We’re going to the Lofoten Islands (Norway)...

Are you in?

Around the New Moon...

From February 7th to 13th, 2027, PhotoPills Masters Solli Kanani and Laura Oppelt will travel through the Lofoten Islands to capture the Aurora Borealis, the enchanting winter golden light, and the stunning Arctic scenery, along with frozen landscapes, wild beaches, dramatic mountains, and picturesque fishing villages.

Just after the solar maximum, when solar activity remains high. A prime time to witness and photograph the dancing green lights of the Aurora.

Of course...

We’ll be taking photos all day long...

In mid-February, the total golden hour time exceeds 5 hours per day in Lofoten!

But...

Can you imagine it?

To photograph the Aurora Borealis and the beautiful winter Golden Light along with massive snow-capped peaks, stunning rock formations, vibrant red cabins (known as rorbu), endless Arctic fjords, brave seascapes, remote beaches, lonely trees and the frozen landscapes...

We’re dreaming about it!

To achieve it, we’ll use the planning power of PhotoPills and the expert knowledge of Solli Kanani and Laura Oppelt to always be at the right place at the right time.

Top secret: we have quite a few legendary photos planned already ;)

The Deal (Only 1 Spot Left)

Since you subscribed to the Priority Access list...

We're offering you a €500 discount on the regular price!

All you have to do is to book the last spot available before Sunday June 21st.

Read carefully all the details of this unique adventure.

And when you’re ready, click here to book your spot:

PRICE & BOOKING INSTRUCTIONS

Please, book as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.

The Adventure

12 PhotoPillers | 2 PhotoPills Masters | Lofoten Islands (Norway) | Endless legendary photos

Warning! This is not a honeymoon...

We’re recruiting 12 brave PhotoPillers (PhotoPills and photography nerds) to join us on a 7-day expedition to photograph the Aurora Borealis and the magical winter’s Golden Light along with some of the most precious treasures hidden in the Lofoten Islands.

It’s winter and it’s going to be cold!

The average temperature is between 1ºC (33ºF) and -3ºC (27ºF). The mountains and hillsides will be covered in a white blanket of snow, creating a picturesque winter scenery.

Also...

Solar activity remains elevated compared to historical averages, increasing our chances of witnessing strong aurora displays.

And the golden hour lasts for more than 5 hours per day in total.

So...

This is a non-stop adventure to chase legendary photos and you are a key asset!

We have planned tons of photos, and we’ll travel many kilometers (and hike a few more) to capture them...

But we also want to maximize our flexibility in terms of itinerary and schedule in order to take advantage of all the opportunities that the changing weather will surely put in our way.

If we’re fortunate enough to be out photographing the Northern Lights late into the night, we’ll catch up on sleep the next morning, skip Sunrise, and kick-start our day a bit later.

On the other hand, if the conditions make us skip the nighttime photography session, we'll rise and shine early to catch the Sunrise.

Whichever path we take, you can count on us to seize every photo opportunity and be right where the magic happens!

You are about to embark on a PhotoPills’ style journey. And it’s not going to be a honeymoon precisely... :P

You’ll be a true PhotoPiller!

Are you in?

Day 1. Sunday, February 7th - Welcome to the Lofoten Islands

It’s Sunday afternoon, and you land at Leknes Airport (LKN) in Lofoten, located at the 68th and 69th parallels north of the Arctic Circle in North Norway.

Welcome to the Arctic!

With its dramatic mountains, picturesque fishing villages, pristine beaches, and ever-changing light, Lofoten offers a plethora of opportunities to capture mesmerizing images...

And we’re all ready for action!

1:30 pm

After collecting your luggage, take the exit door to the main hall to meet Solli Kanani and Laura Oppelt... And probably a few more PhotoPillers :)

2:00 pm

Our first stop will be Hattvika Lodge, our base camp for the first 3 nights :)

The lodge is located in an authentic fisherman’s area, where ambient oozes of history and a great view to the harbor of Hattvika. You’ll be surrounded by the islands’ typical fishermen cottages or rorbuer – the distinctive red cabins lining much of the coastline.

Here you’ll be sharing a traditional fisherman cottage or rorbu with a few other PhotoPillers. You’ll enjoy your own private room and share the bathroom (1 bathroom for 2 PhotoPillers) and living room area.

2:45 pm

We hit the road and get to our first session.

