Antti Pietikäinen Photography
Here at Activities Abroad we see a lot of Northern Lights imagery and we think that Antti Pietikäinen is the best. Antti has been photographing Lapland and the Aurora for many years but it was a change of philosophy a few years ago that elevated him into the very highest echelons of Northern Lights photography. No longer content with “basic post card images” Antti aims to incorporate aspects of his own understanding of the Lappish way of life and, just as importantly, its traditions and legends.

He draws upon the experience gained from being a born and bred Laplander surrounded since birth by a seemingly endless landscape, infinite night skies and an innate understanding of Lapland’s particular mystique. His ambition is to “find the ancient and dreamy dimension of the Aurora Borealis and how they appeared to the people we know from our folklore.” We don’t know of any other Aurora photographer who adopts an approach that is so steeped in Arctic experience.

You want to be in a position to capture the images that will elude other photographers. With his experience and knowledge of the local terrain and the Arctic skies, there is nobody better qualified than Antti to create those opportunities.

Antti has already earned considerable acclaim for his stunning imagery but then he does have a distinct advantage because he is a Finnish Laplander by birth and plies his trade in a place where his local knowledge is unsurpassed. When we first discussed this project with him, his eyes lit up and he immediately grabbed a local map and pointed excitedly to five or six spots saying “I’ll take the clients here and here and here and….” There are only two things that Antti cares more about than capturing the Aurora and that’s his girlfriend Sanna and their young son. As Aurora Widow Sanna says, “I must have seen him for at least one night last winter!”

We know...

To make sure we absolutely maximise your chances of seeing the Northern Lights we’ve put together an unforgettable programme which will create opportunities for you to capture the very essence of the Arctic by day and night. In the company of Antti Pietikäinen, you will spend at least nine hours in pursuit of the Aurora Borealis.

As well as hosting an Aurora photography workshop, Antti will be on hand to provide advice and tuition on how best to capture the Aurora. We’ve also included a husky safari and a trip to Lainio Snow Village.

Day 1: Arrival and introduction
On arrival at Kittila Airport a driver will be waiting to take you to your accommodation at Harriniva. Dinner will be served in the hotel restaurant.

We include an hour in the outdoor hot tubs on the river bank as part of your stay and it is up to you when you take advantage of them. These are often referred to as the Aurora hot tubs at Harriniva as many guests book their time in the evenings and witness displays of the Lights from a very relaxing vantage point . You can arrange your time with your guide who will let you know the available times.

Day 2: Aurora photography workshop, snowmobile safari, Aurora hunting
There’s not too much hurry this morning but make sure you’re ready to join your Aurora Borealis photography workshop with Antti this morning. He’ll tell you all about the exciting days ahead as well as providing tips and discussing how to best photograph the Northern Lights.

You’ll also be provided with your cold weather thermal clothing which you’ll need later this evening when you’re out in the Arctic night searching for the Aurora.

In the afternoon you will have the opportunity to explore the vast wilderness which surrounds Harriniva and hopefully capture some of its beauty on camera during a thrilling snowmobile safari. You will be given a full safety briefing before you head off into the wilderness (2 people per snowmobile). You’ll experience the scale of the winter landscape and really begin to understand this wonderful region.

You should eat a hearty dinner this evening as you’ll be heading out on your first Aurora chasing session this evening. Your guide Antti will be armed with the latest weather forecasts, Aurora predictions and that all-important local expertise. Equally important is Antti’s network of local contacts who alert each other should the lights start to dance in a particular area. It just takes one call or one text!!!

Be ready to jump out and get that tripod up at short notice. Your search for the Northern Lights will last at least 3 hours. Happy hunting!

Day 3: Husky Safari and Aurora hunting
Today you’ll try one of the most exciting and popular winter sports here in Lapland, dog sledding. You’ll visit Harriniva’s husky farm before heading out on a 17km safari following the snowy trails that cut through the snowy forests and across frozen lakes.

Make sure to take your camera, there will be plenty of opportunities to photograph the dogs and the wonderful Lappish winter scenery.

This afternoon you will need to relax a little before an epic Aurora hunt this evening. You’ll head out again with Antti and this time you’ll have up to 7 hrs at your disposal. This gives you a serious amount of flexibility when out searching for the Lights and you should hopefully be able to outrun any clouds.

There is the chance that you may get as far as Kilpisjarvi in the far North in which case you may spend the night in the lovely cabins there to give you the maximum opportunity for Aurora viewing before heading back the next morning. Antti will discuss the exact schedules with the group.

Day 4: Kellokas Nature Centre, Lainio Snow Village and photography presentation
Today you will visit Kellokas Nature Centre and gain a more detailed insight into the local wildlife and culture before heading to the rather wonderful Lainio Snow Village.

The Snow Village is rebuilt annually and therefore each incarnation is totally unique. The bedrooms, suites, Ice Bar, restaurant and sculptures are unique every year. It’s a place which would cause any photographer to linger for just one more shot so you will have plenty of time to enjoy and capture the fabulous work here.

Back at Harriniva you will all get together to go through the imagery captured during the week and receive some further hints and tips before dinner and a last chance to reminisce with your fellow photographers.

Day 5: Departure
It’s time to bid farewell to Harriniva and return to the airport for your flights home. Alternatively, we can arrange for you to extend your stay and try some additional activities.