Midnight Sun in the Lofoten Islands 2025
an endless photographic journey
15th June - 23rd June 2025
Experience the magic of endless daylight in Norway’s spectacular Lofoten Islands with Master QEP photographer Jan Šmíd. Capture stunning seascapes, rugged mountains, and vibrant fjords under the glowing midnight sun. Learn advanced photography techniques while working side by side with an award-winning photographer.
Secure your spot and witness one of nature’s most surreal spectacles!
🌅 Lofoten Midnight Sun Photography Expedition 2025
15th – 23rd June 2025
📍 Lofoten Islands, Norway | 👤 Max 8 Participants | 📸 Up to 4 Instructors incl. Jan Šmíd, Master QEP
📸 Shoot Under the Midnight Sun in the Arctic Circle!
Join award-winning photographer Jan Šmíd for a once-in-a-lifetime photography expedition to Norway’s iconic Lofoten Islands — during the magical summer season when the sun never sets. From vibrant fjords and dramatic peaks to endless golden light, this expedition offers non-stop opportunities for epic landscape photography under the glow of the midnight sun.
Whether you’re an experienced shooter or just starting your photography journey, this workshop is tailored to help you grow. Master single shots, panoramic compositions, long exposures, and dynamic lighting — all while capturing one of the world’s most stunning natural environments. All the images on this page were captured during previous Smid Photography photo expeditions to Lofoten, which I’ve successfully organized more than twenty times. You can explore the full gallery here.
👉 Book now and make 2025 the year your portfolio levels up!
🗺️ What Will We See During the Photo Expedition & Tour?
Our photo trip doesn’t follow a rigid itinerary — and that’s by design (more information below). Instead, we adapt daily to the best possible light and weather conditions, so you can capture truly breathtaking landscape photos.
We explore the best of Lofoten: charming fishing villages, wild beaches, mountain viewpoints, and hidden coastal gems. You'll experience both the world-famous icons and the off-the-beaten-path locations that most travelers miss.
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
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
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
Offersøykammen (optional hike) – an amazing panoramic 360° view over beaches, fjords, and peaks
Panoramic Viewpoints – including opportunities for short hikes around Reine
Inland Valleys & Lakes – moody secluded areas and misty, reflective waters
Whether you're after iconic scenes or hidden northern magic — you'll find it here.
🎯 Who Is This Photography Expedition For?
This unique Lofoten photography tour is ideal for anyone passionate about landscape photography — from ambitious beginners to seasoned professionals. Whether you want to refine your skills or build a breathtaking portfolio, this workshop offers hands-on guidance in one of the world’s most stunning destinations. This Lofoten photo expedition is part of the Smid Photography workshop series, led by Jan Smid and trusted by hundreds of participants since 2012.
🌄 What you'll learn:
How to capture single-shots and panoramic landscapes with impact
Advanced exposure techniques including bracketing and metering
Focusing methods to ensure razor-sharp shots every time
How to photograph the magical midnight sun during the polar day — when golden light lasts for hours
While this tour doesn’t include Northern Lights, the endless daylight of the Arctic summer offers a rare opportunity to experiment with soft, dynamic light and long shooting sessions under unique conditions.
This expedition is designed to elevate your photography, challenge your creativity, and inspire you to shoot like never before.
☀️ Why Lofoten in Summer (with Jan Smid Photo Tour)?
In summer, Lofoten blooms with wildflowers, its vivid scenery sometimes resembling Madeira. Add turquoise waters, misty inversions, and hours of golden light, and you get a photographer’s dream.
We’re talking about sunsets that turn into sunrises without ever going dark. Imagine having 6 hours of perfect light to create one single composition. That’s not an exaggeration — it’s what the Arctic Circle offers in June.
If you’ve never visited northern Scandinavia in summer, prepare for a unique experience: long, calm sessions with ideal light, endless inspiration, and a creative rhythm unlike any other time of year. You’ll shoot long after midnight, guided by soft shadows and glowing skies.
