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Photographer Shoots Finnish Forest Animals Like They’re Professional Models, And We Can’t Stop Looking At Them
Helsinki-based professional photographer Joachim Munter invites you to step into the fairytale-like wildlife of Finland through his photos. Viewing his portraits of local forest animals, you instantly feel an intimate connection with the subjects, having to pinch yourself to check if you aren't dreaming.
Munter's work becomes even more astonishing after you realize how short his relationship with the camera is. "I started taking animal pictures about ten months ago," he told Bored Panda. "I was more interested in landscape photography, but I slowly started to become more interested in wild animals. I found it more challenging and rewarding."
Upon first glance, these woodland animals look like they were trained. From a curious fox to a hungry squirrel, Munter builds such a strong bond with the creatures. They look perfectly comfortable while in front of his lens, "wildlife photography is all about gaining the trust of these adorable animals," Munter said. "The most important thing - in my opinion - is not to chase the animals. You just need time and patience; let the animal become comfortable around you."
He usually works around Helsinki. "My sessions vary from just a few hours to a whole day," Munter explained. "That's what I like about wildlife photography; it's so unpredictable, you can never be sure what's going to happen and what animals you'll meet. Sometimes it can go weeks without a good session and sometimes you can get many good shots in just a few hours."
More info: Instagram (h/t sobadsogood, dyt)
This post may include affiliate links.
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Kyla Nicole Rivera 8 years ago
i remembered i downloaded and watched an hour or so movie documentary of squirrels life. HAHAHAHAHAHA.
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Madeleine Pavola 8 years ago
I would take this guy in and make sure he was warm and well fed. Love animals - they are just kinder and sweeter than people.
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Master Markus 8 years ago
Wot? Also, I was thinking that it's going to pick up the chosen undead, but that was a raven.
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Kristel Bijnen 8 years ago
I am scared of pigeons, but this one looks fierce! Though I like their looks most of the time in pictures! I once even took a picture of a pigeon (from inside the house, pigeon being outside) and it looked really pretty, but when I'm near to them outside, I always let my partner walk on the side the pigeon is on! I walk (roll, I'm in a wheelchair) around them with a big circle! Haha
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Victor Calamity 8 years ago
"Psst! Put me under your hat, and I can teach you how to make fancy French meals!"
Peggy Ward 8 years ago
Now look I shared the last nut with you! You are not getting any of this one!
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Daniel Jansenson 8 years ago
"hmm. Not to sweet, yet with a hint of presumption. A good vintage."
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Narendra Babu 8 years ago
You should be one photographer that should work at national geographic channel.
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Reta Taylor 8 years ago
Wow, birds never cease to amaze me with their beautiful colors and they interesting behavior!
Hamlets twin 8 years ago
vroooooooom click vrooooooooom *screeeeeeeetch* vrooooooooooooooooomm!!!
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Kim Pongpaet 8 years ago
His ears are made to deflect the wind. That's why they're sticking up! I love these critters.
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Sherrie Glendening 8 years ago
I don't understand the fear and disgust some people have for mice. They are adorable.
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AnneMarie Lowell 8 years ago
If put more "pitiful" on my face, may I be Mr. December on the calendar?
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Hamlets twin 8 years ago
Nice picture of a tree. I thought these were supposed to show animals?!?!
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Sheila Weila 8 years ago
He must freeze his butt off waiting for birds to sample his offerings.
Kristel Bijnen 8 years ago
Neat! I once took a picture with a sparrow and his wings out like this one! So beautiful!
Magpie 8 years ago
With the right patience and skill anything "ordinary" can be extra ordinary. one lucky photo of a seagull in flight, people always think it is some " majestic bird" can't be a seagull" . Timing and patience , and more patience and judgement sorting out the great photos from all my other dud photos. * Respect again to the photographer. Obviously getting a LOT more great photos than i ever did.
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Susanna Vesna 8 years ago
I miss seeing these little beauties! Been living in the desert for more than a decade. I miss winter so much!
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Kristel Bijnen 8 years ago
I wanted to reply: just chilling. But you used chill already haha
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JL 8 years ago
Finnish reindeer are not wild animals. They're semi-domesticated, they roam freely most of the time, but each reindeer in each herd is owned by a reindeer herder.
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Debbie Reynolds 8 years ago
Love this one! I had a Red Fox for a pet when I was little so I really love them.
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Mama Panda 8 years ago
the eyes are the windows to the soul....and such a beautiful soul it is
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Belinda Crum 8 years ago
I just love all of these pictures, but the ones with the foxes are so beautiful.
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Melissa Rosler 8 years ago
Actually, they are called Canada Geese, but I'm not sure if this is one...
