Two NEW Workshops
REGISTRATION CLOSED – SOLD OUT

Kevin Raber, Art Wolfe and Ignacio Palacios will host two fun and educational workshops next winter . . .

Lofoten, Winter Wonderland In Norway – 2017

Dates: 20-26 February 2017
Duration: 7 days / 6 nights

The tour commences and ends in Leknes (Lofoten, Norway). You will need to book your nights from Oslo to Bodø and from Bodø to Leknes. Meeting point is hotel Best Western (Leknes).

Discover the Norwegian Arctic with this enchanting and exhilarating winter tour. During the photography workshop we will photograph all the iconic viewpoints, traditional sherman cabins, jagged granite mountains, colorful fjords and lots more. The surrounding area and islands are extremely picturesque and we will spend the entire days exploring new angles and perspectives to get the perfect composition. The unpredictable weather of Loften produces a wide variety of dramatic lighting conditions. It is the best time of the year to photograph its incredible mountain peaks and frozen lakes. It’s hard to imagine how incredibly beautiful this place is without seeing it in person. In those moments when I am alone in the nature, alone in the landscapes and I’m experiencing this rush of awe… this is when I feel a complete connection with this amazing place called Lofoten.

“Travelling above the Arctic Circle in winter is a unique experience. There the light is always perfect for landscape photography, you can photograph during sunrise and sunset for hours.”

Itinerary

DAY 1 – Monday 20 February 2017

Arrival to Leknes, hotel Best Western (workshop meeting point). Depending on the weather we can start chasing Auroras that night. A great place to witness this light performance is Uttakleiv beach, just minutes away from Leknes. The Times newspaper named this beach as the most romantic in Europe, and its neighbour, Haukland beach is considered as the most beautiful beach in Norway due to its turquoise colors.

“Spectacular nature, silence, the Northern Lights, electric storms, breath-taking seas and mountain peaks combined with shing boats and red shermen’s cabins – the genuine Lofoten atmosphere is right here, in Hamnoy.”

DAY 2 – Tuesday 21 February

We will head out for a sunrise shoot nearby Leknes, get a bite to eat and make our way to Hamnoy in the south of Lofoten where we will stay for the remainder of the tour. We will be staying in the cute red cabins of the Eliassen Rorbuer Resort where we will have a jaw dropping view right at the door step. The cabins are very comfortable and are equipped with heated bathrooms, kitchen, and a large living room.

Around Reine and Hamnøy we will photograph from plenty of locations both at sunrise and sunset. Sunrises and sunset last for hours and in between we will have lunch and nd other locations to photograph auroras. The area around Reine and Hamnoy has plenty of locations and vantage points ideal for photographing the Northern Lights.

“The Lofoten islands have some of the most spectacular beaches you will ever see. Uttakleiv is one of the most photographed beach on Lofoten. The scenic rocky shoreline on the le side of the beach provides near limitless photographic possibilities, while the sandy middle section allows for even more areas to explore. The horizon opens to the north so Uttakleiv is also a good location to photograph the Northern Lights.”

DAY 3 TO 6 – 22-25 February

We will do daily tours exploring everything the landscapes of Reine, Hamnoy and Moskenes have to offer. We will enjoy never ending sunrises and sunsets over frozen lakes, snow covered beaches, and sheer mountain faces. At the end of each day we can wind down by the re, keeping an eye on aurora activity while sharing experiences, photography tips, techniques and a few laughs.

We will also visit other areas such as the beaches of Vareid and Flakstad, which has an interesting and photogenic cemetery.

DAY 7 – Sunday 26 February – End of Workshop

We will get in one last sunrise shoot (for those that are still game) before making our way back to Leknes stopping along the way to photograph the ice formations along the shores of Lake Storvanet. The group will then be dropped at Leknes airport where most participants will likely connect to Bodø and onward.

