Photographing Brown Bears in Finland: An Unforgettable Wildlife Adventure

Imagine standing in the heart of the wild, surrounded by dense forest, the air thick with the scent of pine and earth, when suddenly, a massive shape emerges from the shadows. A brown bear, each one weighing at least 300kg, moves with a heavy grace that makes the ground beneath you tremble. This is the reality of photographing brown bears in Finland – a rare, awe-inspiring experience that blends wildlife photography with the thrill of being in the presence of such majestic creatures.

Brown bears in Finland are a true testament to the resilience of nature. They roam freely in vast, untouched wildernesses, and observing them in their natural habitat is a photographer’s dream. These magnificent animals, slow-moving yet powerful, are more than just subjects for stunning photographs – they’re a symbol of the wild spirit of Finland.

I had the privilege of travelling to Finland and it was, without a doubt, my greatest trip to date. The sheer size of these creatures is enough to take your breath away. Each bear is a force of nature, and you can literally feel the ground shake as they move around their territory. Being up close to such an animal, knowing they weigh as much as 10 people, is humbling. 

I’m always one to focus on portrait shots, capturing the raw, emotional intensity of wildlife through a close-up lens. However, this time, I decided to step outside my comfort zone. Instead of sticking to my usual portrait 4×5 photos, I aimed to show these bears in their expansive habitat. The vast Finnish wilderness – the boggy forests, misty waters, and rolling hills – adds an entirely new layer of storytelling to the images. I wanted to illustrate the bond between the animal and its environment, giving a sense of place to the magnificent creatures I was photographing.

Of course, no wildlife photography trip comes without its challenges. The Finnish wilderness is home to more than just bears. The mosquitoes were relentless, and let me tell you – I was absolutely covered in bites, including one inside my nose and another between my eyes! But that’s all part of the adventure. The discomfort fades away when you get to witness a bear emerging from the trees, or when you’re lucky enough to capture a moment of them swimming across a river. It was a truly magical moment.

Throughout my time in Finland, I learned so much from the local rangers and guides. Their knowledge of bear behaviour and their deep respect for the animals was inspiring. They taught me how to approach wildlife photography with patience and mindfulness. I also had the pleasure of meeting other photographers who shared my passion for capturing the beauty of the natural world, making new friends along the way.

One of the most important things I’ve learned from this experience is the importance of preserving the habitats of these incredible animals. As human activity encroaches on their natural environment, it’s vital that we continue to raise awareness and support conservation efforts to protect these magnificent creatures. Every photograph I take tells a story, not just of the animal but of the wilderness they call home.

When I look through the hundreds of photos I captured during my time in Finland, I am reminded of how lucky I am to have witnessed such an extraordinary part of the world.  For those of you with a passion for wildlife and conservation, photographing brown bears in Finland is an experience that should be on your bucket list. It’s more than just a trip – it’s a chance to connect with nature in a way that will stay with you forever.