BEARS AND WOLVES

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER ROGER BRENDHAGEN

COUNTRY: Finland PHOTO TYPE: Wildlife TRIP LENGHT: 6 days Dates: July 7-12 2025 GROUP SIZE: 8-12

BEARS & WOLVES

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER ROGER BRENDHAGEN

I have been here in Finland photographing bears and wolves for more than 10 years, and I can confidently say that the conditions for capturing great images of bears, wolves, and sometimes even wolverines are exceptionally good.

Roger Brendhagen

From our hides, we eagerly and excitedly watch the beautiful surroundings that form the borderland between Finland and Russia. Suddenly, out of nowhere, there it is—the mighty brown bear. With our cameras, we track it as it moves toward the water in the soft evening light. As it leans down to drink, its face is beautifully reflected in the water, offering us fantastic photo opportunities. After quenching its thirst, the magnificent creature wades into the water to cool off. The first encounter with the mighty brown bear is always an exciting and amazing photographic experience, and the night in the realm of the bears has just begun.

Zoom Fotoresor gives you the chance to photograph the majestic brown bear up close from modern hides, alongside Roger Brendhagen, a Nikon ambassador with over 10 years of experience photographing bears and wolves here. The area also hosts a well-established wolf territory, offering good chances to capture these normally shy animals on camera. The opportunity to experience wild predators up close is as much a photographic adventure as it is a nature experience. Seize the chance and fulfill your dream of encountering these magnificent predators up close.

New for 2025! Due to popular demand, we have extended the trip by one day, meaning you will spend five nights in hides during the journey.

Tour highligts

One of the world’s premier locations for photographing brown bears.
Bears at very close range.
Opportunity to photograph wolves and wolverines.
Five nights in hides.
Multiple hides with diverse surroundings.
Lectures and photo editing sessions with Roger Brendhagen.
Image reviews and constructive critique sessions.

BOKNING

COUNTRY: Finland PHOTO TYPE: Wildlife TRIP LENGHT: 6 days Dates: July 7-12 2025 GROUP SIZE: 8-12

I have been here in Finland photographing bears and wolves for more than 10 years, and I can confidently say that the conditions for capturing great images of bears, wolves, and sometimes even wolverines are exceptionally good.

Roger Brendhagen

From our hides, we eagerly and excitedly watch the beautiful surroundings that form the borderland between Finland and Russia. Suddenly, out of nowhere, there it is—the mighty brown bear. With our cameras, we track it as it moves toward the water in the soft evening light. As it leans down to drink, its face is beautifully reflected in the water, offering us fantastic photo opportunities. After quenching its thirst, the magnificent creature wades into the water to cool off. The first encounter with the mighty brown bear is always an exciting and amazing photographic experience, and the night in the realm of the bears has just begun.

Zoom Fotoresor gives you the chance to photograph the majestic brown bear up close from modern hides, alongside Roger Brendhagen, a Nikon ambassador with over 10 years of experience photographing bears and wolves here. The area also hosts a well-established wolf territory, offering good chances to capture these normally shy animals on camera. The opportunity to experience wild predators up close is as much a photographic adventure as it is a nature experience. Seize the chance and fulfill your dream of encountering these magnificent predators up close.

New for 2025! Due to popular demand, we have extended the trip by one day, meaning you will spend five nights in hides during the journey.

Tour highligts

One of the world’s premier locations for photographing brown bears.
Bears at very close range.
Opportunity to photograph wolves and wolverines.
Five nights in hides.
Multiple hides with diverse surroundings.
Lectures and photo editing sessions with Roger Brendhagen.
Image reviews and constructive critique sessions.

BOOK NOW

DESTINATION

In the borderland between Finland and Russia lies Kuikka Base Camp, one of the best places in the world to photograph brown bears. The area is also home to wolves and wolverines. You’ll be photographing from hides located just a few hundred meters from the Russian border, in diverse surroundings that offer a variety of photographic opportunities.

There are also good chances to see a range of wildlife, including moose, reindeer, beavers, and various birds such as eagles, hawks, and owls.

More information about Kuikka Base Camp and the hides can be found further down in the progra

Learn more about the destination and the landscape in the borderland with Russia.

ITINERARY

JULY 7-12, 2025

DAY 1, (JULY 7) – ARRIVAL TO KUIKKA
In the afternoon, we gather at Kuikka Base Camp, where we are welcomed by Roger Brendhagen and our colorful Finnish host, photographer Lassi Rautiainen. We begin our days together with an inspiring lecture by Roger, who will showcase images from the bear-rich area where we will spend the next few days, offering tips and advice for our first photo session.

After dinner, we head out to our hides. From here, we eagerly and excitedly watch the beautiful surroundings that form the no man’s land between Finland and Russia. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the mighty brown bear appears before us. With our cameras, we follow it as it moves through the untouched nature in the soft evening light, providing us with fantastic photo opportunities. (D)

DAY 2-5, (JULY 8-11) – BEAR AND WOLF PHOTOGRAPHY
After a night filled with many photo opportunities, we return to Base Camp for a few hours of rest. During the days, we will work on image editing, and Roger will show us how to make the most of our photos using editing software. We will also listen to lectures and have group image reviews, where Roger will provide constructive and developmental feedback on our photos.

