Seal pup waving flipper while lying in sand

Tender Tides

Grey Seal Pups of the

Norfolk Coast

Beach Wave

In the middle of a sandy tumble, this playful pup curves into a perfect arc—equal parts mischief and momentum.

Tender Tides 1 of 17.

Curiosity, comfort,

& coastal life

Each winter, the windswept shores of Norfolk’s Horsey Gap transform into a quiet nursery, as hundreds of grey seal pups arrive with the tide. Photographed in their natural habitat, this series captures the first days of life—moments of maternal tenderness, playful discovery, and peaceful rest—rendered in soft natural light and with deep reverence for the animals’ space and safety.

This curated collection offers an intimate glimpse into the early lives of one of the UK’s most beloved marine mammals. Through gentle compositions and expressive detail, the series invites viewers into a world of coastal stillness and connection. These portraits serve as both a celebration of Norfolk’s wild beauty and a reminder of the fragile harmony that sustains it.

Each image in the Tender Tides series is offered as a limited-edition fine art print or under exclusive licensing, with no more than 15 editions available worldwide. All purchases are made to order with custom quotes provided based on preferred materials, finishes, and framing options. These works are designed for collectors, galleries, and thoughtfully curated spaces in luxury hospitality or interior design. To bring this work into your collection or gallery, use the button just beneath this text.

Sandy pup mid-bark

Revelry in Sand

Mid-call and dusted with sand, this exuberant pup radiates playful energy and untamed delight.

Tender Tides 2 of 17.

Seal pup with flipper raised

Flipper Moon

Flipper raised and eyes alight, this crescent-posed pup offers a moment of connection—curious, bright, and full of charm.

Tender Tides 3 of 17.

An extreme close-up of a seal pup's face with sand on fur and nose.

An intimate portrait of a young pup, its face dusted with fine grains of sand and eyes reflecting a quiet softness.

Tender Tides 4 of 17.

Face to Face

Pup looking up from shallow sand hollow

Tucked & Watching

Tucked gently into the windswept sand, this young pup offers a watchful glance—half-hidden, wholly aware.

Tender Tides 5 of 17.

Seal pup face with specks of sand

With sandy fur, arched brows, and whiskers in focus, this pup meets the lens head-on—curious, composed, and full of character.

Tender Tides 6 of 17

Sand & Whiskers

Seal pup tilting head with visible whiskers

A gentle head tilt and expressive gaze give this young pup an irresistible charm—curious, alert, and quietly endearing.

Tender Tides 7 of 17.

Tilted Curiosity

Close-up of pup with an upward gaze

Poise in Profile

In quiet profile, the pup’s features come into focus—soft, serene, and full of emerging presence.

Tender Tides 8 of 17

Horizontal pup close-up in profile

Costal Light

Bathed in soft sidelight, this newborn pup reveals fur like silk—silver near the face, golden along the back. A quiet portrait of early life and delicate beauty.

Tender Tides 9 of 11.

Centered headshot of wide-eyed seal pup

Eyes like ink wells draw the viewer into this soulful portrait—still, searching, and full of curious depth.

Tender Tides 10 of 17

Deep Eyes

Seal pup pressing its face to mother’s muzzle

Nuzzle

A tender moment of connection between mother and pup—soft, instinctive, and full of quiet devotion.

Tender Tides 11 of 17.

Tide & Time

Flipper draped gently over her pup, the mother gazes skyward alongside her young—two generations held in the same moment of wonder.

Tender Tides 12 of 17.

Mother and pup lying together

Quiet Bond

A moment of calm and closeness—mother and pup resting in quiet tandem, their connection as natural as the tide.

Tender Tide 13 of 17.

Extreme closeup of seal pup’s sandy face

Velvet & Grain

A close study in texture and light—sand-dusted whiskers, velvet-dark eyes, and the quiet presence of new life.

Tender Tide 14 of 17.

Newborn seal pups are born with a golden tint to their fur, which fades to white within days. Likely just a few days old, this pup rests in the dunes—its coat aglow in the warmth of the setting sun.

Tender Tides 15 of 17.

Golden Hour, Golden Pup

Mother and pup grey seals nestled closely together on a sandy beach

A tender moment of rest—mother and pup nestled close, their sand-dusted coats pressed together in a soft, instinctive embrace. A portrait of wild intimacy and quiet trust.

Tender Tides 16 of 17.

Nestled Close

Seal pup waving flipper while lying in sand

Beach Wave

In the middle of a sandy tumble, this playful pup curves into a perfect arc—equal parts mischief and momentum.

Seals 1 of 17.

Mother and pup together on the beach

As the young pup gazes outward, ready to explore, its mother keeps a steady, protective watch—a quiet balance of curiosity and care.

Tender Tides 17 of 17

Ready to Roam

Next
Next

Bright Beaks & Bold Personalities, Puffins of the Shetland Islands