Capturing the Fleeting Light
A Nature Photography Workshop at Villa Lofoten
Lofoten’s ever-changing light has captivated photographers for decades – the light transforms nature and the landscape.
We invite you to a three-day nature photography workshop March 27th - 31st 2025 led by award-winning
Northern Norwegian photographer and cinematographer Tor Edvin Eliassen.
If you dream of visiting Lofoten to capture its light through your lens while improving your photography skills, this workshop is for you - whether you’re a beginner or have some experience. During your stay, you will refine your eye, develop your craft, and return home with an incredible collection of images and memories.
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Practical skills with cameras, settings, and lenses.
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The theory of composition and light.
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How to capture Lofoten’s unique light across various landscapes.
What Will You Learn?
What New Knowledge and Perspectives Will You Take Home?
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Mastering composition: Learn how to find and build compelling images by working with Lofoten’s unique natural light and landscapes.
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Gain confidence in manual settings: Understand how to control ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to achieve your desired results.
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Explore hidden places: Visit carefully selected locations in Lofoten not found in guidebooks.
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Create lasting memories: Capture unforgettable images in ever-changing light and build meaningful connections with fellow photographers.
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Receive professional guidance: Benefit from expert instruction, real-time feedback, and group discussions on your work.
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Learn image editing: Gain valuable skills in adjusting brightness, contrast, and color to enhance your photos.
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Enjoy comfort, great food, and local culture: Stay in beautifully designed surroundings, experience Lofoten’s unique fishing history, and immerse yourself in architecture and art at Villa Lofoten.
Tor Edvin Eliassen
Cinematographer and photographer
Tor Edvin Eliassen is an award-winning cinematographer and photographer from Northern Norway. His work includes short and feature films shown at international festivals, theatres, and streaming platforms. From character-driven documentaries in the Arctic landscape to dynamic music videos set against Namibian sand dunes and socially realistic narratives, Eliassen is known for his evocative visual storytelling and ability to capture authentic human experiences – even in the most extreme environments.
Eliassen studied filmmaking at Nordland College of Art and Film in Lofoten, Norway, and the Polish National Film School in Łódź, Poland. In 2020, he received the Talentstipend from SpareBank 1 Nord-Norge, recognizing him as a promising talent. In 2023, he won Best Cinematography at Nordic Docs with the documentary Mermaid. When working on projects, he combines technical excellence with a friendly, genuine demeanor that puts his subjects at ease.
Eliassen was the cinematographer for Si ingenting (2021), a documentary about Bergen rap artist Kamelen that offers an intimate and energetic glimpse into the artist's world. Premiering at the Tromsø International Film Festival in 2025, On Air explores the role of radio amateurs in maintaining backup communication systems in the Norwegian Arctic.
Most recently, Eliassen was the cinematographer for Folktales, directed by Oscar-nominated filmmakers Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady. Premiering at Sundance 2025, the documentary captures Norway’s Pasvik Folk High School and its students’ transformative journeys learning survival skills and dogsledding in the Arctic wilderness.
Three-Day Nature Photography Workshop Program
March 27th - 31st 2025
Subject to change based on weather conditions.
The workshop will be conducted in English.
Thursday, March 27th
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Check-in (private rooms).
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Welcome dinner at Villa Lofoten, getting to know each other.
Friday, March 28th
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Breakfast
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Nature and photography!
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Introduction by Tor Edvin Eliassen, Q&A, and discussion.
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Get to know your camera!
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Hands-on session covering manual camera use under different lighting conditions.
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Understanding the relationship between ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.
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Lunch
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Photo excursion to Kleivan and Kvalnes
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Applying learned techniques in the field.
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Homework: Select and download five images to present and discuss the next day.
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Dinner
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Film screening: Metamorphosis of the Rorbu – A Living Museum Catalogue (2010, produced by Villa Lofoten).
Saturday, March 29th
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Sunrise photo excursion – capturing the transition from darkness to light.
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Breakfast
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Photo review session:
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Select and present five images from the morning excursion.
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Group discussion and feedback.
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Lunch
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Photo review session:
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Review and discuss ten images from both previous excursions.
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Excursion to a nature spot – exploring the transition from light to darkness.
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Formal dinner
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Film screening: Ishavsringen (cinematography by Tor Edvin Eliassen).
Sunday, March 30th
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Breakfast
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Mountain excursion (easy hike).
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Homework: Select and download five images from each of the last two excursions for review.
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Lunch
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Editing workshop:
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Introduction to photo editing by Tor Edvin Eliassen.
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Hands-on editing session focusing on brightness, contrast, and color adjustments.
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Final photo review session:
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Group discussion using editing knowledge as a guide.
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Review ten selected images from the final two excursions.
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Wrap-up and evaluation
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Dinner
Monday, March 31st
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Breakfast
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Departure
Workshop Fee: 2000 EURO
Includes:
✔ Workshop participation
✔ Accommodation & meals
✔ Celebration dinner (Saturday)
✔ Transport to/from Leknes or Svolvær Airport
✔ Local transportation during the workshop
Each participant must bring their own professional or semi-professional camera with manual settings, a computer and preferably a camera tripod.
Minimum 4 participants, maximum 8.
Sign up for the workshop at booking@villalofoten.com by March 14th 2025.
Please send us an email for inquires
and to sign up for the workshop.