With new knowledge, we head back to our hides after dinner for more photography opportunities. In addition to bears, with a bit of luck, we might also photograph some of the area’s wolves and wolverines. During our sessions in the field, we will move between different hides, each offering unique surroundings, from wetlands to forest areas. Roger will rotate between the hides to provide personal guidance, helping you develop as a photographer in the best possible way. (B, L, D)

DAY 6, (JULY 12) – DEPARTURE
We return to Kuikka in the morning, just in time for breakfast. After breakfast, Roger will announce the “Photo of the Trip,” which will advance to the final in Zoom’s major photo competition “Photo of the Year.” After this, the journey home begins on your own. (B)

Zoom Photo Tours, in collaboration with Nikon ambassador Roger Brendhagen, offers you the opportunity to photograph brown bears and wolves up close from modern hides. Read more about the program here.

JULY 7-12, 2025

DAY 1, (JULY 7) – ARRIVAL TO KUIKKA
In the afternoon, we gather at Kuikka Base Camp, where we are welcomed by Roger Brendhagen and our colorful Finnish host, photographer Lassi Rautiainen. We begin our days together with an inspiring lecture by Roger, who will showcase images from the bear-rich area where we will spend the next few days, offering tips and advice for our first photo session.

After dinner, we head out to our hides. From here, we eagerly and excitedly watch the beautiful surroundings that form the no man’s land between Finland and Russia. Suddenly, out of nowhere, the mighty brown bear appears before us. With our cameras, we follow it as it moves through the untouched nature in the soft evening light, providing us with fantastic photo opportunities. (D)

DAY 2-5, (JULY 8-11) – BEAR AND WOLF PHOTOGRAPHY
After a night filled with many photo opportunities, we return to Base Camp for a few hours of rest. During the days, we will work on image editing, and Roger will show us how to make the most of our photos using editing software. We will also listen to lectures and have group image reviews, where Roger will provide constructive and developmental feedback on our photos.

With new knowledge, we head back to our hides after dinner for more photography opportunities. In addition to bears, with a bit of luck, we might also photograph some of the area’s wolves and wolverines. During our sessions in the field, we will move between different hides, each offering unique surroundings, from wetlands to forest areas. Roger will rotate between the hides to provide personal guidance, helping you develop as a photographer in the best possible way. (B, L, D)

DAY 6, (JULY 12) – DEPARTURE
We return to Kuikka in the morning, just in time for breakfast. After breakfast, Roger will announce the “Photo of the Trip,” which will advance to the final in Zoom’s major photo competition “Photo of the Year.” After this, the journey home begins on your own. (B)

PHOTOGRAPHER

Roger Brendhagen • Wildlife photographer

After working as a journalist for five years, Roger Brendhagen spent the past 20 years working as a full-time photographer. With over three hundred travel days a year Roger has the entire world as his workplace, and he has taken photos everywhere from Mongolia to India and Africa.

For 16 years he has been one of Nikon’s ambassadors and is often hired as a lecturer. Roger is chairperson of Norske Naturfotografer / NN.

He is also highly appreciated for his workshops and photo expeditions. Roger has led photo expeditions around the world, including to Sri Lanka, Mongolia, and India. During his workshops at Dovrefjell, Roger has welcomed over seven hundred participants over the years.

Photograph bears and wolves at what is possibly the world’s best location for brown bear photography, under the guidance of the award-winning nature photographer and Nikon ambassador Roger Brendhagen.

Roger Brendhagen • Wildlife photographer

After working as a journalist for five years, Roger Brendhagen spent the past 20 years working as a full-time photographer. With over three hundred travel days a year Roger has the entire world as his workplace, and he has taken photos everywhere from Mongolia to India and Africa.

For 16 years he has been one of Nikon’s ambassadors and is often hired as a lecturer. Roger is chairperson of Norske Naturfotografer / NN.

He is also highly appreciated for his workshops and photo expeditions. Roger has led photo expeditions around the world, including to Sri Lanka, Mongolia, and India. During his workshops at Dovrefjell, Roger has welcomed over seven hundred participants over the years.

ACCOMODATION & HIDES

KUIKKA BASE CAMP

The base camp in Kuikka consists of former lumberjack cabins located on a peninsula by Lake Kuikka, very close to the Russian border. There are seven rooms equipped with bunk beds. The rooms do not have running water, nor do they have toilets or showers. In the main building, where dinner is served and where we also conduct photo editing sessions, there is Wi-Fi. Adjacent to the main building, there are three toilets and four showers, as well as a lakeside sauna with a wood stove and a smoke sauna.

