Musk Ox & Autumn Nature Photography Workshop

September 8 – 14, 2027 (7 Days / 6 Nights)

Capture the iconic musk ox in spectacular autumn colors while connecting with like-minded photographers across two of Norway’s most photogenic mountain regions: Rondane and Dovrefjell.

We’ll spend the first part of the workshop photographing in Rondane National Park, one of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in Norway — with wide valleys, rugged peaks, rivers and waterfalls, and intimate nature scenes that really shine in golden autumn light. Then we shift focus to Dovrefjell for two dedicated days of guided musk ox photography.

Autumn is the rutting season for the musk oxen. The bulls gather as many females as they can to build their harems, constantly defending their position. Rival bulls challenge each other for leadership of the herds and the right to mate, creating dramatic and captivating scenes in the autumn landscape.

Musk oxen do not flee when sensing danger — they confront it. A fully grown musk ox weighs around 450 kilos and can run at speeds of up to 60 km per hour. Observing these majestic animals in their natural environment during the golden autumn months is a thrilling and unforgettable experience. If luck is on our side, we may also photograph moose, ptarmigan, hare, golden eagle, stoat and other animals. But the main focus remains the musk oxen, set against the vibrant and stunning colors of autumn.

Quick facts

  • Dates: September 8 (12:00 PM) – September 14 (8:00 PM), 2026 (7 days / 6 nights)

  • Base: Rondane + Dovrefjell (two regions, one workshop)

  • Arrival & departure: Otta (train possible) / car arrival (pickup from Otta by arrangement)

  • Instructors: Bjørn Joachimsen & Terje Svendsen

  • Group size: Max 12 (max 6 per instructor)

  • Transport: Workshop transport in vans

  • Breakfast: Included at both hotels (lunch and dinner not included; group dinners will be organized and paid individually)

  • Accommodation: Rondane Høyfjellshotell (Sep 8–12) + Oppdal Turisthotell (Sep 12–14)

  • Main highlight: Two full days of guided musk ox photography during rutting season (harems, rival bulls, dramatic behavior)

  • Focus: Autumn mountain landscapes in Rondane + musk ox on Dovrefjell, plus rivers/waterfalls, intimate scenes, and wildlife opportunities (moose, ptarmigan, hare, golden eagle, stoat—if luck is on our side)

  • Level: Beginner to advanced (coaching adapted to you)

  • Fitness: Important for musk ox days — expect 2–5 hours of walking/day, some uphill/downhill at a calm pace, and around 5-12 km/day while carrying your own camera equipment

What to expect

  • On-location coaching: We work the scene with you — composition, technique, and decision-making on location

  • Time on location: We take the time needed to actually explore and refine compositions (no rushed photo drive-bys)

  • Rondane variety: Waterfalls, rivers, gorges, mountain forest, intimate details, and wide mountain views in autumn color

  • Musk ox focus: Two guided days in Dovrefjell timed for rutting season behavior and stronger storytelling opportunities

  • Small-group learning: Plenty of time for questions, feedback, and personal guidance

  • Optional edit/review sessions: Lightroom Classic + Photoshop tips and image feedback in the evenings

  • Flexible planning: Weather and light decide the exact schedule — and we use it to our advantage

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

  • Long, continuous time in the field (waterfalls, rivers, forest, or mountain landscapes depending on conditions)

  • Midday break (travel, warm-up, scouting, optional review)

  • Afternoon / golden-hour session

  • Dinner (we can organize a group dinner; paid individually)

  • Evening: optional short image review / Lightroom tips on selected nights

Day-to-day program

(Draft itinerary. Exact locations and order may change based on weather, road conditions, and forecasts. During the daylight window we’ll stay out photographing as long as the light is up, with breaks as needed to warm up and reset.)

Day 1 (September 8):

Arrival + welcome briefing

Settle in and get ready for the week.