3:15 pm

Hauklandstranda (Haukland Beach), located on Vestvågøya in the Lofoten Islands, is famous for its white sand, clear turquoise water, and dramatic mountains. In winter, a light layer of snow often covers the beach, creating a beautiful contrast with the water.

Hauklandstranda offers diverse photographic opportunities.

Sunsets in February are stunning from the beach, as the sun moves across the view, potentially offering great light and sunbursts over the ridge of the little island.

The river flowing into the ocean always provides interesting textures and changes with seasons and tides.

We can use the river as a leading line, focus on water ripples and dark sand, or look for reflections in slower sections. Additionally, the left edge of the beach features beautiful rock formations, perfect for seascapes with a striking background.

As we’ll be shooting here for the last part of the golden hour, let’s practice a bit our planning skills with PhotoPills.

So open the Planner and try to understand where exactly the Sun will be setting:

Last but not least, we'll scout the best spots, so when the Aurora does appear later tonight, we'll know exactly where to go.

This reconnaissance is key!

We want you to be familiar with the foregrounds and compositions during the day so you're ready to capture the magic when the green lights start dancing.

Sunset is at 3:40 pm, golden hour ends at 4:23 pm and blue hour ends at 4:48 pm.

5:25 pm

Time for a little break at Hattvika Lodge.

6:00 pm

Expedition briefing.

Solli and Laura will go over the itinerary for the week, explaining the logistics, the locations and the photo opportunities we’ve specially planned for you. They’ll also cover the recommended gear and some important safety instructions.

7:30 pm

Dinner in a local restaurant. This will be our first opportunity to taste the local cuisine.

Lofoten is a fishing hub, so get ready to enjoy lots of fish and seafood... But there are meat, vegetarian and vegan options too!

Ah! And don’t forget the knekkebrød, the traditional Norwegian crispbread that is often served alongside meals.

9:40 pm

In February, nighttime lasts for more than 12h in Lofoten...

Tonight, the Moon will be a minuscule 0.9% Waxing Crescent, which means it won't interfere with our photography.

All we need (and long for) when we’re out there in the cold, at night, is a clear sky and the greens, the blues and the reds of the Aurora dancing above our heads.

For our first night in Lofoten, we are back at Haukland Beach. We already know the spot, so now we can get the most of it with the magnificent Aurora Borealis dancing over our heads.

Plan & Pray!

12:20 am

Good night!

Now that you know what a PhotoPills expedition is all about, get a good night's sleep and be ready to go tomorrow.

Photographic Pills:

• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Haukland Beach.
• Aurora, night shots, long exposures and reflections at Haukland Beach.

Day 2. Monday February 8th - Icy Fjords and Aurora Hunting

6:15 am

Gooooood morning PhotoPillers!

Are you ready for another beautiful day full of incredible experiences?
Yeah?

Alright! Get your stuff ready!

7:00 am

Breakfast at Hattvika Lodge.

8:00 am

We’ll be at Flakstadpollen, a peaceful fiord on the island of Flakstadøya, and in winter, it turns into a bit of a wonderland. So it's our go-to spot for catching today’s Sunrise.

The fiord is surrounded by dramatic peaks like Stortinden – a sharp and triangle-shaped, standing at 866 m (2,841 ft).

Early mornings, the edge of the bay often freezes up, giving us this calm, icy surface that reflects the mountains beautifully. Snow everywhere, crisp air, and that untouched look make it a dream for wide-angle shots.

This time of year in Lofoten, the Sun comes up and goes down almost directly in the south. Since we’ll be facing west to shoot, we’re counting on that soft morning light hitting the side of the peak just right. It should be gorgeous.

The Sun stays low, casting a gentle, warm light that plays perfectly against the frosty blues and whites of the landscape.

Now, it’s up to us to find a solid foreground to make the scene pop. Ideally, some broken ice would be awesome, especially if it leads the eye right toward Stortinden. That kind of natural line can really tie the whole shot together.

And if you can catch it at low tide (which we will) after a cold night, the textures and reflections get even more dramatic.

Blue hour starts 7:49 am, golden hour starts 8:13 am, Sunrise is at 8:55 am.

10:15 am

With a surface of 0.76 km2 (0.29 mi2), Storvatnet (the big lake) is the biggest lake on Flakstadøya island.

