ORCAS &
NORTHERN LIGHTS
WITH PHOTOGRAPHER ROGER BRENDHAGEN
COUNTRY: Norway PHOTO: Wildlife TRIP LENGTH: 5 days DATES: 3–7 November 2027 MIN/MAX PARTICIPANTS: 8/11
Join me in Norway and experience magical encounters with orcas and humpback whales in their natural element. Sitting in the RIB boat, camera ready, as the orcas glide past again and again at close range, is an adrenaline-filled and unforgettable experience – a drama of nature you don’t just watch, but truly feel.
Roger Brendhagen
You’re sitting in a RIB boat, just half a meter above the surface of the sea, while the Arctic winter light slowly spreads across the dramatic fjord landscape of Northern Norway. The sea is still. The snow-covered mountains rise majestically around you. The air is clear, cold and filled with anticipation. Suddenly the surface breaks. A powerful black-and-white body glides up out of the dark water. A tall dorsal fin cuts through the fjord just a few meters away. The breathing is audible. The presence is total. You meet the gaze of one of the most intelligent hunters – the orca.
Northern Norway is today one of the very best places in the world to experience orcas. During winter, enormous shoals of herring gather in the fjords around Skjervøy. And where the herring are – there are orcas, humpback whales and fin whales, and you’ll find yourself right in the middle of the action.
Every day we head out in RIB boats to photograph the orcas and whales up close. With a bit of luck, you’ll have the chance to capture everything from close-ups to images of the whales appearing against the backdrop of the mighty mountain landscape.
Northern Norway is also one of the world’s best places to experience the Northern Lights. When the sky is clear, it can suddenly explode in green, violet and pink, sweeping across mountains and fjords and transforming the night into a living canvas. Magnificent.
Join Zoom Photo Tours and Nikon Ambassador Roger Brendhagen on an exciting journey to some of Norway’s most beautiful fjords to photograph orcas, fin whales and humpback whales – and the Northern Lights in the evening. Roger has spent a great deal of time photographing whales in the area around Skjervøy and has gained invaluable knowledge about how to act in order to capture the perfect images of these giants of the sea.
TOUR HIGHLIGTS
- Photograph orcas at sea level.
- Close encounters with humpback whales.
- The fin whale, the world’s second largest animal.
- Experience and photograph the stunning landscape.
- The magical soft light.
- Photography from RIB boats.
- Opportunity to photograph the Northern Lights.
- Participation of Nikon Ambassador Roger Brendhagen.
- Photo guidance and lectures by Roger Brendhagen.
COUNTRY: Norway PHOTO: Wildlife TRIP LENGTH: 5 days DATES: 3–7 November 2027 MIN/MAX PARTICIPANTS: 8/11
ORCAS & NORTHERN LIGHT
WITH PHOTOGAPHER ROGER BRENDHAGEN
Join me in Norway and experience magical encounters with orcas and humpback whales in their natural element. Sitting in the RIB boat, camera ready, as the orcas glide past again and again at close range, is an adrenaline-filled and unforgettable experience – a drama of nature you don’t just watch, but truly feel.
Roger Brendhagen
You’re sitting in a RIB boat, just half a meter above the surface of the sea, while the Arctic winter light slowly spreads across the dramatic fjord landscape of Northern Norway. The sea is still. The snow-covered mountains rise majestically around you. The air is clear, cold and filled with anticipation. Suddenly the surface breaks. A powerful black-and-white body glides up out of the dark water. A tall dorsal fin cuts through the fjord just a few meters away. The breathing is audible. The presence is total. You meet the gaze of one of the most intelligent hunters – the orca.
Northern Norway is today one of the very best places in the world to experience orcas. During winter, enormous shoals of herring gather in the fjords around Skjervøy. And where the herring are – there are orcas, humpback whales and fin whales, and you’ll find yourself right in the middle of the action.
Every day we head out in RIB boats to photograph the orcas and whales up close. With a bit of luck, you’ll have the chance to capture everything from close-ups to images of the whales appearing against the backdrop of the mighty mountain landscape.
