2025 Faroe Islands Photo Workshop

With Matt Suess & Thomas Vikre
July 2 - 9, 2025

Faroe Islands

Come join us for an epic ƒoto workshop eXperience photographing the stunning landscape of the Faroe Islands - and puffins! - in 2025

2025 Faroe Islands Photo Workshop

Faroe Islands | July 2 - 9, 2025

The Basics:

Dates

8 Days, 7 Nights:
Wednesday, July 2 - Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Location

Faroe Islands

Group Details

Maximum 12 clients. Photography skill level from beginner to professional.

Physical Activity

Easy, mostly no long hiking, except a few optional locations.

Tuition Fees

$4,997

Lodging & transportation during workshop is included.

Your Instructors & Guides

Matt Suess: Instructor & Guide

Thomas Vikre: Instructor & Local Guide

Hi - I'm Matt Suess with Thomas Vikre

Together we want to invite you to join us in the Faroe Islands in August of 2025 to photograph the stunning landscape - and puffins!


We have put together an amazing ƒoto eXperience you are not going to want to miss.

The Faroe Islands are a bucket-list item for many photographers and it is easy to see why, with the dramatic seaside cliffs, tiny villages, waterfalls, and lush green hillsides.


We will also be travelling by boat to spend a part of the day with the always photogenic puffins!


Spots are limited on this incredible ƒoto eXperience - register today and reserve yours before it sells out!

Introducing Our Local Guide Thomas Vikre

We will have Thomas Vikre as our local guide and driver.

Thomas Vikre is a Danish-Norwegian award-winning photographer based in the Faroe Islands. He also conducts photo tours in Iceland, Lofoten Norway, Madeira and mainland Portugal as well as wherever else he is invited. His work consists primarily of landscape, travel, adventure and fine art photography, but he also does a substantial amount of commercial work for local Faroese companies.

"I really cannot wait for this... figuring out how to make this particular trip happen has been on my mind since I first decided I wanted to get into landscape photography.


And I know after working with you this year, I will truly be ready for it!"

Winnie A.

2022 Photo Mentorship Client with Matt Suess and 2023 Lofoten Aurora Workshop Client

Remote & mysterious, rugged & dramatic...

...Yet, so beautiful.

It’s like being in an episode of Game of Thrones.

The Faroe Islands have a magnetic attraction for landscape photographers, and for a good reason. Battered by the elements, the towering cliffs rise from the deep sea.

Huge waves are constantly pounding the shoreline, creating amazing formations. Isolated in the Atlantic Ocean, the Faroe Islands are halfway between Norway and Iceland.

National Geographic named the Faroe Islands the most authentic and unspoiled group of islands in the world. This comes as no surprise to us!

Dynamic, constantly changing light and weather makes these islands magical for photography.

We can experience 4 seasons in an hour. One moment it might be raining, the next we have warm sunshine on our faces. Turn around and it might be snowing or hailing. It’s fascinating and beautiful.

In late August the Faroe Islands is stunningly green and fresh. Puffins can be found, and the temperature this time of year makes it a really comfortable season to visit this magical place.

Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are a North Atlantic archipelago island country and self-governing nation under the external sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark.

They are located 320 kilometers (200 miles) north-northwest of Scotland, and about halfway between Norway (580 kilometers/360 miles away) and Iceland (430 kilometers/270 miles away).

The territory is one of three constituent countries that form the Kingdom of Denmark, along with Denmark and Greenland. The islands have a total area of about 1,400 square kilometres (540 sq mi) with a population of 54,000 as of June 2022.

The terrain is rugged, and the subpolar oceanic climate (Cfc) is windy, wet, cloudy, and cool. Temperatures for such a northerly climate are moderated by the Gulf Stream, averaging above freezing throughout the year, and hovering around 12 °C (54 °F) in summer and 5 °C (41 °F) in winter.[9] The northerly latitude also results in perpetual civil twilight during summer nights and very short winter days.

- source Wikipedia

"You have the utmost patience and instead of just telling me to do something, or how to do something, you helped me to think about solutions. Many instructors/leaders have an ego and those individuals are difficult to learn from. You don’t. You are a top-notch instructor."

Jill E.

2019 Spring Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client with Matt Suess

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"Matt is the best instructor I've had for any creative activity, but especially photography. He is patient in explaining things, and really helps you focus on the areas that YOU want to develop rather than focusing on what he thinks you need improvement on.

He also is the only instructor I've had in creative endeavors that is so supportive of you owning your unique style - I've always been one to do things my way, and most instructors struggle with students who don't "do as you're told," but Matt teaches to help you learn rather than trying to get you to do things his way.

