WELCOME TO SPAIN WITH PHOTOGRAPHER ARNFINN JOHANSEN
In this document you will find important information about your upcoming trip.
Please take the time to read through it carefully. If you have any questions afterward, you are warmly welcome to contact Hans Elmqvist at Zoom Photo Tours by phone at +46 70 180 90 99 or via email at hans.elmqvist@zoomphototours.com
WELCOME TO SPAIN WITH PHOTOGRAPHER ARNFINN JOHANSEN
In this document you will find important information about your upcoming trip.
Please take the time to read through it carefully. If you have any questions afterward, you are warmly welcome to contact Hans Elmqvist at Zoom Photo Tours by phone at +46 70 180 90 99 or via email at hans.elmqvist@zoomphototours.com
BEFORE THE TRIP
BEFORE THE TRIP
YOUR FLIGHT TICKET
Make sure that the spelling of your name matches the spelling in your passport.
LUGGAGE
Airlines typically allow two pieces of luggage per person: one carry-on and one checked bag. The checked bag may weigh up to 23 kg, and the carry-on bag up to 8 kg with maximum dimensions of 56 x 45 x 25 cm. For exact information regarding the airline you are flying with, please refer to the airline’s website.
CHECK-IN
Check-in must be completed no later than one hour before departure. However, we recommend arriving at least two hours prior to departure, as there may be queues at passport control and security.
PASSPORT
Don’t forget your passport. As you are travelling from a non-EU country and as the airline will always ask to see it at check-in. Without a passport, there is a risk the airline will not allow you to board.
CURRENCY / EXCHANGE
In Spain, the currency used is the Euro. 10 Euro is approximately 8,70 GBP. You can exchange money for Euros at a bank or exchange office before you travel, at the airport, or withdraw cash from one an ATM at the airport.
WHATSAPP
We have created a WhatsApp group for the workshop. Here, you can communicate, share photos, and exchange information with other participants and with Angel before, during, and after the course. You will receive an invitation to join the group via your phone.
If you are not already using WhatsApp, we suggest downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play. Once you have done so, please let us know at info@zoomphototours.com, and we will send you an invitation to the group.
If you experience any difficulties joining the group, please email alexander.elmqvist@zoomphototours.com and he will assist you.
PARTICIPANTS LIST
Attached in the mail you will find a link to the participant list for the trip. Please note: If a participant has chosen not to share their information, only their name will be included in the list.
SEND FLIGHT SCHEDULE
If you haven’t already sent a copy of your flight schedule so that we know how everyone is traveling, we kindly ask you to do so as soon as possible to: hans.elmqvist@zoomphototours.com
Information before the trip
YOUR FLIGHT TICKET
Make sure that the spelling of your name matches the spelling in your passport.
LUGGAGE
Airlines typically allow two pieces of luggage per person: one carry-on and one checked bag. The checked bag may weigh up to 23 kg, and the carry-on bag up to 8 kg with maximum dimensions of 56 x 45 x 25 cm. For exact information regarding the airline you are flying with, please refer to the airline’s website.
CHECK-IN
Check-in must be completed no later than one hour before departure. However, we recommend arriving at least two hours prior to departure, as there may be queues at passport control and security.
PASSPORT
Don’t forget your passport. As you are travelling from a non-EU country and as the airline will always ask to see it at check-in. Without a passport, there is a risk the airline will not allow you to board.
CURRENCY / EXCHANGE
In Spain, the currency used is the Euro. 10 Euro is approximately 8,70 GBP. You can exchange money for Euros at a bank or exchange office before you travel, at the airport, or withdraw cash from one an ATM at the airport.
WHATSAPP
We have created a WhatsApp group for the workshop. Here, you can communicate, share photos, and exchange information with other participants and with Angel before, during, and after the course. You will receive an invitation to join the group via your phone.
If you are not already using WhatsApp, we suggest downloading the app from the App Store or Google Play. Once you have done so, please let us know at info@zoomphototours.com, and we will send you an invitation to the group.
If you experience any difficulties joining the group, please email alexander.elmqvist@zoomphototours.com and he will assist you.
PARTICIPANTS LIST
Attached in the mail you will find a link to the participant list for the trip. Please note: If a participant has chosen not to share their information, only their name will be included in the list.
SEND FLIGHT SCHEDULE
If you haven’t already sent a copy of your flight schedule so that we know how everyone is traveling, we kindly ask you to do so as soon as possible to: hans.elmqvist@zoomphototours.com
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
SEPTEMBER 19-27, 2026
FOR THOSE ARRIVING THE DAY BEFORE
If you’re planning to travel to Madrid the day before, there are several good airport hotels available. Arnfinn Johansen and Zoom host Thomas Mohlin will be staying at Madrid Marriott Auditorium Hotel. From a logistical point of view we recommend booking the same hotel – we are happy to help with the booking.
DAY 1 (SEPT. 19) – ARRIVAL IN MADRID
We will meet at 10.00 at the Alamo car rental company at Madrid Airport (Ap Madrid Adolfo Suárez T1-T4) – where you will be met by Arnfinn Johansen and Zoom’s host Thomas Mohlin.
