Winter is coming - Swedish Lapland (Winter 2024)
Landscape Photography Tour
Friday, 08.11.2024 - Wednesday 13.11.2024
(6 days and 5 nights exploring Swedish Lapland)
6 days full of fun, inspiration and creativity
from 1.590,00 EUR per person
Only 6 spots available
Main focus: nature/landscape photography
Any experience level
Professional photographic guidance
Learn the Secrets of Landscape Photography and join me on this exciting photo adventure to Swedish Lapland, Europe’s last wilderness!
Total price: from 1.590,00 EUR (single room at a surcharge)
Book now and pay later: you will only be charged 20% of the total price when booking. The remaining amount is charged 30 days prior to the photo tour.
Highlights of this Photo Adventure:
Explore and photograph the winter landscapes of Swedish Lapland with lots of interesting subjects and landscapes, including
magnificent mountain ranges, stunning waterfalls and mystical ancient forests
the unique nature of Abisko National Park, one of Europe’s oldest national parks
the coastline of Sweden’s biggest mountain lake Torneträsk, including bizarre ice formations and picturesque fishing huts
Great time to experience the magical Northern Lights dancing at the night sky (winter 2024/2025 is supposed to have very strong solar activities)
Capture the beginning of winter: the time, when lakes, rivers and waterfalls start to freeze and the first snow has already fallen
Learn about the Sámi, the native Scandinavians: their culture, art and sustainable lifestyle
Spott and photograph Laplands wildlife like moose, reindeer, grouse, fox and arctic hare (lynx and wolverine if we are really lucky)
Small group limited to just 6 people with lots of time for individual photographic guidance by me, Julien
Group discussions and photo editing sessions after photographing in the field
Accommodation in excellent hotels close to the photo spots (Camp Ripan, STF Abisko Turiststation)
Our Landscape Photo Tour in brief:
Lapland in the northernmost part of Scandinavia impresses with majestic mountain peaks, crystal-clear lakes and thundering waterfalls. With its untouched landscapes, it is not for nothing that this region is often referred to as Europe's last wilderness!
When winter arrives in Swedish Lapland, this region turns into a true paradise for nature and landscape photography! The first snow has already fallen and is bathing the mountain landscapes of Lapland in a white robe. Waterfalls, rivers and lakes begin to freeze and offer great subjects for your photography.
For six days (incl. five nights), we will embrace our creativity on photography journey through Lapland. Our photography tour to Swedish Lapland is aimed at photographers enthusiasts who want to photograph picturesque winter landscapes, majestic mountain formations and spectacular northern lights. This trip offers a combination of photography, adventure and culture with plenty of time for your own creativity.
We will visit the best photo locations in the the area between Kiruna and Abisko that offers numerous photo opportunities: from breathtaking nature of Abisko National Park to fascinating ice formations and small fishing huts at the shores of the large mountain lake Torneträsk.
Although the days are already relatively short (approx. 5 hours of daylight), they offer great lighting and atmospheric colors in the sky that can last all day long. In the twilight of the day, with a bit of luck, we may also encounter wild animals such as moose or reindeer, which enliven the untouched nature of Lapland. During the day, we have time to discuss the results of the shootings and to edit our photos together. I will show you my post processing workflow in Lightroom and how to enhance the effect of your photos fundamentally in just a few steps.
Together we will improve your photography skills and you will be able to create meaningful stories without any words - through photographs that speak for themselves. I make sure that you will have an unforgettable photography experience!
Explore the untouched nature in Abisko National Park
Abisko National Park is one of the oldest national parks in Europe and one of the highlights of our photo tour. The park impresses with the roaring canyon of the Abiskojokk, picturesque mountain peaks as well as with ancient pine and birch forests. Besides this, the shores of Sweden's largest mountain lake, Torneträsk, offer a variety of photo opportunities, such as waterfalls, fishing huts and interesting ice formations (depending on the weather).
With sunrise around 9:00 a.m. and sunset at 2:00 p.m., we only have a few hours of daylight, but dawn and dusk give us additional time for optimal photo conditions. The magical lighting atmospheres that cover the landscape during this time are a true dream for every photographer.
