Mystical Lapland Photo workshop

Feb 5-11, 2026

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Step into a frozen fairytale on our Mystical Lapland Photo Workshop, where snow-draped forests, surreal frozen trees, and arctic magic await your lens. Based in cozy cabins deep in the boreal wilderness, we’ll explore iconic locations like Riisitunturi National Park, the never-freezing Kitka River, and the otherworldly landscapes of Kuntivaara—accessible only by snowmobile. With multiple days in each area, you’ll have the chance to chase light, mood, and atmosphere to create truly unique winter imagery. From crackling bonfires in remote cabins to the chance of witnessing the Northern Lights overhead, this is one trip you won't soon forget.

Tuition

  • $4700
  • Includes Lodging

Max Group Size

  • 2 Pro Instructors
  • Max 10 Students

Instructor(s)

  • David Swindler
  • Kah-Wai Lin

Physical Intensity

Mystical Lapland Photo Workshop

Highlights

❄️ Photograph surreal frozen forests in Riisitunturi and Kuntivaara—some of the most otherworldly winter landscapes on Earth.

📷 Multiple days at key locations to chase varying light and weather conditions for truly unique imagery.

🛷 Snowmobile expedition to Kuntivaara, including warm drinks, snacks, and a cabin with a bonfire for an unforgettable remote shoot.

🌌 Opportunities to capture the Northern Lights, weather permitting, from pristine, light-pollution-free wilderness.

🏡 Comfortable lodging in forest cabins with private saunas, plus access to a spa, on-site restaurant, and scenic winter surroundings.

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Itinerary

Day 1 (Feb 5) – Arrival in Rovaniemi
Fly into Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) by early afternoon. From there, we’ll drive to Rukajärvi, where we’ll be based for the next six nights. Settle into your room at Scandic Rukahovi, located in a well-equipped ski resort area with restaurants and amenities. Evening orientation and gear prep.

Days 2–6 (Feb 6-10) – Winter Photography Adventures
Each day we’ll head out in search of surreal winter landscapes and arctic conditions. Locations may be revisited to capture different light, weather, and moods.

  • Riisitunturi National Park
    Explore and photograph the world-famous frozen trees that resemble alien creatures. This area offers dreamlike compositions, both wide and intimate, with options for daytime and nighttime shoots. Bring your drone for stunning aerial perspectives.
  • Oulanka National Park & Myllykoski
    Capture the Kitka River, which remains unfrozen and slices dramatically through the snow. This stark contrast of black water in a white world offers a powerful visual story. We’ll also photograph the scenic Myllykoski area with its iconic rapids and charming wooden mill.
  • Kuntivaara Snowmobile Expedition
    Spend a full day in this remote and magical location near the Russian border. Travel by snowmobile with professional local guides to reach this dense winter forest, where snow-laden trees and untouched terrain await. We’ll warm up in a cozy summit cabin with hot food, drinks, and a bonfire throughout the day.

Day 7 (Feb 11) – Departure
After breakfast, we’ll return to Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) for outbound flights. Please schedule your flight no earlier than 12:00 PM to allow for the drive back.

Mystical Lapland Photo Workshop
Mystical Lapland Photo Workshop

Logistics

We’ll be based in the Ruka region for the full week, staying in spacious, comfortable cabins at Oivangin Lomakartano, each featuring private bathrooms and saunas. A restaurant and spa, including an outdoor jacuzzi, are available on-site. You’ll need to arrive at Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) by early afternoon on Feb 5th, where we’ll pick you up and transport you to our base. Return flights should be scheduled no earlier than 12:00 PM on Feb 11th to allow for our drive back.

Be prepared for cold temperatures that may dip as low as -35°C, though more commonly range from -15°C to -25°C. Proper winter clothing is essential, including insulated boots, merino wool base layers, a thick down jacket or parka, and weatherproof outerwear. Heat packs, water-resistant gloves, balaclavas, and hats are highly recommended.

This trip is suitable for photographers of all levels, but you should be comfortable walking through snowy terrain and dress for cold temps.  Snowshoes will be provided for soft snow conditions. We'll schedule a zoom meeting a few months before to help answer questions and we'll also send a detailed packing list.

For the snowmobile transport, you do NOT need to drive your own snowmobile. You ride on a comfortable sled behind the snow machine.

We highly recommend that each participant purchase their own travel and health insurance to cover anything unexpected. We have partnered with Squaremouth, a website that allows you to compare policies from multiple providers.  If you choose not to purchase travel insurance, you are liable for any unrefundable expenses and personal medical costs.