Matt also is great about making sure that each person gets heard and gets time for their questions to be answered, which requires facilitation of the discussions in such a way that people aren't talked over but also that people don't feel like they are being shut down...this is not an easy thing to do. Plus, he has a great sense of humor, which is always appreciated!

The Milky Way Workshop felt more about learning some techniques, setting up the shot, then waiting to see if it worked. This was more thinking on your feet and instantly applying things and adjusting (which was likely part of my challenge...my brain wasn't ready).

I would recommend both trips, and have so loved showing people the magic that was captured both times. And it's fun to be able to brag about the great teacher we had each time."

Emily L.

2018 June Tetons Milky Way and 2019 Spring Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client

ITINERARY

Here is the general plan of our time together.

NOTE: This itinerary reflects past Faroe workshops and may not necessarily be our schedule, as exact locations and days will likely change. Use this as a guideline and note that this schedule will be kept flexible and will change depending on weather and photographic potential.

Sunrise at this time of year is around 5am with sunset around 10pm, which leaves little night time. Normally we'll be able to get back to the hotel for breakfast after our sunrise session, and we'll go to dinner prior to our sunset session. Usually the afternoon is reserved for rest time. When we go to photograph the puffins, that is an all-day trip via boat and there is a nice little restaurant on the island we can go to.

Due to the hours of sunrise and sunset with the short nights, it can be tough doing each sunrise and sunset everyday and we will plan accordingly. If the weather is ideal we may even stay out all night from sunset through sunrise - if we do we'll have extra rest the following day. Sunsets & sunrises last much longer than what we are used to so we'll make maximum use of any amazing light we receive.

Day 1: Arrival at Vagar Airport. Transport to Foroyar

You will arrive at Vagar Airport where we will pick you up.

After saying hi to the rest of the group we drive to our hotel in Foroyar.

Here we check in and will then head out for a sunset shoot.


Day 2 – 7: Enjoy the Adventure

The following days we will explore the incredible areas of the Faroe Islands.

Stunning locations are scattered around and we will be moving around in our van trying to maximize our photography options. The weather and light conditions are constantly changing and fabulous light can be expected at all times.

We will make sure we are at the best locations at the best times! Places like Tjørnuvik and Saksun are on the list, in addition to many incredible unnamed spots.


Puffins, waterfalls, beautiful & dramatic coastal scenes, small villages, and more will be featured throughout our time together.


Day 8: – The Adventure Concludes

On the final day we have breakfast at the hotel and we will transport you to the airport. A morning shoot is always a possibility.

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Harley M.

"I think the way you handled the workshop was as near perfect as any student could ask for."

2019 Fall Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client

Winnie A.

"I really cannot wait for this... figuring out how to make this particular trip happen has been on my mind since I first decided I wanted to get into landscape photography. And I know after working with you this year, I will truly be ready for it!"

2022 Photo Mentorship Client & 2023 Lofoten Aurora Workshop Client

Jill E.

"You have the utmost patience and instead of just telling me to do something, or how to do something, you helped me to think about solutions. Many instructors/leaders have an ego and those individuals are difficult to learn from. You don’t. You are a top-notch instructor."

2019 Spring Grand Teton Photo Workshop Client

Who Is This Workshop For?

This workshop is designed for any skill level, yet a DSLR/Mirrorless or equivalent camera with interchangeable lenses AND a sturdy tripod are required, as well as a basic working knowledge of your camera.


NOTE: If you are a smartphone photographer you are equally welcome!!

Most clients who take my workshops are beginners to advanced amateurs and even pros. My workshops are filled with hands-on instruction & demonstrations. I encourage & help find and develop each clients' unique personal style of photography.

Accommodations

All in-tour transportation and hotel accommodations in a double room are included. A single room upgrade can be purchased for an additional fee.

Physical Difficulty:
EASY to MODERATE

Must Be in Good Physical Condition


Easy, mostly no long hiking, except a few optional locations. Most of our photography locations are just a few steps away or short walk from the parking lot.


The longest hike is the spectacular Traelanipa Slave Cliff, which is about 3.5 miles round trip, easy and flat, but this is optional, we can split into two groups if some don’t want to hike.

Weather

In August the average high temperature for Tórshavn is 55F with the average low at 48. The Faroe Islands recieve on average 13 rain days during this month.

