There are trips you plan, and then there are trips that stick with you—long after you’ve packed away your gear and headed home. Our recent photography workshop in the Faroe Islands was absolutely the second kind.
We set out to chase dramatic light, sweeping coastlines, and those quiet, otherworldly moments only the Faroes can serve up. And we didn’t do it alone—we were in the best possible hands with Thomas Vikre, our incredible local photography guide. Thomas didn’t just know the roads and trails; he knew the islands’ moods, the hidden coves, the way the light shifts across the fjords, and exactly where to be when the sky put on its best show. He led us with passion, patience, and that deep, quiet pride that comes from knowing this land like the back of your hand. Every location felt like a gift he was sharing with us—and we are so grateful.
But what made this group truly one for the books? The people—and the moments we shared—each bringing their own spark, their own grit, and plenty of laughter along the way.
First, our legend Wendy—at 79 years young, she was an absolute force of nature. Steep climbs, slippery paths, wind that would have blown most sideways? Wendy didn’t just keep up—she led the way. She pushed hard, showed up smiling every dawn, and never hesitated when we said, “It’s a trek, but the view is worth it.” She taught us curiosity and courage don’t have an expiration date. Her photos are stunning—but her real masterpiece? The inspiration she gave us all.
Then there was Matthew, our law-abiding American friend. Matthew came ready to learn, ready to shoot, and clearly ready to follow every rule, regulation, and sign to the letter—bless him! While the rest of us might occasionally wonder “what’s down that path?”, Matthew kept us honest, respectful, and aligned with local ways. He brought wonderful thoughtfulness to every location, honored the islands deeply, and returned with beautiful, thoughtful images. We may have gently teased him now and then—but his respect set a standard we all admired.
Next up: Mike, the Drone Man. Wherever we stood, Mike was looking up—scouting skies, checking winds, and launching with skill to capture those sweeping, bird’s-eye perspectives that show the Faroes’ dramatic scale in ways only possible from above. Responsible, precise, and always checking airspace and conditions first, Mike gave us a whole new view of these islands—frames that took our breath away every time he landed.
And then Winnie, the Powerlifter—and you’d know it the moment she shouldered her full camera pack like it weighed nothing at all! Winnie brought incredible strength and stamina to every hike, carrying her gear with ease, powering through the longest days and steepest ascents, and never letting heavy kit slow her down. She was living proof: strong legs make for great landscapes, and nothing beats sheer grit when you’re chasing the light.
Last but far from least: Laura, the Nikon Queen. From golden hour to blue hour, Laura had her trusted Nikon locked, loaded, and singing. She knew every dial, every setting, every quirk of her gear inside and out—capturing crisp, vivid, breathtaking shots in every light. She was always happy to share tips, swap settings, and talk glass and cameras with anyone who asked—passionate, precise, and an absolute master of her craft.
Now—let’s talk about the memories. The ones we’ll laugh about for years.
We had so many great laughs—from early mornings to late nights, inside jokes that landed harder than the wind, and moments that had us wiping tears from our eyes instead of just checking our exposures. For some in the group, this trip brought something truly magical: their very first sighting of the Aurora. Watching those green ribbons dance across the dark Faroese sky together—seeing faces light up with pure wonder—was a privilege I’ll never forget.
Then there was Drangarnir—oh, Drangarnir. The boat ride over was every bit as exciting as the iconic sea stacks themselves—getting on and off in the swell was an adventure all its own, equal parts thrilling and carefully timed! And yes—I have to admit it: I fell flat on my backside and slid halfway down the hillside there. Graceful? Not even a little. Memorable? Absolutely. We all laughed about it—once I was safely back on my feet, anyway!
We ran on stupid amounts of coffee—seriously, I think we kept every café within range in business—and turned more than a few petrol station stops into full meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner—whatever time of day (or night) hunger struck. And on one very special evening? I cooked for the whole group. Whether they truly enjoyed it or were just being polite, I’ll let you decide—but the plates came back empty, and everyone stayed for seconds of conversation, so I’m calling it a win!
Together, we navigated shifting weather, early mornings, late evenings, and miles of jaw-dropping terrain. We shared frames, tips, laughs, and plenty of gasps at just how spectacular these islands are. We learned from one another as much as we learned from the landscape itself—and that, to me, is what these workshops are truly about.
Photography is about light and composition, yes. But it’s also about who you share the journey with. This group—Wendy, Matthew, Mike, Winnie, Laura, and every participant—made this one of my proudest, most memorable workshops yet.
To Thomas: takk fyri alt—thank you for everything. To Wendy: thank you for showing us what courage looks like. To Matthew: thank you for keeping us on the straight and narrow. To Mike: thanks for showing us the islands from the sky. To Winnie: thanks for proving strength is your best accessory. To Laura: long may your Nikons shine! And to the whole team—thank you for the coffee, the laughs, the firsts, and for chasing the light with me.
Can’t wait to see where we go next. 📷✨
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