2025 Lofoten Winter Aurora Photography Workshop
With Matt Suess & a Local Photo Guide
January 17 - 24, 2025
Lofoten, Norway
Come join us for an epic photo workshop experience photographing the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights) and more in Lofoten, Norway in 2025
Lofoten, Norway January 17 - 24, 2025
The Basics:
Dates
8 Days, 7 Nights:
Friday, January 17 - Friday, January 24, 2025
Location
The Artic Circle in Lofoten, Norway
Group Details
Maximum 12 clients. Photography skill level from beginner to professional.
Physical Activity
Easy to Moderate. Most locations are just a few steps away from where we park but there could be some snow, ice, and ocean water & tidal flats.
Tuition Fees
$1,000 Due Today, then $3,997 Due by September 16, 2024.
Includes 7 nights accommodation & transportation during workshop.
Your Instructors & Guides
Matt Suess: Instructor & Guide
PLUS a Local Photo Instructor & Guide
"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
Click on the play button above to watch the video!
Hi - I'm Matt Suess with Kah-Wai Lin!
Together we want to invite you to join us in Lofoten, Norway in February of 2025 to photograph the Aurora Borealis and the stunning costal winter landscape.
We have put together an amazing foto eXperience you are not going to want to miss. We are approaching the peak cycle for aurora activity, which follows an 11-year cycle, so if you've ever wanted to try to photograph the Northern Lights, now is the time to do it!
And my partner on this workshop, Kah-Wai, knows about photographing the aurora like none other, leading well over 40+ photo tours and counting in Lofoten. He knows the popular must-have locations but more importantly he knows a lot of the less popular - yet just as amazing - places to photograph to set you up with the best chances to get your dream shots.
Spots are limited on this incredible eXperience - register today and reserve yours before it sells out again!
NOTE: for this workshop Kah-Wai will not be on location with us and I'll be working with a local photo instructor & guide while Kah-Wai manages details in the background.
...Are you dreaming yet of the possibilities?
Now is the time to put those dreams into reality and experience one of your top bucket list photo destinations!
Watch this time-lapse above from our 2023 Lofoten Aurora Photo Workshop!
No winter tour to Lofoten would be complete without bringing home beautiful images and experiencing the greatest magic show on Earth - and that is what this photography workshop is all about!
Join us in chasing the Northern Lights and photographing them in the most unique and picturesque locations imaginable in Lofoten, Norway.
The Aurora Borealis is visible in Lofoten (weather permitting) from September to April.
And as the northernmost location on earth with a year-round average temperature above freezing, this is one of the most temperate places to experience the Arctic Night Sky!
While the Northern Lights are are main priority, our secondary focus is photographing snowy winter landscapes glowing in the Arctic sun, the breathtakingly beautiful and world-renowned mountains, colorful fjords and pristine beaches, as well as the idyllic and authentic red Lofoten cabins.
Photographic opportunities are around every single corner in this paradise of the north!
As you look through these amazing photos from our guide Kah-Wai Lin, imagine yourself there experiencing this beauty and creating photographs you only dreamed you could take.
And after you wake up from that dream, consider clicking on that Registration button and joining us there for an experience of a lifetime!
"I was pleased to join Kah-Wai Lin’s Lofoten Aurora Photography Workshop in March 2017.
It was an amazing trip. We were so lucky to have 5 nights dancing with fantastic aurora show. Some nights we even worked from 7:30pm to 3:00am tracing different aurora.
Kah-Wai looked after us very well, gave us useful information both on shooting and post processing. He was flexible and tried his best to satisfy everyone’s requirement.
This is one of the best photography workshops."
Michael Chen
2017 Lofoten Aurora Photo Workshop Client with Kah-Wai Lin
Lofoten, Norway
Lofoten (Norwegian pronunciation: [ˈlùːfuːtn̩]) is an archipelago and a traditional district in the county of Nordland, Norway.
