Brown Bear Photography Tips

Field Advice from Wildlife Photographer Sam Turley

There’s something unforgettable about watching a brown bear emerge from the forest; powerful yet calm, wild yet completely at home. Photographing them is a privilege, but also a challenge, especially if you’re shooting from a hide and in a low-light environment. In this blog, wildlife photographer Sam Turley shares some tips on how to overcome these challenges, and to produce powerful, character-filled photographs – ethically and effectively.

All images by Sam Turley

Where to encounter brown bears

Brown bears roam across vast parts of the Northern Hemisphere, from the rugged mountains of Alaska to the forests of Finland, the Carpathians, and the Balkans. Each region offers something different, from the salmon-rich rivers of North America to the mossy woodlands of Europe where bears move like shadows through the trees. 

In Europe, photographing bears often means working in forested landscapes where patience, light, and timing matter as much as equipment. These settings can be challenging, but they also create opportunities for deeply atmospheric images that capture the quiet essence of wild Europe.

For our bear photography workshop at Penda, we venture into Slovenia’s dense forests, one of Europe’s strongholds for brown bears. Here, bears live among towering spruce and beech trees, in landscapes that feel untouched and timeless. The hides are carefully positioned to give photographers the best chance of observing natural behavior – bears foraging, pausing to listen, or moving through soft, filtered light. 

Key tips on photographing bears

Photographing bears is all about preparation and patience. You’ll be working in quiet hides, often for long stretches, waiting for the right moment. Knowing your gear, understanding the light, and anticipating behavior will make the difference between a missed chance and a great shot. Here are Sam’s key pointers for getting it right in the field.

• Patience is key – Bears move on their own terms, and sightings can take time. Be prepared for long stretches of waiting.
• Comfort matters – Hides can get hot, stuffy, or even chilly depending on the season. Dress in layers, wear comfortable clothing, and settle in with the mindset of being still and silent for hours. Soft clothing that doesn’t rustle when you move is preferential.
• Stay silent and minimize movement – Noise and sudden shifts can easily spook bears. Make sure your gear is set up in advance to reduce fumbling around. 
• Versatile equipment – A 100–400mm lens is a great all-rounder. You can’t predict how close or far away bears will appear or where they will move so you want versatility. A wider lens (e.g. 16–55mm) is useful if a bear comes close to the hide. 
• Be ready at all times – Bears often pause only briefly, for example when foraging and lifting their heads to scan the area. Anticipate these moments and keep your camera ready in continuous tracking focus mode.
• Focus on behavior, not just portraits – Shots of bears interacting, foraging, or showing natural behaviors tell a stronger story than static portraits.
• Environment – Don’t forget to zoom out. Once you are happy with some tight portraits remember to shoot the wider surrounds and give context and a sense of place. The forests in which bears inhabit are stunning so make use of it!
• Light awareness – Hides often place you in low-light woodland with dappled light. Be prepared to raise your ISO and work with changing conditions, especially at dawn and dusk when bears are more active. I recommend using a priority mode, I personally use shutter priority and set my exposure for the brightest areas in anticipation for a bear to move through. Ideally you want your subject in the light.
• Respect the animal – Don’t use flash or anything that might disturb the bear. The best shots come when they behave naturally.

Ready for the field? 

If you’re keen to put these tips into practice, join us on our Bears of Slovenia Photo Tour. You’ll spend time in prime bear habitat, guided by experienced photographers who know the terrain, and who can help you refine your craft and make the most out of the amazing experience

A past workshop participant shares her images & experience