LANDSCAPE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP - SENJA, NORWEGIAN ARCTIC
Join Tom in February 2025 on this magical eight-day, winter-landscape workshop to explore the bewitching Norwegian island of Senja, situated far above the Arctic Circle - an untouched photographic paradise of snow-clad jagged peaks, traditional fishing villages and glass-like fjords, far from the madding crowds. The high latitude means the blue hour - that enchanting spell between sunset and true darkness - can stretch to three hours at this time of year, and night skies free of light pollution make it one of the best places on Earth to shoot the Northern Lights. This will be Tom's sixth trip to Senja, so he knows the locations extremely well to ensure you'll be in the right place for the right conditions. P.S., Tom is also running an exciting new Finnish Lapland workshop before Senja, so why not book both for the ultimate winter landscape photography experience and save £100.
PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP AT A GLANCE
Book your place on this eight-day winter landscape photography workshop, featuring the unspoilt "fairy island" of Senja. You certainly won't be jostling for shooting space in its 579 square miles of pristine wild landscapes.
Far above the Arctic Circle, and in a year when solar activity is reaching a peak, this workshop will be an amazing opportunity to photograph the aurora borealis. Other highlights include the dramatic jagged mountains, seascapes and fjords of northwest Senja, as well as the Arctic Cathedral in the beautiful island city of Tromso.
You'll get to share this magical experience with a small group of like-minded photographers. With no more than five participants, there'll be a relaxed atmosphere and plenty of time for everyone to benefit from one-to-one tuition, as well as group work.
With Tom's expert guidance, your photography will come on in leaps and bounds. As well as general composition and landscape techniques, you'll find out how to get the best shots of the Northern Lights, mountainscapes and seascapes, and work with lower light at sunset and in the "blue hour". There'll also be time to develop your post-production skills.
All transport during the workshop is included, so you can sit back, enjoy the ride and feast your eyes on the magnificent Arctic landscapes unfolding all around you.
February in the Norwegian Arctic means sub-zero temperatures and snow but you know what outdoor photographers say - there's no such thing as cold weather, just the wrong clothes! Think skiwear and thermals, and you won't go wrong.
Your accommodation includes a well-appointed private room and a hearty breakfast to set you up for a day of fresh air and photography.
It's also a great opportunity to experience Norwegian cuisine, which is fast gaining an international reputation. As you'd expect, seafood is very popular, including skrie (Atlantic cod) and king crab. Norway is also famous for its lamb and game, and you can satisfy a sweet tooth with a traditional smultring (donut), vafler (waffle) or solboller (sun bun).
SENJA WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS
After meeting up in the afternoon at Tromso Airport on February 4, we'll be spending our first three nights in this small island city, dubbed the "Gateway to the Arctic".
Highlights include the historic wooden buildings lining the harbour and the masterpiece of modernist architecture that is the Arctic Cathedral - a soaring aluminium and concrete-clad A-frame at the mainland end of the graceful Tromso Bridge. Heading out of the city creates wonderful opportunities to frame it nestling in the pristine white landscape, ringed by mountains and clear, calm fjords.
For the next four nights we'll be enjoying the tranquillity of Senja, based in comfortable apartments with incredible views overlooking a beautiful bay. With its absence of cruise ships and coach tours, Norway's second-largest island feels a million miles apart from other Arctic tourist destinations and a welcome haven for undisturbed photography. It's so quiet, you're far more likely to spot moose and reindeer than tourists!
Our main focus will be the dramatic seascapes and landscapes to the island's northwest. Highlights include the beautiful bay of Teistevika, the spectacular viewpoint at Bergsbotn overlooking the Bergsfjord, and Okshornan, a series of jagged peaks plunging sheer into the sea, whose viciously jagged form earns it the nickname of the Devil's Teeth.
Traditional red fishing huts add a splash of eye-catching colour to stark panoramas, and mirror-still fjords offer superb opportunities for reflections. Weather and solar winds permitting, we'll also be capturing the Northern Lights - although even with a low KP index, they are usually visible, bathing the island's scenery in their otherworldly glow.
On our last morning it's an early start to head back to Tromso for midday flights - if you can bear to tear yourself away from this remarkable photo destination!
What's included?
- One-to-one and group tuition with Tom
- 7 nights' accommodation
- Private rooms (no single supplement)
- Breakfast
- Transfers to/from Tromso Airport
- Transport during workshop
What's not included?
- Flights
- Travel insurance
- Lunches, evening meals, snacks and drinks
Whether you're a beginner or a semi-pro, you'll find plenty to learn and enjoy on this workshop.
You'll require either a digital camera with at least a 16GB memory card (minimum 32GB if it's high resolution) or a film camera (SLR, medium, large or wide format) - Tom has many years of experience working with both.
Additional kit - a tripod, shutter release and polarising filter will help you maximise your shooting opportunities, although they aren't essential.
Average fitness levels - we won't be doing anything too strenuous.
As you can imagine, conditions in the Norwegian Arctic in February are sub-zero, with regular snowfalls. Expect daytime highs of -4C / 25F, dropping down to an average low of -10C / 14F. You'll need good quality, cold-weather gear, including thermals. Tom recommends Sorel thermal waterproof boots and a set of ice grips are also a must.
To ensure quality time for in-depth, one-to-one tuition, there are just five places available on this workshop, so do book early to avoid disappointment.
If you have any questions about Tom's photography workshops, please check the frequently asked questions page. Alternatively, get in touch with Tom directly and he'll be happy to help you.
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