Norway Photography Tours & Workshops

I recently completed a Lofoten Islands tour. The weather did not comply at all, but that’s part of the gamble when going to the arctic in the winter. However, I was very impressed with how diligent our guides were in trying to get us the best possible experience no matter what. Local knowledge of the area and weather patterns were very key in being able to get out and take some shots vs. sitting inside a cabin not knowing where to go or what to do with the winter storms. Every time our guides suggested we head somewhere to see if the weather would break–it did, even if the cloud cover didn't fully let up at least the rain/sleet/snow/hail did for awhile. Even so, I was able to get some great moody shots of fantastic locations. There was also an incident with another (unrelated) tour guide leader, who clearly didn't understand night/aurora photography, which also clearly showed that my choice of tours was vastly superior. I’m so pleased with my experience that I’m signing up for another tour already.

I will echo the others’ impressions of the Svalbard Tour. I would rate the trip in the top five and perhaps even the very best trip in my 50 years or so of traveling around the world. Everything was just perfect. The scenery was totally breathtaking, with an incredible mix of mountains, rugged coastlines, flat land, tundra, glaciers, icebergs and packed ice. The weather was fantastic most of the time, including the experience of gale force winds for 24 hours. The wildlife was beyond expectations, with great views of polar bears, seals, walruses, foxes, whales, and of course all the arctic birds I was hoping to spot. The Brigantine Antigua was amazing, oozing with old charm from all angles. The rooms were small but functional, and the food was delicious with every meal. The company was one of the best part, a friendly and tight group of people from different corners of the world and a variety of interests. The expedition guides were outstanding and the briefings and lectures were eagerly awaited with excitement every day. I would like to add a personal note of appreciation for the bird watching skills of Morten the ornithologist who would always be on the look out and point out new arctic birds every day. It was a haunting trip that will stay with me for ever.