I have always believed that the life of a photographer is turning the pages of an illustrated adventure book. Some are wonderful and highly desirable, some are middle of the road, and some leave you with the wry, “Fine, I’m not going to do that again!”
Lots of strong and positive adventures lately. I’ve spent quite a bit of time in Norway, all too brief, and have always admired this country. Last February, Annie, friend and fellow Nikon Ambassador Tamara Lackey and I took a group of incredibly talented and adventurous photographers there for an extended stay. We “chase”, in no particular order, ballerinas, Vikings, sea eagles, northern lights, and Icelandic ponies.
Hop on, get off the bus in Oslo! Could use a few more numbers on the temperature gauge but hey, it’s winter… in Norway. Great people to work with in Stromma–always wanted to have a bus like this to get around. Stop at the Oslo Opera House, which is an architectural marvel and a practical form and place to house ballerinas. (Who’s awesome, anyway. We’re in parkas, they’re in tutus!)
Another stop at the historic Framm Museum, a stunning venue showcasing Norway’s prestigious maritime history with projections, exhibits, you name it. Here I show mine to Amundsen’s sculptures. They reacted more enthusiastically than many of the editors I worked with.
A drink to start our visit in the small town of Svolvaer at Magic Ice! Always wanted to know what it’s like at an Ice Bar. Fun and chill!
Bad weather for take off to get to Lofoten… but well worth getting into the water. I’m telling you, those Northern Country pilots have nerves of steel and know what they’re doing behind the wheel.
Out on the waves and into the sea breeze with XXLofoten! The RIB’s high-powered boat allows us to literally look into prehistoric times, as we track the magnificent albatross, a predator through the ages, soaring high on wings that can reach nine feet in width.
Equally beautiful but slightly less ferocious are the Icelandic ponies at Hov Gard. Thanks to the awesome rider, out there in the waves and snow.
We took another trip back in time at the Lofotr Viking Museum.
The Viking actors were great to work with during our portrait session, and then a friendly Norseman ate by the fire. We also have a small group of young photo students to hold on to and help out. Talk about energy!
We tried Northern Lights with Geir Notnes and Frank Olsen and caught a glimpse. Need to come back to try again! Steve Lackey is the relentless energy out there shooting BTS and helping the group. Tip of hat to him for all these beautifully documented memories.
The Northern Lights seduce us like dancers in a burlesque show, appearing for a bit, then disappearing behind a curtain of clouds. Thing is, I don’t remember any measure of disappointment. I clung to the adventure, the wind in my face, the crunch of ice by my boots, and the piercing, amplifying joy of having a camera in hand and dealing with the elements. It doesn’t get any better, in my book.
The night was windy and cold, but very beautiful. All the cold weather gear we bought will come in handy for our next ice adventure in Antarctica 
Glad that the incredibly talented Tamara Lackey and I are teaming up again later in the year for another adventure. This time in the tropics where you can actually get in the water. Costa Rica this fall!
Few places are left for a workshop called Coast to the Clouds in Costa Rica. The beautiful thing is, both on the beach and in the cloud forest, we have a hotel to ourselves, something that is not easy but a dream. Move freely with the equipment and don’t disturb anyone, just leave it installed in the room. There are no other guests. Take over the lobby. Mastering outlets. My kind of trip. Alma del Pacifico is a funky little beachfront hotel and the ideal location for our model shoot on the beach. Carara National Park is on the list, so we can dive into the jungle and apply a long lens and AF strategy to the abundant wildlife.
When it comes to seeing beauty in Costa Rica, there are no bad bets. Both beaches are beautiful. But Cloud Forest, in all its serene majesty, beckons. So we designed the workshop to look at both. After sunshine, color, forest by the sea, we meandered our way towards the mountains.
El Silencio Eco Lodge is simply one of the most peaceful places I’ve ever been to. Tucked away in the mist, we remained there, nesting in the greenery for five days. The place is ours – no other guests. The food is excellent, and the bar has lovely character. (Looking for a beautiful, quiet bar to finally write that novel you’ve been pondering? This is it!) The big thing? What can you do at the property without leaving. Trails, hummingbird park, waterfalls, experienced guides and adventure parks you can visit. I’ve never zip-lined above the forest canopy. That will change. Upcoming videos!
And spring has arrived in NY! Working with dear friends and the wonderful Liza Politi and Ari Espay on Ellis Island again on 12 May and 29 September. Few precious spots remain in these history filled days in NY harbor. We were allowed to go where we least could, use tripods, and let history whisper to us from the ancient walls and passageways where so much hope, despair, and passion once flowed.
More thx….
Adventure Post! And More To Come! first appeared on Joe McNally Photography.
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