The broken ice layers in the frozen lake, the surrounding tall mountains and the golden light (remember that we’re still in golden hour) are the elements we need to work with to get our shot.

In the south now, the Sun is still very low in the sky, so we hope the peaks will be nicely lit :)

10:45 am

This place could be the perfect scenario of a fairy tale...

Nusfjord is one of the oldest and best-preserved fishing villages in Lofoten. Some of the cabins date back a couple of hundred years.

28 people live here.

Here, we’re standing at the planned shooting spot. This time located on a small hill. It’s a fantastic vantage point to capture the beauty of the red (and ochre) cabins and the peaks at the back.

The Sun, in the south, is perfectly placed to give us the light direction we want in the scene.

Time to press the shutter!

12:20 pm

Quick lunch at a local café. Days are short, and we don’t want to spend too much time sitting at a restaurant.

1:50 pm

Next destination, Vikten

Vikten is known for its rugged mountains, smooth rocks, and open views of the Norwegian Sea. While famous for its glass-blowing, its shoreline is a photographer's gem.

The rocky coast, with wind-carved boulders and jagged cliffs, is ideal for winter sunset photography, offering a soft glow over the snow-covered landscape and illuminating Bjorntinden peak.

We love Vikten's versatile shoreline for dramatic seascapes.

A lesser-known highlight is a section of shore with gorgeous tidal pools, perfect for dynamic, wide-angle foregrounds.

The likely snow-covered Bjorntind adds background depth and contrast.

The smooth, polished rocks provide interesting textures and leading lines. Long exposures can create a soft, misty effect on the water.

The Sunset light enhances the scene, and the reflection on the background peak draws the viewer's eye before they explore the amazing foreground.

This will be our shooting localization for tonight as well, so once again, we'll scout the best spots, so when the Aurora does appear later tonight, we'll know exactly where to go.

Sunset is at 3:45 pm, golden hour ends at 4:27 pm and blue hour ends at 4:51 pm.

4.30 pm

We hit the road on our way back to Hattvika Lodge, where we will have some downtime

6:00 pm

Solli and Laura invite you to a PhotoPills class in a conference room we’ve specially booked for the occasion.

You’ll learn how to plan your shots with military precision using the Planner, Augmented Reality, and a few tricks you probably didn’t know existed.

8:05 pm

Dinner at a local restaurant.

9:50 pm

We get back to Vikten.

When the aurora lights up the sky, we approach the image in layers: utilizing the textured rocks and small coves for the foreground, establishing Bjørntinden as the visual anchor in the distance, and allowing the moving light to fill the sky above.

This place provides numerous angles within a short walking distance, enabling quick adjustments based on where the strongest curtains of light form.

The tide is going to be fairly low, so we can try some reflections on the receding water as well.

12:55

After a 45 minute drive, we get back to our hotel.

Good night my friends!

Photographic Pills:

• Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Stortinden.
• Golden hour at Storvatnet lake and at Nusfjord fishing village.
• Sunset and golden hour at Vikten.
• Aurora and reflections at Vikten (if there are clear skies and aurora activity).

Day 3. Tuesday, February 9th - The Secret

I’ve been giving you lots of details of this amazing expedition to the Lofoten Islands.

Maybe far too many...

But on February 9th we’ll do something very special...

What will that be?

Well, you'll have to be there, with us, to figure it out :P

Day 4. Wednesday, February 10th - Hamnøy at its Finest

6:15 am

Wake up!

I hope you had a good sleep, because today we have a long long day exploring some of the most beautiful places in Lofoten.

7:00 am

Breakfast at Hattvika Lodge.

8:00 am

Vareid, over on the island of Flakstadøya, has a totally different vibe compared to the sandy beaches you might see elsewhere in Lofoten.

The shoreline here is raw and rugged with dark, jagged rocks jutting out into the ocean with waves constantly crashing into them. It’s wild and untamed, especially with those snowy mountains rising up in the background.

When you're photographing this area, you really want to lean into that wild beauty. The rocks up front make great natural lines that guide your shot leading your eye toward the sea or those distant peaks.

If the water's rough (and it often is), it's a great chance to play with long exposures. You can get that smooth water effect that contrasts nicely with the sharp, textured rocks.

What really pulls everything together is the light.

At sunrise, Vareid's warm light illuminates distant mountains, offering a dynamic contrast for photography between cool sky/water tones and warm peaks.

