Photo Expedition Winter Lofoten 2026
12th March – 20th March 2026
Real Arctic field photography focused on decision-making, not sightseeing.
We work with composition, timing, exposure control and panoramas directly in the field — in real winter conditions, changing light and unpredictable weather.
This expedition is designed for photographers who want to understand why an image works — and repeat it anywhere.
Real Arctic winter photography — snow, storms, polar light and aurora
March 12 – March 20, 2026
📍 Lofoten Islands, Norway | 👤 Max 8 Participants | 📸 Up to 4 Instructors incl. Jan Šmíd, Master QEP
This winter photo expedition to the Lofoten Islands is focused on real Arctic field photography — working with light, weather and timing in demanding winter conditions. The emphasis is on strong compositions, winter landscapes and night photography under the aurora, with continuous hands-on guidance directly in the field.
👉 Secure your spot now and transform your portfolio in 2026! Don’t miss this exclusive opportunity!
Who Is This Winter Photo Workshop For? ❄️📸
Whether you're an experienced landscape photographer or an eager beginner, this Lofoten winter photo expedition is designed to take your skills to the next level. Receive expert guidance from Jan Šmíd (Master QEP) and his team of certified instructors as you capture stunning winter landscapes — from snow-covered peaks to the magical Aurora Borealis dancing over the Arctic.
This photography tour is ideal if you want to:
✅ Capture breathtaking single shots, panoramas, and nightscapes
✅ Shoot iconic fjords, rugged coastlines, and dramatic snow-covered peaks
✅ Master advanced focus, metering, exposure bracketing & focus stacking
✅ Learn pro techniques for Northern Lights photography and long exposures
✅ Be part of a small, supportive group with 1-on-1 coaching
✅ Discover hidden winter gems in the Arctic landscapes
Embark on this Lofoten photo tour and immerse yourself in the Arctic's golden season, all while elevating your photography skills to new heights!
🗺️ What Will We See During the Photo Expedition & Tour?
Our photo trip is all about flexibility — there’s no rigid itinerary (more details below). Each day, we adjust to the best lighting and weather conditions to ensure you capture stunning landscape shots.
In addition to the iconic golden-hour and aurora sessions, we'll uncover the hidden gems of Lofoten: picturesque fishing villages, rugged beaches, dramatic mountain viewpoints, and secret coastal spots. You'll experience both the well-known landmarks and the off-the-beaten-path locations that most travelers overlook.
We also incorporate opportunities for documentary-style photography and casual sightseeing, ensuring the journey is not just productive but unforgettable.
📍Highlights you may experience during the expedition include:
🏘️ Reine & Hamnøy – postcard-perfect red cabins and dramatic fjord landscapes
🏡 Sakrisøy – picturesque yellow rorbuer nestled under towering peaks
🌑 Skagsanden Beach – iconic black-sand beach with wave patterns
🏖️ Uttakleiv & Haukland – two of the most photogenic beaches in Northern Norway
🌊 Unstad Beach (optional hike) – famous surf spot with dramatic scenery and hiking nearby
🌉 Fredvang Bridges – leading lines, curves, and mountain-framed vistas
🏘️ Nusfjord – charming UNESCO-listed heritage fishing village
🌊 Flakstadøy’s Wild Coastline – remote cliffs and secret coves perfect for exploration
🏠 Å Village – the final village at the end of the road, with stunning views and atmosphere
🏝️ Ramberg Beach – Caribbean-like turquoise waters and wide sandy shorelines
⛰️ Reinebringen & Offersøykammen & Mannen & Vegen (optional hikes) – an amazing panoramic views over beaches, fjords, and peaks
💧 Sørvågen Waterfalls & Lakes – scenic cascades and serene alpine lakes in the dramatic Sørvågen backcountry, perfect for moody reflections and misty drama
⛪️ Flakstad Church – 18th-century red church standing strong by the sea
⛪️ Gimsøy Church – small white wooden church by the sea, anchored with steel cables to withstand Arctic storms
🔭 Panoramic Viewpoints
✨ …and much more. We never reveal all our spots up front 😉 some places are just too magical to spoil in advance. Trust us: this tour goes far beyond the guidebooks.
Here’s a map of some locations – the list is far from complete, and the pins are only approximate:
🟢 Physically Accessible Photo Tour, Adapted to Your Fitness Level
This expedition is suitable for all levels of fitness. Most photo locations require only light walks. If you're eager for hikes to high-altitude spots, you’ll have that option. And if you prefer an easy photo workshop with accessible viewpoints, we’ve got you covered too.
✅ No one is left behind.
✅ Flexible plan each day based on weather and fitness.
✅ up to 4 instructors, multiple vehicles = personalized approach.
