Arctic – Puffins Island Expedition

“Join me on an unforgettable journey to the edge of the Arctic Circle. We are heading to Hornøya, Norway’s easternmost bird island, to witness the chaotic beauty of thousands of nesting Atlantic Puffins, Razorbills, and Guillemots. In the raw, untamed landscapes of the Varanger peninsula, we will capture the intimate lives of these iconic ‘sea parrots’ against a backdrop of dramatic cliffs and the Barents Sea.”

Day 1: Journey to the Arctic Gateway
  • Morning: Early flight from Oslo (OSL) to Kirkenes (KKN), crossing into the Arctic Circle.
  • Afternoon: Pick up our 4×4 vehicle and begin the scenic drive toward the colorful fishing town of Vardø. The drive along the Varanger Scenic Route offers stunning coastal views and potential reindeer sightings.
  • Evening: Settle into our base in Vardø, the gateway to Hornøya, for a briefing on Arctic photography techniques and gear preparation.
  • Stay: Vardø.

  • Day 2: Into the Puffin Colony (Hornøya)
    • Morning: A short, thrilling boat crossing to Hornøya Island.
    • Full Day: Immersive photography session within the bird colony. We will focus on “birds in flight” (BIF) shots and intimate portraits of Puffins outside their burrows. The proximity to the birds here is world-class.
    • Evening: Review of the day’s captures and post-processing tips over dinner in Vardø.

Day 3: Mastering the Arctic Light
  • Full Day: Return to Hornøya to take advantage of changing light conditions. We will explore different angles of the lighthouse and the sheer cliff faces where thousands of Kittiwakes and Shags nest alongside our main Puffin subjects.
  • Evening: A final sunset session (depending on the season’s light) to capture the stark beauty of the Varanger coastline.

Day 4: Varanger National Park & Departure
  • Morning: Explore the surrounding Varangerhalvøya National Park. We’ll look for Arctic fox, mountain birds, and the unique “end of the world” architecture at Steilneset.
  • Afternoon: Scenic drive back to Kirkenes.
  • Evening: Flight from Kirkenes back to Oslo, carrying a portfolio of high-end Arctic imagery.