Start: February 19, 2025, Leknes, Noway
End: February 26, 2025, Leknes, Norway
Group: Maximum 8 guests
Price: $4550 ($4250 if booked before Oct. 18, 2024) Single Accommodation (Leknes only) - $750.
Guides: Mike Reyfman, Pavel Oskin
Picturesque fishing villages, deep fjords surrounded by charismatic rugged mountains, amazing scenic beaches, and strings of bridges holding all this beauty together combine to form awe-inspiring, photogenic scenery. Located well above the Arctic Circle at 68°N, these high-latitude islands bathed in February in magic soft Arctic twilight are considered to be the most beautiful setting in Norway.
Much of Lofoten is comprised of some of the oldest rock formations known. These so-called "primeval rocks" are the remnants of a once enormous 3-billion-year-old plateau. Yet the islands' "younger" sharp-peaked "alpine" mountains are high enough that geologists believe they were not covered with ice during the glaciated periods of the Pleistocene—its last ice age ending between 10,000 and 14,000 years ago. It is these ragged mountains, rising dramatically from the sea, that rank high among our photography targets.
The winter, especially January and February, is the best time to see Aurora Borealis. In order to be able to photograph the Northern Lights, the sky needs to be clear. We will continuously follow the weather forecasts and in good weather conditions we will look out for the dazzling lights. The polar lights can appear at any time, but most likely between 20:00 and 01:00.
Earn yourself an incredible portfolio showcasing the very best in landscape photography when you join this photo tour of the Lofoten Islands, the jewel in Norway’s scenic crown!
☛ FEATURE: NORTHERN LIGHTS. The Lofoten Islands are one of the best places in the world to witness and photograph the Northern Lights. We will be so far North, that even low aurora activity is often visible given the right conditions. However, for a truly magical experience, we will want clear skies, cool temperatures, and significant solar flare activity coming off the sun. None of this is guaranteed but is highly likely this time of year and we’ll do our best to put the group in the perfect position for an Aurora photo shoot at each location.
☛ FEATURE: LATE SUNRISES / EARLY SUNSETS. The days will grow almost an hour longer during our workshop, though the sun still remains quite low on the horizon until the end of February and twilight lasts for almost an hour. It’s a good mix of short days and long nights, providing enough time to get to different locations for sunrise and sunset and do a few other things at midday. Nights are long and there is usually enough time not only for Aurora hunt but also for a good sleep.
☛ FEATURE: SMALL GROUP / TWO EXPERIENCED GUIDES. We will have two experienced guides on this trip and the number of participants will be limited to 10. So you are the focus of our attention. Due to the small size of the group, you have the opportunity to discuss with us photographic topics of your personal choice and immediately put them into practice. We also will be able to split the group in two on some occasions, if the location preferences of the participants differ.
The nature of the Lofoten requires flexibility, as the weather conditions change fast. In order to make the best out of each day, the schedule of the tour will be constantly adapted to these conditions. And of course at night, if the skies are clear and the weather forecasts good, we will hunt for the dazzling Northern Lights.
*We are traveling in the Arctic region and there is always a possibility of a flight delays due to inclement weather conditions such as fog, snow, heavy winds, etc. We recommend overnighting in Oslo on you way home.
We will stay for four nights in beautiful yellow rorbuer cabins - waterfront fisherman’s cottages situated on the island of Sakrisøy. Each rorbuer is furnished in country home style and has two single rooms. Spacious and cozy living space with sofas, dining and coffee tables, kitchen, and bathroom are shared between two guests.
Three more nights will be spent in luxurious waterfront cabins. Each cabin is furnished in a modern home style and has three private bedrooms. The terrace with outdoor seating, spacious and cozy living areas with sofas, dining and coffee tables, kitchen, and bathroom are shared between two guests.
Days are short, eateries are scarce and we should be very flexible with breakfasts and lunches. All our cottages are equipped with kitchens and dining areas. We will do grocery shopping and will be able to make our own breakfasts and lunches (or lunch boxes). It will allow us to spend precious time on photography. For dinners on most days, we will go to one of the cozy and very tasty local restaurants.
Lofoten islands are known for their inconsistent and at times stormy weather which often creates incredible nature scenes. Fantastic light situations come into life and the images immediately obtain a more dramatic mood. Due to the warm Gulf stream, the temperatures here are a lot milder than in other regions on the same latitude, like Alaska or Greenland. The average temperature in February is around 0°C (32°F). It always balances over zero. But don’t relax it could be several degrees colder on some days! Also, winds and the sea often make you feel colder. Even if the actual temperature is zero, you may feel like -5°C or even like -10°C.
Remember to protect yourself from rain, snow, and wind. The outside clothing layer (top and bottom) should be waterproof. We recommend warm, breathable, and functional clothing in various layers „onion“ style. The clothing should dry quickly, transport humidity and sweat to the outside, and keep you dry and comfortable inside without losing the warmth of the body. It is absolutely essential to pack long underwear, gloves, beanie, and scarf. Well-worn winter boots with a good sole are very important. A pair of good, knee-high wellingtons is essential. We'll have a lot of shore shooting on beautiful beaches, sometimes even during the night to grab Aurora reflection shots. You can hardly get amazing photos without interacting with the sea. Make sure to bring woolen/warm socks and liner socks (best to wear 2 socks on top of each other). And don't forget a pair of shoe ice cleats - it is often some ice on rocks and passways.
All our shooting locations are easily reachable by a 10-minute walk from the car. We will not climb or hike on this tour, but you should be able to walk on uneven and possibly icy surfaces. You must be prepared for windy and cold weather. Some sessions may last up to 2-3 hours with the possibility to warm up in the car from time to time.
