LIMITED PLACES • FEBRUARY 2027
Lofoten Winter Photo Expedition 2027
Small group • No substitute instructors • Applications reviewed individually
An immersive Arctic photography experience into snowstorms, polar light and the Northern Lights — led personally by Jan Šmíd.
Master QEP • ZEISS Ambassador • 300+ international awards • 25th Lofoten expedition
February 22 – March 2, 2027
📍 Lofoten Islands, Norway | 👤 Max 8 Participants | 📸 Up to 4 Instructors incl. Jan Šmíd, Master QEP
This Is Not a Workshop You Attend
It’s an Arctic Experience You Step Into
Winter in Lofoten is raw, silent and unpredictable. Snowstorms roll in fast. Light changes minute by minute. Wind, darkness, frozen coastlines — and sudden moments of calm and color.
You don’t just photograph this environment. You live inside it. That’s why images created on this expedition don’t look generic. They carry atmosphere, tension and real decisions made in real conditions.
This is not a sightseeing tour. This is a true Arctic photo expedition.
⭐ Why This Expedition Is Different
🧭 Led personally by Jan Šmíd — every day, every session
No substitute instructors. No hand-offs. Jan is present for the entire expedition as the lead instructor.
🏆 Master QEP (highest European photographic qualification)
🏆 ZEISS Ambassador
🏆 300+ international photography awards
❄️ 25th Lofoten expedition by 2027
This expedition is built on years of Arctic field experience, not theory or templates.
You’re not following someone else’s shots. You’re learning to make your own decisions in demanding conditions — supported every step of the way.
🗺️ 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: 22nd February – 2nd March 2027
⏱️ Meeting point: Leknes Airport – individual pick-up for all arriving participants.
👥 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: 5990 USD
(🇨🇿 orientační cena pro CZ účastníky: 49 000 Kč — USD price applies to international bookings; CZK rate reflects local currency & local services)
💼 Deposit: 1990 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)
📸 What You Will Photograph
Lofoten in winter offers some of the most dramatic landscapes on Earth.
You will photograph:
❄️ Snow-covered peaks rising straight from the ocean
🌊 Frozen beaches with patterns, textures and reflections
🏘️ Arctic fishing villages framed by polar light
🌪️ Stormy seascapes and minimalist winter scenes
⏱️ Long exposures in changing conditions
🌌 Northern Lights when conditions allow
🧩 Powerful single images and high-resolution panoramas
Every day is planned around light, weather, wind and aurora forecasts — not a fixed itinerary.
Who This Expedition Is For
This expedition is ideal if you:
✅ Want portfolio-level Arctic winter images
✅ Want to experience real expedition photography
✅ Want guidance directly in the field, not lectures on a bus
✅ Want to photograph landscapes and aurora
✅ Appreciate small groups and personal feedback
You don’t need to be a professional.
But you should be serious about photography and ready to work in real winter conditions.
💡 Why This Expedition Costs What It Costs
This is not a mass-market tour.
Your investment reflects:
• small group size
• high instructor-to-participant ratio
• real expedition logistics
• premium Arctic accommodation
• full day & night instruction
• and the personal presence of a Master QEP for the entire trip
If you’re looking for the cheapest option, there are many.
If you want a real Arctic photography experience, this is it.
🚀 Apply Now
This expedition runs once per season and places are strictly limited.
👉 APPLY FOR LOFOTEN WINTER 2027
Immersive Arctic experience • Small group • No substitutes
📸 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
✅ 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 or a private villa base
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 This Expedition Works
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 2027, explore our Alaska Fall Photo Workshop 2027 — high-end adventure focused on tundra colors, glaciers and the Aurora Borealis (fotoexpedice Aljaška 2027, fotoexpedice Aljaška 2027, fotoworkshop Aljaška).
❓ FAQ: Lofoten Winter Photo Tour 2027
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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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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.
