Workshop Details
This workshop is created for photographers to have truly unique experiences and photographic opportunities. It is suitable for all levels – from beginner to experienced. With a group of a maximum of 7 participants, you are guaranteed to receive all the one-on-one instructions that you need, on top of the group efforts. A small group allows for comfortable spacing and makes a smaller impact on the fragile Arctic environment.
We will prioritize Northern Lights photography as we will be in one of the best locations in the world to experience the lights. With Aurora Borealis in mind, our excursions will mostly be scheduled for mid day, and landscape sessions will focus on beautiful sunsets and Arctic scenes. The wildlife component will include reindeer and the impressive gathering of birds on Hornøya (Puffins, Shags, Guillemonts, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, etc.) The area and culture are unique rich in Sámi heritage, offering an opportunity to respectfully learn about the traditions of Europe’s only Indigenous people. From the rhythms of reindeer herding to the deep connection with the Arctic landscape, this way of life continues to thrive in harmony with nature. Through our time in Utsjoki, we will also gain insight into local customs, stories, and the enduring spirit of a culture shaped by the North and rich in Sámi heritage, offering an opportunity to respectfully learn about the traditions of Europe’s only Indigenous people. From the rhythms of reindeer herding to the deep connection with the Arctic landscape, this way of life continues to thrive in harmony with nature. Through our time in Utsjoki, we will also gain insight into local customs, stories, and the enduring spirit of a culture shaped by the North.
Your instructor will help you with settings, gear and composition for all the subjects and genres. Our Local Guide will assist Monika in teaching you more about the local area and people.
The workshop focuses on field experiences, with short “classroom” sessions included. We will have the opportunity to sit together and do some editing and answer questions from participants.
Monika’s Astronomy Photography of the Year 2023 Aurorae winning image was taken in Utsjoki, just outside of Aurora Holidays!
- In-the-field Photography Instruction & A Local Guide
- Classroom sessions
- Transportation during the workshop, including transfers to and from Ivalo airport
- Accommodations during the workshop dates at Aurora Holidays
- Cold weather coverall and boots
- Activities such as snowmobiling, boat to Hornoya, Reindeer Farm visit, etc.
- All meals - breakfast and dinners at the Aurora Holidays restaurant, packed lunches
- Flights to and from Ivalo
- Any alcoholic beverages
- Any additional snacks/personal items
- Clothing base layers
- DLSR or mirrorless camera
- Tripod
- Remote/Intervalometer/Shutter Release
- Extra batteries
- Extra memory cards
- Laptop
- Variety of lenses
- Wide angle, fast lenses are ideal for Aurora and low light conditions
- Long lenses ideal for wildlife
- Anything in between for landscapes, abstracts, intimate scenes
- Snacks (we will stop at markets)
- Base layers, mid layers, etc. We will email a list.
- Camera back pack
- Headlamp
- Hand/toe warmers
- Gloves, mittens, hats
- Warm socks
- Driver's licence (if you want to drive snowmobiles)
The workshop plan is tentative and will be adaptive to conditions and weather. Participants should expect the itinerary to change. Your instructors will be constantly assessing the weather and doing their best to ensure the best possible opportunities.
Day 1
We pick you up at Ivalo airport and drive to your cottages in Utsjoki – you will receive instructions on which flight to arrive on to Ivalo (if you arrive earlier we can pick you up at your hotel). We will stop at a large supermarket / convenience store on the way for your last minute supplies and groceries if you need any (Utsjoki is quite isolated so we do this near the airport). For the rest, your workshop is all-inclusive! After settling in we will have a meet and greet before dinner. We’ll get prepared if there is an opportunity for Northern Lights at the cottages.
Day 2
The day starts with a wonderful breakfast together at the Aurora Holidays amazing restaurant. Later in the morning we will have a presentation on nature photography to get you ready for all of our subjects. In the evening we will head to Norway for a sunset session with dinner to go. We’ll try for night photography on the way back to the cottages.