🌸 Blooming landscapes and lush coastal colors
🌊 Turquoise sea and misty inversions in the valleys
⛰ Towering peaks and quiet beaches
🏘 Charming fishing villages under arctic skies
We’ll photograph from high peaks, sea-level fjords, and unique hidden spots that most photographers miss.
🟢 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.
📍 Location: Lofoten Islands, Norway
📅 Dates: 15th – 23rd June 2025
👥 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 / 4690 €
💼 Deposit: 1500 USD / 1500 €
🏠 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
Highlights of the Lofoten Photo Tour June 2025
✅ The best photo locations + hidden gems
✅ Endless soft light under the midnight sun
✅ Individual mentoring with 4 instructors
✅ Luxurious, scenic accommodation
✅ Gear consultations & test equipment available
✅ Study materials and image reviews included
Watch this exciting behind-the-scenes video from our photo expeditions to the stunning Lofoten Islands, Norway. Get an exclusive look at our past photography trips and see how our workshops and expeditions come to life. Want to join us for the 2025 Midnight Sun Expedition? Learn hands-on techniques, capture breathtaking landscapes, and experience the beauty of the Arctic like never before. Don’t miss your chance to be part of our next adventure!
Why Join This Photo Workshop with Jan Smid?
🔥 Unbeatable Arctic Light – The midnight sun gives you hours of perfect light every night
📷 Master Techniques – Learn advanced field and post-production techniques
🌍 Unique Access – Discover off-the-beaten-path locations with a local expert team
🎒 Tailored Experience – Whether you hike or stroll, we adapt to your comfort
🏡 Relax in Style – Finish the day in a private cabin or villa with sea views
🤝 Small Group, Big Value – up to 4 instructors for just 8 participants
📸 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, 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.
✅ 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, bracketing, stacking, and post-processingPersonal 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)?
We often get asked:
“Where will we be shooting on Day 3?”
“What time is breakfast on Day 7?”
“Will we see spot X at sunset?”
Here’s our honest answer:
We don’t offer cookie-cutter travel itineraries — we run real photo expeditions.
Rather than following a fixed day-by-day plan, we design each shooting day based on the latest weather forecasts, light conditions, and local insight. This allows us to respond flexibly and make the most of every opportunity — sunrise, sunset, mist, clouds etc. Thanks to our experience and deep knowledge of Lofoten’s terrain, we always choose the best location for each moment. Our primary focus is, of course, capturing top-quality landscape photos. However, in between the key photo sessions, we also explore the stunning sights of the Lofoten Islands. We visit iconic and lesser-known locations mentioned in the expedition introduction, combining guided sightseeing with documentary-style photography — all to give participants a truly unforgettable travel experience.
🎯 Our mission is simple:
To help every participant create the best images possible — every single day.
Btw, don’t miss our popular Autumn and Winter Lofoten photo expeditions for 2025/26 – experience vibrant red blueberry carpets, golden mountain light, frozen fjords, the magical Northern Lights and snow-covered landscapes in the winter.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions: Lofoten Summer Photo Workshop 2025
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No. The expedition is designed to be physically accessible. Most photo locations require only light walks. However, optional “sunrise/sunset” hikes to higher viewpoints are available for more active participants.
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This expedition focuses on landscape, seascape, and panoramic photography under the magical light of the midnight sun. You'll master shooting in continuous twilight, capture dramatic coastal scenes, and learn advanced techniques for dynamic compositions in ever-changing light.
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Ideally, bring a DSLR or mirrorless camera, tripod, and a selection of lenses. But even mobile photographers are welcome — we adapt our instruction to your gear level. We also offer pre-trip gear consultations and, in some cases, test gear.
Past photography expeditions to the Lofoten Islands
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
Avoid 6 common landscape composition mistakes with real examples and practical tips in this video (Part 2). Watch Part 1 for an even deeper dive into composition errors, and get ready to improve your landscape shots before joining one of our upcoming photo expeditions!
Watch Part 1 here
Breathtaking 4K drone footage of Norway’s Lofoten Islands — filmed during our past photo expeditions. Watch dramatic Arctic peaks, rugged coastlines, and golden winter light from above.
