and a bit of patience, you’ll return home with unforgettable images—and memories—of the Clown of the Sea.

My Gallery

For my favorite shots of Newfoundland check out my ‘Newfoundland Collections’, here.

For my favorite Puffin shots, check out my ‘Puffins Collection’ here.

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