The rocky shoreline provides excellent leading lines to the dramatic mountain backdrop.

Vareid's often wild water is ideal for practicing diverse seascape techniques, from silky long exposures to detailed short exposures capturing movement.

We can also explore abstract compositions of lichen-covered rocks and puddles.

Blue hour starts 7:43 am, golden hour starts 8:06 am Sunrise is at 8:47 am.

10:15 am

Time to pack our things and check out from Hattvika Lodge.

1:15 pm

After grabbing some lunch at a local restaurant, our new lodging awaits:.

Our base camp for the rest of the expedition is the amazing Eliassen Rorbuer in Hamnøy. As the oldest fisherman’s cottage resort in the Lofoten Islands, this stunning location is imbued with history. It's the perfect central hub for our adventures.

Located right on the waterfront, these iconic red cabins provide an authentic Norwegian experience combined with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and fjords.

Again, you’ll be sharing a traditional fisherman cabin (rorbu) with a few other PhotoPillers. You’ll enjoy your own private room and share the bathroom (1 bathroom for 2 PhotoPillers) and living room area. However, some of the rooms (individual) have bunk beds.

Before checking in, we’ll gather in the Conference Room for a practical post-processing session with Solli and Laura to edit some of the incredible shots we’ve collected so far.

3:30 pm

A 5 minute drive will take us to the platform at Reinefjord Sjøhus, yet another picturesque location in Lofoten.

Prepare to unleash the full potential of your long exposure photography gear, particularly your Neutral Density (ND) filters paired with a sturdy tripod! The dramatic coastal landscapes of Lofoten, with their rugged mountains plunging into the icy waters, present an unparalleled opportunity to capture breathtaking scenes with a silky, ethereal effect on the moving water.

Imagine the scene: the waves rolling onto the shore, transformed by a long exposure into a smooth, misty surface that beautifully contrasts with the sharp, defined rock formations. This signature look is achieved by using ND filters to extend your shutter speed, even in daylight.

Furthermore, if the weather cooperates, we might have some scattered clouds drifting across the sky. Utilizing a long exposure in this scenario will not only soften the water but also blur the movement of the clouds, painting soft, dramatic streaks across the frame.

Sunset is at 3:57 pm, golden hour ends at 4:37 pm and blue hour ends at 5:01 pm.

4:40 pm

With this amazing blue hour light there’s no time to waste.

We’re now at one of the most iconic views in the whole Lofoten archipelago, Hamnøy bridge.

This vantage point offers a clean, elevated perspective of one of Lofoten's most iconic views: the red rorbuer cabins where we recently checked in for the next 3 nights.

Situated on the edge of Reinefjorden and backed by Festhæltinden peak, this scene is particularly striking during winter's blue hour, when the deep cold tones of the snow-covered landscape contrast dramatically with the warm glow emanating from the cabin lights.

We'll photograph the red cabins facing southwest. Long exposures will smooth the fjord, enhancing the reflections of the cabins and their lights against the dark mountains. As twilight falls, we'll capture the warm cabin windows and streetlamps against the cool landscape. We can vary our position on the bridge to experiment with leading lines and balance the composition of cabins, water, and peaks.

5:25 pm

Time to enjoy our cabins and relax a little

7:30 pm

Enjoy dinner at Gadus Restaurant, located within Eliassen Rorbuer.

Good food, warm conversation, and laughter will fuel us for the adventure ahead.

9:00 pm

We leave the restaurant and head back to the cabins, where we layer up and check our gear: it’s time for the real magic to begin.

9:40 pm

After a short walk we get back to Hamnøy Bridge.

This time we'll capture the breathtaking spectacle as the aurora borealis begins its dance, with green and purple lights swirling above the majestic peaks and reflecting perfectly in the still water below.

Our charming red cabins will offer a beautiful contrast, with their soft village lights standing out against the spectacular natural light show overhead.

The grandeur of the mountains rising behind the village will provide a sense of scale, with the fjord's reflections enhancing the ethereal atmosphere of the scene.

Moonset (Waxing Crescent 16.2%) is at 10:29 pm...

So..

If the sky is clear from the west, we might as well shoot the setting Moon above the peaks behind Reinefjorden.

11:50 pm

Our bed feels so comfortable tonight...

