Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/2018/09/10/wild-brown-bears/ # The Wild Brown Bears of Finland from Summer 2018 Published on September 10, 2018 [![One Of The Large Bears Walks Alongside Is Reflected Within The Lake Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-walks-alongside-is-reflected-within-the-lake-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-walks-alongside-is-reflected-within-the-lake-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) Our local bear expert, [**Johnny**Södergård](https://natureslens.co.uk/with/johnny/), led our 2018 trip to photograph the [wild brown bears of Finland](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/finland/). Johnny is a familiar figure around the Finnish bear centres so our guests couldn’t have been in better hands. Furthermore, his lovely partner, **Anna** Wikén was also on hand to provide additional assistance. The hides are located around three ponds in a marsh area close to the Russian border. There are also hides in the forest, but due to the lack of light, we did not use these hides. [![One Of The Large Wild Brown Bears Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-wild-brown-bears-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-wild-brown-bears-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) [![One Of The Large Wild Brown Bears Stares Directly At The Photography Hide Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-wild-brown-bears-stares-directly-at-the-photography-hide-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-wild-brown-bears-stares-directly-at-the-photography-hide-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) The flight from Helsinki was late arriving into **Kajaani**, so it was a mad dash to the centre. The weather was warmer than usual with clear skies at night which meant there was more light to shoot with. The group were very lucky because they didn’t have to wait long for their first bear sighting. By the end of their first night, they had seen three bears so a great start to the tour! [![One Of The Large Bears Rim Lit In Golden Light Amongst The Cotton Grass Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-rim-lit-in-golden-light-amongst-the-cotton-grass-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-rim-lit-in-golden-light-amongst-the-cotton-grass-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) [![One Of The Large Bears Rim Lit In Golden Light Amongst The Trees Of The Taiga Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-rim-lit-in-golden-light-amongst-the-trees-of-the-taiga-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-rim-lit-in-golden-light-amongst-the-trees-of-the-taiga-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) Our trip is timed to coincide with the phenomenon known as the midnight sun in Finland. As a result, the group benefitted from long hours of light for their photography. Even when the sun went down, it never really got dark. [![One Of The Large Bears Pauses Alongside The Lake Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-pauses-alongside-the-lake-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-pauses-alongside-the-lake-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Finnish Wolf A Rare Visitor To The Hides Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/a-finnish-wolf-a-rare-visitor-to-the-hides-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/a-finnish-wolf-a-rare-visitor-to-the-hides-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) Over the course of the week, everyone got opportunities to capture **classic bear portraits, reflections, atmospheric shots as a result of the mist rising from the pond & also silhouettes**. The ponds were like mirrors hence providing opportunities for beautiful reflection shots. The sunset & sunrise **painted the sky with glorious colours** & the marsh was filled with cottongrass & cloudberry flowers, thus providing the perfect canvas for some strong photography. But the highlight of the trip has to be the **wolf sighting** which occurred on [Johnny](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/johnny/)’s 50th birthday. Maybe it was fate or maybe it was luck but what a fantastic birthday treat for everyone! [![One Of The Large Bears Stands On Its Back Legs Alongside The Lake Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-stands-on-its-back-legs-alongside-the-lake-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-stands-on-its-back-legs-alongside-the-lake-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Large Wild Brown Bear Emerges From The Russian Forests Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/a-large-wild-brown-bear-emerges-from-the-russian-forests-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/a-large-wild-brown-bear-emerges-from-the-russian-forests-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) [![One Of The Large Bears Bathed In Golden Light Amongst The Cotton Grass Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-bathed-in-golden-light-amongst-the-cotton-grass-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-bathed-in-golden-light-amongst-the-cotton-grass-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Close Up Of One Of The Large Bears Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/a-close-up-of-one-of-the-large-bears-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/a-close-up-of-one-of-the-large-bears-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) [![One Of The Large Bears Emerges From The Russian Forests Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-emerges-from-the-russian-forests-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-emerges-from-the-russian-forests-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) In the weeks leading up to our wild [brown bears](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/brown-bear/) of [Finland](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/finland/) trip, we had heard that a [wolf](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/wolf/) had been spotted in the area. [Wolves](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/wolf/) have not been seen in the locality for years, so this was a source of much excitement for everyone. As a result, when she turned up, our guests were beside