Nestled between Norway, Iceland and Scotland lies the breathtaking Faroe Islands - landscape photography's best kept secret! Consisting of eighteen rocky, volcanic islands, this archipelago forms part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Most of the islands are connected by road tunnels, ferries, causeways and bridges with a great network of well-maintained roads allowing easy access around the island.

A variety of viewpoints can be found from the roadside. However, the more photogenic vantage points are found in small hamlets at the end of many roads and tracks around the island. These viewpoints often have interesting foregound such as jettys, rocks, beaches and buildings and, due to the islands' proximity to one another, there's often a delightful backdrop of another island in the background - quite often draped in mist, soft light or a snow/rain squall. Timber built buildings are painted in a variety of colours, some of which still use the centuries old tradition of turf roofing making great photo opportunities for big vistas as well as close up abstracts.

This 6 full-day (7 night) workshop will find us exploring a variety of photogenic locations such as Bøur, Eiði, Funningur, Gásadalur, Klaksvik, Kvivik, Saksun, Tjørnovik and many more. The weather in The Faroes is mixed and changes rapidly. Expect dynamic weather each day - the perfect recipe for dramatic picture taking!

This workshop offers great value for money as The Faroe Islands are even more expensive than Norway! The workshop includes all breakfasts, packed lunches, lovely evening meals (catered for by my wife), land access fees, sub-sea tunnel fees, tuition and transport to all locations around the island. All you need to do is get to Vagar airport where I will collect you and drop you off at the end of the workshop! You'll not have to lift a finger other than to use the shutter button of your camera!

Tuition

I will be on hand throughout each day to offer tuition, help and advice on all aspects of your photography. There will be plenty of opportunity for 1-2-1 tuition as the workshop group is limited to just 4 participants. If we experience particularly inclement weather, I will demonstrate the techniques I use to get the very best out of some of your images using Lightroom Classic on my laptop at our accommodation. 

Images from The Faroe Islands

Accommodation

We will be based in a beautiful 5 bedroom modern penthouse in the main town of Torshavn, around 45 minutes from the airport and centrally located to explore these magnificent islands. You will have your own private bedroom with twin beds with 2 shared bathrooms (no bedrooms are shared). There is ample space to relax in the living room on an evening as well as a large dining room table for meals. The property affords grand views of the harbour and is light and spacious.

Itinerary.

Based in Torshavn, you will arrive on Thursday 10th April where I will collect you from the airport and take you to your accommodation where an evening meal will be waiting. After an introductory talk by me over breakfast we will head out to our first location for the remainder of the following day. 

Each day I will drive you to different locations around The Faroes using the extensive knowledge I have of the area to get you in the best places at the right time. In order not to impinge on our photography, all mealtimes will be decided upon dependent on the forecast each day (the advantage of having our own residential chef)! 

We will depart on Thursday 17th April. Transport to Vagar airport will be provided for your return journey home.

Please note that flights, travel and camera insurance are not included in the cost of this workshop.

Camera Equipment

Here is a list of recommended equipment you should bring…

• Camera body and a selection of lenses that ideally cover wide-angle to medium telephoto.
• At least two camera batteries
• Tripod
• Hot-shoe spirit level (if your camera has a level indicator built-in that’s fine).
• Lens cloth
• Camera bag capable of being stored in an overhead locker on a plane.
• Graduated filters
• Polariser
• Long Exposure filters (e.g. 6 and/or 10-stop)

Clothing

Expect temperatures to be around 0-5 degrees most days. You will therefore require...

• Plenty of insulating layers
• Hat
• Gloves
• Waterproof, thick padded coat
• Waterproof over-trousers
• Walking boots/shoes
• Optionally, a light pair of wellingtons can be useful for beach areas - Please refer to this article. 
• Foldable Umbrella

Fitness Level - Easy | Moderate | Challenging

A moderate level of fitness and balance is required for this workshop.  All locations are chosen for their fine views and safety. However, participants must be aware that cold temperatures, wind and the coastline itself come with their own risks. Therefore, all participants must heed safety advice at all times. Most locations are only a short walk from the vehicle. However, one location requires a gentle 4km walk to dramatic seacliffs. This is optional, however.