Camera skills

We will assist you out in the eld with the camera skills needed to capture those incredible moments. Photographing the Northern lights and the winter landscapes be challenging, but you will get advice in the eld from some of the world best. Regardless of your level and your camera equipment, you will improve your skills as a photographer and you will learn the craft with an expert team.

Post-processing

During the workshop, we will have the opportunity to process and enhance your images using Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One and other editing software. If the weather is good, we will be out in the nature photographing but there are always opportunities to sit down and work on your images when we are in the hotel.

Critique sessions

The purpose of critiques is to offer one’s impression of a photo. During sessions, you will have professional views of your work with a constructive evaluation to include feedback, suggestions and tips. Photography is an art and therefore critiques can often feel personal, but it is often a great learning exercise to have your images reviewed by some professional photographers.

Level of photography

All levels of photographers are welcome. We will be providing instruction on all aspects of image capture and post processing and it does not really matter whether you are a beginner of an expert photographer. We welcome all levels of photographers using equipment from mobile phones & tablets, compact cameras to digital SLR cameras.

Physical requirements

Our guides will take us to a range of different locations by mini vans, most of which involve some short walks. Sometimes, we may take a longer walks, but all excursions are optional and if you are tired, you can always sleep in and relax in the hotel.

Accommodation

Eliassen Rorbuer is a holiday resort with shermen’s cabins, restaurant and an activity centre situated on the tiny island of Hamnøy by the spectacular ord of Reinefjord, in the wild and beautiful western part of Lofoten, nearby Reine. The shermen’s cabins are renovated and have patio with outdoor seating, spacious living room, dining area and a kitchenette with a stove and fridge, refrigerator, electric kettle, coffee maker, kitchenware, oven and stovetop.

Pricing

Cost: USD $6,490 per person, twin share. Extra supplement to upgrade to superior one bedroom cottages: US$1290 A deposit of US$2,000 is required when you book the workshop. Maximum 18 participants.

Booking and registration can be found at our Rockhopper Workshop Web Page

Terms and Conditions and extensive checklist – click to download PDF

Finland (Lapland), Winter Wonderland – 2017

Date: 10 – 18 February 2017
Duration: 9 days (8 nights)

Kevin Raber, Art Wolfe and Ignacio Palacios will host two fun and educational workshops next winter . . .

The land of snow and ice – extreme conditions and breathtaking displays of nature. For a photographer this arctic photo tour is the ultimate experience.

The atmosphere in far north is unique because of the short winter days. During our stay in Kuusamo we will try to capture the Zodiac moments on a landscape photography session. The locations we are visiting are carefully planned out, providing outstanding possibilities for bird and landscape photography. Because of short winter days the blue soft light makes landscape photos interesting.

Capture the beautifully snow covered Taiga forests in Kuusamo! We also have a good chance for witnessing the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights), a magical and colorful display on the night sky which so many people can only dream of!

During the trip, we photograph Golden Eagles from the heated comfortable professional hides. We also have a possibility to photograph several passerine species that visit the feeders. Such species include Willow tit, Great Tit, Crested Tit, Siberian Jay and Siberian Tit. Great Spotted Woodpecker and Black Woodpecker are possible species at the feeders.

White-throated Dippers we will photograph along the fast owing open rivers. Possible mammal species for this photography tour are Reindeer (semi-domestic), Elk (Moose), Red Squirrel, Mink and Muskrat.

“Travelling above the Arctic Circle in winter is a unique experience. There the light is always perfect for landscape photography, you can photograph during sunrise and sunset for hours.”

Itinerary

DAY 1 – Arrival at KUUSAMO airport

Pickup from the airport and drive to the accommodation for dinner. If Aurora Borealis forecast is promising and sky is clear we will head out for a few hours to photograph them.

DAY 2 – Riisitunturi – Konttainen

Today we will be photographing winter landscapes in Riisitunturi National Park in Posio region. In Riisitunturi we have beautiful snow-covered taiga forest. This is a popular destination among the winter landscape photographers. By using snowshoes we will be able to move in deep snow. In the afternoon we will head to Konttainen fjell and to Siberian Jay feeding station, where we enjoy picnic lunch while we are waiting for Siberian Jays. Alternatively, if there are Owls in Kuusamo – we can spend the afternoon photographing owls.

