Lofoten Northern Lights &
Polar Night Photography Workshop
January 6 – 12, 2027 (7 Days / 6 Nights)
Northern lights, polar nights, and magical coastal landscapes.
Join an intensive winter workshop in Lofoten built around northern light and night photography. We plan our days to be ready when the aurora appears, and we use the limited daylight hours to photograph dramatic peaks, fishing villages, beaches, and blue-hour scenes.
Throughout the week you’ll get personal, hands-on guidance in the field. We work in small groups and spend time where the conditions are best, helping you with composition, technique, and decision-making on location. When the sky opens up at night, we guide you step-by-step so you can come home with strong Northern Lights images that include the landscape, not just the colors in the sky.
Quick facts
Dates: January 6–12, 2027 (7 days / 6 nights)
Base: Scandic Hotel Leknes
Arrival & departure: Leknes Airport (LKN)
Instructors: Bjørn Joachimsen & Terje Svendsen
Group size: Max 12 (max 6 per instructor)
Transport: Workshop transport in vans with spiked tires (licensed drivers)
Included meals: Breakfast at the hotel (lunch + dinner not included)
Focus: Northern Lights and polar night photography, plus winter landscapes, coastal scenes, and blue hour
Level: Beginner to advanced (coaching adapted to you)
What to expect
On-location coaching: We work the scene with you, not just point you to a spot
Northern Lights focus: Hands-on night coaching, from setup to final frames when conditions are right
Polar night rhythm: We use the best daylight window for landscapes, then shift into blue hour and night sessions
Local expertise: Instructors with detailed knowledge and long experience from Lofoten
Time on location: We build the program to allow sufficient time at each stop, no rushed photo drive-bys
Small-group learning: Time for questions, feedback, and personal guidance
Flexible planning: Aurora, weather, and cloud cover decide the final schedule
Optional edit/review sessions: Lightroom Classic sessions and image feedback during the week
A typical day rhythm
Every day is built around the best light and safest conditions. The exact timing changes, but the rhythm usually looks like this:
Breakfast at the hotel
Morning field session (coastal scenes, villages, or fjords depending on weather)
Midday break (warm-up, travel, scouting, optional review)
Afternoon and blue-hour session
Group dinner for everyone (we’ll organize it)
Evening: night photography and Northern Lights if conditions are right
Optional short image review and Lightroom tips on selected evenings
Day-to-day program
Draft itinerary. Exact locations and order may change based on weather, road conditions, and forecasts.This is a Northern Lights workshop, so the evening plan is flexible. If the aurora forecast is strong and the sky is clear, we prioritize night sessions. If weather is poor, we use the time for image reviews and post-processing (Lightroom and Photoshop) so you still progress every day
Day 1 (January 6):
Arrival in Leknes + welcome briefing
Settle in and get ready for the week.
Pick-up at Leknes Airport (LKN) and transfer to Scandic Hotel Leknes
Check-in, meet the group, and a practical briefing (plan, safety, gear check)
Evening: night photography and Northern Lights if conditions are right
Day 2 (January 7):
Utakleiv coast + Northern Lights foundations
Clean winter compositions by day, aurora technique by night.
Coastal photography session at Utakleiv (winter surf, snow patterns, clean compositions)
Midday flexibility: warm-up break or optional image review
Northern Lights essentials (focus, exposure, settings, composition, troubleshooting)
Evening: night photography and Northern Lights if conditions are right, with hands-on 1:1 guidance in the field
Day 3 (January 8):
Unstad and the wild coast + Lightroom workflow
Coastal winter drama, then a simple workflow to finish your night and polar files.
Locations around the outer coast, typically including Unstad (conditions dependent)
Coaching focus: working the scene, finding variety, simplifying busy frames
Optional Lightroom Classic session: culling, structure, winter color balance, finishing
Evening: night photography and Northern Lights if conditions are right
Day 4 (January 9):
West Lofoten classics — Hamnøy, Sakrisøy, Reine
Classic Lofoten, photographed with intention, and ready for an aurora window if it appears.
Full location loop through classic viewpoints:
Hamnøy Bridge
Sakrisøy (harbour details + yellow cabin area)
Reine viewpoint (or nearby alternatives depending on conditions)
Coaching focus: composition refinement, depth, and stronger foreground choices
Optional evening image discussion
Evening: night photography and Northern Lights if conditions are right
Day 5 (January 10):
Flakstad area — beaches, rivers, and fjord reflections
Strong lines and calmer scenes, perfect for polar light and minimal winter frames.
Sessions in the Flakstad area (beaches + river lines + sheltered fjord scenes)
Optional afternoon Lightroom mini-session (for those who want feedback)
Evening: night photography and Northern Lights if conditions are right
Day 6 (January 11):
East Lofoten — Henningsvær + group review
Storytelling in the villages, then refine your strongest Northern Lights and polar night images.