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Marko Leppänen 8 years ago
Raccoon dogs, supikoira in Finnish. Nyctereutes procyonoides.
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Tamara Keegan 8 years ago
*shakes fist* damn you Jan, you took my comment. LOL!
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Janetinabasket 8 years ago
The red fur is gorgeous! How did the photographer do this? Are they just naturally friendly? Ha!
Laura Zaini 8 years ago
if you bring nuts with you they come and pick it up from your hands
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Unto Koskinen 7 years ago
Definitely not from Finland, though! Sea snakes prefer vastly warmer waters... Our only venomous snake, the viper Vipera Berus, can swim but doesn't look like this. I'd hazard to guess this one would be of the Laticauda genus, found in eastern Indian ocean and through the archipelagoes around there.
iamvectorious 8 years ago
It must have been Scary taking this photo.. Poisonous Snake approaching!!!!!
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Micki Van Patten 8 years ago
These images are so personal feeling. Feels like spying on Redwall Abbey or Wind in the Willows
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Pani Nimia 8 years ago
I love pigeons. They are beautiful and elegant, full of grace, social and cheerful. It is a pity that people do not appreciate them.
jevais 8 years ago
Pigeons are the only birds that produce a sort of milk to feed their babies. They have been able to survive in cities which were once forests. So the guilty ones are not these birds but humans who are taking over this planets. The only real rats are us. We destory hundreds of acres of forests per day on this earth. We pollute the brooks, rivers, lakes and finally the oceans. Not only all the above but the very air we all need. So who are "rats" now?
Daria Mosyagina 8 years ago
In the cities, pigeons are called flying rats. They carry diseases. However, these are very beautiful and remind me of my childhood.
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What do you think ?
Jef Bateman 8 years ago
These photos are amazing. I love foxes, and have seen a few here in the US. Our American foxes look quite a bit different than European foxes--does anybody know if their personalities are different? My in-laws don't like foxes because of their chickens, but our foxes here mostly look afraid -- not slightly menacing like the ones in Europe.
Juana 8 years ago
The foxes around my house are FEARLESS. They'll eat your dog or cat in broad daylight while you watch.
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Jessica Chortkoff 8 years ago
It's obvious this guy had a great camera and can compose the scene like a true artist! However it's really impressive that the animals are interacting with him and feel totally comfortable being themselves around him. Because of that he captured the character and we can relate to these animals, they are true portraits. I love animals too, and they totally pose for your camera. It's like they know. But they only do it if you have the vibe. right
Moo Moo Futch 8 years ago
Absolutely stunning photos. I especially love the foxes. I feed foxes where I live. One has become particularly friendly with me and knows when I'm around. She comes out and waits for me outside the house and then walks with me to the area I put down some food. She then collects some to bury, takes some for Any cubs and then has a bite to eat for herself. She brought her cubs to my door once before which was interesting. They made a right mess! Bless. Foxes are incredible animals and I wish people took care of the environment around them as it doesn't belong to us. It belongs to these beautiful animals.
Arleen Patrick 8 years ago
These photos are absolutely amazing, wish they were available for purchase
Bharat Justa 8 years ago
Alternate Heading - Photographer shoots wild animals at wide aperture, high ISO and low light. Love the photos though xD
Jef Bateman 8 years ago
These photos are amazing. I love foxes, and have seen a few here in the US. Our American foxes look quite a bit different than European foxes--does anybody know if their personalities are different? My in-laws don't like foxes because of their chickens, but our foxes here mostly look afraid -- not slightly menacing like the ones in Europe.
Juana 8 years ago
The foxes around my house are FEARLESS. They'll eat your dog or cat in broad daylight while you watch.
Load More Replies... Jessica Chortkoff 8 years ago
It's obvious this guy had a great camera and can compose the scene like a true artist! However it's really impressive that the animals are interacting with him and feel totally comfortable being themselves around him. Because of that he captured the character and we can relate to these animals, they are true portraits. I love animals too, and they totally pose for your camera. It's like they know. But they only do it if you have the vibe. right
Moo Moo Futch 8 years ago
Absolutely stunning photos. I especially love the foxes. I feed foxes where I live. One has become particularly friendly with me and knows when I'm around. She comes out and waits for me outside the house and then walks with me to the area I put down some food. She then collects some to bury, takes some for Any cubs and then has a bite to eat for herself. She brought her cubs to my door once before which was interesting. They made a right mess! Bless. Foxes are incredible animals and I wish people took care of the environment around them as it doesn't belong to us. It belongs to these beautiful animals.
Arleen Patrick 8 years ago
These photos are absolutely amazing, wish they were available for purchase
Bharat Justa 8 years ago
Alternate Heading - Photographer shoots wild animals at wide aperture, high ISO and low light. Love the photos though xD
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