ORCAS & NORTHERN LIGHTS

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER ROGER BRENDHAGEN

ORCAS & NORTHERN LIGHTS

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER ROGER BRENDHAGEN

COUNTTY: Norway. PHOTO TYPE: Wildlife   LENGHT: 5 days   DATES: 3-7/11 2026   GROUP SIZE: 8-14   

Join me in Norway and experience magical encounters with orcas and humpback whales in their true element. Sitting in a RIB boat with your camera ready, while the orcas repeatedly glide past at close range, is an adrenaline-filled and unforgettable experience — a natural drama you don’t just witness, but truly feel.

Roger Brendhagen

You sit in a RIB boat, barely half a meter above the sea, as the Arctic winter light slowly spreads across the dramatic fjord landscape of Northern Norway. The ocean is calm. Snow-covered mountains rise, majestic and towering around you. The air is crisp, cold, and filled with anticipation.

Suddenly, the surface breaks. A powerful black-and-white body glides up from the dark water. A tall dorsal fin slices through the fjord just a few meters away. The exhalation is clear. The presence is absolute. You meet the gaze of one of the ocean’s most intelligent hunters—the orca.

Northern Norway is today one of the absolute best places in the world to experience orcas. During the winter months, enormous schools of herring gather in the fjords around Skjervøy. And where there is herring, there are orcas, humpback whales, and fin whales—and you find yourself right at the heart of the action.

Every day we head out in RIB boats to photograph the orcas and whales up close. With a bit of luck, there are opportunities to capture everything from close-up shots to images of whales set against the dramatic 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 painting. Magnificent.

Join Zoom Photo Tours and Nikon Ambassador Roger Brendhagen on an exciting journey to some of Norway’s beautiful fjords to photograph orcas, fin whales, and humpback whales—and in the evening, the Northern Lights. Roger has spent extensive time photographing whales in the Skjervøy area and has gained invaluable knowledge about how to act and position yourself to capture the perfect images of the giants of the sea.

TOUR HIGHLIHTS

  • Photograph orcas at sea level.
  • Close encounters with humpback whales.
  • The fin whale, the world’s second-largest animal.
  • Experience and photograph the spectacular 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.
BOOKING

COUNTTY: Norway. PHOTO TYPE: Wildlife   LENGHT: 5 days   DATES: 3-7/11 2026   GROUP SIZE: 8-14   

Join me in Norway and experience magical encounters with orcas and humpback whales in their true element. Sitting in a RIB boat with your camera ready, while the orcas repeatedly glide past at close range, is an adrenaline-filled and unforgettable experience — a natural drama you don’t just witness, but truly feel.

Roger Brendhagen

You sit in a RIB boat, barely half a meter above the sea, as the Arctic winter light slowly spreads across the dramatic fjord landscape of Northern Norway. The ocean is calm. Snow-covered mountains rise, majestic and towering around you. The air is crisp, cold, and filled with anticipation.

Suddenly, the surface breaks. A powerful black-and-white body glides up from the dark water. A tall dorsal fin slices through the fjord just a few meters away. The exhalation is clear. The presence is absolute. You meet the gaze of one of the ocean’s most intelligent hunters—the orca.

Northern Norway is today one of the absolute best places in the world to experience orcas. During the winter months, enormous schools of herring gather in the fjords around Skjervøy. And where there is herring, there are orcas, humpback whales, and fin whales—and you find yourself right at the heart of the action.

Every day we head out in RIB boats to photograph the orcas and whales up close. With a bit of luck, there are opportunities to capture everything from close-up shots to images of whales set against the dramatic 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 painting. Magnificent.

Join Zoom Photo Tours and Nikon Ambassador Roger Brendhagen on an exciting journey to some of Norway’s beautiful fjords to photograph orcas, fin whales, and humpback whales—and in the evening, the Northern Lights. Roger has spent extensive time photographing whales in the Skjervøy area and has gained invaluable knowledge about how to act and position yourself to capture the perfect images of the giants of the sea.

TOUR HIGHLIHTS

  • Photograph orcas at sea level.
  • Close encounters with humpback whales.
  • The fin whale, the world’s second-largest animal.
  • Experience and photograph the spectacular 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.
BOOKING

DESTINATION

DESTINATION

In the northernmost part of Norway, facing the open Arctic Ocean, the island realm of Skjervøy unfolds—an Arctic world of 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 sweeping views.

The nature experiences here are as varied as they are spectacular. The municipality is especially known for its ski touring, particularly on Kågen and Uløya, attracting 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 toward the glittering sea.

