WORKSHOPS
Wildlife Photography
WITH ELIAS KALLIOLA
29.9.-4.10.2025 in Eastern Finland
An Unforgettable Adventure in Eastern Finland’s Untamed Taiga Forest
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Adventure
Join us for an unforgettable 5-day wildlife photography adventure in the vast, untouched wilderness of Eastern Finland, just where the Taiga forest begins, right on the Russian border. This unique experience is perfect for photographers of all levels, offering the rare opportunity to capture majestic brown bears and other wildlife in their natural habitat during the golden hues of autumn, at their most active peak season as the bears prepare for hibernation.
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Your Jorney Begins Here
Start your adventure by booking a flight to Kajaani Airport (KAJ), via Helsinki airport. After arriving in Helsinki, you’ll take a short domestic flight to Kajaani, where we’ll be waiting to welcome you. From there, it’s a scenic drive into the Taiga forest, where your once-in-a-lifetime experience begins in the untouched wilderness of Eastern Finland.
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WHAT TO EXPECT
Golden Season to Photography
Photograph majestic brown bears at their most active time of year, just before hibernation. Autumn’s crisp air and golden landscapes create the perfect backdrop for capturing award-worthy images.
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Authentic Hideout Experience
Spend nights in purpose-built hideouts designed for wildlife photography. Each hide features comfortable sleeping arrangements, tripod mounts, and a front-row seat to nature’s most breathtaking moments.
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Hands-on Guidance and Tips
With over 5 years of experience in wildlife photography, I’ll share my best-kept secrets to help you capture the perfect shot, whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned professional.
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WORKSHOPS
Your Daily Routine in the Workshop
Each afternoon, we’ll take a short
1 km walk together to our hideouts, perfectly located near ponds and forested swamps. These hideouts are equipped with beds, sleeping bags,
a toilet, and mounts for your tripod.
Evenings and nights are spent in the selected hides for optimal wildlife observation and photography.
Each morning, we’ll return to the Bear Centre for breakfast and group discussions about the previous night’s encounters. Afternoon sessions will focus on mastering wildlife photography and videography techniques.
Going to the hideouts
Spending the night in the wilderness
Photography lessons and group discussions
WORKSHOPS
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival & Welcome
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​Arriving at Kajaani Airport and Pick up
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Transfer to the Bear Center in Eastern Finland during the evening
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Welcoming orientation and Dinner / Evening snacks​
The schedule for the day will be adjusted later based on the flight to Kajaani.​
DAY 4
Mastering your tools
8.00 Leaving from the hides
8.30 BREAKFAST and group discussion about the highlights of the previous night.
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Free time to transfer and review your photos from yesterday to computer or explore the area (excl. hideout area).
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12.00 WORKSHOP: Lightroom Editing
Elias Kalliola will guide you through his editing process, demonstrating key features in Lightroom to enhance your wildlife images and bring your vision to life.
14.00 Lunch
16.00 DEPARTURE: Going to the hideouts
Walk together to the hideouts for another night in the wilderness.
DAY 2
Into the Wilderness
8.30 Breakfast at Bear Center
10.00 INTRODUCTION TO BEAR PHOTOGRAPHY in auditorium: Wildlife photographer Elias Kalliola will walk you through his personal approach to photography, including the camera settings he uses to capture stunning shots in the wild. This session will prepare you for the opportunities of photographing wildlife in the Taiga.
12.00 WORKSHOP: Bird Photography Session at the bird hide closeby. Put your new knowledge into practice and photograph local bird species in their natural habitat.
14.00 Lunch at the Bear Center
16.00 DEPARTURE: Going to the hideouts
Walking as a group to our designated hideouts for the first night in the wilderness.
DAY 5
Perfecting Your Shot
8.00 Leaving from the hides
8.30 BREAKFAST and group discussion about your best shots.
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Free time to transfer and review your photos from yesterday to computer or explore the area (excl. hideout area).
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12.00 WORKSHOP: PHOTO REVIEW SESSION - Receive constructive feedback from Elias Kalliola on your work, with tips for improving your technique and workflow.
14.00 Lunch
16.00 DEPARTURE: Going to the hideouts
Walk together to our designated hideouts for the final night.
DAY 3
Capturing the Moment
8.00 Leaving from the hideouts
8.30 BREAKFAST and group discussion
Discussing about the previous night’s encounters. Share your experiences and gain feedback from Elias Kalliola on your early shots.
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Free time to transfer and review your photos from yesterday to computer or explore the area (excl. hideout area).
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12.00 WORKSHOP: Composition and Storytelling in Widlife Photography
Learn how to frame and compose your shots to create captivating visual narratives.
14.00 Lunch at the Bear Center
16.00 DEPARTURE: Going to the hideouts
Walk together the hideouts for another night in the wilderness.
DAY 6
Farewell
8.00 Leaving from the hides
8.30 Group breakfast
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Transportation back to Kajaani airport for your flight back home.
WORKSHOPS
Who is this for?
Whether you’re a beginner photographer looking to learn the basics or a professional seeking new inspiration, this workshop is tailored for all skill levels.
The only requirements? A love for adventure and passion for photography, and your own camera gear and laptop to make the most of this hands-on experience.
WORKSHOPS
What's included?
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Transportation to and from Kajaani Airport
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5 nights of accommodation (Hideout stays + shared rooms at the Bear Center during the day time)
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All meals: breakfast, lunch, and evening snacks to the hideout
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Daily wildlife photography and videography lessons to provide insights and help you master different techniques.
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Small group size for a personalized experience and close support from wildlife phototgrapher Elias Kalliola.
Not Included:
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Flights to/from Kajaani Airport, Finland
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Personal travel insurance
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Photography equipment (ask for rental options)
Book your seat!
Secure your spot in this uniques workshop - Seats are limited to max. 8 participants.
Prices & Registration
The Total Price of the Workshop
on Sept 29 - Oct 4 2025 1690 €
in Finland (flights not included)
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Registration deposit
Payment required at booking 500 €
A non-refundable deposit is required upon registration to secure your spot. The remaining balance will be invoiced later and must be paid no later than 30 days before the workshop starts. Seats are limited to 8 participants only. All prices include VAT.
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The price includes all meals (breakfast, lunch, and evening snacks to the hide), transportation to Kajaani Airport on arrival and departure, accomodation for 5 nights; 4 in the hideouts and 1 in shared rooms in the quest house, access to shared rooms also during daytime, and all wildlife photography lessons and guidance from Elias Kalliola.
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Your booking is binding, and the deposit 500€ is non-refundable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your spot to another participant by notifying us in advance.​
For any questions regarding payment or booking, please contact: workshop@eliaskalliola.com
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