The climate is classed as subpolar oceanic climate according to the Köppen climate classification: Cfc, with areas having a tundra climate, especially in the mountains, although some coastal or low-lying areas may have very mild-winter versions of a tundra climate. The overall character of the climate of the islands is influenced by the strong warming influence of the Atlantic Ocean, which produces the North Atlantic Current. This, together with the remoteness of any source of landmass-induced warm or cold airflows, ensures that winters are mild (mean temperature 3.0 to 4.0 °C or 37 to 39 °F) while summers are cool (mean temperature 9.5 to 10.5 °C or 49 to 51 °F).

The islands are windy, cloudy, and cool throughout the year with an average of 210 rainy or snowy days per year. The islands lie in the path of depressions moving northeast, making strong winds and heavy rain possible at all times of the year. Sunny days are rare and overcast days are common.

The climate varies greatly over small distances, due to the altitude, ocean currents, topography, and winds. Precipitation varies considerably throughout the archipelago. In some highland areas, snow cover may last for months with snowfalls possible for the greater part of the year (on the highest peaks, summer snowfall is by no means rare), while in some sheltered coastal locations, several years pass without any snowfall whatsoever. Tórshavn receives frosts more often than other areas just a short distance to the south. Snow also is seen at a much higher frequency than on outlying islands nearby. The area receives on average 49 frosts a year.
- source Wikipedia

A complete list of what to bring will be provided following registration.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER

What Is Included

  • Two professional photography guides: Matt Suess, and local guide Thomas Vikre
  • All in-tour transportation
  • Boat ticket for puffins
  • Accommodation in hotel (based on double occupancy with option to upgrade to single occupancy)
  • Breakfast
  • ​Complete dedication from Matt Suess & Thomas Vikre to put us in the best position at the best time for the best photos by constantly monitoring weather forecasts & adjusting our itinerary accordingly

What Is Not Included

  • International flights
  • Lodging before the start or after the end of workshop
  • Food, snacks and beverages outside breakfast
  • Personal travel, medical, equipment or trip cancellation insurance
  • ​Items of a personal nature such as laundry services, clothing, phone charges, etc.
  • Visa (if applicable)

What Airport and When to Arrive

Complete travel information will be provided following registration.

Where to Stay

All in-tour transportation and hotel accommodations in a double room are included. A single room upgrade can be purchased for an additional fee. Should you want to arrive a day earlier and/or leave a day later, we can provide hotel recommendations - these are to be made on your own and are not part of the workshop.

More complete information will be provided following registration.

What to Bring

After you sign up, we’ll send you the information about international flights, recommended camera gear, packing list and other important information. Please pay special attention to things that we say are absolutely required.

Travel Insurance - STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to purchase quality travel insurance.

Some companies allow for the purchase of Cancel for Any Reason Coverage that expands the list of reasons for your canceling to include things such as sudden work or family obligation and even a simple change of mind.

More information will be provided upon registration.

Traveling With a Spouse/Companion

There is a paid option upgrade for a single room. However, in order to join us in the vehicles we will be traveling in, any spouses/companions would need to be fully registered for the workshop as there is no room in the workshop vehicles for those not registered.

Register Here!

2025 Faroe Islands Photo Workshop

TUITION FEES: $4,997

$1,000 due today, remaining $3,997 due by March 2, 2025

  • July 2 - 9, 2025
  • 1-on-1 & Group Coaching and Guiding from Matt Suess & local guide Thomas Vikre
  • Limited to 12
  • 7 Nights Accommodations Double Occupancy
  • ​Transportation During the Workshop
  • Past Clients: any alumni discount will be applied to final balance

A single occupancy room upgrade is available for an additional $995 and is payable with final balance payment.

ALL WORKSHOP ATTENDEES MUST ALSO FILL OUT AND SIGN MY ONLINE REGISTRATION FORM HERE.


Cancellation & Refund Policy for This Workshop

We know that plans can change, unforeseen circumstances can happen and no one wants to miss out on the trip of a lifetime. To provide the best customer support possible and to keep groups small and affordable, our cancellation policy ensures we can continue to provide clients the best possible foto experience.

For this workshop the following applies:

  • The initial $1,000 registration fee is non-refundable, but it is transferable to another workshop provided we are more than 120 days from the start of the workshop (a $275 administrative fee is applied to all transfers).
  • The remaining $3,997 balance is due 120 days from the start of the workshop, that date being March 2, 2025.
  • If you cancel within 120 days from the start of the workshop and you are able to find someone to fill your spot, you would be entitled to receive a refund (minus your initial registration fee and a $275 administrative fee). If you are unable to fill your spot, all fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. It is highly suggested to purchase good trip insurance to cover you in such an instance.