  • Pick-up at Oslo Airport (Gardermoen) at 12:00 PM (or Oslo city centre at 11:00 AM by prior arrangement) and transfer to the heart of Rondane.

  • Check-in at the hotel, followed by a practical briefing covering the week ahead: plan, safety, and a quick gear check.

  • Evening (optional): a short session on camera setup and settings for waterfalls and wildlife.

Day 2 (September 9):

Mysusæter + Ulafossen (waterfalls + composition)

Waterfalls & Rivers in Rondane

  • Waterfall and river photography

  • Coaching focus: shutter speed control, filters, and building depth in the frame

  • Optional evening review / Lightroom workflow

Day 3 (September 10):

Spranget + along the Ula River

Rivers, details, intimate landscapes

  • Working the river system for multiple looks: wide scenes + intimate details

  • Coaching focus: “learning to see” stronger compositions, not just photographing the obvious

  • Optional evening edit/review session

Day 4 (September 11):

Rondvassbu (cycling day) + Jutulhogget

Rondvassbu Adventure & Jutulhogget Drama

  • Cycle from Spranget to Rondvassbu (bring your bike or rent at Spranget)

  • Landscape storytelling in Rondane

  • Later session in the dramatic Jutulhogget area

  • Optional evening image discussion

Day 5 (September 12):

More Rondane waterfalls

Final Rondane Scenes + Transfer to Oppdal

  • Final Rondane session: explore additional waterfalls and autumn scenes

  • Transfer and check-in at Oppdal Turisthotell

  • Evening briefing for musk ox days: safety, ethics, behavior, and shooting strategy

Day 6 (September 13):

Musk ox photography

Musk Ox Rutting Season – Guided Photo Day

  • Full day in Dovrefjell with a guide for musk ox photography

  • Focus: photographing rutting season behavior (harems, rivalry, dramatic moments)

  • Fitness: expect 2–5 hours of walking, some uphill/downhill, around 12 km/day

Day 7 (September 14):

Musk ox photography

Musk Ox Morning Session + Wrap-Up & Return to Oslo

  • Second musk ox session in the morning — a fresh chance for better light and stronger rutting-season behavior.

  • After the field session, we’ll do a short wrap-up with image highlights, key takeaways, and a clear next-step plan for your photography.

  • Then we transfer back to Oslo with drop-off at Oslo Airport (Gardermoen / OSL) and/or Oslo city centre, arriving at approximately 8:00 PM (depending on traffic and conditions).

Ambitions & Goals

This workshop is about your growth and your images. Many photo tours emphasize being in the right place at the right time — but then the instructors often focus on getting their own shots. Our philosophy is different: we’re there to guide you personally, in the field, all day.

That can mean:

  • Helping you build stronger compositions on location (foreground, depth, balance, clean edges)

  • Showing you how to “work the scene” in Rondane — finding variety in waterfalls, rivers, forests, and mountain landscapes instead of taking one frame and moving on

  • Coaching you through fast-changing autumn conditions (wind, shifting light, wet terrain, and contrasty scenes)

  • Troubleshooting camera settings quickly so you stay focused on creative decisions

  • Preparing you for wildlife moments: anticipating behavior, choosing the right focal length, and composing musk oxen in the landscape (not just tight portraits)

  • Guiding you through safe and ethical musk ox photography during rutting season — when behavior can change quickly

  • 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 autumn photography week in Rondane and Dovrefjell — with strong locations, calm guidance, and a plan that adapts to light, weather, and wildlife opportunities.

