Lofoten One-to-One Photography Workshop 2026

Northern Lights | Private | Tailored | Exclusive | February – March 2026

Overview

For six weeks in early 2026, I’ll be based in the very heart of the Lofoten Islands during the height of a 10 year solar cycle for the aurora borealis — living in a luxury two-bedroom apartment in Leknes, surrounded by the wild peaks, fjords, and coastlines that make this Arctic archipelago one of the world’s most extraordinary landscapes.

During this time, I’m opening up one unique opportunity: a private, fully tailored, one-to-one photography workshop. Unlike a group trip, this is designed entirely around you — your pace, your style, your creative goals.

What’s Included

§ 6 days/5 nights core workshop experience (£2,499)

§ Your own room in a modern and luxury two-bedroom apartment in center of Leknes 

§ Airport pick-up and drop-off at Leknes (on your arrival and departure days)

§ All transport in a 4WD vehicle during the workshop

§ Dawn-to-dusk fieldwork across mountains, beaches, fjords, and fishing villages

§ Post-processing guidance back at the apartment

§ One-to-one, fully tailored coaching throughout

What’s not included: Flights, travel and camera insurance, breakfast, lunch and evening meals, drinks and snacks. We are a short walk/drive from a number of excellent and/or affordable restaurants and cafes, we are also nearby three large supermarkets should we wish to cook at the apartment and we will regularly be able to collect supplies. There will be many an opportunity to enjoy a coffee and croissant or slice of cake for breakfast and lunch during each day as we travel between shooting locations.

The Experience

Lofoten is one of the most extraordinary landscapes on earth — jagged peaks rising from the sea, Arctic light shifting by the minute, weather patterns that can change in an instant, snow covered mountains dropping into the sea and an abundance of the best foreground I've ever come across on the planet. For all its beauty, the reality is that creating truly world-class images here demands precision: knowing where to be, when to be there, and how to respond when conditions align. There are only brief windows where everything comes together, and seizing those moments is what elevates an image from good to unforgettable.

That’s where the private/one-to-one format comes into its own. With every decision centered around you, this experience is about giving you the best possible chance to create portfolio-worthy work. Some guests prefer detailed tuition: I’ll be at your side in the field, coaching you on how to read the light, refine your compositions, and adapt fluidly to changing circumstances. Others prefer more independence: I’ll take care of all the planning and logistics, putting you in the right places at the right times, so you can simply focus on making images.

And for those who want to go deeper, this is also the rare opportunity to immerse yourself in the approach and working methods behind my own Lofoten portfolio. Spending time alongside me in this way brings you as close as possible to operating at the same level of intensity — agile, responsive, and always chasing the strongest possible frame. It’s an experience that can’t be replicated in a group workshop, where compromises are inevitable; only in a private one-to-one setting can the pursuit of world-class images be this focused, this flexible, and this rewarding.

Northern Lights / Aurora

Few natural spectacles compare to the aurora borealis. Once you see it with your own eyes — ribbons of green, violet, and crimson light rippling across the Arctic sky — it will stay with you forever. For many, it is a life-changing experience.

The timing of this workshop coincides with the height of the solar maximum — a once-in-a-decade peak in aurora activity. And Lofoten, sitting directly beneath the auroral oval, is arguably one of the very best locations in the world to witness it. During this period it’s possible the northern lights could be visible on most nights, and with early sunsets and late sunrises we’ll have generous windows of darkness to head out and shoot — all we need is clear skies.

But photographing the aurora is more than just pointing your camera upwards. Many aurora images fall short because they’re reactive, caught in the moment without the careful thought that elevates them into true landscape photographs. The difference lies in composition: choosing the right foreground, integrating distant peaks, and framing the scene in a way that balances the celestial with the terrestrial.

That’s where our agility and flexibility in a one-to-one setting becomes invaluable. If you wish, we can tailor our schedule to maximise both the likelihood of finding the aurora and the quality of the images you create. Together we’ll not only chase the northern lights — we’ll work to capture them in ways that make for unforgettable, portfolio-worthy photographs - There will never be a better time for you to create incredible aurora images!

Location & Travel

Our base is just minutes from Leknes Airport — incredibly convenient with coffee shops, restaurants and supermarkets minutes walk away -  yet we are also right in the middle of Lofoten’s finest landscapes. I’ll collect you on arrival at Leknes airport and return you for your departure flight whatever time you decide to get in and leave.