Northern Norway is also one of the world’s best places to experience the Northern Lights. When the sky is clear, it can suddenly explode in green, violet and pink, sweeping across mountains and fjords and transforming the night into a living canvas. Magnificent.
Join Zoom Photo Tours and Nikon Ambassador Roger Brendhagen on an exciting journey to some of Norway’s most beautiful fjords to photograph orcas, fin whales and humpback whales – and the Northern Lights in the evening. Roger has spent a great deal of time photographing whales in the area around Skjervøy and has gained invaluable knowledge about how to act in order to capture the perfect images of these giants of the sea.
TOUR HIGHLIGTS
- Photograph orcas at sea level.
- Close encounters with humpback whales.
- The fin whale, the world’s second largest animal.
- Experience and photograph the stunning landscape.
- The magical soft light.
- Photography from RIB boats.
- Opportunity to photograph the Northern Lights.
- Participation of Nikon Ambassador Roger Brendhagen.
- Photo guidance and lectures by Roger Brendhagen.
DESTINATION
DESTINATION
In the northernmost part of Norway, facing the open Arctic Ocean, lies the island realm of Skjervøy – an Arctic world with dramatic coastlines, deep fjords and untouched wilderness. From Skjervøy, you can reach the islands of Arnøya, Kågen, Uløya, Laukøya and Skjervøya – each with its own character, its own light, and its own views.
The nature experiences are as varied as they are spectacular. The municipality is especially known for its ski touring, particularly on Kågen and Uløya, which attract adventurers from all over the world. Here you can experience the legendary “summit to sea” combination – skiing from snow-covered peaks all the way down to the glittering ocean.
But it’s not only the mountains that make Skjervøy unique. In the winter of 2017, everything changed when the enormous herring shoals moved from the coast outside Tromsø northwards to the Lyngen Fjord. With the herring came the giants of the sea. Since then, the waters off Skjervøy have been the stage for one of Northern Norway’s most spectacular natural phenomena. Here, humpback whales and orcas hunt side by side in the cold, clear water. Mighty tail fins break the surface. Black dorsal fins slice through the fjord. It’s raw nature, intense presence, and a feeling of being in the middle of a living Arctic drama.
Learn more about the Skjervøy archipelago
In the northernmost part of Norway, facing the open Arctic Ocean, lies the island realm of Skjervøy – an Arctic world with dramatic coastlines, deep fjords and untouched wilderness. From Skjervøy, you can reach the islands of Arnøya, Kågen, Uløya, Laukøya and Skjervøya – each with its own character, its own light, and its own views.
The nature experiences are as varied as they are spectacular. The municipality is especially known for its ski touring, particularly on Kågen and Uløya, which attract adventurers from all over the world. Here you can experience the legendary “summit to sea” combination – skiing from snow-covered peaks all the way down to the glittering ocean.
But it’s not only the mountains that make Skjervøy unique. In the winter of 2017, everything changed when the enormous herring shoals moved from the coast outside Tromsø northwards to the Lyngen Fjord. With the herring came the giants of the sea. Since then, the waters off Skjervøy have been the stage for one of Northern Norway’s most spectacular natural phenomena. Here, humpback whales and orcas hunt side by side in the cold, clear water. Mighty tail fins break the surface. Black dorsal fins slice through the fjord. It’s raw nature, intense presence, and a feeling of being in the middle of a living Arctic drama.
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
3-7 NOVEMBER 2027
DAY 1 (3/11) – ARRIVAL, LECTURE & PHOTO
Around lunchtime we gather at Alta airport, where you’ll be met by Roger Brendhagen. A three-hour bus ride then takes us to the island of Skjervøya, far out in the outer coastal belt. Here we check in at Hotel Maritim. We start our days together with an inspiring lecture by Roger, who gives tips and advice and shows photos from the whale-rich area where we’ll spend the next few days. In the evening we’ll have a welcome dinner together before heading out to photograph the Northern Lights. (D)
DAYS 2–4 (4–6/11) – WHALE PHOTOGRAPHY
During the days we’ll be out at sea in the indescribably beautiful fjord landscape. With our RIB boats we’ll be able to get close to both the orcas and the whales as they surface. Photographing these majestic animals with the grand mountains in the background is as much a photographic as a nature experience.