If you wish to cancel or transfer to another workshop MORE than 120 Days from the Start:

your registration fee will be transferable to another workshop by Matt Suess with a $275 administrative fee.

If you wish to cancel or transfer to another workshop LESS than 120 Days from the Start:


no refunds or transfers (assuming we cannot fill your spot)

You can view my full cancellation & refund policy along with other important information here.

STILL GOT QUESTIONS? WE GOT YOU!

Frequently Asked Questions

Regarding this Faroe Islands Photo Workshop

  • Is there a lot of walking/hiking during this workshop?

We will not do any long hiking. Most of our photography locations are just a few steps away or short walk from the parking lot.


The longest hike is the spectacular Traelanipa Slave Cliff, which is about 3.5 miles round trip, easy and flat, but this is optional, we can split into two groups if some of you don’t want to hike. Bring comfortable hiking footwear.

  • I am a pure beginner (or advanced) photographer. Is this workshop for me?

This workshop is open to all photography levels from beginner to pro. I have had clients who didn't know what an f-stop was and I have had those who are just about ready to or are already selling their own prints.


Being a small group with extra instructors/guides Jason Odell & Thomas Vikre, we are able to work with each client individually no matter their experience level to help them improve and reach their individual goals.

  • What is your experience photographing the Faroe Islands?

This will be my 2nd photo workshop in the Faroe Islands and for the 2nd time I am teaming up with local guide Thomas Vikre who used to live there and knows the island like none other. He knows all the spots to go to and has tons of connections with the locals to get us onto private property for some truly unique vantage points.

  • Will we work on our computers and learn how to process our photos?

Most likely no - this workshop is expected to be a shooting intensive workshop with little to no time for any group computer lessons. That is what my Bonus material is for where you can watch pre-recorded videos in the comfort of your home. You can even download the videos to watch again and again.

Besides, wouldn't you rather be out shooting instead of inside the hotel room on your computer?

An exception to this would be if the weather is bad enough that it prevents us from creating any meaningful shots. Should that happen we can spend some time on the computers.

  • Can I bring my drone?

It depends upon the workshop, so please check with the specific workshop you are interested in. Most workshops are geared towards beginner to professional abilities.

  • Can my spouse, relative, friend, pet, etc. attend any or all of the workshop?

There is a paid option upgrade for a single room. However, in order to join us in the vehicles we will be traveling in, any spouses/companions would need to be fully registered for the workshop as there is no room in the vehicles for those not registered.

Workshops are also not a location for pets and as such are not allowed with the exception of guide dogs.

STILL GOT QUESTIONS? WE GOT YOU!

Frequently Asked Questions

Regarding My Photo Workshops & Tours in General

  • What sets your workshops apart from other workshops?

I absolutely love teaching & guiding! I have over 30 years of professional photography experience and am detail orientated and put the needs of my clients first and answering all of their questions.


I have a unique photo background with experience creating and selling my work in such diverse fields as photojournalism, sports, portrait, wedding, editorial, and commercial photography.


My specialty since 2006 has been fine art landscape, wildlife, night sky & Milky Way, and travel photography. I draw from all of my life experiences to provide you with whatever technical and artistic guidance you need.


With my help, you will grow and expand your visual expression as well as your technical skills. In addition, you will have a great time in the process!

  • Why should I attend one of your workshops?

I will show you how to create inspiring and amazing fine art quality photographs. You will learn how to see more creatively and how to translate that vision into a final image that has emotional impact.


I make it easy to learn techniques and concepts that you will take with you every time you walk out the door with your camera. I have extensive experience shooting and selling my fine art photography as well as teaching the concepts of photography.


I am a hands-on learner myself and teach using a hands-on approach that will give you the best opportunity to retain information and further your photography skills long after the workshop has concluded.


Lastly I love teaching small groups. Most of my workshops feature small sizes with 6 to 12 clients on average. This allows for extremely low teacher to client ratios and provides valuable one-on-one opportunities to work with me and my guides during the workshop.

  • Can my spouse, relative, friend, pet, etc. attend any or all of the workshop?

Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, I have a no tag-along policy. Spouses, family members, friends, etc. who are traveling with you and who haven’t registered are unable to partake in any group functions. Workshops are also not a location for pets and thus are not allowed with the exception of guide dogs. If a spouse or friend wants to attend they will need to register as a regular client.

  • Do you photograph during field workshops?

Yes I do on occasion and only when the light is amazing or when I need to photograph certain subjects for later classroom use and field discussion of composition and exposure.


When I do photograph along with my clients, the goal is to inspire them to learn to see creative compositions. It can be extremely valuable watching me work a scene.


