ORCAS &
NORTHERN LIGHTS

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER ROGER BRENDHAGEN

ORCAS & NORTHERN LIGHTS

WITH PHOTOGRAPHER ROGER BRENDHAGEN

COUNTRY: Norway • PHOTOGRAPHY: Wildlife • DURATION: 5 days • DATE: 4-8/11 2023 • PARTICIPANTS: 8-15   

I spent the entire last winter on board the M/S Quest and had some amazing close encounters with orcas and humpback whales. Sitting in the zodiac boat and capturing photos of orcas as they swim by is an exhilarating experience.

Roger Brendhagen

Regardless of where you point your camera, you will be greeted with a stunning landscape of barren and snow-capped mountains. Suddenly, a pair of orcas emerge very close to your dinghy. Now, you must capture that close-up shot of their magnificent tails before they disappear beneath the surface once more. Click, click, click—that’s it!

Join Nikon ambassador Roger Brendhagen in November 2023 on an exciting journey to some of Norway’s beautiful fjords to photograph orcas and humpback whales as they chase massive shoals of herring during their annual spawning migration.

During this trip, we will have the privilege of staying aboard the M/S Quest, a first-class ship that offers us the flexibility to track the whales day and night, ensuring we make the most of our photography opportunities. If we are lucky with the weather, we may also have the opportunity to photograph the amazing northern lights dancing across the mountain ranges.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIP

  • Photographing orcas and humpback whales.
  • Immersing yourself in and capturing breath-taking fjord landscapes.
  • The chance to photograph the mesmerizing northern lights.
  • Enjoying a stay at sea aboard the M/S Quest.
  • Embarking on exciting excursions and photographing from zodiac boats.
  • Benefitting from the expertise of Nikon ambassador Roger Brendhagen.
  • Photography tutorial and lecture by Roger Brendhagen.

COUNTRY: Norway

PHOTOGRAPHY: Wildlife

DURATION: 5 days

DATE: 4-8/11 2023

PARTICIPANTS: 8-15

I spent the entire last winter on board the M/S Quest and had some amazing close encounters with orcas and humpback whales. Sitting in the zodiac boat and capturing photos of orcas as they swim by is an exhilarating experience.

 

Roger Brendhagen

Regardless of where you point your camera, you will be greeted with a stunning landscape of barren and snow-capped mountains. Suddenly, a pair of orcas emerge very close to your dinghy. Now, you must capture that close-up shot of their magnificent tails before they disappear beneath the surface once more. Click, click, click—that’s it!

Join  Nikon ambassador Roger Brendhagen in November 2023 on an exciting journey to some of Norway’s beautiful fjords to photograph orcas and humpback whales as they chase massive shoals of herring during their annual spawning migration.

During this trip, we will have the privilege of staying aboard the M/S Quest, a first-class ship that offers us the flexibility to track the whales day and night, ensuring we make the most of our photography opportunities. If we are lucky with the weather, we may also have the opportunity to photograph the amazing northern lights dancing across the mountain ranges.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TRIP

  • Photographing orcas and humpback whales.
  • Immersing yourself in and capturing breath-taking fjord landscapes.
  • The chance to photograph the mesmerizing northern lights.
  • Enjoying a stay at sea aboard the M/S Quest.
  • Embarking on exciting excursions and photographing from zodiac boats.
  • Benefitting from the expertise of Nikon ambassador Roger Brendhagen.
  • Photography tutorial and lecture by Roger Brendhagen.

DESTINATIONS

DESTINATIONS

TROMSØ

Situated in the northernmost part of Norway, approximately 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø has long served as a departure point for numerous Arctic expeditions. Often referred to as the gateway to the Arctic, the barren, snow-capped mountains that surround the city provide a compelling reason why. The natural beauty that envelops Tromsø is nothing short of spectacular, and the surrounding waters are rich in wildlife. In the waters around Kvalsøya, outside Tromsø, the abundance of herring attracts significant numbers of orcas and humpback whales between November and February each year.