From there, we’ll embark on a leisurely two-and-a-half-hour drive to the charming town of Santa Cruz de Mudela. Our cozy retreat for the next few days is Hotel Santa Cruz. Directly after check-in we will depart for the hides and our first photo session. Back at the hotel we will have a welcome dinner. (D)
DAY 2-4 (SEPT. 20-22) – HIDE PHOTOGRAPHY
Prepare for unforgettable experiences as we capture the elusive beauty of the Iberian lynx from carefully selected hides. Our main focus? Trying to photograph lynx cubs, Lynxes can be photographed for much of the year, but we’ve chosen September to increase the chances of capturing the cubs born during the summer. Arnfinn will be there to offer personalized guidance and helpful tips to enhance your photography skills. When we’re not behind the lens, we’ll be refining our shots, mastering editing techniques, and receiving constructive feedback to enrich our next hide session. (B, L, D)
DAY 5 (SEPT. 23) – NEW SCENERY & HIDES
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head towards the Sierra de Morena Nature Reserve, unlocking fresh photographic opportunities. After checking into hotel Los Pinos, about 13 km from the picturesque town of Andujar, we’ll get right into our first photo session of the day. (B, L, D)
DAY 6-8 (SEPT. 24-26) – HIDE PHOTOGRAPHY
Dedicate three full days to capturing the essence of the Iberian lynx and its habitat from our carefully selected hides. Whether it’s intimate close-ups or majestic shots of lynxes traversing the terrain, our hides offer a variety of perspectives. And don’t forget the stunning Andalusian landscapes with rolling vistas and majestic cork oak forests that provide the perfect backdrop for our photographic adventures.
Arnfinn will encourage you to explore different angles and perspectives, showcasing that the best shots often come from unexpected compositions
As our journey concludes, we’ll gather for a memorable farewell dinner. (B, L, D)
DAY 9 (SEPT. 27) – TIME TO HEAD HOME
After a leisurely breakfast and fond farewells, we’ll check out and make our way back to Madrid for our onward journey home, cherishing the memories and photographs we’ve captured along the way.(B)
PHOTO OF THE TRIP
A few weeks after returning home, once you’ve had time to go through your photos from the trip, you’ll have the opportunity to submit your best images to Arnfinn. He will select the winner of the “Photo of the Trip.” The winner will automatically advance to the finals of the “Photo of the Year 2026” competition and compete for great prizes.
HOTEL
HOTEL
TRAVEL FACTS
TRAVEL FACTS
ELECTRICITY
Spain uses type C and F power outlets, with a standard voltage of 230 V and a frequency of 50 Hz. A power strip or extension cord can be useful if you have several devices to charge, such as a camera, phone, laptop, and battery charger.
CLIMATE
The trip takes place in September, one of the best months to visit Andalusia. During this time, summer transitions gently into autumn, and the weather is stable and pleasant.
-
Average daytime temperatures are around 25–27 °C, with peaks reaching 30–32 °C on sunny days.
-
In the evenings and at night, temperatures drop to 15–19 °C, making the air feel cool and comfortable.
CLOTHING
During the trip, casual summer clothing or outdoor wear is recommended. It’s a good idea to bring a pair of comfortable walking shoes and clothes that can get a bit dirty, as we’ll be spending a large part of the days in hides. Early mornings can be a bit chilly, so we recommend bringing a jacket or a sweater.
CREDIT CARDS
MasterCard and Visa are accepted at the hotels and in most stores.
TELEPHONE
To call Spain, use the country code +34. To call UK from Spani, use +44.
WIFI
Wi-Fi is available at the hotels.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Arnfinn Johansen, photographer: +47 976 71 870
Thomas Mohlin, Zoom Photo Torus host: +46 910 45 50
Emergency numbers in Spain: 112 (general), police 091, ambulance 061
PACKING LIST
Below you’ll find some equipment tips. This is not mandatory, but rather guidelines.
BAGS
- A suitcase/large duffel bag. Instead of hard suitcases, we recommend packing in a soft, large duffel bag. They are much easier to stow in the minibuses and take up less space in the rooms.
- A camera bag.
SHOES AND CLOTHING
- Thin sweaters/shirts in neutral colors (khaki, green, grey, brown)
- Fleece or a thin down jacket – good for chilly mornings in the hides.
- Comfortable long trousers.
- Shorts.
- Sturdy walking shoes or field boots.
- Sandals or indoor shoes for evenings or accommodation.
- Hat or cap with a brim.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
- Mobile phone.
- Binoculars.
- Power adapter.
- A flashlight or a headlamp.
- Sewing kit for emergency repairs.
- Sunglasses.
FIRST AID ITEMS
We recommend that you bring some of your own personal medical supplies, such as:
- Plasters/band-aids.
- Paracetamol or equivalent.
- Lip balm.
- Hand sanitizer.
- Sunscreen.
CAMERA EQUIPMENT
- Mirrorless/DSLR camera.
- A short zoom lens, for example 24-70.
- A medium zoom lens, for example 70-200mm.
- A long telephoto lens, for example 400/500/600mm.
- A 1.4x teleconverter, if you have one.
- A tripod with rubber feet. You will need it in some of the hides.
- Several spare batteries and a charger.
- A laptop with Adobe Photoshop or Lightroom.
NOTE! The tripod must have rubber feet. It must NOT have metal spikes, as these can “scrape” against the concrete floor and may scare off animals and birds.
OUR NEWSLETTER
Be the first to hear about new tours, offers and travel inspiration from Zoom Photo Tours.
CONTACT
E-post: info@zoomfotoresor.se
Telefon: +46 (0)470 – 466 40
Follow our photo adventures on social media!
Photo: Serkan Günes
OUR NEWSLETTER
Be the first to hear about new tours, offers and travel inspiration from Zoom Photo Tours.
CONTACT
E-post: info@zoomfotoresor.se
Telefon: +46(0) 470 – 466 40
Follow our photo adventures on social media!