It’s been a long day. Rest well my friends because the adventure continues tomorrow!

Photographic Pills:

• Sunrise, blue hour and golden hour at Vareid.
• Sunset and golden hour at Reinefjorden Sjohus.
• Blue hour at Hamnøy Bridge.
• Moonset and Aurora at Hamnøy Bridge (if there are clear skies and aurora activity).

Day 5. Thursday, February 11th - The Yellow Cabins

6:45 am

Gooooood morning PhotoPillers!

Are you ready for another beautiful day full of incredible experiences?
Yeah?

Alright! Get your stuff ready!

7:25 am

The Reinehalsen Viewpoint near Reine offers one of Lofoten's most iconic and beautiful panoramic views.

It captures the surrounding fjords, towering peaks, and the colorful rorbuer cabins of the picturesque fishing village.

In winter, the snow-covered peaks create a surreal, postcard-perfect landscape.

We will capture the classic panoramic view of Reine and its majestic mountains in winter.

The low arctic light, potentially lasting all day, bathes the snowy scene in soft orange and golden hues.

Calm waters may reflect the towering peaks and colorful cabins, including the prominent Reinebringen.

As with the previous night, we'll have an opportunity to photograph the rising Waxing Crescent Moon (19.7%) above Reine from this vantage point, shortly after Moonrise (7:51 am).

Blue hour begins at 7:39 am, Moonrise is at 7:51 am, golden hour begins 8:02 am, and Sunrise is at 8:42 am.

8:20 am

After a 10 minute walk, we get to a nearby platform from which we have an amazing panorama of Reine.

Get your wide lens ready to capture the whole view, and your telephoto lens ready to frame the mountains and the distant cabins.

9:30 am

Breakfast at Eliassen Rorbuer followed by some downtime.

11:00 am

It's time to dive into a dedicated, in-depth second post-processing session in the Conference Room. We will be working closely with both Solli and Laura.

This session will move beyond the foundational edits and delve into advanced techniques, ensuring every image achieves its maximum potential in terms of mood and visual impact, drawing on the unique artistic perspectives of both instructors.

1:05 pm

We'll grab a quick lunch at a convenient store.

With light this good, there's no time for anything less than taking pictures.

2:05 pm

At a short driving distance we find Sakrisøy, a fishing village known for its cluster of distinctive red and yellow fisherman's cabins standing along the shoreline.

The scene is dominated by the distinctive yellow cabins, which create a striking contrast against the icy blues and whites of the fjord and the surrounding snow-covered peaks.

This setting allows for multiple compositions, with the majestic peaks often serving as a dramatic backdrop to the cabins.

Adding to the beauty is the often-calm fjord, which provides stunning reflections of both the mountains and the cabins.

3:20 pm

After a 30 minute easy to moderate hike (0.6km and 40 m ascent) we get to an amazing view point on Øllenilsøya, a small island adjacent to Sakrisøy in the Lofoten archipelago.

From here, you can capture the iconic yellow rorbuer (fishing cabins) of Sakrisøy below, beautifully framed by the imposing, snow-covered peaks.

This high perspective is especially valuable in winter, allowing photographers to capture the sweeping grandeur of the Arctic scene (the islands, fjord, and mountains) all illuminated by the soft, characteristic light of the region.

The winter light enhances the contrast between the bright cabins and the snow-dusted mountains, creating a balance of color and texture. Leading lines from the bridges and docks guide the viewer’s eye toward the colorful cabins and deeper into the scene.

The sun will be setting behind the mountains behind Reine and the higher peaks will catch the last light.

Shortly after during blue hour, all the artificial lights on the cabins, roads and bridges will be sparkling beneath us- a magical sight!

Sunset is at 4:05 pm, golden hour ends at 4:41 pm and blue hour ends at 5:09 pm.

5:40 pm

Relax time at Eliassen Rorbuer.

7:30 pm

Dinner time at Gadus Restaurant

We'll enjoy savory, authentic Nordic cuisine for dinner, serving as a final fuel-up before our highly anticipated night session to capture the Northern Lights' celestial dance.

After the meal, we will check camera gear, review the shoot plan, and prepare for the cold and the magnificent spectacle awaiting us in the dark polar sky.

9:25 pm

From Toppøya, across from Hamnøy (merely a 10-minute walk from there), we gain an open view of the fjord and the dramatic peaks above Reine.

