30 March – 6 April 2027

Double Room: US$7999
Single Room Supplement: US$800

Join us on an unforgettable 7-day journey deep into the remote forests of Finland, during the quiet and poetic transition between winter and spring. This is one of the very few places on Earth where it is possible to photograph bears, wolves, and wolverines sharing the same landscape — sometimes even at the same moment. Encounters like these feel almost unreal, offering rare and powerful opportunities for wildlife photography.

A Landscape Between Seasons

Set within a quiet wetland surrounded by ancient pine forests, the environment feels both raw and serene. In early April, winter still lingers — snow clings to the ground, ice slowly releases its hold, and the forest remains hushed. At the same time, subtle signs of spring begin to emerge.

This fleeting moment between seasons creates a uniquely minimalist and atmospheric stage. Soft snow simplifies the landscape, isolating your subjects and drawing attention to form, movement, and behavior. The stillness of the forest enhances every encounter, making each appearance of these predators feel intimate and profound.

A Legendary Location

Located near the border with Russia, over decades, we had created a carefully managed environment where photographers can observe and capture some of Europe’s most elusive predators in a natural and ethical way.

A network of well-positioned hides allows us to work closely with the landscape and adapt to changing conditions. Throughout the trip, we rotate between different hides to maximize both variety and opportunity.

The Hides – Four Unique Worlds

Each hide offers a completely different setting and photographic experience:

The Bog (“Paradise”)
A vast open wetland where dramatic encounters often unfold. It is not uncommon to witness multiple bears — sometimes 6 to 8 individuals — alongside wolves moving through the scene. Wolverines may also appear, adding to the unpredictability. With snow still scattered across the bog, the setting feels clean, expansive, and almost surreal.

The Lake
A more intimate location where bears frequently walk along the shoreline. As the ice begins to melt, reflections become a powerful compositional element. This is an excellent place to create elegant, minimalist images with symmetry and mood.

The Owl Forest
A dense forest environment that offers a completely different atmosphere. Wolverines are often seen here, weaving through the trees with quiet agility, while bears and wolves occasionally pass through the snow-covered woodland.

The Pine Forest
An ancient forest of tall, weathered pines, rich in texture and atmosphere. Snow on the forest floor enhances the contrast between subject and environment, creating a timeless and almost mystical setting for all three species.

Animals may approach surprisingly close — sometimes within 25–30 meters — offering extraordinary photographic opportunities while remaining completely safe within the hides.

Timing – When the Forest Awakens

This expedition is carefully scheduled to coincide with one of the most dynamic periods of the year. As winter loosens its grip, bears begin to emerge from hibernation, and predator activity increases. The combination of fresh tracks in the snow, heightened movement, and transitional light creates ideal conditions for storytelling through images.

A Typical Day

Each day is designed to balance comfort, flexibility, and photographic opportunity:

08:00 – Breakfast and a relaxed start
Morning – Optional landscape photography in the surrounding forest
14:00 – Early dinner (with food prepared for the hide sessions)
15:00 – Departure to the hides
19:00–20:00 – Return to the hotel and overnight stay

For those seeking a deeper immersion, overnight stays in the hides are also possible—an experience that brings a completely different rhythm and potential for unique encounters.

Accommodation & Logistics

We will stay in a comfortable hotel approximately 30 minutes from the hides, providing a warm and restful base after each day in the field.

Breakfast is included daily.

The recommended arrival airport is Rovaniemi (RVN). Please plan to arrive one day before the workshop begins.

Photography Gear

To make the most of this experience, we recommend lenses in the 100–600mm range. Fast prime lenses (300–400mm, Nikon) are also available for rent.

The hides are equipped with stable mounts, allowing you to attach ball heads directly — tripods are not necessary.

Physical Requirements

No special level of fitness is required. The hides are easily accessible, located within approximately 100 meters from the vehicle.

Workshop Full Details

Total Price

Double Room: US$7999
Single Room Supplement: US$800

Difficulty Level

Easy, no hiking

Group Size

Maximum 10 people

Registration

Deposit
US$1000

Full Payment

120 days prior to the workshop starting date.

After you signup, we’ll send you the information about international flight, recommended camera gear, packing list and other important information. Please pay special attention to things that we say are absolutely required.

Included

  • 6 nights hotel accommodations
  • 6 days of hide photography where we will change blinds for different photo opportunities.
  • Award winning photography guides and local guide.
  • Expert field instruction including camera settings, gear selection, and exposure.
  • All ground transfers.
  • Breakfast daily.

Not Included

  • Airfare to and from Rovaniemi (RVN)
  • Any nights prior or after the workshop.
  • Meals and drinks, with the exception of breakfast. We may have our dinners packed so we can bring them to the hide, this will be determined on location.
  • Laundry, or any additional items of a personal nature.
  • Visa and/or travel insurance.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

If you cancel and the workshop greater than 120 days from the start date of the workshop, and the seats does not fill, we will refund you the full amount you have paid, minus a $200 service charge. If you cancel and the workshop within 120 days or less from the start date of the workshop, and the seats does not fill, the fee is non-refundable.

Please read the terms and conditions at: https://kahwailin.com/terms-and-conditions/

By signing up the workshop, you agree to be bound by the terms and conditions herein, and all conditions established by Kah-Wai Lin Photography LLC, New Jersey, USA.