Meet Samuel: A Finnish Bird Photographer’s Journey
Samuel, a passionate wildlife photographer hailing from Finland, has carved out a niche for himself in the world of avian photography. His compelling images have graced the prestigious platforms of both the People’s Choice Wildlife Photographer of the Year and Bird Photographer of the Year.
How did your career start?
Samuel’s affinity for birds and the natural world began in childhood, though it took a backseat during his teenage years. His journey into photography blossomed while he was studying at university in Paris, where he initially focused on capturing the intensity of metal concerts. However, it was during an exchange program in Helsinki that he rekindled his love for wildlife. After purchasing a second-hand telephoto lens, he dove headfirst into nature photography and has never looked back.
Which of your shots is most significant to you?
Among his many striking images, one stands out: a northern giant petrel perched on a nest at the edge of the Rātā forest on Enderby Island, New Zealand. This remarkable photograph earned a spot in the People’s Choice selection of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2024, solidifying its significance in Samuel’s portfolio.
Which species have you found most challenging to capture?
Samuel has a particular obsession with birds that inhabit open habitats, yet he finds them notoriously elusive. Great bustards, for instance, continue to challenge him with their skittish nature and keen eyesight—he’s still searching for the perfect close-up. This quest has led him to embrace a “small-in-the-frame” style, taking advantage of atmospheric conditions like fog to create captivating compositions.
What species is still on your bucket list?
Ducks, especially eiders, intrigue Samuel with their unique quirks. He dreams of venturing to Alaska specifically to photograph the majestically odd spectacled eider.
Any epic fails to share?
Samuel recalls a particularly amusing misadventure while trying to photograph a capercaillie lek. Having camped out and risen with the first light, he spotted a displaying bird in the distance—yet obstructing branches thwarted any chance of a decent shot. Forced to remain silent until the birds departed, he succumbed to sleep. When he later awoke to the unusual sounds of capercaillies outside his tent, he managed to snap a few images, yet wonders about the myriad of missed opportunities during his slumber.
What’s been your most memorable encounter with wildlife?
One thrilling encounter took place in northern Finland when Samuel and a friend found themselves under the aggressive attentions of a capercaillie. Known for their erratic behavior, this bird perceived the duo as rivals and charged at them. With a formidable beak and powerful claws, it rushed forward, producing strange clicking sounds that added to the drama of the moment. Thankfully, they managed to sprint away to safety.
What’s been your most time-intensive shoot?
Samuel reflects on the hours spent observing red-throated divers, a breed that nests on remote taiga ponds. The frantic activity of parenting is often punctuated by lengthy periods of stillness, making it a meditative experience. When the parents leave to fish, the chicks simply sleep, and photo opportunities are rare amidst the calm.
Have you lost any equipment to wildlife?
Nearly! While in Kyrgyzstan at an elevation of 3,000 meters, Samuel was enthralled by a gorgeous sunset and decided to capture some wide-angle shots. He left his expensive telephoto lens beside his car for just a moment, but as he ventured farther, he noticed a herd of galloping horses approaching. He raced back, trying to shoo them away, but they charged past just in time, narrowly saving his €20,000 lens.
What’s been your most physically challenging shoot?
One particularly frigid shoot involved two hours spent by a river, hoping to spot a dipper. The temperature plummeted to -20ºC, and Samuel found himself battling overwhelming cold—all for an elusive glimpse of this tiny bird.
What’s your one piece of advice to budding wildlife photographers?
Samuel’s wisdom to emerging talents is clear: “Photograph for yourself. While it’s important to learn from your idols, avoid letting algorithms and contests dictate your creative direction. Immerse yourself in the stories behind your subjects; there’s far greater reward in genuine passion than in the chase for fame.”
Explore Samuel’s captivating work at: samuelbloch.fr