Day 3
Group breakfast followed by a departure to Inari where we will visit the Sami and Nature Museum. Lunch will be at the museum and then we are off into the forest with a Sami Reindeer Herder to learn about their culture and photograph the reindeer. Our dinner and photography plans will be flexible this evening to allow for the best possible chance of aurora based on weather.
Day 4
Breakfast will be followed by a talk about Aurora. After lunch at Aurora Holidays we are off for a snowmobiling adventure in the Kaldoaivi Wilderness Area. Participants will be able to drive snowmobiles or ride along in sleds. After a sunset shoot we will have dinner in a warm cabin and then try for northern lights.
Day 5
After lunch at Aurora Holidays we are off for a village tour and learn more about the local culture and way of life. We will visit the Sami bridge (border bridge), where you not only get some great views of one if Europe’s largest salmon fishing rivers, but you also have the chance to stand with one foot in Norway and the other in Finland. The tour will also take you to Utsjoki church and Kirkkotuvat, the church huts. Depending on the weather a sunset landscape session will be planned.
Day 6
Early breakfast before driving to Hornoya Island in Norway for puffins and sea bird photography. We will be in Norway all day and lunch will be provided. After dinner we will again try for aurora.
Day 7
Breakfast will be followed by an editing session – we should have lots of images to work with and editing techniques to try. After lunch we will snowshoe to a wilderness hut (2km) at the top of a Fjell for a later afternoon and sunset shoot. Dinner will be at the restaurant followed by a Northern Lights shoot.
Day 8
Unfortunately, It is time to say goodbye. We have a final breakfast and drive back to the airport in Ivalo where you will catch your flight back to Helsinki.
PRICE: 4050 Euro
Payment options:
Non-refundable deposit EUR 900 followed by one EUR 3000 payment
or
Non-refundable deposit followed by 3 payments spread until the trip:- EUR 900 deposit upon booking (non-refundable)
– EUR 1000 by December 1st, 2025
– EUR 1000 by February 1st, 2026
– EUR 1150 by March 1st, 2026
Failure to pay by these due dates will lead to forfeit the deposit, and the spot may then be
sold to another participant. You may transfer your spot to another participant should you be
unable to come due to unforeseen circumstances.
The price is based on double occupancy (2 people per cottage, each their own bedroom)
Up to 7 guests, with 1 local guide and 1 photography guide, offering one of the best guide to guest ratio in the industry
By registering for this event you agree that you have read and understand the following.
Registration is non-refundable but is transferrable. If you can find someone to take your spot and buy your ticket from you, this is acceptable. Email monika@
If the remaining balance is not paid in full, your spot will be forfeit without any refund of deposits or payments already made.
Participants understand that weather and conditions are unpredictable or difficult to forecast. There is no guarantee that we will see specific natural phenomena. You acknowledge that travel with a group involves compromise to accommodate goals, desires, personalities, abilities, and physical capabilities. Itineraries are planned, but flexible, and no part of the schedule can be guaranteed. You understand that no discounts or refunds will be given in the event of any changes.
Only in the event that the country or the venue is unable to host the workshop (such as a lockdown situation), participants will be given the option to postpone or receive a refund.
Please ensure you can travel and abide by all health and safety travel recommendations for Finland and your home location if you are booking a spot. It is your responsibility to ensure you can make the workshop. Participants must have travel and medical insurance.
Monika Deviat Photography reserves the right to cancel the workshop at any time. The cancellations could occur for a variety of reasons, such as a minimum number of participants is not met, family emergency, unforeseen circumstances impact the worksop, etc. In the event of cancellations that are under the control of Monika Deviat Photography, participants will receive a full refund for the workshop. No compensation would be made to participants for any other associated costs such as, but not limited to, travel, hotels, etc. Participants should have travel insurance.
You, for yourself, your heirs, executors or anyone else who may claim on your behalf, hereby waive, release and forever discharge, Monika Deviat/Monika Deviat Photography, assistants, and affiliates, representatives, executors, and all others from any and all responsibilities or liability from personal injury, death, damage to property or loss of any kind resulting from participation in a photography workshop event.
