As photographers, we’re always at the mercy of Mother Nature. My first Lofoten Photography Tour of 2025 tested our patience with its challenging weather but rewarded us with moments of magic and camaraderie that made it all worthwhile. Here’s a day-by-day recap of our journey.
Monday: Battling the Elements
The tour began with relentless rain and wind, forcing us to write off the entire day before it has even begun. While disappointing, it gave us time to reset expectations and prepare for the days ahead.
Tuesday: A Perfect Day
Tuesday brought the kind of weather every photographer dreams of. Before sunrise, we were treated to a breathtaking display of polar stratospheric clouds, a rare and ethereal sight that set the tone for an unforgettable day. Moving on to Hamnøy Bridge, the group focused on capturing the classic red cabins contrasted against the snow-dusted mountains. The light was soft and diffused, providing perfect conditions for shooting detailed and balanced compositions.
After Hamnøy, we explored Reine, where the group worked on incorporating the triangle peak into their compositions. I shared techniques for framing landscapes, ensuring the subject’s prominence while balancing foreground elements.
The day concluded with a stunning Northern Lights display. Though the sky had intermittent clouds, the auroras shone brightly through the gaps, and we captured images for over three hours. Spirits were high, and the group was buzzing with excitement over their results.
Wednesday: Stormy Skies Return
Another storm kept us indoors all day. While frustrating, we used the time to discuss editing techniques, plan our remaining days, and share stories.
Thursday: Shooting Between Showers
A showery day allowed us to visit Haukland Beach, Uttakliev Beach, and Vik Beach. At Haukland, the group worked on using the edge of the river and the wet/dry sandas a leading line. Light and conditions were not great but we made the most of the conditions. Moving to Uttakliev, we found a unique foreground of textured rocks that complemented the mist-shrouded mountains in the distance. I demonstrated how to use leading lines in the foreground to draw the viewer’s eye toward the main subject.
At Vik Beach, patience paid off as we timed our shots between showers. The group experimented with half a second exposures to capture motion in the water. Despite the challenging conditions, everyone came away with images they were proud of, and the improvement in their technical approach was clear.
Unfortunately, Dev’s tripod broke on this day, highlighting the importance of coming prepared with the right tools for the job. This is exactly why I send out a gear list that specifically advises against using inexpensive tripods from Amazon or eBay, ensuring participants are equipped with reliable gear for the tour.
Friday: More rain and Scouting
The snow turned to heavy rain, so we scouted a few other locations for the next day. On Friday evening, we dedicated about two hours to a Lightroom session. I walked the group through my workflow for editing images and answered numerous questions. Andy, Malc, Diane, and Dev all joined and picked up plenty of tips and tricks. Andy and Malc especially loved the session, mentioning how much they learned from seeing my editing process.
Saturday: A Snowy Nusfjord
Saturday brought a welcome change with snow replacing the rain. We spent the day in Nusfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The group explored its traditional buildings, focusing on the smaller details like old signs and artifacts etc. A lesser-known viewpoint provided a unique angle of the heritage buildings and harbour, enhanced by long exposures. The group loved being outside after days of poor weather, and the snow lifted everyone’s spirits.
Sunday: A Packed Final Day
With sunshine and showers in the forecast, Sunday was full of opportunities. We began at Flakstad Church during blue hour, followed by the famous red cabin at Rambergstranda. I shared tips about symmetry and careful framing, which the group found invaluable.
Afterward, we returned to Hamnøy, revisiting a scouted location. Snowfall created a serene scene as we experimented with long exposures.
Lunch was a quick on-the-go stop before heading to Sakrisøy to photograph the iconic yellow cabins against the triangle mountain. Crowds made this location challenging, but patience paid off. We wrapped up the day with a final stop to shoot the triangle mountain before heading back to Ramberg for packing.
Later that evening, I returned to the house to start preparing for the next day. Around 7:30 PM, I stepped outside to check the sky. After a quick photo with my phone pointing north and then south, there was aurora in the sky! Inside I went, got dressed, and decided to head toward Vik Beach for one final aurora shoot. On my way, I messaged the group chat, and Andy and Malc immediately responded with excitement, agreeing to join. Dev must have been sleeping as she didn’t reply.
We arrived at Vik Beach during a heavy snow shower, but after about 15 minutes, the sky cleared completely. Down on the beach, we set up just as the aurora burst into action, filling the sky with vibrant light. For an hour, we photographed the spectacular display under perfectly clear skies until another heavy snow shower rolled in, signaling it was time to pack up. I dropped Andy and Malc back at their hotel, both incredibly grateful for the extra opportunity to shoot the aurora. With a final goodbye, I headed back to the house for a well-earned rest.
Reflections
This tour reminded us that patience and preparation are crucial for any photography trip. Weather is unpredictable, and the ability to adapt is essential. From breathtaking auroras earlier in the week to the unplanned and magical final shoot at Vik Beach on Sunday night, the tour was filled with rewarding moments that showcased the beauty of Lofoten’s winter landscapes.
The group bonded through shared challenges and excitement, learning new techniques and pushing their creativity. Moments like the impromptu aurora session with Andy and Malc demonstrated the importance of staying open to opportunities, even after a packed schedule.
As I sit here preparing for the next tour, I’m reminded of the value of these experiences—not just for the photography but for the shared passion and the stories we create together. Every tour tells its own story, and this one was a testament to resilience and the beauty of embracing the unexpected.
Now, onto the next adventure!
