In September 2023, I traveled to Finland with the goal of photographing bears from hides. With a bit of luck, I hoped to also catch sight of a wolverine or perhaps even a wolf pack. The hides offered a variety of setups in different environments, and I was assured beforehand that the baiting practices did not interfere with the bears’ natural hunting behavior—something that was crucial to me before booking the trip.
However, during my stay, I found myself uneasy with how the setup was managed. Fish bait was placed high in the trees to encourage bears to stand upright, and dog pellets were scattered to mimic the appearance of bears foraging for blueberries. While the close encounters were incredible, this was not how I had envisioned photographing these magnificent animals.
This experience caused me to reflect deeply on the type of photography I want to stand for. I’m not opposed to hides or using small amounts of food to attract animals—such as feeding birds—but the methods used here felt artificial and far removed from the natural behaviors I hoped to capture. It’s not a practice I plan to support again.
That said, the trip was still unforgettable in its own way. Witnessing bears, wolverines, and wolves so close in their native habitat was awe-inspiring and a privilege. But next time I photograph bears, it will likely be in Alaska, watching them hunt wild salmon in rivers—experiencing them in a raw and authentic environment, far removed from setups involving bait nailed to trees.
For me, nature photography is not just about capturing the perfect image. It’s about respecting the wildlife and portraying their lives as authentically as possible. This trip was a powerful reminder of that philosophy.
