Photo Tour to the Faroe Islands [and Copenhagen extension]
May 13 - 18, 2026
The Faroe Islands are an archipelago in the North Atlanta Ocean that belong to Denmark. Eighteen volcanic islands are connected by road tunnels, ferries, bridges, and causeways, and they are utterly dramatic. The photographic opportunities for landscapes, seascapes, waterfalls, quaint villages, lighthouses and more are breathtaking. The landforms in the islands are uniquely powerful and rugged, and you'll love your images because there is great photograph pretty much everywhere you look. In addition, about a million birds breed in the archipelago beginning in April, and you'll have ample opportunity to photograph many species, including the Atlantic puffin, northern storm petrels, auks, and old world orioles.
Join Jim for a wonderful exploration of natural geography that only volcanism and eons of time can produce.
What you will learn on this photo tour
Principles of composition
How to use the Classic Landscape Technique
How to do focus stacking using a telephoto lens
How to set up a custom function for HDR on your camera
How to photograph birds in flight
The best shutter speeds for photographing waterfalls
The best way to expose for the sun's sheen on the ocean
Day 1, May 13, Wednesday
Arrive today on Vagar Island near Torshavn (airport code FAE) in the Faroe Islands from either Copenhagen or Reykjavik, Iceland. Our hotel is within walking distance of the airport, and we will meet in the lobby of our hotel at 5pm. Our local guide will go over the details of our time in the islands and Jim will discuss photography issues such as depth of field as it relates to landscape work., capturing birds in flight, and HDR when shooting moving elements like waterfalls. Following dinner we will have a sunset shoot. Overnight Hotel Vagar.
Days 2 and 3, May 14 - 15, Thursday and Friday
Over the next two days we explore the spectacular and varied landscapes of Vagar Island. Dramatic waterfalls, sheer cliffs, pounding surf, rugged verdant mountains, amazing lakes, and picturesque fishing villages are on the agenda. If weather permits, we also visit Mykines Island for more incredible land forms, a stunning lighthouse,a quaint village, and lots of birds. Overnight Hotel Vagar.
Days 4 and 5, May 16 - 17, Saturday and Sunday
We relocate to the village of Gjogv on the northeast tip of Eysturoy Island. The population is only 49 people, and it is amazingly picturesque. For the next two days we explore neighboring islands in search of great landscape opportunities, old farmhouses, historic churches, and great seascapes. Overnight Hotel Gjogv.
Day 6, May 18, Monday
We will do more photography of Gjogv after breakfast, and then the tour ends at noon on this day. Plan your return flight to Copenhagen accordingly, and know that you'll return home with some of the best landscape photography ever.
EXTENSION:
For those continuing on with the extension to photograph Copenhagen, you will continue with Jim and follow him to the hotel in the heart of the historic district. This evening we overnight in Nyhavn, Copenhagen, and do twilight photography of the medieval architecture and artfully illuminated boats.
Day 7 [Extension], May 19, Tuesday
The historical districts of Copenhagen are defined by rows of colorful buildings, and we spend time exploring the most beautiful streets. Elegant and photogenic graphic design can be seen everywhere, and Jim knows some great spots. In the afternoon, we will visit the iconic Little Mermaid statue that dates from 1913. On the way is beautiful St. Albans Church and a traditional windmill
in Kastellet, a 17th century fortress. After dinner we will do more twilight and night photography of Nyhavn. Overnight Copenhagen.
Day 8, May 20, Wednesday
This morning we photograph the traditional changing of the guard at Amalienborg Castle, and then we visit Rosenborg Castle and photograph both the exquisite exterior and the sumptuous interior. Jim will explain how to capture images in low light without a tripod, how to do vertical panoramas, and how to mitigate noise in post-processing. We also photograph the beautiful Frederik's Church, popularly known as the Marble Church because of its rococo architecture. Overnight Copenhagen.
Day 9, May 21, Thursday
We transfer by taxi this morning to the Copenhagen airport for our journey home.
Tour cost for Faroe Islands only:. $7595. Includes 5 nights lodging in the Faroe Islands based on double occupancy, all meals, all ground transportation, all local ferries, mandatory guide and hiking fees in Mykines, boat ride to Drangar, misc. hiking fees, local guide throughout the Faroe Islands, photography instruction, and critiques on demand.
Single supplement (to have your own room): $1100.
Not included: International airfare to the Faroe Islands, trip cancellation insurance, medical evacuation insurance, alcoholic beverages, gratuity for local guides, and items of a personal nature.
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Extension cost (in addition to the Faroe Island cost above): $1600. Includes 3 nights lodging based on double occupancy, taxis when needed around Copenhagen, entrance fees, and farewell dinner.
Single supplement: $390