Swedish nature photographer Niclas Ahlberg knows how to catch birds at their most graceful. His work celebrates quiet moments, soft light, and elegant movement – often seen through the lens of a floating hide by Mr Jan Gear. His favourite subject? The reflective stillness of the Baltic shoreline and the bird-rich coastlines of Gotland. Tap any image to see it full size!
Niclas began photographing in 2012 after recovering from an accident. What began as therapy quickly became a calling. He turned professional in 2022, has published two books, and leads workshops and tours for Swedish photographers. He lives part-time on Gotland, a Swedish island in the Baltic Sea, known for its unique weather and extraordinary birdlife. “During migration, Gotland becomes a rest stop for rare birds,” he says. “For birders and photographers, it’s paradise.”
The magic of the hour
Niclas doesn’t just use hides – he depends on them. “I get into the hide at least an hour before sunrise,” he explains. “That’s both to avoid disturbing the birds and to be ready when the light is at its best. – that short moment, maybe 10 to 20 minutes before the sun comes up, when the world turns soft and magical.”
For Niclas, light is more important than species. “I love avocets – I even wrote a book about them. But I’ll photograph anything if the light is right. It’s about capturing the stillness, the reflection, the mood. You see that especially well when you use a floating hide.”
Niclas first came across Mr Jan Gear’s floating hides in 2018. “I had struggled with shore-based hides,” he recalls. “You’re limited by terrain, and with water levels constantly changing, I sometimes had to move mid-session. A floating hide solved all that.”
He bought the very first version (with rubber pontoons) and still uses it occasionally. “They slide better on wet surfaces,” he notes. “But these days, the Floating Hide III Combo is my go-to. It’s self-standing, stable, and easy to manoeuver. I can point it wherever the action is and that makes a huge difference.”
Niclas uses the hide weekly, mostly in Sweden but also on trips abroad. “It’s always ready, standing behind my car. I’ve used it in wetlands, at the seaside, anchored on sandbanks, and even in my backyard. The versatility is unmatched.”
On land? Yes, absolutely.
“I wouldn’t share this easily, but one of my signature tricks is to use the floating hide on land as well. If I suddenly see something special, I can get into the hide and crawl forward unnoticed. You’d be surprised how often this works, even with skittish birds.
“The small size of the hide does make this physically demanding. I’ve had back surgery,” Niclas admits, “So … three hours in that position is not easy. But when you’re chasing that perfect image, it’s worth it. And maybe Jan will make the hides 20 or 30 cm longer the next time?” (smiles)
A tool for planned photography
“A good hide makes you invisible,” Niclas says. “You arrive and disappear like a ghost. That respect for nature is important to me. It also lets you get images you could never take otherwise – moments when the birds forget you exist.
“That’s why most of my ‘serious’ photography happens from a hide. I do shoot handheld sometimes, but when I’m after quality — the kind of work that ends up in books, exhibitions, or competitions — I always disappear in the hide.”
Want to explore the technique of floating hide photography? Discover our e-book!
All images © Niclas Ahlberg
Curious about Niclas’ books? You can find them here.
