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)

#5

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Victor Calamity
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Psst! Put me under your hat, and I can teach you how to make fancy French meals!"

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#10

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Melissa Nunya
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Excuse me sir, I saw you handing out treats to the other critters..

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#11

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Janetinabasket
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There's a bit of wolf in that fox. Stunning photo!

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#12

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Nora
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those eyes are very expressive

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#13

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Kjorn
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the highland cow are the coolest!

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#17

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Sheila Weila
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Thank you for the treats, stranger with a camera.

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#18

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Sheila Weila
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He must freeze his butt off waiting for birds to sample his offerings.

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#20

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Debbie Andersson
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So content with its little piece of food, love it.

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#22

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Wyndmere
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hey, its you again. Yes, I'll pose for you, just let me fluff up my fur.

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#23

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Heather Johnson
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that must be santa's ... he's wearing a collar !

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#32

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Kristel Bijnen
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't get enough of these squirrels!

#34

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Cindy Reid
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He truly looks like a fairy tale creature.

#35

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

#37

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Celina
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It looks like the little fox is smiling!

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#38

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Sykz
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Is that a Canadian goose? are they still called Canadian geese in Europe?

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#40

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Nora
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This fox is the star of the shots. It seems friendly.

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#50

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Janetinabasket
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The red fur is gorgeous! How did the photographer do this? Are they just naturally friendly? Ha!

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#51

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Sykz
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So do they have blue or red/brown eyes? Wow!

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#56

Animal Photography

Joachim Munter Report

Micki Van Patten
Community Member
5 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

These images are so personal feeling. Feels like spying on Redwall Abbey or Wind in the Willows

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#57

Animal Photography