Norway – The Eagle Paradise
World-class photography!

Trip Details

“FISH IS OUT, THE EAGLE IS COMING!”

Shouts Ole Martin Dahle from his spot at the helm. Steering the boat with experienced hands, he knows exactly where the eagles are. He checks the wind direction, tosses the fish, and positions the boat so we get the eagle either from the side, slightly head-on, or — in the best-case scenario — directly head-on. It all depends on the conditions: wind strength and direction, the sun’s position, and which eagle is approaching.

In Ole Martin Dahle’s eagle kingdom in Nord-Trøndelag, over a hundred white-tailed eagles can be found, including juveniles. Around thirty nesting pairs are within reach of the boat. Though we stay far from the nesting areas, the eagles recognize the boat — and Ole Martin. It usually takes just a pass through their territory for them to understand that bonus fish are being offered, which is especially welcome during the season when chicks need regular feeding.

When Brutus first visited Ole Martin in 2003, only three photographers had been there the entire summer. Brutus stayed for a week, and they went out every morning and evening. A successful day meant seven eagle dives — an extraordinary number at the time. Between the dives, Ole Martin and Brutus would fish for more eagle bait in these thriving Norwegian waters — especially vibrant compared to what we Swedes are used to.

Today, there are even more active nests, and a truly successful day can deliver ten times as many dives — up to seventy.

Over the years, Ole Martin has refined both his photography and his homemade techniques. No matter the approach, he ensures we always shoot from the left side of the boat. When the eagle comes in for the dive, the boat is already positioned portside for optimal shooting. No guesswork, no confusion — just focus and shoot.

We can request specific lighting — front light, backlight — and often it’s possible for a few dives. But of course, the sun and wind ultimately dictate what’s achievable (and we avoid back-angle shots of the eagle catch unless absolutely necessary).

The white-tailed eagles are the stars, but we also spend time with the bold, fast-moving skuas, and in between, engage in creative shooting of gulls. Herring gulls and great black-backed gulls dominate, but we also often get lesser black-backed gulls and kittiwakes.

Each day includes two sessions: one in the morning and one in the evening. Over three full shooting days, you’ll have the chance to capture images many photographers only dream of.

We stay out for up to four hours per session. Since this far north it never really gets dark, there’s ample time to rest midday. In between the boat tours, we may also shoot from a newly built hide where birds come to drink and bathe — and if we’re lucky, a sparrowhawk or goshawk might descend.

And if you’re a beginner — don’t worry. You might discard 95–97% of your images, but you’ll still come home with photographs you never thought possible.

Six boat trips are planned in Ole Martin’s custom-built aluminum vessel, weather permitting. Outings take place early in the morning and again after dinner. At this time of year, the sun barely sets — and even poor weather rarely stops us from adjusting for maximum photo potential.

We stay at Ørnehuset, a modern, airy, and cozy guesthouse by one of the fjords on Ole Martin’s land. We prepare some meals ourselves, pack breakfast for the boat, or visit the local restaurant Zanzibar, run by Pål — always stealthily on hand.