Goals for the week:

  • Build stronger compositions (foreground, depth, balance, clean edges)

  • Learn how to find and photograph “intimate landscapes” in Rondane (details, textures, patterns, water)

  • Become confident photographing water and movement (long exposures that feel natural)

  • Be ready for musk ox moments during rutting season (settings, behavior awareness, composition, safety)

  • Develop a reliable Lightroom Classic workflow for autumn color and mood (white balance, contrast, local adjustments, finishing)

  • Leave with a tight mini-portfolio from Rondane & Dovrefjell — not just a memory card full of “almost”

Musk Ox & Autumn Nature

Photography Workshop

September 8– 14, 2027

Tickets: $ 3,500 per person

Start: September 8: at 12:00 PM

End: September 14: at 8:00 PM

  • Seven days and six nights of on-location photography training across Rondane National Park and Dovrefjell, with a strong focus on autumn landscapes and musk ox photography

  • Two full days of guided musk ox photography on Dovrefjell during the rutting season, when herd dynamics can be dramatic (harems, rival bulls, action opportunities)

  • 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 Rondane’s rivers, waterfalls, mountain forests, intimate landscapes, and wide mountain views, plus Dovrefjell’s open highland habitat for musk ox

  • A structured daily rhythm built around the best light, with flexible planning based on weather, conditions, and wildlife opportunities

  • Evening sessions on selected days with image review and practical Lightroom Classic tips to help you finish your images with confidence

  • Fitness note (important for musk ox days): Expect 2–5 hours of walking per day, a few uphill/downhill sections at a calm pace, and around 12 km/day while carrying your own camera equipment

  • Access to a private WhatsApp group well in advance for travel tips, gear advice, and sharing questions and images leading up to the workshop

Payment plan:

  • $500 deposit is paid at registration

  • The remaining balance will be invoiced about two months before the workshop begins.

Accommodation:

  • Rondane Høyfejellshotel (Sep 8–12) + Oppdal Turisthotell (Sep 12–14)

  • 6 nights included

  • Breakfast is included every day

  • Lunch and dinner are not included, but we’ll coordinate meals as a group (we’ll organize dinner each evening and keep lunches simple around the shooting plan)

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.

A smiling man with glasses, medium-length brown hair, and a light beard, wearing a striped shirt and a light-colored jacket, in front of a plain background.

Meet the Instructors

  • 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

A young man wearing sunglasses and a black New York Yankees cap is sitting in a convertible car parked near the coast, with a view of the ocean and a wooden fence in the background.
  • Terje is a full-time Norwegian photographer specializing in landscapes and cityscapes. He leads workshops in Norway, Paris, Italy, and the Dolomites. His work is showcased through exhibitions and available as fine art prints.

    Portfolio: terjephotography.com

 FAQs

    • Seven days / six nights of on-location photography training with both instructors

    • Breakfast at Dovreskogen Gjestegård and Dombås Hotel each day

    • Two full days of guided musk ox photography on Dovrefjell (rutting season focus)

    • A structured plan with daily field sessions and a flexible approach based on weather, light, and wildlife conditions

    • Hands-on guidance in the field (composition, technique, exposure, filters, working the scene)

    • Optional image reviews and Lightroom Classic tips on selected evenings

    • Practical support before the trip (gear advice, planning tips, and what to expect in autumn mountains)

    • Access to a private WhatsApp group in advance for travel tips, gear advice, and Q&A

    • Travel to/from the workshop area

    • Lunch and dinner (we’ll coordinate optional group dinners, but meals are paid individually)

    • Personal travel insurance (recommended)

    • Alcohol, snacks, and personal purchases

    • Bike rental (if you choose to rent for the Rondvassbu day)

  • We stay in two hotels to match the flow of the program:

    • Dovreskogen Gjestegård (Sep 8–12)

      Dombås Hotel (Sep 12–14)

    Accommodation is included. Room type (single/shared) can be handled the same way as your other workshops: if you’re traveling with a partner and want to share, that’s usually possible — just let us know early so we can plan correctly. We confirm room preferences and practical details after booking.

  • We meet in Oslo on the first day, with two pick-up options:

    • Oslo Airport (Gardermoen / OSL) at around 3:00 PM

    • Oslo city centre at around 2:00 PM (by prior arrangement)

    The workshop finishes on the last day with a transfer back to Oslo. We’ll drop you off at OSL and/or Oslo city centre, aiming to arrive at approximately 8:00 PM (depending on traffic and conditions).