From our base, 15–20 world-class locations are within a short 15–20 minute drive, with countless more beyond. I’ll take care of all the driving, so you can spend more time creating images and less time worrying about logistics. We will cover substantial ground, visiting any of the locations you may have seen from my photographs, including a number of lesser known spots that don't feature on the more traditional group photo tours. We will concentrate on making unique images and in Lofoten there is endless potential if you know where to look - Having said this there are many spectacular scenes you will have seen before and you may want to capture your own version - We will have ample time to visit more popular locations as well.

Our accommodation is a modern 2-bedroom apartment in the heart of Leknes, with a large open plan living room/dining area and full cooking facilities in the kitchen (hob, oven, toaster, kettle etc). There is a washing machine, dryer and ironing equipment should you need these and all detergent, soaps and washing up liquids are provided. We will share a large and modern bathroom and toilet. You will have your own bedroom, and towels in a spacious room across the hallway from my mine.

Flexibility

What makes this workshop truly special is its flexibility. Because I’ll be based in Lofoten for the entire period this offer is available (9th February – 4th March 2026), you can extend your stay by adding extra days either side of the six-day core, at £400 per day in addition to the core price.

This allows you to design your own ideal workshop length and dates — whether you want an immersive week or a longer, deeper dive into the changing Arctic light.

Example Locations/Outline Itinerary 

Vestvågøy (arctic beaches & rock architecture)

§ Haukland – the archetypal curve, turquoise shallows, and golden hour potential.

§ Uttakleiv – the “Dragon's Eye” rock, tidal boulders, crashing surf, great for aurora.

§ Storsandnes – elegant sandy sweep, often quieter than Haukland/Uttakleiv.

§ Vikten – black volcanic rock platforms, dramatic wave action, moody weather scenes.

§ Eggum & surrounds – dramatic coastal cliffs, ancient stone fortifications, sweeping views west for sunset.

§ Unstad – surfing beach, large rounded boulders, wave action, remote and other worldly

Flakstadøy (drama & atmosphere)

§ Vareid – tidal pools and jagged rock spines pointing to Olstinden.

§ Skagsanden – tidal reflections and seaweed textures, famous aurora spot.

§ Myrland – rugged coast, less crowded, perfect for storm light and brooding skies.

§ Nusfjord  – historic fishing village, best used as a texture/colour study rather than a “postcard.” and the incredible often frozen Storvatnet lake looking onto the distinctive pyramid-like Stjerntinden

§ Fredvang Bridges (Fredvangbruene) – sweeping S-curves, leading lines with tide flats and mountains beyond.

§ Ytresand Beach – pale sand, turquoise water, framed by the sharp peaks across the bay.

§ Stokkvika / Stokksneset headland – wild coastal cliffs, good for drama in storm light.

§ Volandstind (the “pointy mountain”) – classic peak rising straight from the sea, often shot from Ytresand or the tidal flats near Fredvang.

Moskenesøy (culture and history)

§ Hamnøy – the postcard scene of red cabins and Olstinden rising behind.

§ Sakrisøy – yellow rorbuer with aquamarine water.

§ Reine & Reinebringen – Norway’s most famous fishing village view; panoramic hike if conditions allow.

§ Å – the literal end of the road; coastal cliffs and heritage fishing huts.

There will be ample time during the workshop for exploratory and improvisation as we take to the lesser known roads, mountain passes and fjords and just 'going with the flow' as the conditions and light unfold. Planning and forethought are all well and good and an important part of landscape photography excellence, but sometimes just going with your instinct, following your nose, looking out of the window as we drive and seeing something we want to investigate and photograph is the most fun of all. Should you wish we can spend time in this way for as much or as little as you would like. Sometimes the best photographs taken are those least expected, and Lofoten will certainly throw us a lot of these opportunities!

Price

§ Core Workshop: Six days tuition + five nights’ accommodation + transport + airport transfers = £2,499

§ Additional Days: £400 per day (in addition to the core price), flexible either side of your chosen dates within the 8 Feb – 4 Mar 2026 window

Why One-to-One?

This is the most exclusive way to photograph Lofoten:

§ One guest only

§ Private base in the heart of the islands

§ A completely tailored itinerary

§ Absolute focus on your photography

Our goal is to make this the trip of a lifetime — and for you to return with a portfolio of powerful images you’ll be proud of for years to come.

