Autumn Lofoten II — Smidphotography.com

I would like to invite you to the true paradise of landscape photographers - Norwegian Lofoten - for a photo expedition focused on landscape (day & night) and the Northern Lights photography.

This photo expedition aims to photograph the most beautiful parts of Lofoten and at the same time to give to the participants of the epedition the know-how they need to take day and night photos (especially panoramic, but also regular single shots) to their liking.

The Lofoten Islands are one of the most attractive things Norway, and Scandinavia for that matter, has to offer. Fjords, diverse coastlines, high peaks, all this is just a fraction of what we will see in Lofoten. The September date promises ideal conditions for photography, the whole Lofoten Islands are beautifully autumn-coloured (autumn starts earlier in Lofoten than in the Czech Republic). September is also ideal for photographing the Aurora Borealis.

September is also ideal for photographing the Northern Lights. As Lofoten is even further north than Iceland, the chances of seeing and photographing the Northern Lights are more than good. Lofoten has the added advantage of offering plenty of photographic targets even in inclement weather. As Lofoten is strongly influenced by the Gulf Stream, there is no need to worry about freezing weather. Autumn and winter temperatures in Lofoten are milder than in the Czech Republic.

Location: Lofoten (Norway)
Date: 27th September - 5th October 2024
Number of participants: min. 5, max. 8 photographers
Number of lecturers: 3 (!)
Air transport
Price per photo expedition: 37 990,- CZK

For whom the course is intended

The photography expedition is designed for photographers interested in landscape photography. It doesn't matter whether you are advanced landscapers or beginners. On the photo expedition, you will learn new techniques and approaches to photographing landscapes with a focus on creating multi-row panoramic photos and night landscapes with stars (both static and dynamic stars). This will be complemented by the method of exposure bracketing, you will learn advanced exposure metering and the rules of focusing for panoramic photos. Last but not least, we will learn how to capture the Northern Lights so that we are able to print it in the best possible quality and in large sizes.

Advantages of Photography Expedition

Participants will gain the know-how of landscape, star and the Northern Lights photography. There are no "production secrets" or secret procedures for taking photos.
Getting to know the most interesting locations of Lofoten.
We shoot at well-known places, but primarily focus on locations where other photographers rarely or never visit... experience shooting with us at familiar, but also at undiscovered locations.
Photo locations for everyone. Are you physically fit and want to shoot mainly from the peaks of the Lofoten mountains? Or, on the contrary, do you have health issues or simply running out of stamina? No problem. Thanks to the high number of instructors and cars, we tailor the program individually for each expedition participant according to their physical capabilities. On our expeditions, no one is ever "the last one lagging behind."
Variable photographic spots in a good and also bad weather.
Friendly atmosphere and small number of participants.
Above-standard number of lecturers (3!), thanks to which a very individual approach to each participant is guaranteed.

Recommended Equipment

Ideally a Digital SLR or mirrorless camera with one or more lenses and tripod. Do you only shoot with a mobile phone? That doesn't have to be an obstacle, and you can confidently join us. In a limited number and under certain conditions, we are able to arrange photographic equipment for those of you who may still be deciding which brand of cameras and lenses to purchase. Detailed information about the recommended equipment will be provided to each participant after a binding registration.

Are you thinking about new photography equipment or maybe just want to optimize your lenses, need advice on purchasing suitable clothing, or are unsure about choosing a new tripod etc.? No problem. As part of the pre-expedition preparation, we offer and routinely conduct a wide range of consultation services, which are included in the price of the expedition.

Price includes

Lecturers guidance throughout the expedition.
Dealing with the individual requirements of each participant, lectures and moderated discussions.
Complete know-how for photographic work, shooting single shots and panoramic photos, shooting night landscapes and stars (Aurora Borealis), compositional rules, focusing, knowledge of exposure bracketing, antireflective shots, focus bracketing, exposure averaging, complete post process.
Approximately 200 pages of study materials for each participant.
Complete transportation during the expedition, day and night.
Assistance with group flight tickets purchases.

Accommodation in a typical Norwegian house with double rooms, fully equipped kitchen, living room with TV etc., right in the heart of Lofoten. As well as full service during the whole expedition.

Additionally, the amenities include a washing machine, tumble dryer, coffee maker, toaster, hairdryer, and more.

Price does not include

Dining options (the accommodation features a kitchen for self-catering), any admission fees or tickets, and air travel (the cost for a round-trip ticket is approximately 10 000 CZK).

Detailed itinerary of the photo expedition

Are you interested in the detailed itinerary of the photo expedition? Do you want to know where we will be shooting on the third day, what we will have for dinner on the fourth day, where we will be shooting on the fifth day, or what time we will have breakfast on the seventh day? Then you won't find that with us.

We fundamentally reject this type of sightseeing tours! We adapt our program to current weather forecast models. Based on the knowledge and experience of the lecturers, we select for shooting those locations where there are currently the greatest chances of successfully taking photos. From an organizational standpoint, this type of photo expedition is significantly more demanding than a preset "prefabricated" model of travel agencies, regardless of weather and photographers' needs. However, we organize a real photo expedition. Our goal is for each participant to take as many photos as they expect and envision.