Notes from the field
– Stories Behind the Scenes of Wildlife Photography –
Wildlife photography is often judged by the final image — but most of the work happens long before the shutter is pressed, through observation, patience, and time spent in the field.
Written from the perspective of a wildlife photography guide working in the field, these are observations, notes, and reflections from time spent outdoors.
-
The Myth of Constant Success in Wildlife Photography
Wildlife photography is full of quiet hours, missed opportunities, and unpredictable moments. This is why the rare occasions when everything…
-
Best Time to See and Photograph Bears in Finland
When is the best time to photograph brown bears in Finland? The answer depends on what you hope to experience.…
-
A Private Wildlife Photography Trip in Finland
A four-day private wildlife photography trip in Finland brought encounters with Great Grey Owls, Red-throated Divers, Three-toed Woodpeckers, and a…
-
Great Grey Owl Photography in Finland: Why No One Can Guarantee It
Great Grey Owl photography is among the most sought-after wildlife experiences in Finland, but few photographers realise how unpredictable it…
-
What Happens When Bird Locations Spread Too Easily?
eBird and similar birding apps make it easy to share exact bird locations instantly. But what does sharing precise nesting…
-
Different Colours, Different Roles — The Strange World of Male Ruffs
Every spring, the ruff leks fill with colour, movement, and birds that almost look unreal. But the males do not…
Categories:
- Field Notes (8)
- How I Work in the Field (2)
- Photography Tips (1)
- Planning Wildlife Photography Trips (5)
- The Reality of Wildlife Photography (10)
Notes from the field:
- Finland – Perhaps the Best Place in the World to Photograph Wolverines
- The Myth of Constant Success in Wildlife Photography
- Best Time to See and Photograph Bears in Finland
- A Private Wildlife Photography Trip in Finland
- Great Grey Owl Photography in Finland: Why No One Can Guarantee It
- What to Consider Before Booking a Wildlife Photography Hide
- Summer Wildlife Photography in Finland: Bears, Wolverines and Wolves
- Ruff Break 2026 – When Nature Decides the Rhythm
- What Happens When Bird Locations Spread Too Easily?
- Different Colours, Different Roles — The Strange World of Male Ruffs
- Can You Trust Wildlife Photos Anymore?
- Why Some Wildlife Photography Hides Produce Good Images So Easily
- A Spring Morning at a Black Grouse Lek in Finland
- Black Grouse Hide Photography: What You Need to Know Before You Go
- Spring Came Too Early This Year
- Are Wildlife Photography Hides Really “Too Easy”?
- The Double Standards of Wildlife Photography Competitions
- Why Familiar Species Often Make Better Wildlife Photographs
- How Long Does It Take to Get Good at Wildlife Photography?
- Cold Weather Wildlife Photography — What Actually Matters in Freezing Conditions
- Best Camera Settings for Wildlife Photography in Snow — What I Actually Pay Attention to in Light and Exposure
- Why Some Places Work Better Than Others in Wildlife Photography
These field notes are grouped around a few themes:
backgrounds (3) bird photography (10) black grouse (2) Brown Bear (2) conservation (2) ethics (4) field work (9) Finland (8) hide photography (8) observation (8) patience (5) photography blinds (10) preparation (1) reality (2) ruff (2) wildlife behavior (6) wildlife behaviour (1) wildlife photography (25) Winter photography (2) Wolverine (2)
If you would like to receive new field notes by email, you can subscribe below: