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)
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"Psst! Put me under your hat, and I can teach you how to make fancy French meals!"
He must freeze his butt off waiting for birds to sample his offerings.
The red fur is gorgeous! How did the photographer do this? Are they just naturally friendly? Ha!
These images are so personal feeling. Feels like spying on Redwall Abbey or Wind in the Willows
I love pigeons. They are beautiful and elegant, full of grace, social and cheerful. It is a pity that people do not appreciate them.
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.
The foxes around my house are FEARLESS. They'll eat your dog or cat in broad daylight while you watch.
Load More Replies...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
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.
These photos are absolutely amazing, wish they were available for purchase
Alternate Heading - Photographer shoots wild animals at wide aperture, high ISO and low light. Love the photos though xD
I love all of them! Foxes are awesome. People that hat them, not so much.
Absolutely amazing...just gorgeous photographs and the trust these animals have with this photographer is also pretty amazing.
I think I want some of his photos in every room of my house. The colors and clar it y are phenomenal
The photographer does not have special relationship with these animals, nor is he a fox whisperer. Instead he crosses very important ethical line, by feeding the animals(look at all the peanuts in the pictures!!!) to get them in front of the camera. This is not-done and considered very bad practice. Most likely the feeding has occurred for days at an end, to get the animals accustomed to it. As any who knows anything about wildlife, their chances of survival after being accustomed to people diminishes significantly. A fed animal is a dead animal
If the photographer takes these photos in a remote area where few humans go, then it's not a big deal at all. If it's near people and this can end up habitual for them, then you are correct.
Load More Replies...These photo's are so precious! I could not get enough of the squirrels, and all those foxes eyes! But all the pictures were beautiful, mesmerizing, majestic! Thank you for this upload! I really enjoyed it!
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.
The foxes around my house are FEARLESS. They'll eat your dog or cat in broad daylight while you watch.
Load More Replies...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
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.
These photos are absolutely amazing, wish they were available for purchase
Alternate Heading - Photographer shoots wild animals at wide aperture, high ISO and low light. Love the photos though xD
I love all of them! Foxes are awesome. People that hat them, not so much.
Absolutely amazing...just gorgeous photographs and the trust these animals have with this photographer is also pretty amazing.
I think I want some of his photos in every room of my house. The colors and clar it y are phenomenal
The photographer does not have special relationship with these animals, nor is he a fox whisperer. Instead he crosses very important ethical line, by feeding the animals(look at all the peanuts in the pictures!!!) to get them in front of the camera. This is not-done and considered very bad practice. Most likely the feeding has occurred for days at an end, to get the animals accustomed to it. As any who knows anything about wildlife, their chances of survival after being accustomed to people diminishes significantly. A fed animal is a dead animal
If the photographer takes these photos in a remote area where few humans go, then it's not a big deal at all. If it's near people and this can end up habitual for them, then you are correct.
Load More Replies...These photo's are so precious! I could not get enough of the squirrels, and all those foxes eyes! But all the pictures were beautiful, mesmerizing, majestic! Thank you for this upload! I really enjoyed it!