    After you register, you’ll receive a practical info sheet with meeting point details and suggested flight times.

  • We keep the days simple: we’re out photographing as much as possible and adapt continuously to light, weather, and opportunities. Instead of splitting the day into separate sessions, we typically stay in the field, move between nearby locations when it makes sense, and keep shooting as conditions change.

    A typical day may include:

    • An early start when the light is best

    • Long, continuous time in the field (waterfalls, rivers, forest, or mountain landscapes depending on conditions)

    • Location changes during the day to follow the best light and weather (rather than returning for a “midday break”)

    • Dinner together as a group (we’ll organize it; paid individually)

    • Optional short review/edit session on selected evenings

    On the musk ox days, the day is built around the guided hike and time in the habitat — expect several hours outdoors with a calm, steady pace and plenty of time to work the scenes safely.

  • You can arrive by car, or come by train and coordinate pickup in advance. During the workshop we’ll coordinate transport between locations so the group moves smoothly (and we keep logistics simple). A detailed practical info sheet is shared after booking, and the WhatsApp group is used to coordinate arrivals and car sharing.

  • For the Rondane landscape days, expect short to moderate walks from parking areas and along rivers/waterfalls (uneven ground is common).

    For the musk ox days, participants should be in good physical condition and able to walk while carrying their own equipment. Expect:

    • 2–5 hours of walking per day

    • Some uphill and downhill sections (walked at a calm, steady pace)

    • Around 5-12 km per day on average

  • Autumn mountain weather changes fast — and we plan for it. If conditions shift, we adapt by changing locations and focusing on what works best in the moment: waterfalls and rivers in moody light, forest and intimate scenes in wind, sheltered compositions when conditions are harsh, and using dramatic skies when they show up.

    You’ll still get strong shooting opportunities — and often the “bad weather” days become the most atmospheric images.

  • 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, storytelling, and building a cohesive set of images (especially on the musk ox days).

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Recommended kit for autumn landscapes + musk ox:

    • Camera (DSLR or mirrorless)

    • Wide-angle lens (landscapes, waterfalls, and environmental wildlife scenes)

    • Standard zoom (flexibility)

    • Telephoto lens for musk ox (strongly recommended)

    • Sturdy tripod (very useful for waterfalls and low light)

    • Extra batteries + charger

    • Plenty of memory cards

    • Lens cloths (spray and mist happen around waterfalls)

    • Backpack rain cover / camera rain cover (useful)

    • Optional: polarizer (highly recommended), ND filter for long exposures, remote release

  • Pack for changeable autumn mountain conditions and time outdoors:

    • Layering system (base + insulation + shell)

    • Waterproof/windproof outer layers

    • Warm hat and gloves

    • Hiking boots with good grip (uneven ground and wet areas near water)

    • Extra socks

    • Small daypack for layers, water, and snacks

    • Optional but useful: trekking poles (helpful on longer walking days), gaiters, and a thermos.

  • Wildlife is never guaranteed. Dovrefjell gives some of the best chances in Norway, and we plan two dedicated guided musk ox days to maximize our odds. When the animals are present, rutting season behavior can create intense and memorable photo opportunities — but we always prioritize safety and ethical distance.

  • Yes. On the guided days we help you individually with settings, focus, shutter choices, composition, and (most importantly) how to photograph musk ox in the landscape while staying safe. The goal is that everyone who wants strong wildlife images comes home with strong results — not just a few rushed frames.

  • If you have more questions regarding the workshop, don’t hesitate to contact us at: terje@terjephotography.com

Musk Ox & Autumn Nature Photography Workshop

Musk Ox & Autumn Nature Photography Workshop

Musk Ox & Autumn Nature Photography Workshop

September 8 – 14, 2027 (7 Days / 6 Nights)

Tickets: $ 3,500 per person

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