New-generation hide brings a touch of luxury to nature photography
Three years ago, when Olli Lamminsalo retired, Mikko Oivukka took the helm of Kuusamo Nature Photography and has since continued Olli’s distinguished work. The first years were devoted to essential initial investments, but now the time has finally come to renew our hides. Today we are proud to present our first new-generation hide: a prototype in which photographic comfort has been taken as far as possible.
The hide was built in Mikkeli by Eelis Parkkinen, a young and inventive woodworking professional, together with his father Pasi Parkkinen. Our warmest thanks to them for their careful, high-quality work! The hide has officially been built as a black grouse hide, but we hope to use the same design at other sites during the year as well.
Highlights
- Excellent visibility: large windows let you see the birds arrive
- Efficient and safe heating: a diesel air heater with sealed combustion keeps the hide warm and the air fresh
- Room for two photographers, each with their own shooting ports at both seated and lying height
- Camera rail in the upper port for smooth, quiet sideways movement
- Cable port for an external microphone, ideal for videographers
- Small comforts: a light for early-morning preparations and phone charging
- Modular design that keeps the hides in better condition year after year
Modular design saves space
When we began designing the new hide, one of our very first goals was to make it modular. Our hides spend most of the year in storage, and when taken apart into modules they take up considerably less space. Hides stored as modules are also likely to stay in better condition from year to year.
Key features of the hide
The hide is designed for two photographers. Each has their own shooting port at both seated and lying height, so if they wish, both can shoot with two cameras at the same time. Large windows offer good visibility of the surroundings, making it easy to watch wildlife arrive. There is a bench for each photographer, and sleeping mats and sleeping bags are provided for shooting from a lying position.
Camera rail makes moving the camera easier
We built a camera rail into the upper shooting port, allowing the camera to slide sideways smoothly and quietly. The rail makes it easy to follow a moving bird and to change the angle quickly when a new subject appears on the other side of the clearing. There is no need to lift or detach the camera, so a delicate shooting situation is not disturbed.
For now, the rail is only fitted to the upper port. The lower port still uses our proven metal plate system. If the rail proves itself in use, we may install one in the lower port later as well.
Videographers have been considered too
The hide wall has its own cable port for a microphone lead. An external microphone can now be placed neatly outside the hide, and there is no longer any need to thread the cable through the shooting port cover. The port stays sealed, the cable doesn’t rub or swing in front of the lens, and the birds don’t notice any extra movement. A small detail, but an important one for anyone recording the sounds of nature.
A completely new heating system
The single biggest improvement in the hide upgrade is a completely new heating system. The hide is testing a diesel-powered air heater that keeps the whole space evenly warm, even in hard frost. Unlike the old gel burners, combustion takes place in a sealed chamber and the exhaust is vented outside the hide, so the air inside stays fresh. The heater is easy to use, and the dry heat also helps keep the windows from fogging up.
The system is still being tested. If it proves itself, we will gradually switch to diesel air heaters in all our hides, and the old gel canisters can become a thing of the past.
Little details, and you’re welcome to try it
Those are the key features of the new hide. We’ve also included a few small touches that make your photography day even more comfortable: a light to help with early-morning preparations and the option to charge your phone.
Come and experience the new hide for yourself! In winter it will be in use at the Oulanka eagle hide, where you can now photograph eagles from a low angle, and in spring at the black grouse lek. We’re happy to tell you more, and bookings are already open. See you in the hide!