At night, this secluded spot offers a powerful setting for aurora photography, combining the glowing red rorbuer of Hamnøy and Sakrisøya, rugged peaks, and the northern sky.

We'll face north/northwest for the aurora, which often arches over the peaks.

Using water in the foreground adds depth and allows for reflections when the fjord is calm.

Including cabins provides scale and warmth, contrasting their light with the shifting aurora.

Depending on the aurora's display, we'll adjust framing: wider for the full sweep, or tighter and more vertical when bands align over the peaks.

12:15 am

After a 10 minute walk, we get back to our hotel.

Good night my friends!

Photographic Pills:

• Sunrise, blue hour and golden hour at Reinehalsen Viewpoint.
• Golden hour at the yellow cabins of Sakrisøy.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue hour towards Sakrisøy and Reine from a hill.
• Aurora and reflections at Toppøya (if there are clear skies and aurora activity).

Day 6. Friday February 12th - Skagsanden Beach, Bridges and One Last Dance

6:15 am

Ready for another amazing day?

Light won't wait for us!

7:00 am

We'll grab our breakfast to go. There’s no time to waste today.

7:30 am

We will be already at Skagsanden beach, a superb spot for winter photography.

Its wide, pale sand, constantly reshaped by tidal pools and dark volcanic streaks, is framed by infinite, snow-covered peaks.

In February, the low Arctic Sun bathes the scene in soft, fleeting golden light. The shifting textures of sand, water, and snow offer endless foreground interest for the rugged mountains beyond.

Our Sunrise session will capture the mountains across the beach.

Light will strike the peaks and reflect on the wet ground.

Black sand, washed out by stream outflows, will create dynamic leading lines toward the mountains.

We can use longer exposures to enhance reflections or freeze wave motion for added texture and depth.

Additionally, the thin, waxing crescent moon (28.5%) will rise and move through the mountain gap starting at 8:10 am, reaching its central point precisely at 8:29 am.

This presents a striking composition opportunity: capturing the delicate crescent sliding through the notch, complemented by glowing foreground reflections and snow-dusted peaks, and more importantly, during golden hour.

Blue hour starts 7:36 am, golden hour starts 7:59 am Sunrise is at 8:39 am.

11:15 am

Time to relax at our comfy cabins at Eliassen Rorbuer.

1:05 pm

Lunch at a local restaurant

2:05 pm

For Sunset, we'll photograph the Fredvang Bridges on Flakstadøya. These elegant, curving structures connect to Moskenesøya in the Lofoten archipelago, offering breathtaking fjord vistas.

Volandstinden is visible from our spot, a majestic peak that strikingly resembles a witch's hat.

The south bridge is called Kubholmleia Bridge and the north bridge is Røssøystraumen Bridge. The length of both bridges is 240 m (787 ft).

Set against a backdrop of dramatic mountains, serene fjords, and the clear waters of the Norwegian Sea, the Fredvang Bridges offer an amazing blend of human engineering and natural beauty.

The bridges' curves naturally lead the eye toward the mountain, creating an unforgettable composition, especially if the snow-covered fjord reflects the intense sky colors.

The Sun will illuminate the scene during golden hour and Sunset, casting a beautiful light into the fjords and across the numerous peaks visible from our vantage point.

As we transition into blue hour, the striking visual contrast between the man-made bridges and the surrounding natural landscape becomes particularly impactful.

Sunset is at 4:04 pm, golden hour ends at 4:44 pm and blue hour ends at 5:08 pm.

5:25 pm

Back to Eliassen Rorbuer.

6:00 pm

Time for a photography roundtable with Solli and Laura.

During these 15-minute one-on-one sessions, each master photographer will meet with six. participants.

You are free to use this time to ask questions about photography in general, get personalized feedback on their images, receive guidance on planning shots with PhotoPills, or get help with image editing.

7:45 pm

Dinner at Gadus restaurant.

Time to unwind a little bit and get ready for tonight’s session.

9:30 pm

One last dance...

It’s our last night in Lofoten! I can’t believe it... time flies!

And we’ll try our best to photograph the Aurora one last time.

If the sky is clear and the Aurora forecast is promising, we will head back to Skagsanden Beach.

The area looks stunning during the day, as you observed this morning. But at night, the northern lights shine on the wet sand, letting you use the same daytime compositions for your aurora foregrounds.