The waters we move through have, in recent years, attracted orcas, humpback whales and fin whales thanks to their abundance of herring, and over the past few years this area has been one of the best places to photograph these magnificent animals.
It’s not unusual to see 15–20 orcas at the same time, which we then follow as they cooperate in dramatic hunts. With a bit of luck, you’ll experience:
- Spy-hopping – when an orca lifts its head above the surface to observe us.
- Feeding ball – when the whales methodically herd the herring shoal together in an intense and spectacular attack.
- Close encounters where you really feel the power, elegance and intelligence of these wolves of the sea.
Although the orcas are the main attraction, they are far from alone. Humpback whales move through the same waters. With a bit of luck you’ll see the classic scene of the massive body diving deep as the tail fin slowly rises out of the water – one of nature photography’s most iconic motifs. Sometimes the fin whale, the world’s second largest animal, is also found here. Knowing that these gigantic creatures are moving beneath us puts things into perspective – and gives you a feeling of being a small part of something much greater.
Throughout the days, Roger will be on hand to provide photographic guidance and help you develop as a photographer in the best possible way.
Since the sun sets as early as around 2 p.m., there will be plenty of time during the afternoons to work on image editing and get tips and tricks from Roger. We’ll have lunch in town, paid for individually on-site.
When day turns to night, another adventure begins – the opportunity to photograph the Northern Lights. Standing in the Arctic stillness as the aurora dances above you is an experience that cannot be described – it must be experienced. (B, D)
DAY 5 (7/11) – DEPARTURE
After breakfast it’s time to check out, followed by a drive to Alta airport and the flight home.
Here you can find more details about the daily itinerary
3-7 NOVEMBER 2027
DAY 1 (3/11) – ARRIVAL, LECTURE & PHOTO
Around lunchtime we gather at Alta airport, where you’ll be met by Roger Brendhagen. A three-hour bus ride then takes us to the island of Skjervøya, far out in the outer coastal belt. Here we check in at Hotel Maritim. We start our days together with an inspiring lecture by Roger, who gives tips and advice and shows photos from the whale-rich area where we’ll spend the next few days. In the evening we’ll have a welcome dinner together before heading out to photograph the Northern Lights. (D)
DAYS 2–4 (4–6/11) – WHALE PHOTOGRAPHY
During the days we’ll be out at sea in the indescribably beautiful fjord landscape. With our RIB boats we’ll be able to get close to both the orcas and the whales as they surface. Photographing these majestic animals with the grand mountains in the background is as much a photographic as a nature experience.
The waters we move through have, in recent years, attracted orcas, humpback whales and fin whales thanks to their abundance of herring, and over the past few years this area has been one of the best places to photograph these magnificent animals.
It’s not unusual to see 15–20 orcas at the same time, which we then follow as they cooperate in dramatic hunts. With a bit of luck, you’ll experience:
- Spy-hopping – when an orca lifts its head above the surface to observe us.
- Feeding ball – when the whales methodically herd the herring shoal together in an intense and spectacular attack.
- Close encounters where you really feel the power, elegance and intelligence of these wolves of the sea.
Although the orcas are the main attraction, they are far from alone. Humpback whales move through the same waters. With a bit of luck you’ll see the classic scene of the massive body diving deep as the tail fin slowly rises out of the water – one of nature photography’s most iconic motifs. Sometimes the fin whale, the world’s second largest animal, is also found here. Knowing that these gigantic creatures are moving beneath us puts things into perspective – and gives you a feeling of being a small part of something much greater.
Throughout the days, Roger will be on hand to provide photographic guidance and help you develop as a photographer in the best possible way.
Since the sun sets as early as around 2 p.m., there will be plenty of time during the afternoons to work on image editing and get tips and tricks from Roger. We’ll have lunch in town, paid for individually on-site.
When day turns to night, another adventure begins – the opportunity to photograph the Northern Lights. Standing in the Arctic stillness as the aurora dances above you is an experience that cannot be described – it must be experienced. (B, D)
DAY 5 (7/11) – DEPARTURE
After breakfast it’s time to check out, followed by a drive to Alta airport and the flight home.
PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTOGRAPHER
ROGER BRENDHAGEN • Wildlife and Nature Photographer
Roger Brendhagen has been a professional nature photographer for more than twenty years and, with his more than 300 travel days per year, the entire world is his workplace. He is affiliated with Nikon and has been a Nikon Ambassador for eighteen years. Roger is chairman of the Norwegian Nature Photographers (NN), a member of the Norwegian Nature Film Association, and has worked with Zoom Photo Tours for ten years. Roger’s images and reports have been published in several European newspapers and magazines, and he has also worked with TV channels such as the BBC, where he contributed material to the series Wild Scandinavia. In recent years he has held several exhibitions with subjects ranging from Antarctica to Svalbard. In March 2020 he released his first book, together with a large solo exhibition featuring motifs from Antarctica. In the autumn of 2024 he released two books together with Ole Mathismoen: The Bear – the country’s strongest, and The Wolf – the forest’s smartest. In 2025 he will also release four new books: The Moose – king of the forest, and three children’s books – Baby Animals, Small Animals and Large Animals. Roger leads photo tours to destinations including Mongolia, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, Svalbard, Canada, and around the Nordic countries.
Learn more about Roger Brendhagen
ROGER BRENDHAGEN • Wildlife and Nature Photographer
Roger Brendhagen has been a professional nature photographer for more than twenty years and, with his more than 300 travel days per year, the entire world is his workplace. He is affiliated with Nikon and has been a Nikon Ambassador for eighteen years. Roger is chairman of the Norwegian Nature Photographers (NN), a member of the Norwegian Nature Film Association, and has worked with Zoom Photo Tours for ten years. Roger’s images and reports have been published in several European newspapers and magazines, and he has also worked with TV channels such as the BBC, where he contributed material to the series Wild Scandinavia. In recent years he has held several exhibitions with subjects ranging from Antarctica to Svalbard. In March 2020 he released his first book, together with a large solo exhibition featuring motifs from Antarctica. In the autumn of 2024 he released two books together with Ole Mathismoen: The Bear – the country’s strongest, and The Wolf – the forest’s smartest. In 2025 he will also release four new books: The Moose – king of the forest, and three children’s books – Baby Animals, Small Animals and Large Animals. Roger leads photo tours to destinations including Mongolia, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, Svalbard, Canada, and around the Nordic countries.
HOTEL
HOTEL
PRCE, FACTS & BOOKING
PRCE, FACTS & BOOKING
PRICE
Price per person: USD 3 150
The price includes:
- Accommodation in double room.
- Meals according to program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
- Photography from RIB boats for three days.
- Participation of Roger Brendhagen throughout the workshop.
- Various lectures and workshops with Roger Brendhagen.
- Local taxes.
- Travel documents and trip information prior to departure.
The price does not include:
- Transport to Skjervøy.
- Single room supplement: USD 850
- Personal expenses, such as drinks with meals etc.
- Cancellation protection / travel insurance. For more information, see our website under “Other”.
TRANSPORT
Flight to Alta Airport on your own. You should not arrive in Alta later than 14:00 on Nov. 3 and should not book your return flight earlier than 12:00 on Nov. 7.
If you’d like help booking your flight, we’re happy to assist. You’re welcome to call us at +46 70 180 90 99 or let us know when you make your booking
FACTS
Target group: Photographers interested in wildlife and nature photography.
Min/max participants: 8/11
Language: Swedish/Norwegian, English
Calculation rate: Euro 10.91 (as of 16/5 2026) Other:
For more information about Zoom Photo Tours, terms of delivery etc., see our website under “Other”.
CAMERA EQUIPMENT
- Your digital camera
- Telephoto lens, preferably up to 500 mm
- Teleconverter
- 70–200 mm
- Wide-angle lens, e.g. 24–70 mm
- Monopod or tripod
- A computer with Photoshop or Lightroom
- Extra batteries, chargers, etc.
BOOKING
Du bokar denna resa genom att klicka på knappen nedan eller genom att ringa oss på telefon +46 70 180 90 99 eller maila oss på info@zoomphototours.com
Photo: Roger Brendhagen