Hi there!

I am Ali

I'm Ali Marley — a wildlife and seabird photographer, workshop leader, and author based in the north of England. I'm passionate, a little obsessive about light, and I genuinely believe that photography has the power to make people fall in love with the natural world.

My journey started in 2014 with zoo visits and garden birds — a camera in my hand and absolutely no idea where it would take me. Through lockdown, that passion deepened into something I couldn't ignore, and somewhere along the way seabirds completely took over my heart. I haven't looked back.

Bempton Cliffs & Beyond

Bempton Cliffs is my spiritual home. I know its light, its seasons, its resident puffins, and exactly which spot gives you the best chance of a gannet coming in low against a stormy sky. I lead seabird photography workshops in association with RSPB Bempton Cliffs throughout the season, and every single time I walk up to the clifftop I feel lucky to do what I do.

Beyond Bempton, I've photographed at Bass Rock, the Farne Islands, and the Treshnish Isles — some of the most breathtaking wildlife locations in the UK. I've also travelled further afield, spending time in Borneo photographing orangutans and the incredible wildlife of the rainforest.

The Book

In early 2026 I published Discover The Art of Seabird Photography — a 288-page guide covering everything from camera settings and fieldcraft to finding the light and telling a story with your images. It's the book I wish had existed when I started out, and writing it was one of the most rewarding things I've ever done. Find out more

Workshops

I run seabird photography workshops at Bempton Cliffs throughout the season, as well as one-to-one sessions for anyone who wants a more personal experience. I also offer online image review sessions if you can't make it to the cliffs in person. My approach is relaxed, encouraging, and completely focused on helping you develop your own eye rather than just copying mine. I want you to leave feeling more confident, more inspired, and with images you're genuinely proud of. Find out more

Kit & Partners

I shoot with OM System cameras and I'm proud to be a partner of DxO software — whose tools I use in my own editing workflow every single day. If you're interested in trying DxO for yourself, you can use my discount code AM15 for money off.

I’m also honoured to be an ambassador for Birds and the Belles, a wonderful community that celebrates women in wildlife and nature photography. It’s a community that means a great deal to me, and if you’re a woman who loves wildlife photography — or wants to get into it — I can’t recommend it highly enough.

Find out more about Birds and the Belles

Awards

I was honoured to receive a Silver Award at the International Pet Photography Awards 2024 and Bronze in 2025— recognition that means a great deal to me, particularly for work that sits alongside my wildlife photography as a reminder of where this journey began.

A bit more about me

I'm a passionate advocate for women in wildlife photography. I believe the outdoors belongs to everyone, and I love being part of a community — particularly through The Birds and the Belles — that celebrates that. I started this because I loved it. I'm still doing it because I love it. That's never going to change.

If you'd like to get in touch — about workshops, the book, a pet shoot, or just to talk about seabirds — I'd genuinely love to hear from you. Get in Touch