In the Hide with Bence Máté: Photographing Nature with Purpose
A visit to Bence’s estate in Hungary – home to more than 20 expertly designed hides – sparked reflections not only on building a hide, but also on deeper environmental values, such as the impact of travel.
Travel has a climate cost. But it also offers unique personal rewards and fosters collaboration. Still, Bence encourages a mindful approach:
“Before chasing the perfect shot abroad, learn to photograph in your own environment,” he advises. “No matter where you live, there’s always something nearby worth photographing – and learning from.”
How is an exceptional image created?
When it comes to capturing those rare, perfect shots, Bence, now in his forties, shares two key pieces of advice: don’t copy others – develop your own style – and approach photography with thoughtful planning.
A self-taught photographer, Bence has earned international acclaim over more than two decades. He points out that while standard portraits or common wildlife scenes can often be captured quickly, photographing something truly exceptional requires time, careful observation of animal behavior, and unwavering focus.
“If I want to have fun, I go into the hide with clients,” Bence says. “But if I want to concentrate on photography, I always go alone.”
How can we protect nature?
Bence is a passionate advocate for nature conservation, and he offers some concrete suggestions. In addition to mindful travel, he urges people to avoid buying unnecessary things.
For those wanting to make a more lasting impact, Bence has a bold recommendation:
Buy land – and leave it alone. Let nature reclaim it. As vegetation and insects return, so will birds and other wildlife.
Bence himself has purchased extensive farmland, now in the process of being restored to its natural state. While the recovery is ongoing, the land is already being used to support ground squirrel populations, a species that has been endangered in Hungary.
How to build your own hide?
If you’re thinking of building a hide, there’s no better person to ask than Bence, often called the world’s best hide builder. In addition to the hides on his own property, he has designed hides in, among other places, Africa and South America.
- Start close – even in your backyard
“Build your hide as close to home as possible. Not only does this reduce your ecological footprint, it also saves you time. A hide isn’t just something you build and use for photography – it needs regular upkeep too.” - Start light and simple
“Make the first version lightweight and temporary. Test whether the location works – animals don’t always behave as expected. If it proves effective, you can build a more permanent version later.” - Mirror glass reveals the magic
“For a long-term setup, try using mirror glass that allows you to photograph through it. It lets you observe, move, and shoot freely without being seen – especially if you wear black clothing. But remember: during shooting, always use bird-safe mesh to prevent collisions, and cover the glass when the hide is not in use.” - Location is everything
“Choose a spot where animals naturally come, where the direction of light is favorable, and the background is pleasant. And remember, the hide should blend into the landscape – it’s not just about photography, but also about respecting the surrounding environment.” - Respect nature and think long term
“Build outside the breeding season and use sustainable, natural materials. If you ever stop using the hide, dismantle it or integrate it into the surroundings. Never leave anything behind that doesn’t belong in nature. The best hide is one that wildlife barely notices – during use and after it’s gone.”
Also check out Terhi Paavola’s pictures taken at Bence’s farm.