Rest assured however that I am far more concerned that my cliens get the shot and I ALWAYS put their needs first.

  • What level of photography experience do I have to have in order to attend one of your workshops?

It depends upon the workshop, so please check with the specific workshop you are interested in. Most workshops are geared towards beginner to professional abilities.

  • Do you provide travel insurance for your workshop participants?

I do NOT provide travel insurance as part of my workshop fees, but I definitely recommend clients get it. I highly recommend trip insurance that also includes travel health insurance. I personally use Allianz Travel. The cost for travel insurance is typically 4-7% of the total trip cost, depending upon age and other variable factors.

  • What’s included in my tuition? Rooms, transportation, meals?

Tuition includes all lectures, fieldwork, guiding, any classroom instruction and critiques of your digital files during any classroom sessions.


Travel & transportation costs, lodging, entrance fees, and meals are not included in the cost of admission unless otherwise specified.

  • What should I bring with me to one of your workshops?

You will receive a workshop welcome kit before the start that will contain detailed information regarding the proper gear to bring with you.

  • What happens in bad weather?

Do not dismiss bad weather, as great photos can be found under some seemingly dreary skies. Many times we will be out in stormy weather, provided it’s not putting you or your equipment at risk.


Great pictures can happen during fog, snow, rain and mist.


If conditions are too extreme, we will find a location to wait out the weather. During this time, we can work on our images on our laptops while I assist you and give demonstrations.

  • Do you provide transportation?

I do not supply transportation for my workshops unless otherwise specified. I encourage participants to carpool once the workshop has begun, to minimize our impact on the environment and to facilitate parking. Please come expecting to share your car with others or to jump in and share someone else’s.

  • What is your cancellation policy?

Each workshop has it's own cancellation policy you can review on each workshop's registration page.

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Matt Suess

Fine Art Photographer and OM SYSTEM, NiSi, Fotopro, Ororo Wear Ambassador

Photography has always been a huge part of my life starting at the age of 12 when I had my own black & white chemical darkroom. That early interest launched a full-time professional photography career that began in 1990 and continues today.

For the first 17 years of my career I was a photojournalist based in New England. I am a digital photography pioneer and began teaching digital photography to photojournalists in the late 90’s, helping bring digital cameras to two different newspapers. I was awarded the 2003 New England Press Associations Photographer of the Year award for my work at the Cape Cod Times. During my time as a photojournalist, I also photographed weddings & portraits, as well as corporate & commercial assignments.

In 2006 I decided to leave all of that behind and move West, where I am now a fine art landscape, nature, wildlife, travel, and Milky Way photographer, educator, and publisher. I also accept select luxury resort & architectural photography assignments.

I teach numerous field & classroom workshops throughout the year as well as online courses and I provide occasional free online webinars. You may have already seen my videos/webinars for OM SYSTEM / Olympus, Hunts Photo & Video, B&H Photo, Skylum and ON1. My passion for sharing and teaching what I have learned during my long career is evident in my down-to-earth and encouraging approach with my clients.

I am honored to be sponsored by Olympus / OM SYSTEM as an OM SYSTEM Ambassador but I teach photography to anyone using any camera brand.

I live in Bozeman, Montana with my blue heeler cattle dog. You can find me online on Instagram and YouTube at @mattsuessphoto

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Watch the PetaPixel Documentary:

Off the Beaten Path with Photographer Matt Suess

Join OM SYSTEM Ambassador Matt Suess as he embarks on a photography journey to Stanley, Idaho to capture the incredible Sawtooth Mountains. While getting off the beaten path in one of the most photogenic locations in the United States, Suess describes how he uses the powerful features of his OM-5 camera to capture Idaho's incredible sunrises, sunsets, and nightscapes.

Meet Jason Odell

Jason P. Odell is a professional photographer and educator from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Jason specializes in wildlife, landscape, and creative urban themes. He has authored over a dozen comprehensive photography guides, including guides to Nikon's Capture NX, Adobe Photoshop Lightroom and Nik Plug-ins.


Jason holds a Ph.D. in biology from the University of California, Riverside. His dissertation research included field work on the island of Trinidad, where he became familiar with many of the interesting bird and wildlife species.


Jason has been leading small-group photo safaris and tours since 2007. His approach to photography is holistic and includes an emphasis on composition, exposure, and post-processing.


Participants in Jason's photo tours get a hands-on instructional experience tailored to their individual needs and skill level. Jason's photography has been featured by Nik Software, Tiffen, Studio Photography Magazine, Wildlife Photographic Magazine, Singh- Ray Filters, and Digital Silver Imaging.

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