Finland : Photographing Bears

• witness the majestic brown bear at their most active from specially designed hides
• take in varied birdlife, from the honey buzzard to the capercaillie
• share your passion for the camera with host Ari Saaski, a renowned nature photographer
• enjoy the pristine isolation by hiking into the wilderness or rowing out onto the lake

The favourites of experts and novices alike, there are few animals who are as photogenic as the brown bear. With their casual strength, they are rarely seen during the day and you’ll need a special set of circumstances to observe and photograph this private animal. Whether they are foraging for food, showing off their skills as climbers by clambering up a tree, or playing and scratching in the short summer nights, the only way to see and, of course, photograph these elusive wonders is patience. With overnights spent in the specially built hides, this is the perfect setting for the dedicated photographer to wait out these magnificent animals.

But it isn’t just the nights that offer photographic opportunities. The days stretch from twelve to sixteen hours and are complimented by two to four hours of twilight which provide ample opportunity to experiment with different light. This is also the heart of the Finnish wilderness and other than bears you might be able to capture the beauty of the wolverine, the majesty of a reindeer, or the fluttering concentration of a sparrowhawk. With a renowned nature photographer on hand to provide advice and share stories, you are bound to leave with a memory card full of unique and stunning photos.

Tip the viewing season stretches from May to September but for serious photographers, June and July offer optimum light conditions.

Note hides are equipped with comfortable viewing chairs and an amplification system to aid listening to the animals as well as a sleeping area with dry toilet facilities. Remember to bring binoculars, tripod, bean bag or ball head (screw supplied).