Stone Marten and Birds Photography short break

Our marten hide is probably the best place in Bulgaria to photograph this unique nocturnal animal. Exclusive access – only our groups can use the hide. In front of the hide we have carefully arranged natural elements such as branches, logs, and stones, creating different backgrounds and perches. This guarantees a variety of photo opportunities within a single session, allowing you to capture the martens in multiple naturalistic settings.

A resident male and female visit regularly, usually 2–3 times per night, staying around 30 minutes each time. Depending on the season, they are often joined by kits. The hide is located on our private property at the edge of farmland and woodland. We use artificial LED lighting from 10 powerful lamps, carefully arranged to simulate natural daylight.

Hide & Equipment

* Recommended lenses: 300–500mm (full frame equivalent).
* No tripod needed – the hide has a bench along the front with mounted gimbal heads and bean bags.
* The hide is sound and heat-insulated, though we recommend using silent shutter mode.
* Photography is done through high-quality one-way glass.
* Capacity: up to 4 photographers.
* Comfortable chairs ensure a pleasant experience.
* Just 1 minute from the parking area.

Session Schedule

Entry to the hide is 1 hour before sunset. Sessions last at least 4 hours, or until we are satisfied with the sightings and photographs. For the best results, we recommend two visits.
Travel time from Varna Airport (the nearest international airport) is around 1.15 hours. On-site we have a small guesthouse with a toilet, a space for a short rest, and complimentary coffee.

Success Rate & Animal Welfare

We care for the martens by providing regular food treats, so they are accustomed to the hide. The success rate is about 8 out of 10 visits, but please remember these are wild animals and their behavior is never guaranteed.

Guidance

As with all my workshops, I will be there to give advice on camera settings, composition, and creative approaches. With a maximum group size of 4 people, there will be plenty of opportunities for personal guidance.

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Bird Photography by Day

The marten sessions take place at night, but to keep you inspired throughout the day, we also offer **daytime bird photography sessions**. Depending on the season and your preferences, we will visit different hides and locations for a wide variety of species.

* Forest Hide – great for species such as Hawfinch, Middle Spotted Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, Turtle Dove, Coal Tit, buntings, flycatchers, robins, and more.
* Spring & Summer Specials – Bee-eaters and Rollers at our seasonal hides. Other exciting species include  Woodchat Shrike, Black-headed Bunting, Hoopoe, Isabelline Wheatear, larks, and many others.

These sessions will provide a full nature photography experience, combining the thrill of nocturnal mammal photography with the beauty of birdlife by day.

Booking

If this workshop interests you, please contact us for reservations and available dates.