Snow Bears: Brown bears of Finland in spring

Photographing wild brown bears in Finland is an unforgettable experience. Imagine, if you will, sitting in a hide overlooking a snowy landscape, and then suddenly, without warning and right before you the magnificent King of the Forest.

On this 6-day Snow Bears: Brown bears of Finland in spring tour, you will experience how a professional nature photographer works when photographing these magnificent mammals. Not through using large, up-high public hides that are on offer but smaller 2-person ground-level pro hides. For 4 nights we have the use of such hides strategically positioned within a snow-covered swamp.

TIMING
Timing is everything if we are to maximise our chances of photographing Brown bears in the snow. Too early in the month, and activity will be low, too late and the snow will have begun to melt. Mid to late April has increased chances of good activity (including mother and cubs) and still plenty of snow.

UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
Unlike the summer when bear visitor numbers increase substantially and where there are numerous hides in multiple locations, due to the unique nature of this tour just a very small number are available at a single location meaning the likelihood of encountering another photography group is highly unlikely. Therefore, in order to secure these hides during what I consider to be prime dates advanced booking has been necessary.

Obtaining photos of bears in Finland in the spring is not the same as in the summer when, as mentioned, there are many more present and when their wanderings are more distant. In April, snow depth plays a significant factor since this can affect their movements. The reward, however, is a unique set of images that comparatively few wildlife photographers can match.     

PERSONAL EXPERIENCE
Situated in central-eastern Finland, the location for this photography tour is renowned as being the best place in Europe for photographing wild brown bears. Indeed, my claim to fame (if you can call it that!) is that I was just the second Brit to visit this now world-renowned site way back back in 1999. The centre's diary of visitors holds proof of that! It was an unforgettable experience, one I remember vividly, still. It was the 1st of June and we were rowed, in heavy snowfall, across a lake by its owner, Marku, and upon walking up a small hill and entering the hide, just one hour later we were confronted with a huge male just 50 metres away who proceeded to feed upon a carcase. It's one of my most striking wildlife memories and the image, below, was captured later that night as the moon rose over the snow-laden forest.

Having been in hibernation since November, from the beginning of April, they awake, fully, foraging in earnest to replenish the weight they have lost the previous months. Cubs will have been born during hibernation and often accompany their mother on these expeditions.

Each day will follow the same pattern where after dinner at 3 we will be snowmobiled to the hides. Available light will permit photography until around 10pm and again from 4am when the light begins to improve. There's a bed in the hide enabling you to rest in between these periods. We'll be collected at 7am and snowmobiled back to base whereupon breakfast will be served. In between then and dinner, you are free to simply rest and catch up on some sleep or, perhaps, have a wander. Hot drinks and cake are served at 12 should you be awake and peckish!  

Numbering just 300 (compared to Finland's 2000+ bears) the enigmatic and rare wolverine is a regular visitor at this time and on the most recent tour we experienced sightings and good photo opportunities on 3 of the 4 nights.  

HIDES
Due to the shorter days and to increase everyone's chances, the hides are positioned in one area. However, I will endeavour to put everyone in a different hide each day allowing for different perspectives. 

HEATING
Outside temperatures at this time of the year generally hover between -5 and +5 degrees C and so in each hide there will be a gas heater which keeps it very comfortable.

TOILET
The hide has a basic camping-style toilet. You'll soon overcome any shyness you might have! Number ones, only! The other, only in extreme circumstances. Should you have stomach issues where this would pose a problem then you should seriously consider whether this tour is for you. After all, you'll be sharing with someone else.    

HIDE ETIQUETTE
Put simply; no talking, laughing, coughing, sneezing or enjoying yourselves! You're not here for a holiday! :) Seriously, though, hide photography is very much about being as quiet and as fidget-free as possible and although you may whisper, talking loudly is definitely out of the question or they will not come! Unlike the summer where bears tolerate a little noise coming from the hides, since they are fresh out of hibernation, spring is very different so it is imperative to keep sound to a minimum. They don't mind the clicking of shutters (for you DSLR owners out there!) and slow moving of the lenses but can be easily scared by talking, laughing and coughing. Whole nights will be spent in the hides (circa 14 hours) so you must be prepared for this. If you're easily bored, plug headphones into your phone and listen to an ebook. Again, any disturbance is likely to spook them. With all this said, hide work is incredibly enjoyable and has the potential to yield some amazing and unique photographs!   

Snoring
So as not to disturb the bears and lessen the chances of their appearance, should you be a snorer, then I am afraid you will be woken by your hide partner who has my express permission to do so since the greater good of the group as a whole comes before anybody’s beauty sleep! If you're a particularly loud and persistent snorer (ask your partner/family member if you're at all unsure, or record yourself!), then I am afraid this tour is not for you as it simply wouldn't be fair on the others. 

Important note: The 2-person pro-hides we use are designed to be moved throughout the seasons. Therefore, due to their size (4x2x1.75m) the only toilet facilities are the use of a small camping toilet within the hide itself. Because of this, I can obviously only allow same-sex photographers or couples in the same hide.

As a result, regardless of how soon you book, unless I can find you a 'partner' your place is not confirmed. This applies as soon as the tour is advertised and I reserve the right not to wait for a suitable partner should the amount required be reached by those of the same sex or couples who also express their interest.

However, should numbers dictate one person being in a hide on their own then do let me know if this would be OK with you. This will only be decided upon once the tour is full/partially filled. 

FINALLY...
Thank you very much indeed for considering this tour and should you have any questions - however small or insignificant you think they might be - then do drop me a line. I’m here to help and provide you with an incredible experience!