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Mystical Lapland Photo Workshop
Mystical Lapland Photo Workshop
Mystical Lapland Photo Workshop

Pricing

$4700/Person + Tax

Trip Includes:

  • 6 nights lodging in private forest cabins with saunas. Single rooms are available for an additional $750/person.
  • All ground transportation in two 9-seater vans.
  • 7-day intensive photo workshop with 2 pro-instructors along with local guides.
  • Entrance fees for all locations.
  • Snowmobile transport to Kuntivaara, along with hot drinks and snacks.
  • Pre-workshop zoom meeting
  • Snow-shoes for all participants.

Trip Does NOT Include:

  • Transportation to/from your home to Finland.
  • Meals, beverages, and snacks except for those provided at Kuntivaara.
  • Instructor gratuities
  • Travel insurance (highly recommended)

The Fine Print:

  • Remaining balance is due 120 days prior to the trip.
  • Travel Insurance is highly recommended for this workshop.
  • We cannot offer the Loyalty Discount on this workshop as it is an international collaboration.
  • See the full Terms and Conditions

When you complete the checkout process, you will be given the option to either pay the full amount or put down a 50% deposit.  If you pay the deposit, you will be sent a payment link for the remaining balance approximately 120 days prior to the workshop. Since this workshop is an international collaboration, there are no discounts for Loyalty Members.  See the full Terms and Conditions.

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Recommended Camera Gear

  • Digital SLR or mirrorless camera body.
  • Remote shutter release.
  • Wide angle lens in the 16-35mm range or wider.  Recommend f/2.8 or faster for night shooting.
  • Mid-range zoom lens in the range of 24-100mm.
  • Long telephoto zoom lens in the 70-200 or 100-400mm range.
  • Drone camera (optional)
  • Tripod and L-bracket for your camera.
  • Circular polarizers and ND filters will come in handy.
  • Backpack to carry your camera gear.
  • Extra batteries, memory cards, and cleaning supplies.
  • Laptop if you wish to backup your photos or do any post-processing.

Personal Gear List

  • Lots of warm clothes!  We will email a recommended packing list with many more details. We will also hold a pre-workshop zoom meeting with all participants.
  • Microspikes are recommended for walking on slick surfaces.
  • Warm, waterproof winter boots.
  • Sunglasses, Sunscreen
  • Thermos for hot beverages
  • Headlamp
  • Water bottle.
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Mystical Lapland Photo Workshop
Mystical Lapland Photo Workshop

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David Swindler Photographer

David Swindler

Founder - Photography Instructor

David Swindler is an award-winning landscape and wildlife photographer. Among others, he has been recognized by the International Photography Awards, Siena International Photo Awards, Sony World Photography Awards, International Landscape Photographer of the Year, and National Geographic. He received a degree in chemical engineering and worked in the semiconductor industry specializing in optics and photolithography. In 2014, he left his day job to follow his true passion. He has traveled to some of the most remote regions of the world and has extensive experience photographing a wide variety of subjects and conditions. As the founder of Action Photo Tours, he finds great satisfaction in helping others learn photography, especially in the wild desert environment near his home in Kanab, UT. David is an expert in night photography and loves to get out and shoot the starry night skies.

Gallery    Awards and Media Coverage

Having guided photo tours for years, David is very familiar with many different types of cameras.  He is a master with light and composition. But most importantly, his dedication to his clients is what really sets him apart! But don't take our word for it - read what others are saying: Trip Advisor.

Kah-Wai-Lin

Kah-Wai Lin, MD, PhD

Photography Instructor

Dr. Kah-Wai Lin was born in Malaysia, but he has lived in other parts of the world for most of his life. He holds a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree from Lviv National Medical University, Ukraine and a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree in medical science from Karolinska Institute, Sweden. Since 2012, Dr. Lin has made his home in New Jersey, USA. Following a successful research career at Princeton University, Dr. Lin followed his passion and became a professional landscape photographer.

Dr. Lin has been leading hundreds of photo tours and workshops throughout the world.  He has presented at over 300 seminars around the world and has received over 200 awards at international contests and exhibitions including multiple gold medals. Most notably, Dr. Lin was awarded the 1st place at the International Photography Award 2015. He was named top 10 exhibitors in the world by Photographic Society of America in 2015 and 2016.

Dr. Lin is the former vice president of Photographic Society of America (PSA), one of the biggest and oldest international photographic organizations in the world.  In recognition of his photographic excellence and invaluable contribution to the photographic community, Dr. Lin received over 80 honor and distinction titles by photographic organizations worldwide, as well as the Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from US Member of Congress.