As night falls we may have an excellent opportunity to photograph the Aurora Borealis, which can often give incredible shows at this latitude.

DAY 3 – Kitka river – Kuntivaara

We spend the early morning at the free- owing Kitkajoki river, where is picturesque wintery scenery with frosted trees. Aallokkokoski and Jyrävä are possible places to visit. Afternoon and evening we will spend in Kuntivaara fjell (with 2 snowmobiles + sleigh + 2 local guides driving).

After the morning session – departure to Kuntivaara fjell, which is a wonderful winter landscape photography destination. The fjell is known as the forest where all the trees are loaded by crown snow, where we walk with snowshoes along a ready-made path. Picnic lunch in the hut where we can warm ourselves at the open re.

As the day turns to night we will once again be looking skywards and hoping for clear skies to see nature’s most prized gifts – Aurora Borealis illuminating the night sky over the snowy forest.

DAY 4 – Oulanka National Park

Golden Eagle hide in Oulanka (2 snowmobiles + sleigh + 2 local guides driving). Maximum 8 clients at one time in hide!

After the breakfast we are ready for Golden Eagle photography in Kuusamo. We spend the whole day in heated pro-hides, where the main target species is the Golden Eagle. While waiting for the eagles we will have truly outstanding photographic opportunities to work with Siberian Tit, Siberian Jay, Great Spotted Woodpeckers, northern Bull nches, and Red Squirrels.

During the day picnic lunch in the hide. We will return late in the afternoon after the sunset. In the evening we will have a chance for Aurora Borealis again.

DAY 5 – Kitka river – Oulanka National Park

Today we can start our morning with White- throated Dipper photography and winter landscape photography at the Käylä cascade along the Kitkariver. Narrow cascade is open over the winter, where the Dippers chase each other in close distance.

For the afternoon we will head to Kiutaköngäs cascade – which is 100 meter long rapids with beautiful colorful cliffs on the side of the river.

DAY 6 – Kitka River (old mill place)

We will spend the morning at the free- owing Kitkajoki river,where is picturesque wintery scenery with frosted trees and old traditional repaired mill building. Interesting images can be taken here – since oating ice is making circles in the water with slow shutter speed! The place is full of details and also White-throated Dipper is a daily visitor in ice-cold water, where it is looking for food.

If there are photographable Owls in Kuusamo region we will have another photography session with the owls. If no Owls – we will have another landscape photography session in Kuusamo region with crown snow-load landscape or winter river sceneries. In the evening we will have another chance for Aurora Borealis.

DAY 7 – Kitka river – Riisitunturi

In the morning White-throated Dipper photography and winter landscape photography at the Käylä cascade along the Kitkariver. Narrow cascade is open over the winter, where the Dippers chase each other in close distance.

In the afternoon we will drive again to one of the most famous winter landscape sites in Finland, Riisitunturi National Park. This winter landscape photography place is well known around the World. During the day, we walk 3-4 km in hilly terrain with snowshoes along the readymade path in the snowy forest and charmed by snowy characters that wintry nature has created.

After the sun set we return to the cabin and have rest before dinner.

DAY 8 – Oulanka National Park

Golden Eagle photography from pro-hides in Oulanka (with 2 snowmobiles + sleigh + 2 local guides driving). Maximum 8 clients at one time in hide!

After the breakfast we will have a second Golden Eagle photography session in Oulanka National Park. We spend the whole day in heated pro-hides, where the main target species is the Golden Eagle. While waiting for the eagles, there are many other species in front of the hides.

It is possible to photograph also Siberian Jay, Siberian Tit, Eurasian Jay, Great Tit, Willow Tit, Eurasian Bull nch, Great Spotted Woodpecker and Red Squirrel from Oulanka pro-hide during the day. All these species visit the feeding site within 3-4m range from the pro-hide in Oulanka National Park – the same pro-hide as for Golden Eagles.

