Samuel Bloch
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A Barnacle goose among purple flowers, in Suomenlinna

CREATIVE BIRD PHOTOGRAPHY IN SUOMENLINNA

Accessible with a short ferry ride from the heart of Helsinki, Suomenlinna is a true gem. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the area is a cultural hotspot but it's also a haven for wildlife, especially birds. In summer, Suomenlinna is alive with the buzz of chicks begging for their pittance, and of their parents trying to cater to their every needs.
Photography sessions in Suomenlinna are tailored not only to your abilities, but also to your interests. We will plan an adventure that will help you learn while enjoying wonderful encounters with the local birds. Whether you are looking to improve your skills behind the camera or want to explore more creative ways of shooting wildlife, I'm confident I can deliver a valuable experience. Having photographed birds around the world with different people, I'm eager to continue passing on what I've learned in a relaxed, educational and accessible fashion.

​In the field, I am known for my dedicated but relaxed attitude: I make sure every guest has a good time, sees all the birds and makes the images they are looking for. I can talk as much or as little as needed, either telling about wildlife, habitats, conservation or settings, composition, field techniques... I like to lead by voicing my thought process as it happens, but I'm also happy to just point at the birds and let you work on your own, if that's what you desire.


​Rates
250€ for a single person
400€ for two persons
Includes a 1-hour online coaching session (value: 75€) to go through your images for constructive critique and/or post-processing.

Dates (2025)
May 2 - May 22
​July 2 - July 20
You pick your day (Sunday to Thursday).
We can remain flexible to aim for the best weather.

Schedule
The session typically starts with a departure from Kauppatori on the larger ferry, so we can photograph the gulls that follow it even before we step on the islands. We will aim to arrive 3 hours before sunset, and can shoot there until it's dark.

Targets
Barnacle goose, Common eider, Arctic tern, Eurasian oystercatcher, Common gull, Northern wheatear, White wagtail

A backlit bird image showing what creative possibilites Suomenlinna offers
Eurasian oystercatcher (meriharakka)
​Gear
A lens that reaches 300mm or more is a must. Another one in the 24-200mm range can offer surprisingly creative options.
Sturdy clothes to lie down on grass, gravel and rock (with goose poop). A light jacket against the wind can come in handy at times. Water and snacks, as needed.

What you pay for
Up to 3 hours of private and personalized tuition in bird photography, with a focus on creative imagery.
A 1-hour online session, for feedback and/or post-processing.

Not included
Transportation (HSL ticket needed for the ferry)
Insurance
​Food and other extras
Common eider (haahka)
Barnacle goose (valkoposkihanhi)
Common tern (kalatiira)

    Contact me to book your session

    Tell me about your preferred date(s), your learning objectives, your wishes for the session...
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Gallery
A Common gull flying behind the ferry, in dramatic side light.
Common gull (kalalokki)
A very fluffy baby Barnacle goose walking among flowers
Barnacle goose (valkoposkihanhi)
Rim lighting on a Eurasian oystercatcher, with the sun setting behind Helsinki in the background.
Eurasian oystercatcher (meriharakka)
Barn swallow perched near its nest in Suomenlinna.
Barn swallow (haarapääsky)
Barnacle goose (valkoposkihanhi)
A White wagtail pauses on a concrete wall before bringing insects to its nest.
White wagtail (västäräkki)
Backlit image of Common gull as it flew above the water of Helsinki harbour
Common gull (kalalokki)
Environmental portrait of a Barnacle goose among grass and flowers, in sunset light.
Barnacle goose (valkoposkihanhi)
Two baby Barnacle goose in backlight, showing all the fluffy down they wear.
Barnacle goose (valkoposkihanhi)
Portrait of an Arctic tern perched on a bridge railing.
Arctic tern (lapintiira)
Barnacle goose (valkoposkihanhi)
Common gull portrait in golden sunset light.
Common gull (kalalokki)
Northern wheatear (kivitasku)
Common eider (haahka)
Arctic tern sitting on its nesting grounds. in Suomenlinna.
Arctic tern (lapintiira)
Common eider (haahka)
Barnacle goose peeking through some tall grass in Suomenlinna.
Barnacle goose (valkoposkihanhi)
Lesser black-backed gull (selkälokki)
​All images are mine. Do not use without authorization.

Picture
  • Home
  • Portfolio
    • Conservation
    • Sea
    • Shore
    • Wetland
    • Grassland
    • River
    • Forest
    • Mountain
    • Desert
    • Urban
  • Shop
    • Print shop
    • Postcards
    • The New Zealand Book
  • Workshops
    • Best of Birding in Helsinki
    • Creative bird photography in Suomenlinna
    • Central Asia photography tours
    • 1-on-1 online coaching
  • Blog
  • About
  • Contact