themselves with excitement. She only stayed for a few minutes, but it was long enough for everyone to get some beautiful shots. [![One Of The Large Bears Rim Amongst The Cotton Grass Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-rim-amongst-the-cotton-grass-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-rim-amongst-the-cotton-grass-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) [![One Of The Large Bears Walks Alongside Is Reflected Within The Lake Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-walks-alongside-is-reflected-within-the-lake-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-walks-alongside-is-reflected-within-the-lake-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) Some of our guests took advantage of the **small bird hide** located on the grounds while they were awake. As a bonus, they also got visits from the local **red squirrels at the hide**. [![One Of The Large Bears Walks Alongside The Lake Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-walks-alongside-the-lake-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-large-bears-walks-alongside-the-lake-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) [![An Extremely Dextrous Wolverine Climbing A Tree Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/an-extremely-dextrous-wolverine-climbing-a-tree-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/an-extremely-dextrous-wolverine-climbing-a-tree-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) Wolverine sightings were down this year due to the fact that **the wolf** made them nervous. For this reason, they preferred to stay in the forest rather than be out in the open & exposed. However, the sightings the group got were superb, including shots of **wolverine climbing trees**! [![One Of The Resident Wolverines Climbing A Tree Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-resident-wolverines-climbing-a-tree-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-resident-wolverines-climbing-a-tree-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) [![A Resident Wolverine Climbing A Tree Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/a-resident-wolverine-climbing-a-tree-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/a-resident-wolverine-climbing-a-tree-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) Judging from the images that I have seen, everyone had a fantastic time on our wild [brown bears of Finland](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/brown-bears-of-finland/) trip. I especially love the image below of the [Wolverine](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/wolverine/) climbing down the tree. It’s probably one of the best Wolverine shots I have seen so well done **Johnny** for such a great capture! [![One Of The Wolverine Peers Around A Tree Photographed By Johnny Sodergard During The Natureslens Wild Brown Bears Of Finland Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-wolverine-peers-around-a-tree-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/one-of-the-wolverine-peers-around-a-tree-photographed-by-johnny-sodergard-during-the-natureslens-wild-brown-bears-of-finland-photography-holiday.jpg) - NaturesLens wildlife photography holidays are structured around photographic opportunity — every schedule decision is made around light, behaviour, & access. - Small groups of 4–8 photographers ensure unhurried positions & individual guidance. - Single occupancy accommodation is included as standard across the majority of our trips. **Related Trips:** [Brown Bears of Finland Photography Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/photography-holiday/brown-bears-of-finland/) **Explore by Country:** [Finland](https://natureslens.co.uk/discover/europe/finland/) **Related Species:** [Brown Bear](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/brown-bear/), [Common Raven](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/common-raven/), [White-tailed Eagle](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/white-tailed-eagle/) & [Wolverine](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/wolverine/) ## Share this post - - - - [![A Goose Stepping Vulture Photographed During The Natureslens Zimanga Photo Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/a-goose-stepping-vulture-photographed-during-the-natureslens-zimanga-photo-tour.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/04/14/zimanga-photo-tour/) ### [Beautiful safari images from Alan’s Zimanga Photo Tour](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/04/14/zimanga-photo-tour/) April 14, 2019 Part three of a series of blog posts showcasing Alan's images from his Zimanga photo tour taken on game drives… - [![A Close Up Of One Of The Golden Eagles Feeding In The Snow Image Captured During The Natureslens Golden Eagles Of The Swedish Winter Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/a-close-up-of-one-of-the-golden-eagles-feeding-in-the-snow-image-captured-during-the-natureslens-golden-eagles-of-the-swedish-winter-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2018/09/24/eagles-of-the-swedish-winter/) ### [Golden Eagles of the Swedish Winter by David](https://natureslens.co.uk/2018/09/24/eagles-of-the-swedish-winter/) September 24, 2018 During early March 2018, David attended our Golden Eagles of the Swedish Winter photography holiday. We chose this time of… - [![Locked In The Stare Of A Harrier An Example Of The Wildlife Of Laguna Del Taray That May Be Photographed During Our Spanish Wildlife Birdlife Of Toledo Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/locked-in-the-stare-of-a-harrier-an-example-of-the-wildlife-of-laguna-del-taray-that-may-be-photographed-during-our-spanish-wildlife-birdlife-of-toledo-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/09/07/wildlife-of-laguna-del-taray/) ### [21 fabulous images of the wildlife of Laguna del Taray](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/09/07/wildlife-of-laguna-del-taray/) September 7, 2019 Dan reports in from a hide network located in Toledo, Spain, he was blown away by the accommodation, the setting… Next step ### Find your next wildlife photography holiday Browse small-group trips by destination, subject, season and photographic goal. 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