A nature photographer captures foxes, otters, and other baby animals in their natural habitats

Samantha GrindellJul 3, 2020, 00:39 IST

This is Saarinen's favorite photo.Ossi Saarinen

Ossi Saarinen is a Finnish nature photographer.
Saarinen captures baby animals in their natural environments, documenting the lives of creatures like foxes, otters, and even seals.
He has dedicated his life to photographing animals safely, often waking up in the middle of the night to take their photos, and even sleeping in the woods at times for his work.
"What I most enjoy about nature photography is still the chance to be in nature in the middle of all the wild animals, observing and following their daily life," Saarinen told Insider of his work.

Ossi Saarinen is a nature photographer from Finland.

Ossi Saarinen is a Finnish nature photographer. Ossi Saarinen

Saarinen got his first camera when he was 15, and he turned his lens to animals when he turned 18.

He's been taking photos for almost a decade. Ossi Saarinen

For Saarinen, being with the animals is his priority when he's taking photos.

Saarinen loves animals. Ossi Saarinen

As Saarinen got more comfortable with photography, he turned his lens to young animals.

Saarinen features baby animals in his work. Ossi Saarinen

Saarinen has picked up tricks for photographing baby animals through his work.

Saarinen seeks out animal dens. Ossi Saarinen

Saarinen has to follow animals' tracks to find them.

He tracks animals. Ossi Saarinen

In fact, finding animals to take photos of is more time-consuming than actually taking pictures.

It's difficult to find the animals. Ossi Saarinen

Saarinen also said he does a lot of research on animals before he photographs them.

Research is an important part of the photographer's work. Ossi Saarinen

Saarinen has to cater to the animals' schedules to get the right photos.

Saarinen takes photos early in the morning or late at night. Ossi Saarinen

He also takes pictures at night, sometimes sleeping outside to get better photos.

Saarinen sleeps outdoors at times. Ossi Saarinen

Patience and the ability to be quiet are two of Saarinen's most important skills.

Saarinen says animals can be shy. Ossi Saarinen

But the tactics Saarinen uses vary from animal to animal.

All animals have different needs. Ossi Saarinen

An animal's home also influences Saarinen's work.

Some animals are shy. Ossi Saarinen

An animal's traits can make it difficult to capture as well.

Some animals don't stop to be photographed. Ossi Saarinen

Saarinen makes safety his priority when he takes photos of animals.

Saarinen keeps animals safe as he works. Ossi Saarinen

He also has to keep the parents of young animals in mind.

The parents of young animals can be alarmed by humans. Ossi Saarinen

Saarinen works to not disrupt the animals' natural lives.

Saarinen doesn't feed the animals. Ossi Saarinen

He also doesn't disrupt the relationships between predators and prey.

Saarinen doesn't disrupt animals' natural lives. Ossi Saarinen

This photo is Saarinen's favorite he's ever taken.

This is Saarinen's favorite photo. Ossi Saarinen

Getting close to the animals he's photographing is the most difficult aspect of Saarinen's work.

It takes some time for animals to trust Saarinen. Ossi Saarinen

Plus, the animals don't stay still often, making it even harder.

It's hard to take photos. Ossi Saarinen

Saarinen said animals have never gotten aggressive with him.

The animals don't get aggressive with Saarinen. Ossi Saarinen

Saarinen wants to protect the animals he photographs.

Saarinen photographs endangered animals. Ossi Saarinen

Saarinen hopes his work will bring awareness to endangered animals.

Saarinen hopes to raise awareness through his work. Ossi Saarinen

Saarinen advises aspiring animal photographers to spend time outside.

Saarinen says spending time outside is important to improve photography skills. Ossi Saarinen

He also emphasized the importance of research.

Saarinen looks up the animals he photographs before going out into the field. Ossi Saarinen

Saarinen also said to take more photos than you think you need.

Take as many photos as possible. Ossi Saarinen

"Always try to take a better photo than the day before," Saarinen told Insider.

Saarinen says you can improve day by day. Ossi Saarinen

He also advised people not to get frustrated if it takes them time to improve.

Saarinen says improving takes time. Ossi Saarinen

Saarinen has published a book of his photography.

Saarinen has a book. Ossi Saarinen

And you can keep up with Saarinen's latest work on Instagram.

Saarinen shares his work on Instagram. Ossi Saarinen

50 of the most beautiful natural wonders around the world

Cookies on the Business Insider India website