Please register for this workshop using the form below. Deposit payment of $1500 is required upon booking. We will send you payment instructions for a deposit payment upon registration. The remaining balance is due October 18, 2024.
I attended two trips with Mike, both were very well organized and value for money. I returned with many jaw dropping shots, and experiencing those animals in real life was even more exhilarating. I would go with him again and again - and eventually will.
I just came back from a four-week trip to South Georgia Island, Patagonia, and Iguazu Falls with Mike. It was a trip of a lifetime. Some of these places are remote and hard to get to. Mike managed and organized all of it. I would probably have never gone to these places if I had not joined his group. He had been very responsive and helpful during the time leading up to the trip; I asked him countless questions about camera gear, backpacks and clothing items to bring. He patiently answered them all. He was also extremely helpful during the trip, offering technical support, giving suggestions, and even offering an extra day to make up for a rained-out day. Overall, I had a wonderful time and took loads and loads of photos to take home to process.
I want to thank you for an amazing trip to South Georgia. My last-minute switch to your trip was a blessing in disguise. It was definitely one of my best trips ever- and the group made it so special. With the focus on photography with all of the amazing photographers you brought from all over the world - it could not have been better
One of my favorite trips of all times! Mike Reyfman was very responsive the full year before we left. I was in good hands every step of the way with the expedition team. I saw everything I'd hoped to see (and more). Highly recommend!
From the first time I saw Mike's captivating Namibia pictures, I knew this is the place I must see. I signed up for the next expedition without hesitation. And yes, I got everything and even more than I expected: spectacular scenery of Namib Desert and Sossusvlei, mesmerizing ghost town Kolmanskop, surreal sights of Deadvlei, scenic helicopter rides over the desert and ocean with mind-blowing views, desert "rollercoaster" rides, and safari game drives. It had been an unforgettable and unique experience. The logistics of the trip were extremely complex, but they were very well and thoughtfully crafted by Mike, with attention to details such as exclusive lodge locations where we stayed, ensuring we enjoyed the accommodations and were always in the right place at the right time.
Mike's leadership, professionalism, and willingness to help every member of the team go above and beyond. He shared his experience, knowledge, and skills and made sure we were able to get That perfect shot. Participating in Mike's expeditions is always a very inspirational, enriching, and learning experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared it with such a passionate and talented photographer.
I did two Greenland trips with World Photo Travels and I was absolutely impressed by the outstanding service provided by the company's founder Mike Reyfman. Both times the planning and expectations for the adventure were very well communicated and executed. Mike provided sufficient pre-departure information and helpful tips for the participants to properly prepare for the sailing photo tour in the Wild North.
Everything was handled perfectly during the trip. The boat, the crew, the guides, and the itinerary they chose were excellent. Everybody did their best to make the most out of the trip. It was a great Arctic adventure with comfortable onboard accommodations and elaborate cuisine. There were two photo guides so we had plenty of opportunities for one-on-one feedback and professional help and tips to boost our photography skills. The shooting locations and times were carefully selected; the guides and the boat captain worked as a team choosing the best route and navigation to give us paramount vantage points for shooting.
World Photo Travels is not just about photography but the experiences, the people, great social time, and lots of fun!
Great trip. Mike worked constantly with the crew and expedition guides to maximize our opportunities at all times of day and "night" - photo opportunities 'round the clock in the Arctic midnight sun - even waking us for 0-hour zodiac excursions. Can't say enough about the ship crew and the tour leads in making it the best trip possible.
Svalbard was a five-star plus photo expedition The location offers an unprecedented number of photo opportunities; both wildlife and landscape. It is truly dramatic. Each day of the expedition brought a new experience as we sailed around the archipelago. Mike was a first-class leader of the expedition always on hand to offer support and advice with each photo opportunity. Mike has a wealth of experience and knowledge.
It is also worth highlighting his partnership with Yves, our Expedition Leader. Yves was a critical element to the overall success with his in-depth knowledge of Svalbard and its wildlife inhabitants. Freya is a "first-class base" for the trip; well-equipped, superb crew, great food, and extremely comfortable cabins and social space. Over and above the "photography side" of the trip, it was a very sociable trip with many very talented amateur photographers coming together from different continents.
I just got back from an EPIC trip ice-breaking through Svalbard. Usually, when I go on these trips as weather and animal sightings can be so unpredictable, my expectation is to go home with ONE framable photo! However, on this trip, I easily have 10 framable photos plus many hundreds of great images of rare animals in their natural habitat! Beautiful!
One of the things I love about Mike's trips is that they are for real photography, there is no compromise. If we don't sleep in days to get the shot, then we don't sleep! But get the shot. Too many of these tours end up being travel and not photography. So for this reason, if you want the shot, you book one of Mike's trips. This is my second time with him and another thing that stands out is the quality of the guides, they have always been above excellent and super dedicated to the cause, which is always enjoyable and refreshing. This trip was truly great as we also had an amazing mixed group of nationalities. Look forward to the next trip!
I just got back from an AMAZING photo tour to the Cypress Swamps hosted by Mike Reyfman and Dmitry Arkhipov! Mike and Dimitry planned and executed everything beautifully. They know exactly where and when to take you for the best photographs, as he knows these swamps so well. Mike and Dmitry both are world-class photographers and they shared their knowledge with us throughout the trip. If we had questions (no matter what kind of cameras we had), they had answers. It was also a great group! For a few days, we stayed in these cabins and it was a fun time collaborating on photography, cooking, and eating meals together. and establishing friendships...it really made this tour special!
I will definitely be taking another tour with Mike and/or Dmitry...hopefully soon!