Wildlife by Trail Camera with Arvi Tyni
Trail camera photography has many uses. It’s a great way to observe what happens in front of a hide when no one’s inside — or to find out who’s been helping themselves to the apples in your yard. A trail camera isn’t just a supporting tool for wildlife photography; it can be a main method in itself. Image quality has improved tremendously, and because this technique doesn’t disturb nature, it’s not only ethical — it also allows you to capture authentic and truly unique moments.
Quality is worth the investment
Nature photographer Arvi Tyni has around ten cameras placed throughout the forests in South Karelia. Most of them store footage locally and do not transmit images via email or other means. The choice of camera depends on how the material will be used and whether instant updates are needed or if it’s okay to wait several weeks between visits.
“It’s worth investing in quality,” Arvi advises. “Not only for the end result, but also for the reliability of the equipment. You can get a good trail camera for around €150–200.”
Arvi is a patient photographer who’s in no rush to collect his footage. He only occasionally swaps memory cards or checks the batteries – otherwise, the cameras are left undisturbed for long periods. During breeding season in particular, he avoids going near nests. Arvi uses rechargeable batteries and six-volt external batteries, which perform well even in freezing temperatures. Some of his cameras are equipped with LED lights for night footage, though it’s worth noting that LEDs consume battery power more quickly.
Setting up the camera
Installing a trail camera always requires the landowner’s permission, and its placement must not infringe on anyone’s privacy. The camera’s location depends largely on the target species. Arvi focuses on animals like wild boars, bears, badgers, lynx, cranes, and moose. Occasionally, he comes across grouse territories, which are particularly interesting during the lekking season.
“Animals tend to follow the same trails and routes,” Arvi explains. “A good camera spot can be found by observing nature closely – tracking footprints, and identifying resting and feeding sites. You can also place cameras along the same route so that the same animal is captured by multiple cameras, giving the videos a narrative quality.”
Landscape also plays a role in choosing the location. It’s important that there are no branches or grass in front of the lens that could move in the wind and trigger unnecessary recordings. Light direction and camera height are also important. According to Arvi, placing the camera at the animal’s eye level – around half a meter above the ground – gives the footage a more compelling perspective than filming from above. Plus, the forest often forms a nice natural backdrop.
Natural behavior
Arvi doesn’t bait the animals or lure them in front of the camera – he prefers to capture them behaving naturally.
“Occasionally I’ll bring roadkill to the site, but that’s rare. Most of the time, I film animals without any kind of baiting.”
Sometimes, the camera itself attracts attention. Wild boars and wolverines enjoy rubbing against it or even giving it a good bite. Once, a bear completely destroyed one of Arvi’s cameras. Sometimes the footage contains all kinds of interesting surprises – and sometimes, almost nothing at all.
“There’s actually less life in the Finnish forest than you might think,” Arvi notes. “Most of the time, it’s very quiet.”
Still, every time he checks a memory card, it’s an exciting moment – you never know what might be waiting there.
We are proud to present Arvi’s lynx collection, captured with a trail camera.
Learn more on Arvi’s presentation and his Instagram and YouTube -channels.