Read more about Tromsø here:
READ MORE
TROMSØ

Situated in the northernmost part of Norway, approximately 300 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, Tromsø has long served as a departure point for numerous Arctic expeditions. Often referred to as the gateway to the Arctic, the barren, snow-capped mountains that surround the city provide a compelling reason why. The natural beauty that envelops Tromsø is nothing short of spectacular, and the surrounding waters are rich in wildlife. In the waters around Kvalsøya, outside Tromsø, the abundance of herring attracts significant numbers of orcas and humpback whales between November and February each year.

ITINERARY

ITINERARY

4-8 NOVEMBER, 2023

DAY 1, (4/11) – M/S QUEST SETS OFF

Gather at 16:00 at the Norwegian Travel Basecamp located in the centre of Tromsø, and board the M/S Quest, our base for the duration of the trip. After making yourself at home on board, Roger will provide a lecture and offer valuable photography tips for the upcoming days. Following the lecture, a delightful three-course welcome dinner will be served, providing an opportunity to socialize with fellow participants. After dinner, we will embark on a cable car ride to the summit of Storsteinen Mountain via the Fjellheisen, offering a breath-taking panoramic view of Tromsø and its fjords. If the weather is in our favour, there will be excellent opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the northern lights.

After returning to the ship, the M/S Quest will set sail, taking us towards the scenic Lyngen Mountains and the best whale watching spots. The captain will determine the precise route based on prevailing weather conditions and reports of whale and orca sightings. (D)

DAY 2-4 (5-7/11) – IN SEARCH OF ORCAS

Over the next few days, we will venture into the stunningly beautiful fjord landscape at sea. We will navigate at a relaxed pace within the region spanning from Ringvassøya to Kvaløya, selecting our route based on the optimal opportunities for whale sightings and photography. The waters surrounding Kvaløya have become a haven for orcas and humpback whales in recent years, thanks to the abundant herring population. This has established it as one of the premier locations to capture stunning images of these magnificent creatures amidst the awe-inspiring surroundings. Throughout the journey, Roger will be readily available to offer expert guidance and assist in refining your photography skills. In addition to capturing photographs from the M/S Quest, we will also embark on excursions using small zodiac boats, weather permitting. This will provide you with the unique opportunity to get even closer to the whales. With our ship equipped with five dinghies, there will be plenty of space for manoeuvring and obtaining optimal angles while photographing. During one of the days, we will visit Havnnes, a 19th-century trading post situated among some of the most beautiful scenery, and visit a historically significant photo gallery. One evening, we will have the opportunity to visit Aurora Spirits, the northernmost distillery, where we will gain insights into their intriguing whisky maturation process.

As the sun sets in the evenings, with a bit of luck, we will be able to experience and photograph the northern lights, one of the most spectacular natural phenomena that will create lasting memories. During our days at sea, Roger will deliver several lectures and we will also work on image processing. (B, L, D)

DAY 5, (8/11) – RETURNING HOME

After experiencing several incredible days at sea, filled with numerous unforgettable photo opportunities, we bid farewell to the M/S Quest in the morning to get a transfer to the airport for our individual journeys back home. (B)

Read more about the opportunity to experience and photograph killer whales and humpback whales up close.
READ MORE

4-8 NOVEMBER, 2023

DAY 1, (4/11) – M/S QUEST SETS OFF

Gather at 16:00 at the Norwegian Travel Basecamp located in the centre of Tromsø, and board the M/S Quest, our base for the duration of the trip. After making yourself at home on board, Roger will provide a lecture and offer valuable photography tips for the upcoming days. Following the lecture, a delightful three-course welcome dinner will be served, providing an opportunity to socialize with fellow participants. After dinner, we will embark on a cable car ride to the summit of Storsteinen Mountain via the Fjellheisen, offering a breath-taking panoramic view of Tromsø and its fjords. If the weather is in our favour, there will be excellent opportunities to capture stunning photographs of the northern lights.

After returning to the ship, the M/S Quest will set sail, taking us towards the scenic Lyngen Mountains and the best whale watching spots. The captain will determine the precise route based on prevailing weather conditions and reports of whale and orca sightings. (D)

DAY 2-4 (5-7/11) – IN SEARCH OF ORCAS

Over the next few days, we will venture into the stunningly beautiful fjord landscape at sea. We will navigate at a relaxed pace within the region spanning from Ringvassøya to Kvaløya, selecting our route based on the optimal opportunities for whale sightings and photography. The waters surrounding Kvaløya have become a haven for orcas and humpback whales in recent years, thanks to the abundant herring population. This has established it as one of the premier locations to capture stunning images of these magnificent creatures amidst the awe-inspiring surroundings.

