ARCTIC VARANGER

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From the arboreal Finnish Lapland passerines to Arctic Norway’s seabirds and sea ducks, this exciting itinerary covers a truly unique range of species. Our Arctic adventure begins in Ivalo in northern Finland from where we continue northwards to the north-eastern coastal region of Vardö and the island of Hornøya.

This program is carefully designed with the local knowledge of Finnature, our partners and local experts on this tour. It is timed to capture the renowned beauty of winter in the frozen north and its iconic species and to coincide with the return of Hornøya’s breeding seabirds, which best of all arrive to snow covered-cliff tops.

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HIGHLIGHTS

  • ✺ MAXIMISE YOUR IMAGES

    Offering a wonderful contrast to birds of the sea, which is the main focus of this itinerary, we enjoy a morning session at forest feeders, in Finnish Lapland. Passerines take full advantage of the very well stocked feeding stations here throughout the hard winter months.

    Pine Grosbeak is perhaps the most eye-catching of these, but specialities such as Siberian Tit and Siberian Jay are also popular, whilst Arctic and Common Redpoll are also found in good numbers here. Other species which may also put in an appearance here are Northern Bullfinch, Willow Tit and Lesser-spotted Woodpecker. With birds on authentic feeders, deep snow and snow-covered tree-branches the photographic opportunities here are excellent, often with birds down to just a few metres

  • ✺ ONE TO ONE COACHING

    By signing up for this workshop, you will learn from and be inspired by one of the leading experts in the wildlife photography industry. Kevin has over a decade of experience and a wealth of knowledge to share, helping you make your own path in this field.

    He is a a multi-award-winning photographer, achieving success in the world's biggest competition, and is also a best-selling author following the success of his critically acclaimed book Puffins: Life on the Atlantic Edge.

  • ✺ CONTINUED SUPPORT & ACTION PLAN

    One of the most important elements of coaching for Kevin is providing ongoing support to his clients. Workshops aren't restricted to individual camera systems; all brands are welcome.

    Post workshop you are welcome to send 10 images up to 3 months after the workshop for a second consultation via email to check how your work is progressing. Following the workshop we will also create your action plan, considering how best to proceed with your photography inline with your goals.

WHAT WILL YOU LEARN?

Seabirds return from their wintering areas to Hornøya from mid-March. This is an excellent time for photography with lots of action. This is not the most accessible seabird colony in Norway, but easily the most spectacular. During the breeding season the island is home to an estimated 80,000-100,000 seabirds during breeding season. Perhaps the most sought-after images here are of Atlantic Puffin, which perform at close proximity on snow, particularly on the lower slopes and foot of the cliffs.

  • Common Guillemot is easily the most numerous breeder here, the swarms of thousands overhead, particularly when a potential predator soars above, is a truly overwhelming spectacle. At certain places in the colony there are incredible opportunities to frame them at close proximity, with the colony beyond as a backdrop.

    The scarcer Brünnich’s Guillemots prefer the higher ledges of the cliffs but one can still create some great images, particularly in flight. Razorbills and European Shags also offer unparalleled opportunities here, as like all their neighbours they tend to be extremely confiding. Nevertheless we take great care and consideration never to pressure the birds here, ensuring we do not put our images ahead of their welfare. Black-legged Kittiwakes are also found here whilst, if we can keep an eye on the skies overhead, Gyr Falcons and White-tailed Eagles patrol over the island regularly, causing panic among the thousands of auks.

ARCTIC VARANGER HIDE

To start your application, we will send out a questionnaire to understand your work further. This will not only cover your strengths and weaknesses but also uncover what you hope to achieve from the program and how best we can tailor it to your needs. Secondly, you will need to prepare a selection of 10 RAW files to share with Kevin that you feel best represents your work. This can either be a series of images from one project or simply images that best suits you.

Please send your images at least 5 days before the session. An exclusive Zoom session at a time of your choice, max 90 minutes on a one-on-one basis. We will chat and analyse your 10 pre-submitted RAW images editing them as we go together. All chats are confidential post-session. I will send you a private recording of your session, which you are welcome to stream as much as needed. The Zoom call will also discuss next steps and how we should best proceed forward with your learning

THE GUIDES

  • ✺ JARI PELTOMAKI

    Jari is the founder and co-owner of Finnature Oy Ltd. He is a professional wildlife photographer whose images have been awarded in numerous international photo competitions. He has also judged many of the international wildlife photography competitions. Jari is the author of several bird and wildlife books and articles, and his images have been used in magazines and books worldwide.

    Jari is an OM SYSTEM Ambassador and a passionate bird photographer. He is always ready for new adventures! His extensive photo material from Finland and abroad represents all wildlife and landscapes.

  • ✺ BRYDON THOMASON

    He has worked on and featured in over 15 television programs and documentaries as a consultant and guide, including high profile productions such as the BBC’s Springwatch, Countryfile and The One Show, and blue chip documentaries such as the recently aired ‘Wild Shetland: Scotland’s Viking Frontier’, produced by Maramedia.

    As a photographer Brydon’s passion lies with the wildlife he knows so well and enjoys so close to home, and in this regard he is best known for his work on otters as well as Shetland’s rarer breeding and otherwise iconic species.

  • ✺ KEVIN MORGANS

    To start your application, we will send out a questionnaire to understand your work further. This will not only cover your strengths and weaknesses but also uncover what you hope to achieve from the program and how best we can tailor it to your needs. You will need to prepare a portfolio of 10 RAW files to share with Kevin that you feel best represents your work.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Dates 2026: Tailored to suit your individual needs

Location: Scottish Highlands

Price Per Person: £225 (Max 3 Persons Per Day)

Included:

  • Full one-to-one guidance throughout the day

  • Field-craft training

  • Full technical camera tuition

  • Expert knowledge of mountain hares and the surrounding area

  • Transport to/from the meeting place can be arranged if needed