How to book

You secure your place with a £500 (non-refundable) deposit purchased via this website. You must then contact me (via DM on Instagram, Facebook or via an email to photography@demirayoral.com) within 24 hours to confirm your dates (flight arrival and departure dates) plus any additional days you wish to add on to the core 6 day experience. Once we have agreed these dates, these cannot be changed and your full photography workshop experience will be considered as booked and confirmed. I will contact you no later than 6 weeks before your arrival day and arrange for you to settle the final payment balance (core workshop price plus any additional days less deposit paid) via bank transfer to my UK bank account.

1. A non-refundable deposit (if required) of the amount stated in the workshop description is required at the time of booking. It will only be refunded upon cancellation by Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s), or upon his/their discretion. However there is a grace period of 14 days in which a booking may be cancelled and the deposit refunded. 1-to-1 workshops do not require a deposit however the 14 day grace period still applies.
2. Final payment balance is to be paid via bank transfer to the UK bank account details provided to you by Demiray Oral 6 weeks prior to your arrival/Day 1 of workshop. Payment must be made in GBP/£ only and not in any other currency else you will be liable to pay a bank currency conversion/transaction fee known once your payment has been made (and determined by National Westminster Bank in the UK). If a bank transfer is not possible then at your request Demiray Oral is able to create a one-off payment link via this website - a 3.5% transaction fee will be added to the final payment balance amount (to cover the additional website processing fees incurred by Demiray Oral Photography if you are not able to pay via a UK bank transfer).
3. Any cancellation by the Client must be made in writing or by email within 14 days to be eligible for a refund.
4. Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) accepts no responsibility or liability for Clients who are unable to attend due to (but not limited to) illness, flight cancellation, family emergencies or other extenuating circumstances. Such eventualities are the responsibility of the Client. It is advised that appropriate insurance is sought to cover these scenarios. This is of significant importance where multi-day workshop tours are concerned.
5. Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) reserves the right to cancel any workshop. Cancellations by Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) will be subject to a full refund of the workshop fee, however flights and other bookings made by the Client will not be refunded. Cancellation will only occur due to force majeure or long in advance of the start date subject to under booking. It is advised that appropriate insurance is sought to cover cancellation. Force majeure is unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond my/our control such (but not limited to), fire, flood or adverse weather.
6. In the event of Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) being unable to attend due to illness or other circumstances beyond my/our control the workshop will be cancelled and a full refund applied.
7. Photographic workshops are highly susceptible to weather and other factors. For this reason the outline itinerary and the workshop description must be taken as an indication of what may take place on the workshop, and not as a contractual obligation on the part of Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s). The workshop leader will make decisions on shooting locations for the day ahead based on the optimum balance of weather conditions, group progress/preferences/suitability and other logistical factors which maximise the photographic potential that day/the workshop overall. If conditions or other logistical factors change during a given day the workshop leader may adjust the original plan for that day accordingly to maintain optimum shooting potential.
8. Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) does not accept liability or responsibility for death, bodily injury or illness caused to any clients booking a workshop with Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) unless arising from the negligent act and/or omission of the company’s employees (whilst acting in the course of their employment). Any claims shall be subject to English Law in respect of any question of liability or quantum, and all proceedings shall be within the exclusive domain of the English Courts.
9. Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) does not accept liability for any loss or additional expense caused by the delay or interruption to travel services through weather conditions, civil disturbance, industrial action, strikes, wars, floods or sickness. Such losses or additional expenses are the responsibility of the Client.
10. As the Client and participant in a Workshop it is your sole responsibility to ensure you, your belongings and equipment are adequately insured against injury and accident, accidental damage, loss, and theft, during the Workshop.
11. The Client hereby accepts sole responsibility for ensuring that they have adequate insurance cover for medical and accidental risks before, during or after the Workshop. This insurance should cover the Client in the event of medical rescue and/or repatriation costs (in the case of accident or illness). All personal belongings (luggage) and equipment remain the sole responsibility at all times of the Client.
12. It is the responsibility of the Client to ensure that they take heed of any instruction and/or advice given by Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) and should the Client select any locations or take any route to a location of their own choosing or move away from close proximity to where Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s) is, they do so in their own independent and individual capacity and entirely at their own risk and will be deemed to be outside of the scope of the Workshop and no longer a part of the Workshop until such time as they return to within close proximity of Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s), such proximity to be within ear shot and eye sight of Demiray Oral (or nominated partnership photographer/s).
13. By making a booking you are agreeing to accept all of the above conditions.
14. This Product/Workshop is provided by Doral Consulting Limited, of which Demiray Oral Photography/Demiray Oral is the sole employee/delivery agent.