Throughout the journey, Roger will be readily available to offer expert guidance and assist in refining your photography skills. In addition to capturing photographs from the M/S Quest, we will also embark on excursions using small zodiac boats, weather permitting. This will provide you with the unique opportunity to get even closer to the whales. With our ship equipped with five dinghies, there will be plenty of space for manoeuvring and obtaining optimal angles while photographing. During one of the days, we will visit Havnnes, a 19th-century trading post situated among some of the most beautiful scenery, and visit a historically significant photo gallery. One evening, we will have the opportunity to visit Aurora Spirits, the northernmost distillery, where we will gain insights into their intriguing whisky maturation process.

As the sun sets in the evenings, with a bit of luck, we will be able to experience and photograph the northern lights, one of the most spectacular natural phenomena that will create lasting memories. During our days at sea, Roger will deliver several lectures and we will also work on image processing. (B, L, D)

DAY 5, (8/11) – RETURNING HOME

After experiencing several incredible days at sea, filled with numerous unforgettable photo opportunities, we bid farewell to the M/S Quest in the morning to get a transfer to the airport for our individual journeys back home. (B)

 

PHOTOGRAPHER

PHOTOGRAPHER

ROGER BRENDHAGEN – Wildlife photographer

Roger Brendhagen was born in Oslo, but currently resides in Filipstad, Sweden. For the past 15 years, Roger has been working as a full-time photographer, following a five-year career as a journalist. With over 250 days of travel each year, Roger considers the entire world as his workplace and has captured stunning images across various destinations, including Mongolia, India, and Africa.

For the past 10 years, Roger has served as one of Nikon’s ambassadors and is frequently hired as a lecturer. He is a member of Norske Naturfotografer/NN and is widely recognized for his workshops and photo tours. Roger has led captivating photo tours across the globe, encompassing destinations such as Sri Lanka, Mongolia, and India.

Read more about Roger here.

The tour is led by wildlife photographer and Nikon ambassador Roger Brendhagen
READ MORE

ROGER BRENDHAGEN – Wildlife photographer

Roger Brendhagen was born in Oslo, but currently resides in Filipstad, Sweden. For the past 15 years, Roger has been working as a full-time photographer, following a five-year career as a journalist. With over 250 days of travel each year, Roger considers the entire world as his workplace and has captured stunning images across various destinations, including Mongolia, India, and Africa.

For the past 10 years, Roger has served as one of Nikon’s ambassadors and is frequently hired as a lecturer. He is a member of Norske Naturfotografer/NN and is widely recognized for his workshops and photo tours. Roger has led captivating photo tours across the globe, encompassing destinations such as Sri Lanka, Mongolia, and India.

Read more about Roger here.

 

M/S QUEST

M/S QUEST

M/S QUEST

M/S Quest, built in Denmark in 1992 and fully renovated in 2018, features 26 cabins, all providing scenic sea views and equipped with private shower/WC, a desk, and ample storage space for clothes. Delicious meals are served in the ship’s dining room between disembarkations, and the panoramic lounge offers a splendid view of the surrounding landscape.

The bridge is always open for visitors, and the ship boasts spacious observation decks that are perfect for capturing stunning photographs of orcas and humpback whales. Additionally, the M/S Quest is equipped with five dinghies.

CABINS

M/S Quest has 26 modern double cabins, all with sea views and private shower/toilet, as well as a desk where you can edit photos and plenty of space to store clothes. The cabins also have bluetooth speakers and a safe.

