This summer, we ran a bear photography workshop in the forests of Slovenia, home to one of the largest populations of European brown bears. Over the course of several days, our photographers spent time in hides, learning new technical and creative skills while photographing bears in their natural habitat. One of them, Louise Green, shared her experience of the trip, along with a selection of her images.
Text and image by Louise Green
I had been wanting to photograph European brown bears, particularly mothers and cubs, for a long time. The density of bears in Slovenia, the untouched landscape, and the fact it isn’t too touristy, made it the perfect place for me. I hadn’t previously considered a photography workshop, but the combination of learning, wildlife, and being with like-minded people was exactly what I needed. This trip was competitively priced, and Penda has great reviews. Originally I couldn’t make the July dates this year but, only a month before, everything aligned and I was lucky to get the last spot.
And I am so glad I did! Sam Turley is an incredible guide and tutor; knowledgeable, generous, endlessly patient. Above all, he is a lovely person who created the perfect environment for strangers to get to know each while exploring our passion for wildlife photography and pushing ourselves out of our respective comfort zones. This trip surpassed my expectations.
The first sighting of a mother and her two cubs as they trundled into the clearing on our second day in the hides had a profound effect on me; eyes filled, breath caught, heart squeezed – not helpful when trying to focus on a composition! I felt so lucky and grateful to be witnessing such a majestic animal up close as she interacted with her cubs in their natural habitat. And what a habitat! The dappled light, the dense forest, countless shades of green, the birdsong, the fresh mountain air – heavenly! The power she radiated was palpable, and when she looked straight down my lens I knew she was aware of our presence.
Despite being still and silent, and our human scent dissipating through pipes that trailed off way into the canopy, she knew we were there and she allowed it. She was ever vigilant, sniffing the air and listening, but she was comfortable allowing her cubs to forage and play in our company. It was an extraordinary privilege. Then another trio of mother and cubs arrived, and another. The unforgettable moments kept coming that day!
On the other end of the spectrum, one of the morning bird hide sessions was exciting for a different reason. Sam was teaching us how best to capture the woodland birds with outstretched wings, and something just clicked for me. All the tips and advice from the previous days came together, and it was one of the most enjoyable photo sessions I’ve ever had. It was such a joyful experience chatting, learning, laughing (quietly, of course) as we waited for the birds and the light to interact as we’d hoped, preferably on the perch we’d been manually focusing on. Noticing my photography getting significantly better in real time during one hide session, has inspired me to keep learning. Wildlife photography workshops are such a rewarding way to hone your skills.
Sam gave so much excellent creative and technical advice on this workshop, and it all resonated, but I can’t thank him enough for ‘Shoot with intent’. It is at the front of my mind now whenever I pick up my camera or notice a story unfolding before me. Also, the encouragement to step away from my usual comfort zone portraits has led to more engaging photos.
This workshop has changed my entire approach to photography, and I had no idea learning could be this much fun! The excitement, anticipation and focus of each session was exactly what I needed to remotivate me and break down my self-imposed barriers to creativity.
Sam was also kind enough to take us through his editing flow, which has been another game changer for me. I am no longer daunted by that element, particularly the initial selection / culling process. Sam’s tuition in the field also meant far better compositions in-camera, which has considerably reduced my editing time.
My other takeaway is to remember to step away from the lens every once in a while. Slovenia’s wilderness triggers every sense. I realised how important it is to treasure those still moments; to take a deep breath of that glorious forest air, and fully appreciate the scene unfolding before you. With the collective anticipation and the muscle tension from hours of vigilance, sitting in a hot wooden hide for hours on end to photograph Europe’s brown bears is not physically relaxing but it is, by far, the most peaceful experience of my life.
Interested in venturing to Slovenia’s forests yourself? Find out more about our upcoming bear photography tours!
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