Golden Eagles & Wildlife Photography
One of the highlights of this trip is a full-day session in a golden eagle hide, offering an incredible opportunity to photograph these majestic raptors in their natural habitat. Alongside the eagles, we’ll also capture woodpeckers, jays, crested tits, and other small birds as they visit the feeding areas. The heated hide ensures a comfortable experience while photographing winter wildlife in pristine Arctic conditions.
At this time of year, the soft Arctic light is truly special, with golden hour stretching across much of the day. This extended, diffused light enhances every shot, adding depth and warmth to the wintry scenes. With limited daylight hours, birds are particularly active as they maximise feeding opportunities, increasing the chances of capturing stunning behavioural moments.
In addition to being a renowned landscape photographer, Andy has developed extensive experience in wildlife photography. To help you get the most out of the golden eagle hide session, he will host a pre-tour Zoom session, advising on camera and lens suitability, as well as general preparation for photographing in Arctic conditions. The hide day is scheduled for the middle of the tour, allowing Andy to help you familiarise yourself with camera settings in advance and provide a detailed briefing on what to expect, ensuring you’re fully prepared to capture incredible wildlife moments.
Frozen Tykky Trees & Arctic Landscapes
Venturing deep into the winter wilderness, we’ll embark on an exciting snowmobile ride to reach Kuntivaara, home to Finland’s famous frozen tykky trees. These snow-laden giants are sculpted by the elements into surreal, otherworldly shapes, creating striking compositions for landscape photography. When heavily laden with snow, they take on an almost sculptural appearance, making for truly unique images.
National Parks & Snowy Forests
Throughout the tour, we’ll explore some of Finland’s most breathtaking National Parks, each offering its own distinct beauty:
- Kuntivaara – stunning panoramic views over a vast, snow-covered wilderness.
- Oulanka – a winter photography paradise, with pristine forests and frozen lakes and the famous Myllykoski Old Mill.
- Riisitunturi National Park – famous for its snow-covered spruce trees and ethereal winter light.
With long Arctic sunrises and sunsets, the golden light reflecting off the snow-covered landscapes creates an enchanting atmosphere and exceptional shooting conditions.
Comfort & Convenience in Ruka
Our base for this workshop is Ruka, a well-positioned ski resort offering easy access to all the national parks we’ll explore. While it serves as a gateway to Finland’s stunning winter wilderness, Ruka also provides the convenience of restaurants and shops, perfect for unwinding and refuelling after our photography adventures.
Who is this workshop for?
This tour is perfect for photographers of all levels looking to experience winter wildlife and landscapes in one of the world’s most photogenic regions. Whether you’re passionate about bird photography, enchanted by frozen forests, or simply looking to expand your portfolio with unique Arctic imagery, this trip promises a truly unforgettable experience.
With expert guidance, a small group size, and carefully selected locations, you’ll have plenty of time to refine your skills, experiment with compositions, and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Finland’s winter wilderness.