FAR OUT FAROES
This workshop launches on March 24, 2024.
OFFBEAT Members receive 24 hours priority access to workshops.
Join us to take full advantage of membership benefits!
》TRIP INFO
LOCATION: FAROE ISLANDS
DATES: OCTOBER 1-6, 2025
INSTRUCTORS: KRIS ANDRES, WAYNE SIMPSON AND SARA KEMPNER*
PHOTOGRAPHY LEVELS: ALL
PHYSICAL RATING: MODERATE
WHERE YOU’LL STAY: HOTEL FØROYAR AND GJÁARGARÐUR - GUESTHOUSE OF GJÓGV
NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 15
COST: $6,350 CAD
A payment plan is available for this workshop. See below.
Embark on a six-day photographic odyssey through the enchanting landscapes of the Faroe Islands in October 2025, led by acclaimed photographers Kristopher Andres, Wayne Simpson and Sara Kempner. This immersive workshop offers a rare opportunity to capture the untamed beauty of these remote islands nestled in the North Atlantic. From the rugged cliffs and cascading waterfalls to the quaint villages and dramatic seascapes, the Faroe Islands provide a stunning backdrop for photographers of all skill levels.
Under the expert guidance of Kristopher, Wayne and Sara, participants will hone their craft while exploring iconic locations such as Tórshavn, Vágar, and Saksun. With personalized instruction and hands-on guidance, this workshop promises to ignite creativity, inspire exploration, and create lasting memories.
Join us for an unforgettable journey through the Faroe Islands, where every frame tells a story waiting to be captured.
WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
1. How to shoot the intimate details of nature and grand landscapes.
2. How to develop your skills as a landscape photographer. Using tools and techniques like filters, long exposure and black and white.
3. Honing your vision as a storyteller in the wilderness.
4. How to capture both human element and portraits in an outdoor setting.
5. Potentially: photographing wildlife and the aurora borealis.
》YOUR OFFBEAT INSTRUCTORS
KRIS ANDRES // CO-LEADER
Based at the doorstep of the Canadian Rockies in Calgary, Alberta, Kristopher considers the mountains (along with everywhere he travels) to be his second home. Kris is always up for endless adventures with a smile—no matter how "atmospheric" the conditions are. He will be overly excited in almost everything he does in life, capturing each story with the click of a shutter, in any and all genres—from adventure to landscapes to portraiture to food and more! When he’s not out creating, Kris is a full-time yogi working to refine himself every day. [Bio Photo by Paul Zizka]
SARA KEMPNER // CO-LEADER
Sara Kempner is a freelance photographer based on Vancouver Island, BC. Initially a self-taught landscape photographer, Sara’s photographic journey continues to evolve and now includes sport, event, and commercial photography. While she can often be found in the forest shooting mountain biking, Sara enjoys exploring a diverse range of genres and is more driven by the unique people and places that photography affords her to experience. Whether it's photographing solo athletes, starry night skies, large events or sunrises over the ocean in faraway countries, she is most content when outside, camera in hand.
WAYNE SIMPSON // CO-LEADER
Based in Elora, Ontario, Wayne Simpson is a professional photographer who specializes in dramatic portraiture and landscape photography. His versatility as a photographer carries into his commercial work and event photography, making his style distinctive in the industry. As an educator, Simpson conducts portrait and landscape photography workshops throughout Canada, and is a proud contributor to OFFBEAT. Simpson’s images have been published in such magazines as Outdoor Photography Canada, Outdoor Photography Magazine, Canadian Rockies Annual and Canadian Geographic, as well as in countless books around the world. His first photography book, Resilient, was published in Spring 2021. [Bio photo: Mark Heine]
* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.
》INS AND OUTS
What’s Included:
Daily instruction/mentoring by Kris Andres, Sara Kempner and Wayne Simpson.
Breakfast and dinner.
All in-country accommodations during the dates of the workshop. Important note: accommodations will be shared (two participants per room). Single supplement is available for additional fees (see below).
In-country transportation during the duration of the workshop.
Location scouting and itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.
Lifetime membership to the OFFBEAT Community.
What’s Not Included:
International Airfare (participants will need to be in Vágar, Faroe Islands for the start date of the workshop; please make sure you book your outbound flights after noon on October 6th, 2025).
Lunches. As this will be a workshop around late nights and early mornings, participants will have free time from late morning through late afternoon; as such, lunches aren’t with the group and are “on own.”
Personal effects or alcoholic beverages.
Travel Insurance.
