Lofoten - it’s good to be back
My first day was the perfect weather in Lofoten. Sunshine, no wind and clear beautiful skies. I was up for sunrise and headed to the bridge that links Hamnøy and Toppøya, with the iconic view over Eliassen Rouber - the picture postcard of Northern Norway. What I didn’t expect was the hoards of photographers. I knew the place was becoming more and more popular, but that was ridiculous as it was only 2 short years ago when I would have had the bridge to myself. I took a few quick photos as the sunrise turned the clouds orange and then decided I wanted to leave the crowds so I headed east along the E10. The drive as always was beautiful as the sun started to warm up the sky. Lofoten still surprises me with the time it takes from first light to sunrise and that time between is wonderful for taking photos. I stopped at Ramsburg and being low tide the beach was stunning. I took a few snaps and also ran along the beach to the hut that I obsess over every time I visit just as the sky was turning soft pink.
Ramsburg Beach
By now my favourite beach was calling me and I quickly headed to Skagsanden. Just a two minute drive and I was there, on my favourite beach in the world. Except this time, so were 20 other photographers with tripods and cameras. I’d timed It for low tide which is when the beach looks the best as this is when the sands reflect the imposing mountain. Most of the photographers were happy photographing the rock pools at the near side, me I headed straight to the shore line to enjoy the waves crashing on the sands. The sky’s were still almost cloudless but an intense hue of pink. I enjoyed the next hour lost through the view of my lens, and despite 20 other people on the beach, it felt like I was there by myself.
My favourite beach in the world
Once I was finished here I headed off to Haukland beach, also stunning but a lot less known. By the time I got there the sun was up and I had the beach completely to myself. Rather than photograph the beach, this was time for the drone.
Haukland Beach, Freezing with my drone
Once I’d had enough of droning and could no longer feel my fingers I headed west to Reine. I’d been up for sunrise but just a few short hours later the sun was starting to set. As sunrise, that time from the sun starting to set through to darkness is a long time and gives some of the most beautiful lights to this amazing place
Driving in Lofoten
When I got to Reine I first first stopped to picture the bridge to the witches hat. This was the first time I’d been there in high tide and it made a lot of difference.
Reine, with the 'Witches Hat' Mountain
After this stop I went on my way to the viewing point over Reine, just as the sky was turning pinky orange mixed with blue patches. I was now happy to head back to Reinfjorden ready for a rest, however the skies were now starting to burn, so I couldn’t resist some long exposures as the sky turned more and more orange.
View over Eliassen Rorbuer from Reinefjorden
All in all my first day back was absolutely stunning.
Thinking I’d have an early night, I decided to have a quick walk around Hamnøy before hitting the sack. I crossed the E10 and walked to the side of the tunnel, only to see cloudy sky’s with a hint of green.
And so it begins again…