SHIP SPECIFICATIONS

  • Ship length: 49.65 m
  • Width: 11 m
  • Draft: 3.50 m
  • Gross tonnage: 1,268 GT
  • Number of cabins: 26
  • Number of dinghies: 5
  • Crew: 25 members led by an experienced captain

PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING

PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING

PRICE, FACTS AND BOOKING

Price per person in USD:2960:-
Price per person in £: 2363:-               

The price includes:                        

  • Shared accommodation in a twin-bed cabin.
  • Meals as per the itinerary (indicated by B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
  • Cable car trip on Fjellheisen.
  • Daily zodiac boat excursions (subject to weather conditions).
  • Visit to Havnnes.
  • Visit to the Aurora Spirit distillery.
  • Presence of Roger Brendhagen throughout the trip.
  • Various lectures, image processing and analysis by Roger Brendhagen.
  • Local taxes. 
  • Travel documents and practical travel information will be provided prior to the trip.

The price does not include:                                                    

  • Return flight to Tromsø. 
  • Surcharge for single cabin, available upon request.
  • Personal expenses, such as drinks with meals.
  • Cancellation protection and travel insurance. For more information, please refer to our website under the section “Other”.

TRANSPORT

Transport to Tromsø should be organized by the participants themselves. It is recommended to arrive no later than 15:00 on November 4th and to avoid booking a return journey earlier than 13:00 on November 8th.

If you need assistance with booking a flight, we would be happy to help. You can reach us at +46 470 466 40 or let us know at the time of booking.

FACTS

  • Target audience: Photography enthusiasts with experience in animal and nature photography.
  • Minimum/maximum number of participants: 8/16.
  • Additional information: For more information about Zoom Fotoresor, terms and conditions of delivery, etc., please visit our website under the “Other” section.
  • Currency: NOK 0,945 (as of 16/5 2023).

CAMERA GEAR

  • Your camera.
  • Zoom or telephoto lens, preferably with a focal length of up to 300mm or 500mm.
  • A monopod.
  • A laptop with Photoshop or Lightroom. 
  • Spare batteries, chargers, etc.
  • Cleaning kit.
  • A water cover for your camera is advisable.

BOOKING

You can book this trip by clicking below, or by calling us on +46 470-466 40 or sending an email to: info@zoomfotorsor.se.

Photo: Roger Brendhagen

PRICE, FACTS AND BOOKING

Price per person in USD:2960:-
Price per person in £: 2363:-                           

The price includes:                        

  • • Shared accommodation in a twin-bed cabin.
  • • Meals as per the itinerary (indicated by B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
  • Cable car trip on Fjellheisen.
  • Daily zodiac boat excursions (subject to weather conditions).
  • Visit to Havnnes.
  • Visit to the Aurora Spirit distillery.
  • Presence of Roger Brendhagen throughout the trip.
  • Various lectures, image processing and analysis by Roger Brendhagen.
  • Local taxes.
  • Travel documents and practical travel information will be provided prior to the trip.

The price does not include:                                                    

  • Return flight to Tromsø.
  • Surcharge for single cabin, available upon request.
  • Personal expenses, such as drinks with meals.
  • Cancellation protection and travel insurance. For more information, please refer to our website under the section “Other”.

TRANSPORT

Transport to Tromsø should be organized by the participants themselves. It is recommended to arrive no later than 15:00 on November 4th and to avoid booking a return journey earlier than 13:00 on November 8th.

If you need assistance with booking a flight, we would be happy to help. You can reach us at +46 470 466 40 or let us know at the time of booking.

FACTS

  • Target audience: Photography enthusiasts with experience in animal and nature photography.
  • Minimum/maximum number of participants: 8/16.
  • Additional information: For more information about Zoom Fotoresor, terms and conditions of delivery, etc., please visit our website under the “Other” section.
  • Currency: NOK 0,945 (as of 16/5 2023).

CAMERA GEAR

  • Your camera.
  • Zoom or telephoto lens, preferably with a focal length of up to 300mm or 500mm.
  • A monopod.
  • A laptop with Photoshop or Lightroom.
  • Spare batteries, chargers, etc.
  • Cleaning kit.
  • A water cover for your camera is advisable.

BOOKING

You can book this trip by clicking below, or by calling us on +46 470-466 40 or sending an email to: info@zoomfotorsor.se.

 

Photo: Roger Brendhagen

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CONTACT

Follow our photo adventures on social media.

Foto: Hans Strand

OUR NEWSLETTER

Be the first to hear about new tours, offers and travel inspiration from Zoom Phototours.

Newsletter

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

CONTACT

Follow our photo adventures on social media.

Photo: Serkan Gunes