ABOUT THE FAROES ISLANDS
Nestled within the vast North Atlantic Ocean, the Faroe Islands enchant travellers with their rugged beauty and untamed landscapes. Located northwest of Scotland and halfway between Iceland and Norway, this archipelago of 18 windswept islands boasts dramatic cliffs, verdant valleys, and cascading waterfalls. The Faroes' mystical allure lies in their remote isolation, where traditional sod-roofed houses dot the lush countryside and colourful fishing villages cling to the rocky shores. Mist often shrouds the towering peaks, adding an ethereal ambiance to the breathtaking scenery. The Faroe Islands, with their raw natural beauty and rugged charm, beckon adventurers to explore their captivating landscapes and immerse themselves in their timeless allure.
》ITINERARY
Itinerary is subject to change.
Day 1 - Wednesday, October 1, 2025
The workshop starts mid-afternoon at 2 pm at Hotel Føroyar.
We kick off the event with group introductions and an overview of the event, slideshows, followed by a sunset shoot at one of our planned destinations in the remote hills with scenic views. We take advantage of the golden hour, the period shortly before sunset when the light is soft and warm, to capture enchanting landscapes bathed in golden hues. This is the perfect time to experiment with different angles and perspectives to make the most of this magical time of day.
Day 2 - Thursday, October 2, 2025
Following breakfast, it was time to bid farewell to Hotel Vágar and embark on the next leg of the journey. The first destination on the agenda is Sørvásgvatn, renowned for its breathtaking waterfalls and picturesque hills. Here, we are greeted by the thunderous cascades of the waterfalls. If the sun is out, their mist will be casting rainbows in the crisp morning air. This is an amazing place to explore the rugged terrain and immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings. We will have time to work with different techniques like long exposure and filters to create stunning images in this environment. We continue the journey towards Sornfelli. This majestic peak has panoramic views of the Faroese landscape, offering a glimpse into the untamed wilderness that defines the region. Onwards to transfer to Gjógv, a charming village nestled amidst towering cliffs and overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean. The journey itself is a feast for the eyes, with every twist and turn revealing new vistas of dramatic landscapes and coastal scenery. Upon arrival in Gjógv, the village's idyllic charm, characterized by colorful houses and a sense of tranquility, envelops the area. If the skies are clear, we will enjoy some astrophotography as well as hunt for the elusive aurora.
Day 3 - Friday, October 3, 2025
Breakfast at our hotel in the village of Gjógv, and then we embark on the day's adventures. We have a scenic drive to Saksun, a hidden gem nestled amidst dramatic landscapes. En route, we will rugged beauty of the Faroese countryside, with its towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and winding coastal roads. Upon arrival in Saksun, we will see the postcard-perfect scene: a tranquil lagoon surrounded by steep cliffs and traditional Faroese turf-roofed houses. Onwards to Fossa, one of the highest waterfalls in the Faroe Islands. Nestled amidst verdant valleys and rolling hills. We can use the techniques of long exposure and human elements to enhance this spectacular place. Returning to Gjógv, guests we have a chance to further explore the village and its charming shoreline. Endless compositions and storytelling images to be captured. We conclude the day with a visit to the high point overlooking Funningur, offering sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes and the opportunity to witness the rugged beauty of the Faroe Islands from a bird's-eye perspective.
Day 4 - Saturday, October 4, 2025
The day begins with an sunrise experience near Gjógv. We have our favourite spots that create some of our favourite landscapes. Breakfast after sunrise, and we have a little time for a leisurely break. A chance to recharge those batteries or further explore the village and dramatic coastline. We will have some classroom time to edit and work on some images as well as techniques of our preferred editing style. We have an early dinner and a sunset session on northern Streymoy. We also have the possibility of astrophotography.
Day 5 - Sunday, October 5, 2025
After breakfast, we head to Viðoy, known for its rugged beauty and rich cultural heritage in the Faroe Islands. As we arrive, we are greeted by the dramatic cliffs and sweeping vistas that define Viðoy's landscape. From the quaint villages nestled amidst green pastures to the towering sea stacks rising majestically from the ocean, every corner of the island offers a glimpse into the untamed beauty of the Faroes. Each aspect of Viðoy's landscape contributes to its rugged charm and rich cultural heritage. We explore Tjørnuvík, a picturesque village nestled in a valley between towering mountains, overlooking the North Atlantic Ocean. We have the opportunity to create and explore along the black sand beach, framed by rugged cliffs and dotted with colorful boats, while soaking in the serene ambiance of this coastal haven. Finally, we make our way back to Gjógv to spend our last night in this amazing village.