Getting there

By Plane

Direct flights to Vagar are operated by Atlantic Airways from Edinburgh airport in the UK (Mondays and Thursdays).  Most main UK airports offer flights to Edinburgh if you live in the south of the UK and prefer not to drive. Prices are typically £330 per person return and the flight is a short 1hr: 10 mins. Typically, Edinburgh airport charge a very reasonable £55 to park your car for the duration using their FastPark service, which I have found very efficient.

Flight details can be found on the Atlantic Airways website here >>.

By Ferry

Sadly, there isn't a direct ferry service from the UK but, if you have the time, it's possible via multiple sailings from Newcastle using DFDS and The Smyril Line in Denmark (though a train journey may also be necessary). I can offer a collection & drop off service from/to Torshavn harbour - just get in touch.

Payment must be made in full when booking a single day workshop (you will be sent an invoice). For residential workshops, a deposit of £500 is required (unless otherwise stated) and the balance is payable 12 weeks before the course commences.

The balance of the cost of the workshop will be due 12 weeks before the workshop starts. If a booking is made less than 12 weeks prior to the beginning of the workshop, the full cost is payable at the time of booking.

If you, the client, cancel a booking any money you have paid (including the deposit) is non-refundable unless I can find a replacement to take your place after all other places have been filled. If a replacement is found an admin fee of £100 will be deducted from the refund. If I cancel a booking any payment received will be refunded in full. Please ensure that you have adequate travel insurance in place. It is a term of the contract between us that you will obtain the appropriate travel insurance cover before you set out on the workshop. The insurance must cover the loss, expenses and damages arising from, including but not limited to, the cancellation of the workshop (whether in whole or in part), personal accident and injury, medical and repatriation costs, loss of baggage and personal money and belongings, flight cancellations and delays as well as your inability to arrive at the workshop destination due to fuel shortages and other such disruptions out of my control.

Except where otherwise expressly stated in these booking conditions, I regret I cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of my obligations under my contract with you is prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage, loss or expense of any nature as a result of “force majeure”. In these booking conditions, “force majeure” means any event which I or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include, (whether actual or threatened), war, riot, civil strife, terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire, epidemics/pandemics, fuel shortages and all similar events outside my control.

Please note, I cannot accept any liability for any damage, loss, expense or other sum(s) of any description (1) which on the basis of the information given to me by you concerning your booking prior to me accepting it, I could not have foreseen you would suffer or incur if I breached the contract with you or (2) which did not result from any breach of contract or other fault by myself where I am responsible for them, my suppliers. Additionally, I cannot accept liability for any business losses.

You will be allocated either a single room or a double/twin room for single occupancy. There is no single occupancy surcharge. Where double or twin rooms are available, they will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis at the time of check-in.

Mark Banks Photography reserves the right to cancel any workshop. In the event of any cancellation, I will offer either a total refund or a place on an alternative workshop. If the alternative workshop is cheaper, I will refund the difference, and if it is more expensive, you will be required to pay the balance.

All applicants participate at their own risk and Mark Banks Photography accepts no responsibility for injury or damage done to their persons or property. It is recommended that applicants hold their own personal Public Liability Insurance.

The type of workshops I offer require flexibility and must allow for alternatives. For this reason, the outline itinerary and workshop description must be taken as an indication of what may take place on the workshop, and not as a contractual obligation on the part of Mark Banks Photography.

I do not accept responsibility or liability for death, bodily injury or illness caused to you during the workshop, unless arising from the negligent act and/or omission on my part or on the part of any of my employees (providing they were at the time acting within the course of their employment). Please note that any itinerary noted on the workshop description is subject to change due to weather conditions and/or the capability of participants.

By booking a workshop with Mark Banks Photography you are agreeing to accept all of the above conditions.