I am super excited for this one as it has taken over a year to get everything lined up!
Join Denise Ippolito and three professional guides on a 7-day adventure deep in the Finnish forests; this is the only place on earth where it is possible to photograph bears, wolves and wolverines at the same place…at the same time! These meetings are magical and the photographic possibilities are endless. Set in a mystic wetland deep in the forest where ancient pine trees create the perfect setting for encounters with these majestic predators.
There are several different hides, we will choose the hide that has the best surroundings in order to give us the most incredible photographic opportunities. It will be a lifetime goal for me to see and photograph wolves with forested backgrounds. Let alone wolverines! We have 6 days in the hides and we will change between the different hides and settings to capture a variety of scenes.
Hides:
There are several hides in the area. We will use 4 different ones:
The Bog, often called “paradise”. This is the place where you can often see up to 6-8 bears and several wolves at the same time. Wolverines often can be seen as well.
The Lake. A small lake where its possible to shoot bears walking and playing at the shoreline. Great spot for reflection shots etc..
The Owl Forest. Great spot to shoot especially wolverines in a forest environment. bears and wolves often roam here too…
The Pine Forest. Fantastic forest scene with old trees with an almost mysterious atmosphere. Amazing place for all 3 predators.
The animals may come very close to the hides, but normally they stay around 25-30 meters away. There are no risks involved in being this close to these magnificent animals, but it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. In addition, we have timed this for optimal autumn colors!
Accommodations:
We will be staying at a nearby hotel. Single and twin rooms are available. The single supplement gives you your own room at an additional cost.
Airport of choice:
Rovaniemi (RVN). You must arrive the day before the tour starts.
Photography gear:
We recommend lenses in the range of 100-600mm. A detailed PDF file with gear, clothing and travel recommendations will be sent to all participants once the trip reaches its minimum.
Physical fitness:
No requirements. The hides are only max 100m away from the car.
Dates: August 5-11, 2026
Cost: $6999.usd, shared room
Single supplement-$800.
Limit 8
Included:
6 nights hotel accommodations/shared basis
6 days of hide photography where we will change blinds for different photo opportunities.
3 award winning photography guides and one local guide.
Expert field instruction including camera settings, gear selection, and exposure.
All ground transfers
Breakfast daily
Not Included:
Airfare to and from Rovaniemi (RVN)
Any nights prior or after the workshop.
Meals and drinks, with the exception of breakfast. We may have our dinners packed so we can bring them to the hide, this will be determined on location.
Laundry, or any additional items of a personal nature.
Visa and/or travel insurance.
TO SIGN UP FOR THIS EPIC ADVENTURE -CLICK HERE.
Deposit Information:
A non-refundable deposit of $2,000 due now to hold your spot. Final payments are due January 15, 2026 via check or wire transfer only, fees on both ends are the responsibility of the participant. Credit cards will not be accepted for any payment other than deposit. Full payments are always welcomed via check or wire transfer . All checks made payable to: Denise Ippolito LLC. Please note that I will do my very best to secure you a room mate; if I am unable to secure you a room mate then you will be charged for a single supplement.
Please be sure to check your calendar carefully and to check out my Workshop Policy Page.
Note: Purchasing travel insurance is strongly recommended.
All images provided to me by my guide as this will be my first visit. That is why I am bringing along 3 guides. I want to insure we have the very best photo opportunities.