The surrounding jagged mountains provide a dramatic contrast, adding scale and texture to the composition.

The sky, filled with stars and shimmering auroras, along with the beach’s distinct black sand patterns, will offer a visually rich, layered image.

Low tide is at 10:13 pm, so we will have the best conditions to capture the vibrant green and colorful lights reflected on the wet sand.

1:30 am

Bed time...

What a week!

But wait, don’t hurry... There’s one last Sunrise to capture!

Photographic Pills:

• Sunrise, blue hour, golden hour and Moon shots at Skagsanden Beach.
• Sunset, golden hour and blue at Fredvang bridges.
• Aurora and reflections in Skagsanden beach (if there are clear skies and aurora activity).

Day 7. Saturday, February 13th - The Farewell

6:30 am

Wake up PhotoPillers!

One last Sunrise...

7:25 am

Today is our last day in Lofoten...

And there is one more shot we want to capture before flying home :)

The iconic Hamnøy Bridge is a mere 10-minute walk away. Capturing a winter sunrise here is a truly rewarding experience, as the sun's slow ascent bathes the scenery in soft, golden light. This warm glow against the cold, snow-covered landscape creates a visually stunning contrast.

We will set up on the bridge to frame the quintessential shot: the bright red fishing cabins serving as a foreground element, guiding the eye toward the majestic mountain peaks beyond.

Keep an eye out for reflections; the fjord's calm surface might perfectly mirror the pastel hues of the sky. Alternatively, the water could be dynamic, offering a wealth of interesting textures to incorporate into your composition.

Pending favorable weather, a final attempt at Toppoya awaits, promising a spectacular finale to this exceptional expedition.

Blue hour begins at 7:32 am, golden hour begins at 7:55 am and Sunrise is at 8:34 am.

9:30 am

Breakfast at Eliassen Rorbuer.

10:00 am

Please finish packing, ensure you have all your belongings, and check out.

Double-check the room for forgotten items (chargers, camera gear, personal effects) and return keys/access cards.

With everything ready, it's time to say goodbye to Eliassen Rorbuer, an accommodation that will surely have been very comfortable for you, with spectacular views and, perhaps, some unforgettable experience or two.

As you leave, take one last look around and take the memories of your stay with you on your journey.

12:00 pm

And we arrive at Leknes airport...

As this adventure winds down, it’s hard not to feel a mix of everything: gratitude, wonder, and that bittersweet ache that comes from leaving something truly special behind.

The Lofoten Islands... they’ve left a mark.

From the jagged peaks rising out of icy fjords to the soft, surreal glow of the Arctic light... we weren’t just photographing landscapes. We were living them.

We came chasing Northern Lights, chasing golden light, chasing moments.

But what we found went deeper: the quiet awe, the shared laughs, the late-night edits, the hot drinks after freezing shoots...

That feeling of looking around and thinking... “Yeah. This is exactly where I’m meant to be.”

Saying goodbye to this wild, weather-sculpted wonderland isn’t easy. Because the memories are not just saved on memory cards, they’re etched into us.

Thank you, Lofoten, for every dramatic sky, every still reflection, every moment of pure photographic joy.

This isn’t goodbye.

It’s a promise.

We’ll be back.

Until then, keep chasing the light, my friends. The journey’s far from over.

Book Now and Save €500 (Only 1 Spot Left)

To book your spot to join the Expedition to the Lofoten Islands at a reduced price of €5,500 (the official price is €6,000), a €1,000 deposit is required by Sunday, June 21st.

Price summary:

• Booking deposit: €1,000
• Total price: €5,500

Payment in full is required by Sunday, October 4th 2026.

Please, finalize your booking as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.

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What’s included in the price

• PhotoPills Welcome pack.
• A 7-day expedition photographing the Lofoten Islands with February’s endless Golden Light and the Aurora Borealis.
• 7 days of learning, fun and adventure with Solli Kanani, Laura Oppelt and the funniest geek community – the PhotoPillers.
• Full immersion in the PhotoPills method (Imagine.Plan.Shoot!).
• 3 nights of lodging in a private room at Hattvika Lodge (bed & breakfast). You’ll be sharing a traditional fisherman cottage (rorbu) with one or more PhotoPillers. You’ll enjoy your own private room and share the bathroom (1 bathroom for 2 PhotoPillers) and living room area.
• 3 nights of lodging in a private room at Eliassen Rorbuer (bed & breakfast). You’ll be sharing a traditional fisherman cottage (rorbu) with one or more PhotoPillers. You’ll enjoy your own private room and share the bathroom (1 bathroom for 2 PhotoPillers) and living room area.
• The activities on the Secret Day.
• Ground transportation during the expedition.
• All permits and passes.
• All transfers.

