Northern Lights (Aurora)
March 23-29, 2025 SOLD OUT
March 30-April 5, 2025 SOLD OUT
March 20-26, 2026 (3 spaces left)
Join us on a photo tour and workshop to photograph the Northern Lights in Alaska. Picture the vivid hues of a sunset, swirling and pulsing across a clear, starry sky. Imagine faint mountain outlines gracing the horizon, while the ambiance is set by the hoot of an owl or the distant howl of a wolf. The Northern Lights stand as an awe-inspiring marvel of nature, captivating spectators with their breathtaking display. The years 2024-2026 is the peak range of the 11-year solar cycle so this will be a great time to view the lights. We like to be near the new moon to get the darkest nights and those great silhouettes, but we also love moonlight! We pick the dates, so you get a little bit of both. The northern lights are the main focus, but we have other subjects we plan on photographing such as the beautiful Alaskan landscapes. We will also keep a look-out for local wildlife. John Chumack, a globally acclaimed professional Astro-photographer, will be a co-leader.
$5395
Deposit: $1000
Day 1: Our group meets in the lobby of our Fairbanks hotel for an orientation slide show.
Day 2: We will photograph local landscapes and present our afternoon lecture. We may also photograph ice sculptures at the World Ice Art Championship (weather permitting). Later that night we will photograph the northern lights.
Day 3: We will drive to the resort, photographing landscapes and any wildlife we may see on the way. After dinner we will take a 30-minute snow coach ride to a nearby mountain top for unobstructed views of the northern lights. A large yurt and hot beverages provide warmth as we photograph until early morning.
Days 4 and 5: The resort is world-renowned for exceptional indoor and outdoor hot springs and other activities. We will visit a world-famous ice museum and photograph ice carvings. It will be fun to try the famous apple martini which is served on a glass made of ice! Also don’t forget your bathing suit if you want to swim in the hot springs. During the day there are several other activities you can do at your own expense like snowmobiling and dog sledding.
We will be leading some photography walks and drives. Winter is a beautiful time of year to photograph.
We will take some time during the day for relaxing as we shoot late into the night. Following an afternoon nap and dinner we head out by snow coach or on foot to shoot the aurora.
Day 6: Following breakfast, we will load our vans and head back to Fairbanks, photographing along the way. After we check in to the hotel, we will have some activities and/or lectures followed by another Northern Light adventure.
Day 7: Depart for home.
Itinerary
Objective
Greater Fairbanks offers incredible opportunities to witness the stunning northern lights, with vibrant curtains of light illuminating the night sky regularly. Situated within the Aurora Oval, our location provides an ideal balance of occurrence, frequency, and activity for experiencing this natural wonder. Additionally, our continental climate ensures more clear nights compared to coastal areas.
To escape city lights and enhance our viewing experience, we will journey to various locations away from light pollution, offering diverse backdrops for our photographs. Scheduled during the new moon for optimal darkness, this trip promises breathtaking images of the aurora borealis. While the exact timing and location of the display are unpredictable, we are positioned at one of the world's best spots during one of the best times of the year to witness this magical phenomenon.
Included in Price:
Photography instruction, snow coach fees, ice museum admission.
Six nights lodging (double occupancy). If you prefer your own private room (single occupancy), it is an additional $300. Please select the Single Room option on the shopping cart if you want your own room.
Transportation to and from hotel in Fairbanks. No need to rent a car.
Not Included in Price:
All flights are not covered.
Meals. Each participant will run their own tab.
Dog Sledding: There is an option to go dog sledding at one of the hotels.
GROUP SIZE
10 Photographers
Plus Three Tour Leaders
FITNESS LEVEL
Participants need to be
physically fit, able to handle cold temperatures, and comfortable
walking on slippery surfaces for up
to a mile. The Snowcoach ride might
not be suitable for those with back,
neck, or joint issues.
SKILL LEVEL
Open to all photography enthusiasts, from beginners to professionals, who appreciate nature and enjoy small group settings.
GETTING THERE
Airport: We will meet in Fairbanks, Alaska (FAI).
QUESTIONS
Email john@sphotography.com