🎥 Behind the Scenes of Our Winter Lofoten Photo Expeditions
Get an authentic glimpse into what it's like to join our winter photo tours in Lofoten. This backstage video captures real moments from past expeditions...
🎥 This is the first part of our Northern Lights photography theory series — essential viewing before heading out on your photo expedition. Learn how to plan, shoot, and succeed under the aurora-filled skies.
📍 Location: Lofoten Islands, Norway
📅 Dates: 12th March – 20th March 2026
👥 Participants: Max 8
👨🏫 Instructors: up to 4 – Jan Šmíd (Master QEP), Martin Strouhal (QEP), Pavel Drexler (Adobe Certified Professional), Michael Prouza
✈️ Flights: Group support available
💰 Price: 4990 USD
(🇨🇿 orientační cena pro CZ účastníky: 49 000 Kč — USD price applies to international bookings; CZK rate reflects local currency & local services)
💼 Deposit: 1490 USD
🏠 Accommodation: Private cabins (“rorbuer”) or luxury villa in Reine area (accommodation in twin rooms, single room available for an additional fee).
🍽 Meals: Breakfast included (!), self-catering or restaurants
🌐 Language: English (🇨🇿 český lektor k dispozici)
Why Photograph Lofoten in Winter – On Expedition with Jan Šmíd ❄️🌌
During this winter photo expedition to the Lofoten Islands, we work in real Arctic conditions — snow, wind, fast-changing light and limited daylight. Winter strips the landscape to its essence: clean shapes, strong contrasts, frozen beaches and sculpted mountain lines. And one of the key reasons to join our 2026 expeditions is the exceptional aurora activity expected during the peak of the current solar cycle — explained in detail in this article.
❄️ This is the season where composition matters most.
You’ll learn how to work with minimal color palettes, precise framing, telephoto compression and strong wide-angle structure — directly in the field, not in theory.
🌌 Expect Arctic scenes such as snow-covered mountains mirrored in fjords, dramatic winter seascapes, classic red rorbuer villages, long exposures under moody skies and — when conditions allow — the Aurora Borealis above the Arctic Ocean.
✅ Why Join This Lofoten Winter Photo Tour?
👨🏫 Led by Jan Šmíd, Master QEP. Award-winning landscape photographer with over 15 years of field teaching experience, supported by a strong instructional team.
👥 Small groups, real guidance. Maximum 8 participants with up to 4 instructors — allowing continuous hands-on guidance and individual feedback directly on location.
🌦 Real Arctic field photography. We work with weather, light and timing as they are. No fixed itineraries, no “tourist schedules” — only decisions based on real conditions.
📷 Hands-on teaching in real locations. Composition, exposure, timing, panoramas, night photography and winter-specific workflows explained directly in the field, scene by scene.
🧭 Flexible daily planning. Locations and shooting times are chosen each day to maximize photographic results — not to follow a pre-written plan.
📸 Recommended Photography Gear
To get the most out of your Lofoten photo expedition, we recommend bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera, a sturdy tripod, and a selection of wide-angle to telephoto lenses. But don't worry — even if you shoot exclusively on a smartphone, you're still welcome! We adapt our approach based on your gear and experience level.
🎒 Not sure what to bring? After you register, you'll receive a detailed gear checklist, plus personal advice tailored to your needs.
🧭 Still deciding on your setup? No problem. As part of your expedition package, we offer:
Equipment consultations before the trip
Tips for optimizing your current gear
Guidance on choosing tripods, filters, cameras, or weather-proof clothing
(Limited) access to test gear during the expedition
Whether you’re a seasoned pro fine-tuning your lens lineup or a beginner looking for a reliable kit — we’ll make sure you’re fully prepared for every location and lighting condition. No matter if you shoot full-frame, crop sensor, or even mobile — we’ll make sure you’re ready to capture every winter wonder Lofoten throws your way.
✅ What’s Included in the Price ❌ What’s Not Included
📸 Full photo instruction (up to 4 instructors incl. Jan Šmíd – Master QEP)
Techniques for panoramas, seascapes, aurora borealis/stars, bracketing, stacking, and editingPersonal mentoring & daily image reviews
🛌 8 nights in luxury cabins (traditional red houses) in Reine
Private terrace, hot tub, full kitchen, laundry, top amenities, double occupancystandard (single room available at extra cost)
🚘 All transport incl. airport pickup & local transfers
✈️ Flight assistance (group ticket coordination)
🍳 Daily breakfast (tailored to your preferences)
🎒 Extras: Free Sony gear test, pre-trip gear/clothing consult, personalized schedule
Flights to/from Lofoten
Lunch/dinner
Entry fees (if applicable)
How We Work: Flexible, Real-World Shooting (what about the itinerary)?
