Mystical Lapland in Finland

Jan 3-9, 2027

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

$5200
Includes Lodging

Max Group Size

2 Pro Instructors
Max 10 Students

Instructor(s)

Ryan McGinty
Kah-Wai Lin

Physical Intensity

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, from pristine, light-pollution-free wilderness. Dates are timed for little to no moon interference!

🏡 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 (Jan 3) – Arrival in Rovaniemi
Fly into Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) either the day before or no later than 10AM on Jan 3rd. From there, we’ll drive to Rukajärvi, where we’ll be based for the next six nights. You'll settle into your room located in a well-equipped ski resort area with restaurants and amenities and we'll follow with evening orientation and gear prep.

Days 2–6 (Jan 4-8) – 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 (Jan 9) – Departure
After breakfast, we’ll return to Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) for outbound flights. Please schedule your flight no earlier than 1:00 PM to allow for the drive back.

Logistics

We’ll be based in the Ruka region for the full week, staying in a very nice hotel complete with sauna and jacuzzi. You’ll need to arrive at Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) no later than 10AM on Jan 3rd, where we’ll pick you up and transport you to our base. Return flights should be scheduled no earlier than 1:00 PM on Jan 9th 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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Pricing

$5200/Person + Tax

Trip Includes:

6 nights lodging in Rukajärvi, Finland. Single rooms are available for an additional $850/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 Sept 3, 2026.
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

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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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Trusted by Over 900 Reviews

Ryan McGinty

Photography Instructor

Ryan McGinty is a seasoned landscape photographer living in the Palouse area of southeastern Washington. His first-hand experience in this unique agricultural area makes him the perfect instructor to lead people to out-of-the-way places for those once-in-a-lifetime rainbows, sunsets and sunrises in the beautiful rolling hills. He loves chasing the light and diligently checks weather apps to get the latest sun and rain predictions, cloud formations, wind and temperatures for the best locations and light.

His interest in photography started at an early age and continued in college with graduate work at Brooks Institute of Photography. His experience in portrait, wedding, film, and medium and large format photography give him an extraordinary background for his award-winning landscape photography.

His passion for the Palouse is only exceeded by his passion for photography and his desire to show people his favorite places. He takes a legitimate interest in his clients and strives hard to ensure they get the best shots. His photographs have been published in books, calendars and travel guides.

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.