But it is 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 and north toward Lyngenfjord. With the herring came the giants of the sea. Since then, the waters off Skjervøy have become the stage for one of Northern Norway’s most spectacular natural phenomena. Here, humpback whales and orcas hunt side by side in the cold, crystal-clear waters. Powerful tail flukes break the surface. Black dorsal fins slice through the fjord. It is raw nature, intense presence, and the feeling of standing in the middle of a living Arctic drama.

Read more about the island realm of Skjervøy.

In the northernmost part of Norway, facing the open Arctic Ocean, the island realm of Skjervøy unfolds—an Arctic world of 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 sweeping views.

The nature experiences here are as varied as they are spectacular. The municipality is especially known for its ski touring, particularly on Kågen and Uløya, attracting 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 toward the glittering sea.

But it is 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 and north toward Lyngenfjord. With the herring came the giants of the sea. Since then, the waters off Skjervøy have become the stage for one of Northern Norway’s most spectacular natural phenomena. Here, humpback whales and orcas hunt side by side in the cold, crystal-clear waters. Powerful tail flukes break the surface. Black dorsal fins slice through the fjord. It is raw nature, intense presence, and the feeling of standing in the middle of a living Arctic drama.

ITINERRAY

ITINERARY

3-7 NOVEMBER 2026

DAY 1 (3/11) – ARRIVAL, LECTURE & PHOTOGRAPHY
Around midday we gather at Alta Airport, where you will be welcomed by Roger Brendhagen. A three-hour bus journey awaits us as we travel to the island of Skjervøya, far out in the outer coastal waters. Upon arrival, we check in at Hotel Maritim.

We begin our days together with an inspiring lecture by Roger, who will share tips, advice, and images from the whale-rich area where we will spend the coming days. In the evening, we enjoy a shared welcome dinner before heading out to photograph the Northern Lights. (D)

DAY 2–4 (4–6/11) – WHALE PHOTOGRAPHY
During these days, we will be out at sea in the indescribably beautiful fjord landscape. With our RIB boats, we will be able to get close to both orcas and whales as they surface. Photographing these magnificent animals with dramatic mountains as a backdrop is as much a photographic experience as it is a profound nature experience.

Thanks to the abundance of herring in recent years, these waters have attracted orcas, humpback whales, and fin whales. In recent seasons, this area has become one of the very best places in the world to photograph these magnificent creatures.

It is not uncommon to see 15–20 orcas at the same time, and we may witness them cooperating in dramatic hunts. With a bit of luck, you may experience:

  • Spyhopping – when an orca lifts its head above the surface to observe us.

  • Feeding ball – when whales methodically herd the herring into tight formations before launching an intense and spectacular attack.

  • Close encounters where you truly feel the power, elegance, and intelligence of these wolves of the sea.

Although orcas are the main attraction, they are far from alone. Humpback whales move through the same waters. With some luck, you may witness the classic scene of a massive body diving deep as the tail fluke slowly rises from the water—one of nature photography’s most iconic moments. Fin whales, the world’s second-largest animal, are sometimes also present. Knowing that these giants move beneath us offers perspective—and the humbling feeling of being a small part of something much greater.

Throughout the days, Roger will be available to provide photographic guidance and help you develop as a photographer.

As the sun sets already around 2 PM, the afternoons offer plenty of time for image editing sessions, along with tips and tricks from Roger.

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 beyond words—it must be lived. (B, L, D)

DAY 5 (7/11) – DEPARTURE
After breakfast, it is time for check-out followed by a transfer to Alta Airport for the flight home

 

Här kan du läsa mer om dagsprogrammet.

3-7 NOVEMBER 2026

DAY 1 (3/11) – ARRIVAL, LECTURE & PHOTOGRAPHY
Around midday we gather at Alta Airport, where you will be welcomed by Roger Brendhagen. A three-hour bus journey awaits us as we travel to the island of Skjervøya, far out in the outer coastal waters. Upon arrival, we check in at Hotel Maritim.

We begin our days together with an inspiring lecture by Roger, who will share tips, advice, and images from the whale-rich area where we will spend the coming days. In the evening, we enjoy a shared welcome dinner before heading out to photograph the Northern Lights. (D)

DAY 2–4 (4–6/11) – WHALE PHOTOGRAPHY
During these days, we will be out at sea in the indescribably beautiful fjord landscape. With our RIB boats, we will be able to get close to both orcas and whales as they surface. Photographing these magnificent animals with dramatic mountains as a backdrop is as much a photographic experience as it is a profound nature experience.

Thanks to the abundance of herring in recent years, these waters have attracted orcas, humpback whales, and fin whales. In recent seasons, this area has become one of the very best places in the world to photograph these magnificent creatures.