Day 6 - Monday, October 6, 2025
Our final group breakfast, where we have one last time to share stories, laughter, and fond memories of our adventures together, against the backdrop of the rugged landscapes and tranquil surroundings. After breakfast, it was time to bid farewell to the enchanting village of Gjógv and begin our return journey to Vágar. The drive to the airport offers one last opportunity to soak in the breathtaking beauty of the Faroe Islands, savoring the memories of our explorations and encounters with nature's wonders. From the towering sea stacks to the quaint villages nestled amidst green pastures, every glimpse of the landscape is a reminder of the unique charm and allure of this remote archipelago.
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY
ABOUT OFFBEAT WORKSHOPS
”
“I have attended a number of OFFBEAT Workshops and have loved them all. Dave and Paul are two of the most genuine people I have met and they are both so enthusiastic and passionate about what they do. They always ensure that you have the best time and are always willing to share their time and experience with you. My photography has definitely improved since learning from these two. I have also only meet decent and friendly people on these workshops. Everybody is there for the common goal - photography and everybody has such fun. I can not recommend OFFBEAT highly enough.”
— Claire C.
“I’ve been on two OFFBEAT trips, with two more planned. I’ve also been a part of the OFFBEAT community since its inception. What stands out to me, and what sets OFFBEAT apart, is the people, and their kindness. Members and participants are treated with kindness and respect - regardless of whether they are new to photography or seasoned professionals, and leaders are generous with their knowledge and expertise. Workshops and other events provide ample opportunities for learning, regardless of ability.”
— Emma S.
“Travelling to the Faroe Islands with OFFBEAT completely blew my mind! I feel so incredibly grateful to have experienced such a raw and remote location, it made me feel alive like no other place I've been. Travelling in a small group with likeminded people means I now have friends for life, bonded over shared experiences. OFFBEAT provided a safe workshop, but one filled with adventure and spontaneity, unlike any other tour on the market. Their eagerness to share their passions of photography and travel culminate in a truly unique trip that photographers of any level can enjoy. I highly recommend this trip if you're into wild, waterfall-filled landscapes, laughter, amazing food and company, and memories that will last a lifetime.”
— S.
“I felt the level of collaboration and support among the participants in this one was exceptional and so was the size of the group. It is easier to hide in bigger groups when I feel insecure with my skills and talent. The content was timely, appropriate and exceedingly well organized. The facilitators’ presentation skills were exceptional. I came away with a little more confidence and a lot more knowledge.”
-Jan L.
PRICE/PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Cost: $6,350 CAD
Single Supplement: $7,450 CAD
Spousal/Partner Supplement fee available: $4,350 CAD (includes everything indicated in the list above except photography instruction). Please register with the deposit only & contact us at workshops@offbeatphoto.ca to adjust payment schedule.
Payment options: Full payment or $1,500 CAD non-refundable deposit to secure a space with three further installment payments:
Non-Refundable Deposit: $1,500 CAD
#1 - July - 18th, 2024 - $1,212.50 CAD
#2 - November - 18th, 2024 - $1,212.50 CAD
#3 - February - 18th, 2025 - $1,212.50 CAD
#4 - May - 18th, 2025 - $1,212.50 CAD
Note: failure to pay by payment due date means forfeiting deposit and spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant (see more in cancellation policy below).
If unforeseen circumstances arise, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant.
》IMPORTANT INFO
Please visit our FAQs for more information on What to Bring, our Physical Ratings and Photography Levels.
IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR YOU?
Physical Rating (Moderate): Most locations will be readily accessible form the road, although we may hike short distances on occasion.
Hiking experience // Previous/regular hiking experience. Good physical condition.
Pace // Steady.
Distance/Description // Hikes may be a day hike with less <15km, with a significant elevation change (>300 m), and more rugged terrain. We’ll cover varying distances and terrain on generally established trails.
Footwear // Hiking boots or light hiking shoes are appropriate.
Photography Level (All): This workshop is open to both amateur and professional photographers.
See these ratings described in our FAQs.
INSURANCE POLICY
It is not only advised but required that participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage (proof required within 4 months of departure).
Weather and other unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length. Please ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility.
By purchasing a spot you are acknowledging that you accept these conditions.
Please see our Insurance page for more information about our insurance partner, World Nomads.
》OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please take the time to review OFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration. Effective June 16, 2022.