Whales and Auroras in Northern Norway — Tor-Ivar Næss Photography

Photography Workshop

Whales & Auroras

Skjervøy, Norway

JANUARY 3 - 10, 2025

ONLY 5 SPOTS

I'm thrilled to extend a long-awaited invitation to join me on an exhilarating adventure as we chase two of Northern Norway's most awe-inspiring spectacles: the enchanting Northern Lights and the magnificent whales!

A unique opportunity!

I'm absolutely thrilled to invite you to my workshop, right here in the picturesque expanse of my own photographic backyard.
This exclusive workshop will be a fusion of three elements: the awe-inspiring presence of whales, the mystical dance of the Northern Lights, and the artistry of post-processing.

By day, we'll embark on an unforgettable journey of observation and photography, encountering the breathtaking beauty of killer whales, humpback whales, and perhaps even other captivating variants.

Once our memory cards are brimming with the essence of these majestic creatures, we'll gather to unlock the full potential of our images through post-processing, transforming our captures into captivating versions of themselves.

As the stars begins the fill the sky, our adventure continues, as we venture into the night to chase and capture the mesmerizing Northern Lights. Guided by yours truly. My passion and knowledge of the northern lights as well as my local knowledge will give you an unparalleled experience.

Join me on this expedition as we immerse ourselves in the magic of the Arctic!

Regarding the itinerary

The workshop begins in Tromsø. I will personally pick you and the rest of the group up at the airport (TOS) or any hotel in the city.
We depart towards Skjervøy, our base camp, no later than 16:00 (4pm), Friday January 3rd.

We will arrive at our basecamp approximately 21:00 (9pm). If there is a good chance of witnessing and capturing the northern lights, we will do that.

From Saturday through Thursday, we will head out to photograph the whales and auroras. In between the whales and auroras, we will do post-processing and obviously eat. The advantage by living this close to the whales is that we will head out earlier than most, so that we will be at location when the good light appears!

I will also give you a presentation about the northern lights, and you will have a similar presentation about the whales we have in our part of the world.

What will I learn?

During our journey in the field you will learn:
-Focusing at night
-Find compelling compositions in the dark
-Optimal settings for your camera
-Focus stacking at night
-How to get sharp images of whales
-Choice of focal length and creative ways to use lens distortion.

During the dedicated post processing sessions you will learn:
-How to render colors for Northern lights.
-Blend multiple exposures in photoshop.
-Final image rendition for panoramas using Photoshop.
-Learning how to use luminosity masks for tonal adjustments.
-Specific steps that can be taken in post processing to strengthen the visual pathway through your image.

Make it

When and where?

We want you to be at Tromsø airport (TOS) at no later than 16:00 (4pm) at the latest, January 3rd.
Both Norwegian and SAS flies to Tromsø (TOS) from Oslo (OSL). There are also international flights directly to Tromsø from a variety of European cities.

Should you arrive the day prior to the workshop, we recommend you to book your hotel early as it gets quite expensive in Tromsø in the winter months.

You will fly out from Tromsø on Friday the 10th. Your flight from Tromsø should be after 16:00 (4pm).

What is included and not?

Included in this workshop is the transportation from and back to the airport, as well as the whale watching (Saturday through Thursday), transportation between locations as well as trips to the town if needed.
The guiding and tutoring both infield as well as in the class room.

You will have your own bedroom, but shared bathroom(s).
You can sign up as a couple for a discounted price, given you two share bedroom. In this case contact me directly prior to booking.

For the whale watching / photographing you will be equipped with a floatation suit.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner is included!
Obviously you will. be treated with coffee, tea and waffles as we look for the whales.

We do not lend out any gear (camera or clothing*), so you need to bring this yourself.
You need your personal travel and health insurances in order.
You need to get yourself to Tromsø airport (TOS) and any hotel nights or similar related to that you need to cover yourself.
Any tips, souvenirs or snacks is on you.

If you are unsure whether or not something is included or not, do not hesitate to contact me (contact form below).

Sign up

What do I bring with me?

Since we will spend a lot of time outside it is important that you bring appropriate winter clothing. 3 layers usually does the trick.
When we are on the go we usually go with merino wool as the inner layer and insulated pants and jackets, gloves and a cap to keep our ears warm. Your shoes should be winter proof as well.
Temperatures will likely be between 0 and minus 15 celsius (32F and 5F).
It is recommended to bring spikes for your foot wear, as it is very likely it will be icy at some locations (when shooting auroras)

As for camera gear, we recommend a fast ultra-wide angle lens for landscape and auroras. If this is something you do not have in your arsenal of lenses, something like a 14mm (full frame equivalent) f2.8 does the trick for the northern lights as well as daytime landscapes.
Since we will spend time in different surroundings we are covered from 14mm to 400mm.
Given the small group size, you can rest assured there is plenty of time for individual instruction and advice both in the field and in post processing. Your images and learning is my top priority.
Bring a sturdy tripod! I cannot stress this enough. It is recommended to have spikes on that tripod, but not mandatory. It is winter, ice and likely windy. A sturdy tripod will be your friend.

You are welcome to bring your drone. You are responsible to follow the national laws related to flying. Info found here

Adapters, converters, chargers etc. You are likely using a different power connector where you come from.

Do bring your laptop with the latest Lightroom and Photoshop installed if you wanna follow along when we do class room sessions.