It is not uncommon to see 15–20 orcas at the same time, and we may witness them cooperating in dramatic hunts. With a bit of luck, you may experience:

  • Spyhopping – when an orca lifts its head above the surface to observe us.

  • Feeding ball – when whales methodically herd the herring into tight formations before launching an intense and spectacular attack.

  • Close encounters where you truly feel the power, elegance, and intelligence of these wolves of the sea.

Although orcas are the main attraction, they are far from alone. Humpback whales move through the same waters. With some luck, you may witness the classic scene of a massive body diving deep as the tail fluke slowly rises from the water—one of nature photography’s most iconic moments. Fin whales, the world’s second-largest animal, are sometimes also present. Knowing that these giants move beneath us offers perspective—and the humbling feeling of being a small part of something much greater.

Throughout the days, Roger will be available to provide photographic guidance and help you develop as a photographer.

As the sun sets already around 2 PM, the afternoons offer plenty of time for image editing sessions, along with tips and tricks from Roger.

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 beyond words—it must be lived. (B, L, D)

DAY 5 (7/11) – DEPARTURE
After breakfast, it is time for check-out followed by a transfer to Alta Airport for the flight home.

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

THE PHOTOGRAPHER

ROGER BRENDHAGEN • Wildlife photographer 

Roger Brendhagen has been a professional nature photographer for more than twenty years and, with over 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 collaborated with Zoom Photo Tours for ten years.

Roger’s images and features have been published in several European newspapers and magazines, and he has also worked with television channels such as the BBC, contributing material to the series Wild Scandinavia. In recent years, he has held several exhibitions featuring subjects ranging from Antarctica to Svalbard.

In March 2020, he published his first book, accompanied by a major solo exhibition with images from Antarctica. In autumn 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 publish four additional books: The Moose – King of the Forest, as well as three children’s books – Baby Animals, Small Animals, and Big Animals.

Roger leads photography workshops in destinations including Mongolia, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, Svalbard, Canada, and throughout the Nordic region.

Read about Roger Brendhagen.

ROGER BRENDHAGEN • Wildlife photographer 

Roger Brendhagen has been a professional nature photographer for more than twenty years and, with over 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 collaborated with Zoom Photo Tours for ten years.

Roger’s images and features have been published in several European newspapers and magazines, and he has also worked with television channels such as the BBC, contributing material to the series Wild Scandinavia. In recent years, he has held several exhibitions featuring subjects ranging from Antarctica to Svalbard.

In March 2020, he published his first book, accompanied by a major solo exhibition with images from Antarctica. In autumn 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 publish four additional books: The Moose – King of the Forest, as well as three children’s books – Baby Animals, Small Animals, and Big Animals.

Roger leads photography workshops in destinations including Mongolia, Sri Lanka, India, Kenya, Svalbard, Canada, and throughout the Nordic region.

HOTEL

HOTEL

HOTEL ?????

Hotel Maritim

PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING

PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING

PRICE

Price per person: SEK 24 500:-

Priset includes:

  • Accommodation in a shared double room.
  • Meals according to the program (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner).
  • Photography from RIB boats.
  • Participation of Roger Brendhagen throughout the entire workshop.
  • Various lectures and workshops with Roger Brendhagen.
  • Local taxes.
  • Travel documents and pre-departure information.

Price do not include:

    • Transport to Skjervøy.
    • Single room supplement. SEK ??
    • Expenses of a personal nature, such as beverages with meals, etc.
    • Cancellation protection / travel insurance. For more information, please see our website under “Other”.

TRANSPORTATION 

Fly to Alta Airport independently. You should not arrive in Alta later than 14:00 on November 3, and you should not book your return flight earlier than 12:00 on November 7.

If you would like assistance with booking your flights, we are more than happy to help. You are welcome to call us at +46 70 180 90 99 or let us know when making your booking.

FACTS 

Target group: Photographers interested in wildlife and nature photography.

Min/max participants: 8/14

Language: Swedish/Norwegian, English

Exchange rate: Euro 11.19 (as of August 13, 2025)

Other: For more information about Zoom Photo Tours, terms and conditions, etc., please see our website under “Other”.

CAMERA EQUPIMENT

  • Your digital camera
  • Telephoto lens, preferably up to 500 mm
  • Teleconverter
  • 70–200 mm lens
  • Wide-angle lens, for example 24–70 mm
  • Monopod or tripod
  • A laptop with Photoshop or Lightroom
    Extra batteries, chargers, etc.

BOOKING 

You book this tour by clicking the button below, by calling us at +46 (0)470-466 40, or by emailing us at info@zoomfotoresor.se.

BOOKING

Photo: Roger Brendhagen