“It had a massive beak and equally massive claws.” Photographer’s close to miss with big, ‘crazy’ hen in Finland

Samuel is a wildlife photographer from Finland with a deal with birds. His work has been featured in People’s Choice Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Bird Photographer of the Year.

How did your profession begin?

I’ve at all times been keen on birds and nature, however the curiosity waned after I was a young person. At college in Paris, I began pictures by capturing steel live shows.

I then rediscovered wildlife as an trade scholar in Helsinki, the place I ultimately settled. I purchased a second-hand telephoto lens and by no means seemed again.

Which of your photographs is most vital to you? 

A northern big petrel sitting on a nest on the fringe of the Rātā forest, Enderby Island, New Zealand. It featured within the People’s Choice number of Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024. 

Which species have you ever discovered most difficult to seize?

I’ve an obsession with birds of open habitats, however they’re tough to {photograph} as a result of they’re shy and may see you from a mile off. I like nice bustards, for instance, however I nonetheless haven’t found out find out how to get a close-up.

As a outcome, I’ve embraced the small-in-the-frame fashion, particularly after I can reap the benefits of atmospheric situations similar to fog.

What species remains to be in your bucket checklist?

I like geese, significantly eiders. They are so bizarre! I might like to journey to Alaska to {photograph} the spectacled eider.

Any epic fails to share?

Yes, when photographing a capercaillie lek. I had slept in a tent and was up at first gentle. I may see a hen displaying within the distance, however there have been too many branches in the best way to get an honest shot. Unable to go away earlier than the birds did, I went again to sleep.

A short time later, I awoke to some unusual noises, and realised a pair of capercaillies was proper outdoors my tent. I managed to get a number of photographs, however how a lot I missed as a result of I used to be asleep, I’ll by no means know.

What’s been your most memorable encounter with wildlife?

I used to be as soon as attacked by a ‘crazy’ capercaillie whereas mountaineering with a buddy in northern Finland. These birds typically behave in an odd method, displaying to no person and changing into aggressive. This particular person noticed us as rivals and tried to ship us packing.

It was a powerful creature, with a large invoice and equally huge claws. It approached with rushed actions, uttering the strangest clicking and wheezing sounds I’ve ever heard. Luckily, we managed to run to a protected distance.

What’s been your most expensive shoot by way of time invested?

I’ve spent quite a lot of time watching red-throated divers doing nothing. They breed on tiny taiga ponds, which they go away to hunt fish. When the mother and father are away, the chicks often sleep, and when the mother and father are at residence, all of them sleep collectively. Take-offs and landings are spectacular and tough to {photograph}, however little occurs in between. It’s a meditative expertise…

Have you misplaced any equipment to a wild animal?

Nearly! I used to be in Kyrgyzstan, 3,000m above sea degree, photographing a wonderful sundown. I wished some wide-angle photographs, so I left my lengthy lens by my automobile and began strolling. Suddenly, I heard horses cantering alongside the street – considered one of many free-ranging herds in central Asia.

They had been heading proper for my automobile and my €20,000 lens. I attempted to scare them away, however that solely made them run quicker. Fortunately, they veered off via the fields on the final minute.

What’s been your most bodily difficult shoot?

I as soon as spent two hours by a river in -20ºC, hoping to see a dipper. It by no means arrived, and I used to be so extremely chilly. 

What’s your one piece of recommendation to budding wildlife photographers?

Photograph for your self. Learn out of your idols, however don’t let algorithms and contests affect your creativity. It’s extra rewarding to fall in love with a narrative and deep-dive into it than to chase the phantasm of fame. 

See Samuel’s work at: samuelbloch.fr