Lofoten has distinctive scenery with dramatic mountains and peaks, open sea and sheltered bays, beaches and untouched lands.
There are two towns, Svolvær and Leknes – the latter is approximately 169 km (105 mi) north of the Arctic Circle and approximately 2,420 km (1,500 mi) away from the North Pole.
The archipelago experiences one of the world's largest elevated temperature anomalies relative to its high latitude.
- source Wikipedia
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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
2023 Lofoten Aurora Photo Workshop group photo.
WHAT YOU WILL LEARN
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.
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
We will be staying in cabins. Each cabin has 3 rooms, a common living room and common kitchen. Each room has 2 beds and a bathroom - very spacious and comfortable.
Physical Difficulty:
EASY to MODERATE
Must Be in Good Physical Condition
While this tour is not particularly strenuous, we will be walking over uneven terrain as well as snow, ice, and tidal ocean water. Most locations are just a few steps away from where we park.
Weather
Sunrise will range from 10:33AM to 10:01AM, while sunset will range from 1:57PM to 2:34PM throughout the 8 days we are together.
Temps overnight on average can get down into the teens F and during the day can typically range from the 20s to 30s F.
Snow is always a possibility.
A complete list of what to bring will be provided following registration.
The Aurora Dance
We pull out all the stops when trying to find the Aurora for our clients.
One trick in particular is The Aurora Dance!
Watch as one of our local guides shows me how to do the Aurora Dance.
These Bonuses are Unique to My Workshops.
You will not find another instructor providing so much extra value to help move you forward with your photography!!
BONUS #1
1hr LIVE Online Group Welcome Zoom Call: Approx. 2 months prior to the start of the workshop we will all meet online for a Welcome Zoom Call. I'll cover where we will be going, discuss safety, show you some photos of what to expect, discuss what to bring, and will go over some basic camera settings. Bring your questions and meet your fellow attendees in this informal social gathering. ($175 Value)
BONUS #2
1.5hr LIVE Online Group Review and Q&A: Approx. 4-8 weeks following the workshop we will all meet online again. I know that a few weeks following a workshop, a bunch of questions come up from what was learned (and sometimes forgotten). Use this as your opportunity to get all of those questions that come up following a workshop answered, get feedback on your photos, and connect with your fellow attendees once again. ($175 Value)
BONUS #3
What to Do With These Photos! You will get access to my mini course on organizing your photos, captioning, adding keywords, and storing your photos. ($37 Value)
BONUS #4
How to Post Process Your Lofoten Images: An online mini course teaching you my secrets to post processing our Lofoten photos. ($197 Value)
BONUS #5
Access to a Private Online Portal: You will receive access to a special private online workshop portal where you can share photos from the workshop, get up-to-date workshop info, and watch the bonus videos. ($97 Value)
BONUS #6
Special $175 Savings on Your Next Workshop: You will receive a Special Alumni Credit that can be applied to any future field workshop that starts within 2 years of this workshop's start date. ($175 Value)
BONUS #7
Special 15% off NiSi Filters: You will receive a Special Workshop Client Only Discount of 15% off your first order of NiSi Filters. ($155 Value on Average)
BONUS #8
Special Savings on Fotopro Tripods: You will receive a Special Workshop Client Only Discount towards your purchase of a Fotopro Tripod. ($135 Value on Average)
Each BONUS is specifically designed to help you with your photography journey beyond the short time we are all together in-person.
🏆 Total Value In BONUSES: $1,146
Here is the general plan of our time together.
Use this as a guideline and note that this schedule will be kept flexible and will change depending on weather and aurora potential.
For a typical day/night, you can expect long hours and irregular sleep. But for all your effort and lack of sleep you can expect amazing photos!
Day 0: Thursday, January 16, 2025
Plan on arriving in Evenes (EVE) on this day or the day earlier to avoid any possible flight delays or cancellations due to bad weather.
You are responsible for your own hotel fees this night (and the night before if you fly in on the 15th). The hotel to stay at will be emailed to you following registration.
