Adrift Visuals is excited to share the details of our recent photoshoot in Finland's Urho Kekkonen National Park. This magical place located just north of the Arctic Circle in Finnish Lapland, is a winter wonderland with vast expanses of pristine snow and breathtakingly beautiful forests. The park covers an area of 2,550 square miles and is home to the country's second-largest national park.
Our base for the week-long shoot was the small town of Saariselkä, a popular winter destination for Finns and tourists alike. This charming town is located in the northernmost part of Finland and is surrounded by some of the country's most spectacular scenery. With average temperatures ranging between -5 to -25 degrees Celsius in January, the cold was a significant challenge for us during the shoot.
The shoot was commissioned by Sidetracked Adventures, and we were fortunate to have the services of Chris Mount, an expert adventurer and guide. Chris helped us navigate the stunning and rugged terrain, leading us to some of the most beautiful spots in the park.
The shoot was primarily stills photography, but we also captured some footage to create a short video. We spent several full days exploring the park, including an overnight stay in a Mokki, which we cross-country skied to. The experience was unforgettable, with the silence of the forest and the crunch of snow beneath our feet making for a truly magical experience.
The shoot was not without its challenges, especially when working with camera equipment in cold temperatures. We had a moment where our drone batteries were too cold to function, but we were able to keep them warm by keeping them close to our bodies and get the footage we needed.
One of the most memorable experiences of the shoot was the cold ice dip we did on the final night. With temperatures of -21 degrees Celsius and a water temperature of 1 degree, it was a challenging but exhilarating experience. Finnish culture loves hot and cold therapy, and taking an icy dip is considered a healthful and invigorating activity.
During the shoot, we were also fortunate enough to spot some of the local wildlife, including reindeer. The incredible natural beauty of the Urho Kekkonen National Park and the warmth and hospitality of the Finnish people made this shoot an unforgettable experience.
For more images from this shoot please see the work page.
