Day 1: Sunday, Sep 10, 2023
Welcome to Finland! Settle in and get ready for an incredible expedition of a lifetime.
Airport Transfer
Meal
Accomodation
WORKSHOP AT A GLANCE
Dates: 10-09-2023 until the 18-09-2023
Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
Participants: Maximum 5 Photographers plus leader Investment: $9,850 USD
Start: Oulu Airport in North Finland (One hour flight from
Helsinki)
Finish: Oulu Airport in North Finland (One hour flight from
Helsinki)
Trip Highlights: Wolverine, Wolves, Bears and Small Group Size
OUR DAILY ITINERARY...
Wolverine, Wolves and Bears are generally most active in the late afternoon and early evening. As such we will plan our days around spending time
in the hides from early afternoon until well after dark. If conditions are favorable and the animals are particularly active we may overnight in the hides
in the hope of more chances at sunrise. Breakfast will be taken at our base camp. Lunch and dinner will be a combination of food we take into the hides and
home cooked food at our base camp.
Note: On this workshop we are attempting to photograph some of the most elusive predators on the planet. Wolverine and Wolves in particular are
extremely shy and there is no guarantee we will be successful in our efforts. They key is for us to spend as much time as possible in the hides to give
ourselves the best possible opportunities. It is important to have patience and understand that we are working with Wild animals.
Accommodations
On this workshop we will be staying in private cottages located
deep inside a Nature Reserve. Each cottage can accommodate up to four people,
but is available for single use at no extra cost.
Breakfast will be taken at our accommodation. Lunch and dinner will be a combination of food in the field, and home cooked meals prepared for us by a chef at our cabins. If you have special dietary requirements please be sure to let us know at time of booking.
Frequently Asked Questions
How cold will it be in Finland at this time of year?
The average temperature in this northern part of Finland in
October is around 0o Celsius. However, temperatures can drop below --8o Celsius
and with wind chill it can feel even colder, so it is important to be prepared
with warm clothing. We will be outside for hours at a time and although we will
have the shelter of our hides it is important to dress appropriately.
Where do we Stay?
We will be staying in private cabins in a remote base camp deep
inside a Nature Reserve. The cabins are located very close to the Russian
border. Each cabin has a bed for sleeping, wash basin, and bathroom as well as
a small desk, chair and power for working. There is no single supplement.
What are our chances to see Wolverine, Wolves and Bears?
Our chance to see and photograph these top predators is very good
- but not guaranteed. Wolverine and Wolves in particular are extremely shy and
reclusive so it is important that we put in as many hours as possible in the
hides to give ourselves the best possible chances.
How Do I get to Oulu?
The easiest way to get to Oulu is to take the direct flight from
Helsinki airport. You will then be met on arrival at the airport and
transported to our base camp. Our drive time from the airport to base camp is
approximately three hours.
Is food included?
Yes, breakfast lunch and dinner are all included in the cost of
the workshop.
Dietary Requirements?
If you have any special dietary requirements you will be
accommodated. Please just be sure to let us know when you make your booking.
What fitness level?
Only a very basic level of fitness is required. Walking is no more
than a few hundred meters at a time.
Will there be Photographic Instruction?
Yes, the purpose of this small group workshop is to provide
one-on-one tuition as required to make sure you come away with a strong
portfolio of photographs from your time with the predators of Northern Finland.
Day 1 - Airport Arrival in Oulu, Finland.
Days 2 - 3 - Viiksimo - Forest and Pond Hides. Brown
Bears, Wolves and Wolverines visit the hides here. We will photograph from 3 different hides at this location giving us plenty of opportunity to capture all
three targets. This is the best location to photograph the Wolverines as they regularly frequent the forest hides at this location.
Day 4-5 - Kuhmo - Pond, Swamp and Forest Hides -
Great opportunities here as well to capture our three targets. Kuhmo is the best location in Finland to photograph Eurasian Grey Wolves. The wolves will be
high on our target list at this location. We will use the hides here in three different environments (Swamp, Forest, and Ponds). This ensures that we create
a fantastic set of images in different settings and conditions.
Day 6-7 - Martinselkonen - Overnight Forest Hides - the best place in Scandinavia to photograph Brown Bears. The number of Bears is overwhelming at this location. It’s not unusual to have over 50 bears in front
of the hides here. Bear cubs are numerous here and they are the main reason we are here. We will use two overnight forest hides here photographing Brown Bears and cubs as they interact with one another, climb trees, and we will see the sows with their numerous cubs. Photography here is fantastic and we will leave
each hide session with hundreds of wonderful images.
Day 8 - Afternoon transfer back to Oulu - after leaving the overnight hides we will have breakfast and relax and rest for the morning. Mid afternoon departure back to Oulu.
Day 9 - Departure from Oulu Airport. Hotel transfers to airport for flights back home.
*If you cancel when your spot is confirmed and outside of 60 days until departure, you can receive a trip credit for your down payment minus the $100 cancellation fee.