Day trip to the fishing village Henningsvær, located on several small islands off the southern coast of Austvågøya
Coaching focus: refining compositions and building a cohesive set of images
Evening: optional group review + editing tips
Evening: night photography and Northern Lights if conditions are right
Day 7 (January 12):
Wrap-up + departures
Final pointers and airport transfers.
Short wrap-up: key takeaways + next steps for editing/printing
Transfer to Leknes Airport (LKN) for departures
Ambitions & Goals
This workshop is about your growth and your images. Many photo tours focus on being at the right location at the right time, but the instruction can feel limited once you arrive. Our approach is different. We stay close, coach actively, and help you build a repeatable process for both polar night landscapes and Northern Lights photography.
That can mean:
Helping you build stronger compositions on location (foreground, depth, balance, clean edges)
Coaching you through winter conditions like wind, snow, sea spray, and fast-changing light
Showing you how to work a scene and find variety, not just take one frame and move on
Troubleshooting camera settings fast so you stay focused on creative decisions
Giving hands-on, individual guidance for Northern Lights photography when conditions are right (focus, exposure, composition)
Supporting your editing workflow with practical Lightroom Classic tips so you can finish your images with confidence
Our ambition is simple: give you the best possible winter photography week in Lofoten, with great locations, calm guidance, and a plan that adapts to the Arctic.
Goals for the week:
Build stronger compositions (foreground, depth, balance, clean edges)
Become confident shooting in snow, wind, and fast-changing light
Learn a reliable winter workflow in Lightroom Classic (color balance, contrast, detail, mood)
Be ready for Northern Lights when the sky opens up (focus, exposure, composition, troubleshooting)
Leave with a tight mini-portfolio from Lofoten, not just a memory card full of “almost”
Lofoten Northern Lights & Polar Night Photography Workshop
January 6– 12, 2027
Tickets: $ 3,500 per person
Start: January 6: at 3:00 PM
End: January 12: at 12:00 AM
Seven days and six nights of on-location photography training in Lofoten, Northern Norway
Transport throughout the workshop in comfortable vans with spiked tires, giving easy access to our shooting locations
Two instructors working closely with the group each day, with hands-on and individual guidance in the field
Maximum 12 participants (max 6 per instructor) for a personal, hands-on experience
A location mix of iconic Lofoten scenery and quieter spots, including beaches, fjords, fishing villages, and dramatic mountain coastlines
A structured daily rhythm built around polar light, blue hour, and flexible night sessions when conditions allow
Night photography and Northern Lights outings when conditions are right — with 1:1 guidance to help everyone get the photos they want
Access to a private WhatsApp group well in advance for travel tips, gear advice, and sharing work and questions leading up to the trip
Payment plan:
$500 deposit is paid at registration
The remaining balance will be invoiced about two months before the workshop begins.
Accommodation:
Base: Scandic Hotel Leknes (6 nights included)
Breakfast is included every day
Lunch and dinner are not included
We organize group dinners for everyone each evening (pay individually)
We reserve rooms in advance to keep the group together and ensure availability during the winter season. Early reservation is recommended, as the workshop tends to fill up very fast.
Meet the Instructors
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Bjørn is a versatile photographer with over 20 years of professional experience across genres including people, nature, and architecture. He is one of Norway’s most active photography instructors, teaching nationwide and internationally. His collaborations include Sandra Bartocha, Anna Ulmestrand, Otto von Münchow, and David Beckstead (USA).
Portfolio: joachimsenphotography.com
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Terje is a full-time Norwegian photographer specializing in landscapes and cityscapes. He leads workshops in Norway and across Europe, with a strong focus on winter light, blue hour, and night photography. His work is showcased through exhibitions and available as fine art prints.
Portfolio: terjephotography.com
What former participants are saying
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THE INSTRUCTORS WERE FULLY PRESENT THROUGHOUT THE WORKSHOP AND GENEROUS WITH THEIR TIME.
— Former Lofoten participant
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THE WORKSHOP CHANGED HOW I APPROACH NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY, ESPECIALLY IN WINTER LIGHT.
— Former Lofoten participant
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CONSTRUCTIVE FEEDBACK, DELIVERED POSITIVELY. THEY SUGGESTED BETTER ANGLES AND SIMPLE IMPROVEMENTS.
— Former Lofoten participant
FAQs
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Seven days / six nights of on-location photography training with both instructors
Breakfast at Scandic Hotel Leknes each day
Workshop transport throughout the week in vans with spiked tires (licensed drivers)
A structured plan with daily field sessions and a flexible approach based on weather and conditions
Hands-on guidance in the field (composition, technique, exposure, filters, working the scene)
Optional image reviews and Lightroom Classic sessions during the week
Northern Lights / night photography outings when conditions are right (weather + aurora activity dependent)
Practical support before the trip (gear advice, planning tips, and what to expect in winter Lofoten)
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Flights to/from Leknes Airport (LKN)
Lunch and dinner (we’ll coordinate group dinners, but meals are paid individually)
Personal travel insurance (required)
Alcohol, snacks, and personal purchases
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We stay at Scandic Hotel Leknes for the full workshop, which makes logistics simple and keeps daily drives efficient.
