Winter Extreme
This 6-day photo workshop around Äkäslompolo in Finnish Lapland takes place just at the end of the polar night. We will have very special light conditions, because the sun appears only short times. This does not mean that it would be 22 hours darkness. Before sunrise and after sunset there will be several hours of moody light. During the workshop we will concentrate on winter landscapes, snow-covered trees, snow details and of course the ever-mesmerizing Aurora Borealis.
A maximum of six participants make this an intimate workshop. Each person will have a lot of time for in-depth discussions regarding photos, gear and anything else.
As always and everywhere, the weather is an unknown. The program and its order might change depending on the weather conditions.
Overview
Upcoming Dates
– 12-17 Jan 2019 (seats available)
– Jan 2020 (date to be confirmed – Seats available)
Participants
minimum 4 participants
maximum 6 participants
Required photography skills
This tour is open to all skill levels, from beginners to professionals.
Required fitness level
This tour requires a basic-active fitness level. We will have short hikes through the snow. Riding the snow mobile requires some strength as well. Please keep in mind that if the nights are clear, we will spend part of it to search for Northern lights.
Price
Double room: EUR 2.840,00
Single room supplement: EUR 350,00
Surcharge for own snow mobile: EUR 150,00
Included in price
– transfer from/to Kittilä airport (KTT) at predefined times
– B&B accommodation in Äkäslompolo, every room has a kitchenette
– warm overalls and shoes. Helmets for snow mobiling.
– three snow mobiling tours for the group during daytime and nighttime / 2 persons per snow mobile
– all transfers to photo locations
Not included
– flights in and out of Kittilä (KTT)
– photo gear (camera, lenses, tripod, filters, etc)
– travel insurance or any other private insurances
– dinner
– alcoholic drinks
Detailed information
Day 1
Our workshop starts with the transfer from the airport Kittilä to the Lodge 67N in Äkäslompolo. After a one-hour drive we will check in and go out for dinner. Weather permitting, we grab our camera gear and head into the night to look for the Aurora Borealis.
Days 2-5
During these days we will visit several locations to photograph open water, snow-covered trees and more. Three half-day/night snow mobile excursions are planned to reach locations which are otherwise difficult to access during winter. Some locations we might visit twice – in daytime and nighttime. As with all nature-related activities, the weather situation dictates when and which spots we visit. The goal is to provide you the best possibilities for great photos throughout the week.
As mentioned, the sun will be only short times above the horizon. Nevertheless, we will have lots of hours with great light. Twilight is divided in three different phases:
– Civil twilight (sun position between 0°…-6° below the horizon, it is very bright)
– Nautical twilight (-6°…-12°, it is bright enough to see the horizon, stars appear)
– Astronomical twilight (-12°…-18°, many stars are visible as well as auroras)
To give you a better understanding here are the times of our first full day:
Day 6
After breakfast this week will unfortunately come to an end and we will have to pack our things to drive to Kittilä airport.
All program is subject to the weather.
Äkäslompolo is located in the municipality Kolari in the Northwest of Finland. About 140km North of the Arctic Circle and 25km from the Swedish border, here live 500 people. The village lies at a lake and is surrounded by seven fells. Temperatures in January are on average about -15C (5F) and can drop down to -40C (-40F) for short periods. In normal winter conditions it is here, where frost, snow and wind transform ordinary trees into mysterious snow giants.

Important for night photography and long exposure photos. The tripod will minimize camera shaking. Handheld photos in darkness will not be sharp. To adjust settings comfortably, the tripod should be nearly your height.
Camera
Most suitable will be a dSLR camera where you can exchange lenses. Your camera needs to have the option of manual focus and a complete manual mode which allows you to adjust aperture, exposure time and ISO separately. There are also a bunch of suitable mirrorless cameras out there. Pocket cameras with a zoom might be ok in some cases, you can contact me for that when booking.
Lenses
For night and aurora photography you should bring a fast lens (meaning wide aperture, with a small f-number like f/2.8 or better) to make the most of the available light. Lenses with f/4.0 are doing fine also but you might have to crank up the ISO. Auroras often stretch all across the sky. To capture a big part of it, you want to have a wide-angle lens (24mm or wider).
For daytime photography it is good to have a couple of lenses. A zoom (24-70mm, 24-120mm or the like) for diverse photo compositions. A lens like 50mm f/1.8 will be useful to emphasize details in snow or trees, leaving the horizon of the photo blurry.
Remote control (optional)
Use during night photography or long exposures. The remote allows you to take photos without touching the camera.
Filters (optional)
If you want to take photos of smooth water or moving clouds, you will need a neutral density filter. A polarizer can be used to create better contrast between white snow and blue sky. A graduaded ND filter will help to balance the light difference of ground and sky.
Head lamp / Flashlight
Will be important during the night. If you can get a head lamp with a red light option, it will be helpful.
Spare batteries
In cold weather your batteries will discharge quite fast. It will be important to have at least three extra batteries with you. Using hand warmers, you can revive the batteries to get the last bit of energy out of them.
To read more about aurora photography, check out my aurora guide ‘Fox Fires’, part 4.
Make sure you have the right clothing. With average temperatures of -15C (5F) you need to be prepared. The temperature might drop down to -25…-35C (-13…-31F). You will receive an overall and thick shoes but under it it is important to have several layers.
Bottom layer
Best is a woolen layer. For example, merino wool is excellent.
Middle layers
Another woolen layer and some fleece layers usually work well.
Top layer (under the overall)
Top your layers off with a winter jacket, best for them will be windproof.
Shoes, socks and gloves
They will be essential as your toes and fingers will be one of the biggest challenges to keep warm. Hand and toe warmers can easily be purchased online. Please bring those with you. Important: Operating the camera in the cold without gloves can be tough. Get a thin pair with which you are able to press the camera buttons. These thin gloves can be worn under thick ones.
Head, face and ears
Make sure to properly protect your head and ears against the cold. Having windproof, fur type of hat with ear flaps makes a big difference. A balaclava helps to keep your face warm, especially your nose and cheeks.
Thermos bottle
For hot juice, tea or coffee to keep you warm during our excursions.
Laptop
To backup your photos from the camera and editing in Lightroom.
During this workshop we will explore the nature three times on snow mobiles. Those excursions usually last between 3-6 hours, with the main time focusing on photography. Usually two people share one snow mobile and take turns in driving. If you want to drive yourself all the time, it is possible to book a snow mobile for yourself for a surcharge.
To be the driver of a snow mobile, you will need to have a valid driving license. If you rather sit on the back and don’t want to drive, no license is needed.
Before we head out for the first time, everyone will get an introduction on safety, how to drive and driving rules. During our excursions, a professional guide is with us all the time.
Payments
15% due within 14 days after registration
85% due latest 30 days before tour start
Cancellation and refunds
Up to 60 days before tour start: Full refund minus an administration fee of EUR 100.00
59-30 days before tour start: 85% refund of the entire trip’s cost
29-15 days before tour start: 50% refund of the entire trip’s cost
Less than 15 days before tour start: 5% refund of the entire trip’s cost
Gallery
Any questions?
If you have questions related to the workshop, your photo gear or anything else, please use the contact form.