Be enchanted by the magical northern lights in Abisko
Abisko in Swedish Lapland offers perfect conditions to experience the magic of the Northern Lights. The village, located 200km north of the Polar Circle, is known for its clear starry skies and numerous photo opportunities. Even when solar activity is low, Abisko promises impressive light displays in the night sky.
Discover the Sámi culture and way of life
Lapland is home to the Sámi, the indigenous people of Scandinavia. The Sámi settled the northern part of Europe more than 10,000 years ago. With their own language, diverse art and rich culture, the Sámi still shape Swedish Lapland today. They are known for leading a sustainable, nature-loving life. Reindeer herding continues to shape the Sami lifestyle and is an important source of income. We will have the chance to learn more about the Sámi culture at the open-air museum Nutti Sámi Siida in Jukkasjärvi.
Kiruna – a city in transition
Kiruna is Sweden's northernmost town and was once founded as a mining community. Today the largest underground iron ore mine in the world is located here. It was developed in 1898 and is still in operation. From an urban planning perspective, Kiruna is also a fascinating city. The city is subject to continuous change as a result of mining activities in the region. In order to continue mining, parts of the city including entire buildings are being relocated.
Travel time
In November, the landscapes of Swedish Lapland transform into a true winter paradise. The first snow has fallen, waterfalls and rivers start to freeze and the northern lights are already dancing at the night sky.
Swedish Lapland is known for its high snowfall, which makes many photo spots inaccessible in the depths of winter. However, the travel time at the beginning of winter offers us the opportunity to reach many of the best photo spots on foot or on snowshoes.
Itinerary:
Day 1 - Arrival day
In the afternoon, we will meet at our first hotel Camp Ripan, located just outside of the city center of Kiruna. On this first day, I will give a short introduction about the manual camera settings and basics in composition. We will also have dinner together, talk about the plans for the photo tour and share other important information. If time permits and conditions allow, we will head out on the search for northern lights or photograph the historic mining town of Kiruna.
Day 2 - Learn about the Sámi culture and visit the famous Ice Hotel
On the second day of the tour, we will head to Jukkasjärvi, a small village near Kiruna that was once established as Sámi marketplace. You will have the chance to photograph this picturesque little village with its red colored houses. You will also have the possibility to learn more about the Sámi culture at the open-air museum Nutti Sámi Siida as well as visit the art exhibition at the famous ICEHOTEL!
Days 3-5 - Exploring the wilderness of Swedish Lapland
On the next 3 days, we will explore and photograph scenic spots in the northern part of Swedish Lapland. We will have the chance to explore the unique nature of Abisko National Park with its roaring canyon of the Abiskojokk, its impressive mountain peaks and ancient forests. We will also find numerous photo opportunities at the shores of the large mountain lake Torneträsk. Fascinating ice structures, small fishing huts and crystal-clear reflections offer inspiring motifs for your photography. Above all, it’s the perfect time to experience the magic of the Northern Lights over Swedish Lapland, which can perform spectacular dance performances in the night sky as early as November. Imagine capturing these breathtaking moments with your camera!
Our accommodations will be close to the best photo spots, so we will have chance to shoot both during sunrise and sunset. We will plan each day dependent on the weather, but be prepared to be outdoors from sunrise till sunset (and even after sunset for Northern Lights). There is a list of locations we want to visit during the trip, but we won't have a fixed itinerary to be able to give you the best possible experience. Of course I will be available for any questions during the whole trip!
On our last evening of the photo tour, we will have our farewell dinner together as a group and have the possibility to discuss your achievements of the trip.
Day 6 - Departure day
On the last day, we can use the morning for another photo shooting during sunrise. We will head back to Kiruna after breakfast to be able to catch the train or airplane back home in the afternoon.
Good to know:
Meet up on Friday, 08.11.2024 at around 16.00 at our first hotel in Kiruna (Camp Ripan). Possible pick-ups from the airport or train station in Kiruna.
Arrival back in Kiruna on Wednesday, 13.11.2024 at 13.00 at the latest
This tour will be performed in English language, but I also speak German and a little Swedish
What’s included?