There is no fixed day-by-day itinerary. Each shooting day is planned based on real conditions — light, weather, wind and aurora forecasts. This flexible approach allows us to always be in the best possible location at the right moment, whether it’s for sunrise, sunset or night photography.
Thanks to long-term experience and deep local knowledge of Lofoten, we adapt quickly and focus on what matters most: strong landscape and Aurora images, not ticking boxes on a schedule.
🎯 Our mission is simple: To help every participant create the best images possible — every single day.
This photo expedition is designed as an intensive field-based learning experience, where photography is taught directly in real landscapes and changing conditions. If you want to understand how expeditions, private courses and mentoring connect into one complete education system — and how individual formats complement each other — you can read a detailed explanation here.
For those planning more premium workshops in 2026–2027, explore our Alaska Fall Landscape & Glacier Photo Expedition 2026 and Alaska Fall Photo Workshop 2027 — two high-end adventures focused on tundra colors, glaciers and the Aurora Borealis (fotoexpedice Aljaška 2026, fotoexpedice Aljaška 2027, fotoworkshop Aljaška).
❓ FAQ: Lofoten Winter Photo Tour 2026
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Absolutely! The expedition is open to photographers of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced pro, you'll receive personalized coaching from Jan Šmíd and his team to improve your skills in capturing the dramatic winter landscapes of Lofoten.
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The weather in Lofoten during winter is dramatic, with a mix of snow showers, clear sunny days, and cold nights. Temperatures usually range from -5°C to 5°C, but it can feel colder due to high humidity. The weather changes frequently, so we recommend bringing high-quality outdoor clothing to stay comfortable throughout your trip.
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Don’t worry! We can adapt to any gear you have, whether it’s a smartphone or a high-end camera. After you register, we provide a detailed gear list and recommendations to make sure you're ready for the conditions, and you can always consult with us for any additional advice.
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Lofoten’s winter weather can be unpredictable, but we embrace it! Even in harsh conditions, there are always incredible photography opportunities. We plan our schedule around the best possible light and weather conditions, and our instructors will teach you how to make the most of dramatic skies, snow, and ever-changing conditions.
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The Northern Lights are a highlight of the winter expedition! While we can’t guarantee auroras every night due to weather and solar activity, the conditions in Lofoten are ideal for frequent sightings. We’ll maximize your chances by planning our activities around the best aurora conditions and teaching you expert techniques for capturing the lights.
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If you're looking to continue growing your landscape photography skills, our flagship trips are the Alaska Fall Landscape & Glacier Photo Expeditions 2026 & 2027. These premium workshops combine autumn tundra, massive glaciers and the Northern Lights. You can also explore early-season Iceland, spring Madeira, summer Lofoten or the Outer Hebrides and much more…
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If you're looking to continue advancing your landscape photography, our top recommendation is the Alaska Fall Landscape & Glacier Photo Expedition 2026 & 2027. You can also explore early-season Iceland, spring Madeira, summer Lofoten, the Outer Hebrides and much more— all running with small groups and multi-instructor mentoring.
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Ano — expedice je otevřená i pro fotografy z ČR a během celého programu je k dispozici česká komunikace.
April 2 – 10, 2016
March 17 – 26, 2017
September 15 – 24, 2017
September 25 – October 4, 2017
November 6 – 15, 2017
February 9 – 18, 2018
March 9 – 18, 2018
September 24 – October 3, 2018
November 2 – 11, 2018
February 22 – March 3, 2019
September 6 – 15, 2019
February 14 – 21, 2020
September 22 – 30, 2020
September 23 – October 1, 2021
February 20 – 28, 2022
February 12 – 20, 2023
September 20 – 28, 2023
February 25 – March 4, 2024
September 28 – October 6, 2024
February 20 – 28, 2025
March 16 – 24, 2025
June 15 – 23, 2025
📅 Limited spots available – Book your place now!
👉 JOIN THE EXPEDITION
(You’ll be redirected to the registration form / contact section)
💡 Got questions? Reach out directly and we’ll help you with flights, equipment, or anything you need to prepare.
Past photography expeditions to the Lofoten Islands
Explore More Photography Experiences 📍
If you want to explore Lofoten beyond the winter season — or dive deeper into specific photography topics — you can continue here:
🌞 Summer & Midnight Sun in Lofoten
Discover how the islands transform under the endless Arctic daylight:
👉 Midnight Sun Lofoten — Photo Workshop
🎥 Behind the Scenes & Field Workflow
Real conditions, real decisions — no staged content:
👉 Jan Šmíd Photography — YouTube Channel