This release extends and applies to, and also covers and includes all unknown, unforeseen, unanticipated and unsuspected injuries, damages, loss and liability. You are responsible to research the event and bring the proper gear. You are also responsible for selecting activities that are appropriate your physical abilities and interests.
Your attendance at any event confirms that you have read and accepted the terms of this liability waiver. By signing up for this event you understand that you are attending at your own risk.
I was fortunate to attend Monika’s Spring Light in Lapland workshop in March 2024. What an amazing experience! I’m reasonably new to photography, having previously attended a couple of beginners workshops and only just started taking pictures off “auto” setting. I had never done any astrophotography prior to the workshop and was concerned that my gear wouldn’t be sufficient to take decent pictures. We saw the lights four of the seven nights we were in Utsjoki and that first night, Monika took the time to help me with my camera and settings so that I could capture the lights. Not only did we see some brilliant light shows, we also went on excursions to see puffins, reindeer and some of the local landscape. With Monika’s assistance, and tutorials onsite, the workshop gave me the confidence to come off “auto” and start taking photos in Manual. I highly recommend this workshop, even if you are a beginner – you will still come away from the trip having learnt so much, met lovely people and have the best photo souvenirs!
Kate Devenish (UK)
I very much enjoyed the Spring Light in Lapland photo workshop. It was my first trip to the arctic circle and will be fondly remembered for quite some time to come. The arctic light is is spectacular and the overhead aurora a magical sight. We were fortunate to have had an aurora display on five different nights. Monika combined an excellent mix of activities from photographing aurora, puffins, reindeer, and the arctic tundra combined with snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cultural visits to learn about the Indigenous Sami people including a traditional reindeer herder. Warm beverages and
fires were ready during our outdoor activities. The education and assistance in shooting and processing aurora and bird photography was welcomed by everyone. I believe the entire group left the workshop with fantastic shots and fond memories.
The Cottages at Aurora Holidays were lovely and the staff very accommodating. The location was excellent for running out at night to see the aurora and the river provides a beautiful setting for photography. The individual saunas in our cottages were a welcomed treat after staying out in the cold. Warm snow suits and boots were provided, and the food was excellent.
Anne Kean (Canada)
If you are thinking of attending a workshop-choose this one! The trip to Finland was the most amazing and creative experience I have ever had. I was looking forward to the activities that were being offered as well as photographing the Aurora Borealis. The Aurora experience was 100 times better than what I was expecting. The activities that we attended were very close in comparison to the incredible display of the Aurora’s (imagine a cone of light above you) We spent a day with a Reindeer Herder that was a highlight of the trip for me. We travelled into Norway to the Arctic Ocean, and it was breathtaking. It was like being in a picture it was so beautiful. Then there was the Sledding with the sled dogs and a day in the wilderness in snowmobile. Every moment was full of beauty and I took 2000 pictures. I have seen the Aurora‘s in Canada and expected it to be a similar experience. Not at all. It was different and unique every night and uniquely different from here in Canada. Arranging a workshop during a pandemic is difficult, but it was done so well and so safely that I was not concerned at any time. Also, the accommodations and food were perfect! I would give them a five star rating myself. If you have an opportunity to attend this workshop, do so.
Kristine McLean (Canada)
My trip to Utsjoki and stay with Aurora holidays was absolutely what I needed in the middle of the COVID pandemic.
I’ve known Monika for 15 years. When she adapted her photography as a professional endeavour, observing her style helped to inspire my own photography. Combining her passion for photography with the northern expanse of Finland and the Aurora Borealis made for an amazing learning experience and helped make the trip absolutely worth it.
She brings a different style than her colleague and their skills married up well. My week there even lead to my proposal to my now Fiancee.
If you have the opportunity to venture into Finland (any location honestly, but particularly to the Finnish Lapland), I highly recommend it.
Monika’s excitement for photography, and knowledge of the skills and science behind doing it well, are always apparent in her scouting of locations and teaching of the subject material. I easily captured the best photos I’ve ever taken under her instruction.
Sean Lundy (Canada)