Accommodation included (single room). If you bring a plus one and share, you’ll get a discount.
If you’re traveling with a partner and want to share a room, that’s usually possible — let us know early so we can plan correctly. We confirm room preferences and practical details after booking.
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We start and finish at Leknes Airport (LKN).
After you register, you’ll receive a practical info sheet with recommended flight arrival/departure windows, meeting point details at the airport, and what to pack for winter conditions.
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Most days are built around the best light and safe conditions, with flexibility to adapt to weather. A typical day may include:
Morning field session (coast, fjords, villages, or beaches depending on conditions)
Midday break (warm-up, travel, scouting, optional review, or rest)
Afternoon / blue-hour session
Dinner together as a group (we’ll organize it)
Night photography / Northern Lights outing if conditions are right
Optional short review/edit session on selected evenings
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We travel together in workshop vans with spiked tires driven by licensed drivers. This makes it easy to reach locations without stress and reduces parking/logistics issues. We adjust routes based on road conditions, wind, and safety, and you’ll get clear daily plans — while we stay flexible if the weather shifts.
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This isn’t a hiking-heavy workshop, but winter Lofoten involves short walks on uneven terrain. Expect a mix of beach access paths, small slopes, and short walks from parking areas. Surfaces can be icy, so good boots with ice grips are important. We avoid unnecessary risk and always choose safer options when conditions are challenging.
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Winter weather in Lofoten can change fast — and we plan for it. If conditions shift, we adapt by changing locations to match wind direction, cloud level, and visibility, using sheltered fjords, harbors, bridges, and village scenes that work well in storms, focusing on moody conditions and winter minimalism, and timing shoots for the best windows during the day.
You’ll still get strong shooting opportunities — and often the “bad weather” days become the most dramatic images.
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This workshop works well for enthusiastic beginners through advanced photographers. It helps if you’re comfortable with basic camera controls (aperture, shutter speed, ISO). If you’re newer, we’ll make sure you get solid foundations (sharpness, exposure, tripod technique). If you’re experienced, we’ll push composition, refinement, and building a cohesive set of images.
If you’re unsure about gear or level, send us a note — we’ll help you pack smart and set expectations.
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Yes — we’re happy for you to bring a plus one. Since spaces are limited, they’ll need to register and pay the full workshop price. If you choose to share a room, we’ll apply a discount for shared accommodation.
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When you register, a $500 deposit will be charged to secure your spot.
The remaining balance will be invoiced about two months before the workshop begins.
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The $500 deposit is normally non-refundable because we reserve accommodation and transport early. If you cancel and we’re able to fill your spot with a replacement participant, we will refund your deposit minus a 10% administration fee. Please let us know as early as possible if you need to cancel.
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Recommended kit for winter landscapes + aurora:
Camera (DSLR or mirrorless)
Wide-angle lens (great for landscapes and Northern Lights)
A fast wide lens is helpful for aurora (e.g., f/1.8–f/2.8), but not required
Standard zoom (useful for flexibility)
Telephoto lens (for compressing peaks and isolating details)
Sturdy tripod (non-negotiable for winter + night)
Remote release (nice to have)
Extra batteries (cold drains them quickly) + charger
Plenty of memory cards
Lens cloths (spray and snow happen)
Headlamp
Optional: ND filters (for long exposures), hand warmers, rain cover for your backpack
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Pack for real winter conditions, wind, and long periods standing still (especially at night):
Layering system (base layer + insulation + shell)
Warm down/synthetic jacket for breaks and night sessions
Windproof/waterproof outer shell
Insulated winter boots with solid grip
Warm hat, neck gaiter/buff, and scarf
Gloves or mittens (ideally a warm pair + a thinner “camera pair”)
Thermal socks (bring extras)
Microspikes/ice grips
Optional but useful: hand warmers, insulated pants
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Aurora is never guaranteed. We’ll plan for it every night when conditions allow, but it depends on cloud cover, solar activity, and local visibility. If it’s on, we’ll go — and we’ll make sure you’re ready so you don’t waste the opportunity.
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Yes. When conditions allow, we go out with a clear plan and help you individually with focus, exposure, composition, and troubleshooting on location. The goal is that everyone who wants aurora images comes home with strong results — not just a quick look at the sky.
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Polar night doesn’t mean it’s pitch black all day in Lofoten. You’ll still get a usable daylight window for landscapes, plus long blue hour transitions. The exact light depends on weather and cloud cover, and we plan each day around the best conditions.
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If you have more questions regarding the workshop don’t hesitate to contact us at: terje@terjephotography.com
Lofoten Northern Lights & Polar Night Photography Workshop
Lofoten Northern Lights & Polar Night Photography Workshop
Lofoten Northern Lights & Polar Night Photography Workshop
January 6 – 12, 2027 (7 Days / 6 Nights)
Tickets: $ 3,500 per person
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