HIDES

All 14 hides are slightly different; some are quite large, accommodating up to five people, while others are smaller and designed for individual photography or filming. No tripod is needed as there are built-in mounts for cameras. In front of the camera, there is an opening in the fabric where you can extend your lens. You will spend the entire night in the hides, sleeping on soft foam mattresses (no sleeping pad is needed). It’s suggested that one person sleeps while the other keeps watch, taking turns throughout the night.

PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING

Price per person: £ 1 815 or USD 2 300

The price includes:

Accommodation in multi-bed rooms at Kuikka Base Camp.
Meals according to the program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
Photography from hides for five nights according to the program.
Sleeping bags with sheets in the hides each night.
Transportation to and from the hides.
Participation of Roger Brendhagen throughout the workshop.
Various lectures and workshops with Roger Brendhagen.
Local taxes.
Travel documents and information prior to the trip.

The price does not include:

Flights to Kajaani.
Single room supplement: £ 260 or USD 330. Note: Only two single rooms are available.
Taxi transport from Kajaani to Kuikka (payable on-site).
Personal expenses, such as drinks with meals, etc.
Cancellation insurance/travel insurance. For more information, see our website under “Other.”

TRANSPOPTATION

Transportation to Kuikka is arranged on your own. You can either take a boat to Helsinki and then drive to the base camp in Kuikka, or fly via Helsinki to Kajaani. You should arrive at Kuikka no later than 14:00 on 7/7 and not book your return journey earlier than 12:30 on 12/7.

If you need assistance with transportation from the airport to the base camp, Lassi Rautiainen can arrange a taxi transfer. The exact cost will depend on the number of people requiring the transfer. The exact cost will be communicated once we know the final number. The transfer fee is paid directly to Lassi Rautiainen upon arrival. Please note: Taxi transport is very expensive, so we recommend using your own car and/or carpooling from Sweden.

Since many prefer to arrange their own transportation, we have chosen not to include this in the price. If you would like assistance with booking your flight, we are more than happy to help. You are welcome to call us at +46 470 466 40 or indicate your preference when making the booking

FACTS

Target Group: Photographers interested in wildlife and nature photography.

Min/Max Participants: 8/12

Exchange Rate: Euro 10.95 (as of 17/7 2024)

Other: For more information about Zoom Photo Tours, delivery terms, etc., please visit our website under “Other.”

CAMERA EQUPIMENT

A DSLR Camera
Telephoto lenses, at least 300mm and up
Teleconverter.
70-200 mm.
A tripod or a monopod.
A Laptop computer with any of the Photoshop or Lightroom software.
Extra batteries, chargers.

BOOKING

You can book the trip by clicking on the button below. You are also welcome to call us on the phone +46 470 466 40 or email us at info@zoomphototours.com

BOOKING

Photo: Roger Brendhagen

PRICE

Price per person: £ 1 815 or USD 2 300

The price includes:

Accommodation in multi-bed rooms at Kuikka Base Camp.
Meals according to the program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
Photography from hides for five nights according to the program.
Sleeping bags with sheets in the hides each night.
Transportation to and from the hides.
Participation of Roger Brendhagen throughout the workshop.
Various lectures and workshops with Roger Brendhagen.
Local taxes.
Travel documents and information prior to the trip.

The price does not include:

Flights to Kajaani.
Single room supplement: £ 260 or USD 330. Note: Only two single rooms are available.
Taxi transport from Kajaani to Kuikka (payable on-site).
Personal expenses, such as drinks with meals, etc.
Cancellation insurance/travel insurance. For more information, see our website under “Other.”

TRANSPOPTATION

Transportation to Kuikka is arranged on your own. You can either take a boat to Helsinki and then drive to the base camp in Kuikka, or fly via Helsinki to Kajaani. You should arrive at Kuikka no later than 14:00 on 7/7 and not book your return journey earlier than 12:30 on 12/7.

If you need assistance with transportation from the airport to the base camp, Lassi Rautiainen can arrange a taxi transfer. The exact cost will depend on the number of people requiring the transfer. The exact cost will be communicated once we know the final number. The transfer fee is paid directly to Lassi Rautiainen upon arrival. Please note: Taxi transport is very expensive, so we recommend using your own car and/or carpooling from Sweden.

Since many prefer to arrange their own transportation, we have chosen not to include this in the price. If you would like assistance with booking your flight, we are more than happy to help. You are welcome to call us at +46 470 466 40 or indicate your preference when making the booking

FACTS

Target Group: Photographers interested in wildlife and nature photography.

Min/Max Participants: 8/12

Exchange Rate: Euro 10.95 (as of 17/7 2024)

Other: For more information about Zoom Photo Tours, delivery terms, etc., please visit our website under “Other.”

CAMERA EQUPIMENT

A DSLR Camera
Telephoto lenses, at least 300mm and up
Teleconverter.
70-200 mm.
A tripod or a monopod.
A Laptop computer with any of the Photoshop or Lightroom software.
Extra batteries, chargers.

BOOKING

You can book the trip by clicking on the button below. You are also welcome to call us on the phone +46 470 466 40 or email us at info@zoomphototours.com

BOKNING