Day 1: Arrival – Evenes. Friday, January 17, 2025
We meet up at Evenes (EVE), get settled in our spacious minivans and start our Arctic adventure.
While driving southwest towards the Lofoten islands, we will all get to know each other and discuss our itinerary and the exciting days ahead.
If weather and time permits it, we’ll shoot sunset and Aurora Borealis as soon as arriving at our basecamp.
Days 2 - 7: Saturday - Thursday, January 18 - 23, 2025
Each day and night will be planned based on current local weather and solar weather so that we can be at the right location at the right time, so an exact day to day itinerary is impossible to list right now. But you can use the info here as a general guide of what to expect.
Our vans will leave base camp bright and early to explore the historic villages and picturesque landscapes, chasing that unique Arctic light and exploring the stunning scenery.
Highlights will include locations such as Reine (possibly the prize jewel of Lofoten), Flakstad (Skagsanden), Fredvang, Nusfjord, Å, Ramberg, Selfjord and more.
The picturesque fishing villages surrounded by jagged granite mountains and colorful fjords will present endless photographic opportunities. We will be able to spend entire days exploring new angles and perspectives.
We will also explore Leknes which is real close to all the world renowned beaches. Locations could include Utakleiv, Haukland, Unstad, Vik, Ballstad, Vareid, Myrland and Valberg are all ideal for Auroral activity and unique Arctic light.
Of course, all of these locations will be dependent on Aurora potential, and again that is our main priority during our time together.
Days 8: Departure - Evenes. Friday, January 24, 2025
After the breakfast, we will transport you to Evenes Airport (EVE) in due time for your flight home, with the wonderful memories and images.
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
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
What Airport and When to Arrive
Complete travel information will be provided following registration.
Note: it is highly suggested to arrive at least 1 day in advance on January 16 (hotel not included that night) to allow for any potential flight cancellations or delays due to weather.
DISCLAIMER
The tour is always dependent on weather, as the Arctic weather can indeed be highly unpredictable.
When it comes to the Northern Lights, while they are most likely to be seen between September and April, there is no guarantee that they will appear on a given day. We are visiting when it is a great time for the Aurora and it is our top priority on this workshop. We just can not guarantee that Mother Nature will cooperate and provide us with an amazing Aurora show.
There are always plenty to see and do if conditions do not favor any part of our original plan of Aurora photography and we will be maximizing our time together photographing the beauty of the area with and without the Aurora.
A complete list of What to Bring will be provided. This list will mention required and suggested items regarding camera equipment and clothing.
Weather:
Temps overnight on average can get down into the teens F and during the day can typically range from the 20s to 30s F.
Snow is always a possibility.
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 2 vans we will be traveling in, any spouses/companions would need to be fully registered for the workshop as there is no room in the vans for those not registered.
2025 Lofoten Winter Aurora Photography Workshop
As we are within 120 days of the workshop, payment is now due in full to register.
A single occupancy room upgrade is available for an additional $997 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:
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 the entire cancellation policy for this workshop here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most locations are just a few steps away from where we park. Expect some uneven ground with potentially snow & ice and standing in mud and very shallow water at low tide.
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.
With a 6:1 ratio for client/guide we are able to work with each student individually no matter their experience level to help them improve and reach their individual goals.
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.
This will be my 5th Lofoten workshop partnering with Kah-Wai Lin who has been leading tours there for a number of years.
In fact Kah-Wai has probably led over 40 workshops there, as he has stayed there from January - March each year since 2015 (except for 2021 & 2022). He not only knows the area extremely well, but is an excellent photographer too and knows how to put us in the perfect location at the right time.
This workshop has 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 as such 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.
Sure - most locations are drone friendly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
You will receive a workshop welcome kit before the start that will contain detailed information regarding the proper gear to bring with you.
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.
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.
Each workshop has it's own cancellation policy you can review on each workshop's registration page.
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Matt Suess
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
Watch the PetaPixel Documentary:
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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.
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