Moose in Summer
I have been guiding moose and wildlife photography tours in Southern Finland for several years, and it feels like every year is different. In my own tours, I build the experience from a photographer’s perspective, unless the client has other wishes.
In recent years, the moose population has gradually recovered from the dip during the “corona period” and the peak years of 2015–2017. This has brought more photographers and visitors to the area. Hopefully the number of cars and people will not increase further, as the local road network and parking capacity can no longer handle additional growth without the already visible side effects affecting local residents even more. In all my photography, I always try to consider the local community as carefully as possible.
Last summer I spent several evenings in the area observing moose movements and the paths they use while planning a photography project. During that time, I also had a couple of opportunities to photograph moose in good light. This was educational compared to constantly moving around. Often the best images come simply from waiting, not from quick situations. Especially in morning light, I use this strategy by positioning myself in the best sun angle and waiting for the animals to enter the scene.
Evening Light
Good, soft evening light can be challenging with moose, because they often come out to the fields only as dusk approaches. In addition, tall forests along the field edges cast shadows from the direction of the setting sun. However, with a bit of luck, it is still possible to take advantage of the beautiful light of a summer evening.
Close-ups Are Always Close-ups!
In the era of social media “close-up photography,” it’s appealing to capture subjects at close range. Sometimes this is possible when moose feed right next to the road and allow themselves to be photographed from a car. In these situations, individual differences between moose are significant. Some animals flee immediately when a car approaches, while others are completely indifferent. This is often the most challenging part: you don’t want to startle the animal, but sometimes it’s impossible to pass by without taking that risk.
Ordinary Photos – These I Rarely Publish
During the summer season, I may take a large number of photos compared to what I actually publish on social media. The images that end up online are usually the very best – the most striking and emotionally engaging. However, this does not mean that every outing produces outstanding or even particularly good images.
I collected this gallery from what you might call a “normal day,” when moose are feeding in fields or walking in the forest. The light may be dull and there may be no wow effect in the images – these are the ordinary moments. Still, each photo has its own story and reflects what nature and luck offered that particular evening or morning. The experience of a photographer who knows the area (a guide) often plays a major role in anticipating situations.
When I guide clients, I always try to visit the area at least the day before to assess the current situation and review access routes, unless it is the peak season. During the summer, patterns usually emerge and repeat, and these help me – either alone or with a client – position ourselves for good photographic opportunities and offer my best professional expertise.
50/50 Trips – Where Are the Animals?
Sometimes, unfortunately, the magic hat is empty. No matter how much you reach into it, neither a rabbit nor a moose appears. On such days, there are usually still alternative ideas to try. I always present the options and probabilities to the client and let them decide which card we play.
When I’m out alone, I always play ALL IN – I go for a good or exceptional image instead of settling for average results, even if the latter might be more likely. With clients, however, it is often better to choose the safer option, unless they are passionate wildlife photographers who fully trust my judgment.
Last summer there were a couple of mornings when I saw more than a dozen moose in the area before dawn. Yet when I returned in the evening, I had to search hard to find even a few individuals.
Nature gives what it decides to give.
