Discovering the Finnish wilderness: a photographic adventure among bears, wolves and Nordic birdlife

Our photographic journey into the wild heart of Finland began in the bustling city of Oulu, overlooking the Gulf of Bothnia. This city, famous for its technological and cultural scene, was the perfect starting point for our adventure. After meticulously checking our camera equipment – weatherproof bodies, high-brightness telephoto lenses and sturdy tripods – we stocked up at the Kauppatori market, sampling local specialities such as graavilohi (marinated salmon) and ruisleipä (rye bread).

Leaving Oulu, we headed east, passing through a landscape that gradually changed from gentle coastal hills to dense forests of Scotch pine and spruce, dotted with countless lakes that reflected the sky like mirrors. Our first major stop was Kuhmo, in the Kainuu region, a few kilometres from the Russian border.

Kuhmo: meeting the brown giants

Kuhmo is renowned for its brown bear population, and we spent several nights on a stakeout here. The photo huts, strategically placed at the edge of the forest, provided us with comfortable and safe shelter to observe these magnificent animals. Equipped with specially designed windows for cameras, the huts allowed us to shoot without disturbing the wildlife.

The long hours of waiting were rewarded with breathtaking encounters. On one particularly memorable evening, we witnessed the arrival of a mother bear with two cubs of the year. The golden light of dusk perfectly illuminated the scene as the family fed on berries and roots, offering extraordinary photographic opportunities. The use of powerful telephoto lenses and patience in waiting for the right composition were crucial to capture exciting images without interfering with the animals’ natural behaviour.

Kuusamo: a birdwatching paradise

Continuing northwards, we reached Kuusamo, a location that proved to be an eldorado for photographing northern avifauna. Located in an ecological transition zone, Kuusamo is home to an amazing biodiversity. Our days here began before dawn, taking advantage of the first light to photograph species such as the rare Lapland Owl.

An unforgettable experience was an encounter with a Siberian jay, a bird characteristic of the taiga, which perched a few metres away from us, allowing us to capture incredible details of its plumage. Near the lakes, we photographed grebes, strolagas and the extremely rare harlequin duck, using camouflage techniques to get closer without disturbing them.

The area also proved excellent for woodpecker photography, with sightings of the three-toed woodpecker and the black woodpecker. The use of portable hides and audible calls (used in moderation and in compliance with local regulations) allowed us to attract these elusive species at optimal photographic distances.

On the trail of the grey wolf

The most exciting moment of the trip came unexpectedly during a hike in the remote forests on the Russian border. Here, guided by an experienced local tracker, we were lucky enough to spot a pack of grey wolves. The encounter was fleeting but intense: five specimens appeared in a clearing at dawn, offering a few but precious seconds to snap away.

The photographic challenge was considerable, requiring quick reflexes and a perfect mastery of camera settings to capture sharp images in low light. The excitement of that moment, with our hearts pounding as we framed these legendary predators, will forever remain etched in our memories, as well as on our SD cards.

Landscapes and Nordic light

In addition to wildlife, the trip offered us countless opportunities for landscape photography. The vast expanses of taiga, with their changing colours, proved to be perfect subjects for panoramic compositions. The misty moors at dawn created almost mystical atmospheres, ideal for evocative images.

The Nordic light deserves a separate chapter. The long hours of summer twilight, with the sun barely touching the horizon creating what the Finns call ‘yötön yö’ (the night that is not there), provided unique lighting conditions. This soft, golden light enveloped the landscape in a magical aura, perfect for capturing images with warm, embracing tones.

On the rare darker nights, we devoted ourselves to astronomical photography, taking advantage of the pristine skies of northern Finland to capture the Milky Way and, with a bit of luck, some late Northern Lights.

Conclusioni e riflessioni

This photographic trip to Finland proved to be an experience that went far beyond simply collecting images. It allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in a natural environment of rare beauty and integrity, honing our photographic skills and, above all, our connection with the wilderness.

The experience also made us reflect on the importance of conserving these unique habitats and the responsibility we have as nature photographers to document and preserve these wonders for future generations.

Back home with memory cards full of extraordinary images and hearts full of indelible emotions, we look forward to planning our next trip to discover the natural wonders of Northern Europe.