There are plenty of offers for photo-weeks in Finland, nothing new... you might think... but still this is a new style of photo-week and a new destination! We were wondering,, why 90% of all photo-weeks to Finland take place in touristic Lapland? Our destination, North-Karelia in the most eastern corner of Finland, is far away from masses and busgroups. We combine our photo-week with silence, relaxation, endless forests and swamps, uncountless lakes and rivers, untouched nature near the Russian border, guided hiking with our local staff and as base our cozy lodge with only 8 guestrooms. And for sure our almost 130 sleddogs in 2 huge kennels are worth a few pictures as well! 

Our photo-weeks can be booked from May to October. Depending on the chosen season you will find different highlights for photgraphing. Springtime when nature is awakening, dogs playing in big groups, summerlight and glittering water pictures, midsummer, dogs in training, berries and mushrooms, colours of autumn, first frost, etc. 

The basic program is 8 days/7 nights, but of course you can add overnights and extra program-details.  Our guide is joining you for 6 days and brings you to the most beautiful places what we know. In the evening you edit the pictures of the day together with your photographer-guide. 

1st day: arrival to Eräkeskus by flight, train or own/rented car. If needed we can provide a transfer from either Kuopio, Joensuu or Lieksa. Get yourself familiar with the area and meet your guide. Dinner in the lodge and additional information about the week. 

2nd day: Nature: lakewater, sunlight, waves, sandy beach, clouds, ...
Our guide is joining you to explore the near area by feet and take the first pictures. We know the best sandy beach in the area, old trees, colourful swamps and much more. We will have lunch in the lodge after returning and before you have your first editing-lesson. Rest of afternoon for free; sauna, relax or active by your own.

3rd day: Trip to the Lakes Änäkäinen, 4 - 5 hours 
Here you find leftovers from old tankstops from Winterwar, traces from beavers, moor-landscapes and much more. We prepare lunch on open fire in the bbq-hut or outside, depending on weather.  Rest of afternoon for free use. After dinner another editing-lesson. 

4th day: We get up very early today to catch the sunrise and the special light in the early morning hours. Depending on season maybe also the first frost on the ground. We return to the lodge at around 11 and get a tasty brunch; you can  have a nap after it. Later in the afternoon we spend some time in the kennel and try to catch some good shots from playing dogs in big social groups, puppies, freerunning dogs, etc. Editing after dinner. 

5th day: After breakfast in the lodge we get a transfer to Teljo (45 km) from where we start our hiking south on the longdistance-hikingtrail called "Bears Trail". We pass by the rapids and wilderness hut Otroskoski and reach our own cabin Aittokoski after 12km. We cook our dinner, heat up the wooden sauna and discuss about todays photo-highlights. 

6th day: A rich cabin-breakfast is prepared, then we have a short walk to the rapids of Aittokoski. Here we try to capture the moving and splashing water once more, before we get transfered to the hanging bridge of Pälvekoski and later on back to Eräkeskus. Late soup-lunch in the lodge, picture editing, sauna and relax. 

7th day: The program today is discusssed with you and arranged according to your wishes.  Woudl you like to join the dogs once more? Or go out to the forests for berries and mushrooms? Or other wishes? Lunch is either inside or outside, depending on your program. Wooden sauna in the evening to end the week, relax and farewell dinner.  More editing if you wosh so after dinner. 

8th day: Enjoy your last breakfast in the lodge, before yoy start your journey back home. We can again organise a transfer for you, if you have no own car. 

Package rate for the photographers-week:

EUR 1350.— per person in twin or double room
EUR 1490.— per person in single room
EUR 1190.— per person in extrabed in twinroom

Dates:

8 days/7 nights, 01.05.2023 - 15.10.2023

If you are at least 8 persons, we book the lodge exclusively for you, to make sure you have no disturbing other groups during your editing-lessons. Eating times can then also be adjusted to the lenght of your photo-tours.