Predators of Finland
Join Arild Heitmann and Stian Klo on a 7 day adventure deep in the Finnish forests. This is the only place on earth where it is possible to photograph bears, wolves and wolverines at the same place…at the same time! These meetings are magical and the photographic possibilities are endless. Set in a mystic wetland in the forest, ancient pine trees create the perfect setting for encounters with the majestic predators.
On the border to Russia the Finnish legendary photographer Lassi Rautiainen has a place where dreams become real. There are several different hides and we will use the ones that has the best surroundings in order to give us the most incredible opportunities of shooting these amazing animals in their right environment. We have 5 days in the hides and will change between different hides and settings.
Hides
There are several hides in the area. We will use 4 different ones:
– the bog, often called “paradise”. This is the place where you can often see up to 6-8 bears and several wolves at the same time. Wolverines often can be seen as well.
– the lake. A small lake where its possible to shoot bears walking and playing at the shoreline. Great spot for reflection shots etc..
– the owl forest. Great spot to shoot especially wolverines in a forest environment. Bears and wolves often roam here too…
– the pine forest. Fantastic forest scene with old trees with an almost mysterious atmosphere. Amazing place for all 3 predators.
The animals may come very close to the hides, but normally they stay around 25-30 meters away. There are no risks involved in being this close to these magnificent animals, but it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
We have timed this for optimal autumn colours!
We are staying at a basecamp with shared rooms with the option of single rooms available (250 EUR extra)
A typical day would be:
- – 08.00 breakfast, daytime landscape trips
- – after breakfast – landscape photography
– 14.00 dinner (taking food for evening / night)
– 15.00 to hides
– 19.00-20.00 back to base and night in base
also possible to spend the night in the hide if you are feeling properly hardcore
Basecamp
We are staying at basecamp close to the hides. This is not a luxury hotel at all, but it has its own atmosphere and its located in a BEAUTIFUL spot! Its a former forest workers’ residence situated on the border to Russia. The base camp sits on a headland, surrounded by a lake and the boreal forest. The building is a traditional rural Finnish log house. The general atmosphere can be compared to that of a large family rather than to that of a hotel.
We have our own corridor at our disposal:
1 shared toilet and shower
Aurora twin room
Big 1 twin room
Big 2 twin room
Single 1 single room
Single 2 single room
Food
Included. It includes breakfast, lunch pack, food in hide and dinner.
Airport of choice
Rovaniemi (RVN). You must arrive the day before the tour starts.
Photography gear:
We recommend lenses in the range from 100-600mm. It is possible to rent fast 300 – 400mm prime lenses (Nikon)
In the hides there is no need for tripods. We only need to bring ballheads to attach in the hides.
Physical fitness
No requirements. The hides are only max 100m away from the car.
Tuition:
This is a photography tour. Arild & Stian will be available at most times to help and assist if needed.
GUIDED BY ARILD HEITMANN & STIAN KLO
ALL IMAGES BY LASSI RAUTIAINEN