6 days full of fun, inspiration and creativity
5 nights accommodation in double room with twin beds (single room at a surcharge)
Breakfast (day 2-6)
High-quality booklet on photography compositions for each participant
Transport to the best photo locations in comfortable minibus (or car)
Professional photographic guidance by me, Julien
Secured payments through Travel Guarantee acc. to Swedish Package Travel Act (more information under the section “other important information” below and on Kammarkollegiet.se)
Options:
Single room (280,00€)
Rent a tripod (50,00€)
Visit the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi (40,00€)
Visit the Sámi museum Nutti Sámi Siida (35,00€)
What’s not included?
Camera equipment (tripod can be rented optionally)
Travel expenses and transportation to/from Kiruna
Lunch & dinner (unless otherwise specified)
Drinks & alcohol
Travel & cancellation insurance
Any other services & goods not mentioned in “What’s included”
What to bring?
Photography Gear
Your DSLR or mirrorless camera with spare batteries and SD memory cards
Camera lens(es): preferably mid-range zoom lens in the 24-70mm range
Lens filters, if you have them (but not necessary)
Tripod (recommended)
Laptop or tablet with editing software if you want to edit your photos during the trip. In case we have time after our photo shootings in the field, we’ll do some editing at our accommodation.
Recommended Clothing
A variety of different layers (preferably merino wool and/or wool)
Warm down jacket
Good waterproof and insulated boots (hiking boots are recommended)
Warm gloves (liners can be helpful in addition)
Wool hat
Several layers of warm wool socks
Other important information
Transport:
We will meet at around 16.00 on Saturday at our first hotel Camp Ripan, just outside of the old mining town of Kiruna. You can get to Kiruna either by train (e.g. night train from Stockholm) or airplane. During the entire photo tour, we will go around in Lapland in a comfortable minibus (or car). Please do not expect to arrive back in Kiruna on Thursday earlier than 13.00.
Physical Requirements
Please note that we will do some shorter hikes on this trip. The hikes will neither be long nor steep. However, it is important that all participants take care of themselves, especially when we shoot on the shoreline of lakes or rivers. The stones can be very slippery. If any location is out of your comfort zone, you’re more than welcome to shoot another location, stay at the hotel and rest, or wait until we get to another more comfortable location for you.
Experience Level
We welcome all experience levels, going from beginners to experienced photographers. A good mix of experience levels means we can also learn from each other. It is important that you bring your own camera and tripod, so you can get the most out of this trip!
Cancellation Information:
The cost of this photo tour includes your guiding fees, 5 nights lodging and transportation (all prices in Euro and including VAT). To reserve your spot a non-refundable total payment of 20% of the total price is required. The rest of the payment is due 30 days prior to the workshop. In case of cancellation within 30 days prior to the trip, I will refund the payment.
Travel guarantee:
The combination of travel services offered to you is a package within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2015/2302.
Therefore, you will benefit from all EU rights applying to packages. Company JP Photo will be fully responsible for the proper performance of the package as a whole.
Additionally, as required by law, JP Photo has protection in place to refund your payments and, where transport is included in the package, to ensure your repatriation in the event that it becomes insolvent.
More information on key rights under Directive (EU) 2015/2302
Important Legal Information
By attending this workshop, you agree to hold Julien Pröpper harmless for all personal injury or loss that may occur during or in connection with this trip. This is a self-led travel trip. You are responsible for your safety as you move around in the visited area. Do not push your physical abilities past what you are healthy enough to do. You are in charge of deciding if a location is safe for you to travel to.
Should the Guide (Julien Pröpper) become ill, injured, or otherwise unable to perform his duties at the workshop, a replacement will be brought into to lead the workshop or the workshop will be cancelled, in what you'll get a full refund.
Travel insurance as well as insurance for your photo equipment are both highly recommended. It can happen faster than you can look! One wrong push against the tripod and your camera rolls down a small hill and falls into the lake!
Julien's role in this workshop is to teach photography and guide you to amazing locations. You and you alone are responsible for your own safety.
In the event of extraordinary events, governmental instability, extreme weather, or other condition, Julien Pröpper reserve the right to cancel this trip and return all workshop fees to participants.