During the day we will have picnic lunch in the hide. In the evening we will look for Aurora Borealis just outside from our cabin, so everybody can stay outside as long as they want.

DAY 9 – Departure from Kuusamo

Homeward flight from KUUSAMO airport.

Camera skills

We will assist you out in the field with the camera skills needed to capture those incredible moments. Photographing the Northern Lights and the winter landscapes can be challenging, but you will get advice in the eld from some of the world best. Regardless of your level and your camera equipment, you will improve your skills as a photographer and you will learn the craft with an expert team.

Post-processing

During the workshop, we will have the opportunity to process and enhance your images using Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One and other editing software. If the weather is good, we will be out in the nature photographing but there are always opportunities to sit down and work on your images when we are in the hotel.

Critique sessions

The purpose of critiques is to offer one’s impression of a photo. During sessions, you will have professional views of your work with a constructive evaluation to include feedback, suggestions and tips. Photography is an art and therefore critiques can often feel personal, but it is often a great learning exercise to have your images reviewed by some professional photographers.

Level of photography

All levels of photographers are welcome. We will be providing instruction on all aspects of image capture and post processing and it does not really matter whether you are a beginner of an expert photographer. We welcome all levels of photographers using equipment from mobile phones & tablets, compact cameras to digital SLR cameras.

Physical requirements

Our guides will take us to a range of different locations by mini vans, most of which involve some short walks. Sometimes, we may take a longer walks, but all excursions are optional and if you are tired, you can always sleep in and relax in the hotel.

Pricing

Cost: USD $7,990 per person, twin share. A deposit of US$2,000 is required when you book the workshop.  Optional single supplement US$1,490 (limited places).  Maximum 18 participants.

Booking and registration can be found at our Rockhopper Workshop Web Page

Terms and Conditions and extensive checklist – click to download PDF 

The Instructors

Art Wolfe

Art Wolfe needs no presentation. He is an American photographer and conservationist, best known for color images of wildlife, landscapes and native cultures. His photographs document scenes from every continent and hundreds of locations, and have been noted by environmental advocacy groups for their “stunning” visual impact. Wolfe’s career has been described as “multi-faceted”, involving wildlife advocacy, art, journalism, and education. According to William Conway, former president of the Wildlife Conservation Society, Wolfe is a “prolific and sensitive recorder of a rapidly vanishing natural world.” In the last 30 years, the public has viewed Wolfe’s work in more than sixty published books, including Vanishing Act, The High Himalaya, Water: Worlds between Heaven & Earth, Tribes, Rainforests of the World, and The Art of Photographing Nature.

Ignacio Palacios

Ignacio Palacios is a Spanish photographer based in Sydney who is best known internationally for his travel and altered / fine art nature photography work. Ignacio has travel around the world since 1998, gathering an extensive collection of images of people, places, wildlife and landscapes across more than seventy countries in five different continents. He is one of the world’s few full-time professional photo guides.

In the last four years Ignacio has been focusing on photographing Australia’s landscapes. He has received Australian and International awards and has been finalist in some prestigious competitions such as the NSW AIPP Epson Awards, Veolia Environment Wildlife Photographer, National Geographic Travel Contest, Australian Geographic Photographer of the Year, Eyes on Asia, Head On and the International Loupe awards. Ignacio’s work is published internationally in photographic magazines and Lonely Planet books. He has recently being awarded with a LUX Gold in Spain (the most prestigious professional photography award in his country) and finalist and highly commended in the Travel Photographer of the Year competition.

Kevin Raber

Has been in the photography field all his life. For over 40 years Kevin has owned studios, ran color labs, been a vice president of Phase One and currently is the CEO and Publisher of the Luminous-Landscape and CEO of Rockhopper Workshops. Kevin has an extensive client list and a vast portfolio.