What’s not included

• Flights to/from the Lofoten Islands (Norway).
• Tourist visa (if necessary).
• International medical and travel insurance coverage (strongly recommended).
• Lunch & dinner.
• Snacks, alcohol and beverages.
• Anything not mentioned in the “included” list.

Do you want an example of how huge this will be?

This is a glimpse of what happened in the PhotoPills Expedition to Iceland... But we had so many adventures and it was so much fun... We can’t wait for the Lofoten Islands, (Norway)!

But you don’t have to take our word for granted. Here’s what some PhotoPillers say about the PhotoPills adventures:

“I went to Iceland expecting to have the opportunity to photograph the marvelous landscape and master nightscapes. What I encountered was so much more – 14 kindred souls from across the globe who share a passion for photography. Together we expanded our creative boundaries, learned from one another and had an insane amount of fun in the process. I am confident that everyone came away from the experience a better photographer.”

“From the very moment the guys from PhotoPills announced the expedition to Iceland... I didn’t think it twice! I was using PhotoPills but not at its full capacity, so I had no better chance to learn from the creators of this amazing app. The experience was even more amazing than anything I could have imagined. In Iceland, I discovered a bunch of folks as crazy about photography as I am. I had a blast!

Photography is a continuous learning process, you always find something new that motivates you to improve. And this adventure made me improve more than I could imagine.”

"The PhotoPills guys know how to create a fantastic experience. They bring an infectiously fun energy and are always willing to drop some handy photography knowledge on you that you will take with you. You take their trip and you'll for sure have a good time, get some amazing pics and leave a better photographer."

“During my experience in Iceland I lived wonderful moments and had surprises that were beyond the expected. It completely exceeded my initial expectations! Sharing knowledge, experiences and ways of working and living photography with such a great group has been one of the most enriching life experiences I have ever had.

Who he said that learning and knowledge sharing can not be wonderfully fun?”

“I can't say enough about what a fantastic time I had during the PhotoPills Iceland photo tour! The guys from PhotoPills and Donal Boyd were so knowledgeable, accommodating, and especially lots of fun. Never a dull moment – nonstop action and shooting of amazing landscapes for 10 days. I came away with enough images and memories to last a lifetime!”

FAQs

What’s the temperature in the Lofoten Islands in February?

It’s winter and it’s going to be cold.

The average temperature is between 1ºC (33ºF) and -3ºC (27ºF). The mountains and hillsides can get covered in a white blanket of snow, creating a picturesque winter scenery.

It’s key to wear different layers of clothing (base, middle and shell layers) to be able to adapt to any temperature change, snow and rain.

What do you recommend I bring along for the expedition?

Your sense of adventure and fun, your camera and of course your sense of humor.

Besides that? We’ll send you an email that will give you further details and suggestions about what to bring (gear, clothing, etc.).

Is travel insurance included in the price of the expedition?

No. Participants are suggested to purchase national or international medical and travel insurance coverage.

Also, we recommend you to choose a travel insurance that:

• Covers trip cancellation costs.
• Covers Covid-19 health, travel and cancellation costs.

What is the cancellation policy?

We hope you don’t need to cancel your spot, but if a situation arises where you don’t have a choice, our cancellation policy is the following.

If you choose not to join the Expedition, a cancellation fee may apply. This fee will be equivalent to the cost of the Expedition, minus any savings or additional income we generate
if we’re able to fill your spot with another participant.

If we’re able to fill your spot, we’ll refund the payments you’ve made, deducting a €300 administrative fee and any non-refundable costs retained by our travel partners.

However, if there are unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the destination or nearby that significantly affect the execution of the Expedition or the transportation of passengers to the destination, no penalty will be applied, and we will refund all payments you have made toward the Expedition.

Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made.

Credits: All images by Marco Grassi, Felix Inden, Laura Oppelt and Antoni Cladera.