Find landscape photography guides by Jennifer Esseiva.

Red fishing cabins in Hamnøy, Lofoten Islands, Norway, surrounded by dramatic snow-covered mountains and dark Arctic waters in winter.

Lofoten Scenic Route in Winter: 12 Beautiful Photography Spots

The Lofoten Islands are one of those places I could photograph again and again. After discovering them for the first time in autumn, I returned in winter to see how snow, changing weather and the soft Arctic light would transform landscapes I already knew. This time, we travelled along the Norwegian Scenic Route Lofoten, which runs for 230 km between Å and Raftsundet, with several detours leading to beaches, fishing villages and coastal landscapes. Some locations were already favourites from my previous trip, while others were completely new discoveries. In this guide, I’m sharing 12 of my favourite photography stops

Swiss landscape photographer Jennifer Esseiva holding a Nikon Z8 with a NIKKOR Z 180-600mm telephoto lens while photographing outdoors in Switzerland.

Why I Love Using a Super-Telephoto Lens for Landscape Photography

For a long time, I associated super-telephoto lenses mostly with wildlife photography. I never really imagined carrying such a big lens for landscapes until one particular photograph in the Faroe Islands changed my mind. I originally bought the Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 200–500mm for that single photograph, as I needed at least 400mm to create the composition I had in mind. But what started as a very specific purchase quickly became a lens I loved using for landscape photography. Being able to isolate tiny details, compress distant landscapes or make the moon much more prominent within a composition opened up completely

Landscape photography of Valnesfossen waterfall near the Bodø region in Norway, captured in September during a moody autumn sunset, with fall forest colours surrounding the cascading water.

6 Stunning Photography Spots Between Steigen and Bodø, Nordland

Most travellers arriving in Bodø use the city as a gateway to the Lofoten Islands. And I completely understand why. In fact, if you’re planning to continue your journey there, I also shared my favourite locations in this 8-day Lofoten photography itinerary. Before our trip, however, a few Norwegian acquaintances recommended that we spend some time exploring the region between Steigen and Bodø. They described it as one of Northern Norway’s hidden gems, with wild landscapes, beautiful beaches and very few tourists. Curious to discover a different side of Nordland, I decided to add a few days to our itinerary.

Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy Island, Faroe Islands, with person on cliffs under dramatic cloudy sky overlooking ocean.

Kallur Lighthouse Hike in the Faroe Islands: Photography Guide to Kalsoy Island

Kallur Lighthouse is probably one of the most famous hikes in the Faroe Islands and honestly, the view from up there is incredible. Located at the very tip of Kalsoy Island, this iconic lighthouse feels like standing at the end of the world, surrounded by steep cliffs, dramatic ocean views and constantly changing weather. In this guide, I will share practical information about the hike, photography tips and my personal experience visiting Kallur Lighthouse. If you would like to discover more images from this beautiful archipelago, you can also explore my Faroe Islands photography series. How to Get to Kalsoy

Landscape photographer using a Nikon Z8 with a Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/4G ED VR telephoto lens during an outdoor photography session in Switzerland.

Why I Love Using a 70–200mm Lens for Landscape Photography

Wide-angle lenses are often considered the go-to choice for landscape photography. They are perfect for capturing sweeping vistas and emphasizing the scale of a scene. Yet some of my favourite landscape photographs were taken with a 70–200mm lens. Over the years, I realised that a telephoto lens allows me to see landscapes differently. Instead of trying to include everything in the frame, I can isolate distant details, compress mountain layers, simplify compositions and draw attention to light, atmosphere and emotion. In this article, I’m sharing six landscape photographs taken with my 70–200mm lens across the Faroe Islands, the Lofoten Islands,

Sunset at Praia dos Mosteiros, São Miguel, Azores, with pink and golden sky over volcanic coastline.

Best Photography Spots in São Miguel (Azores): Volcanic Lakes, Cliffs and Hidden Gems

São Miguel is often considered the most diverse island in the Azores, and after a few days exploring it, I completely understand why. From volcanic crater lakes and dramatic viewpoints to hidden waterfalls and lush forests, the island offers an incredible variety of landscapes within a relatively small area. What makes it even more special for photography is how quickly everything changes. Fog rolls in, light shifts, and the same location can look completely different within minutes. I visited São Miguel as part of a wider photography trip across the Azores, after exploring Pico and Terceira. Compared to those islands,

Long exposure of Caldeirão Verde waterfall in Madeira, Portugal, with silky water and mossy green cliffs.

Long exposure landscape photography: capturing the mood of water in oceans, lakes, rivers and waterfalls

Water has always been one of my favorite subjects to photograph. Whether it is the ocean, a lake, a river or a waterfall, I am always drawn to it. Depending on the scene, I often use long exposure photography to create a spe cific mood. Sometimes I go for very long exposures to simplify the image and make it feel softer and more minimal. Other times, I prefer shorter shutter speeds to keep the movement and energy of the water. What I really enjoy is how much a single location can change depending on your settings. The same scene can

Landscape photography of the Dragon Eye rock formation at Uttakleiv Beach, Lofoten Norway, captured at sunset with dramatic light over the Arctic scenery.

My 8-day photographer’s itinerary in the Lofoten Islands (September)

In September, we spent eight days in Northern Norway, with two nights in Bodø and six days exploring the Lofoten Islands. We flew from Zürich to Bodø with Edelweiss, which is a very convenient option if you are travelling from Switzerland and want to start a road trip in the north of Norway. From Bodø, you can easily take the ferry to Moskenes and begin your Lofoten adventure. This route worked really well for us and allowed us to combine a first stop near Bodø with several days in the Lofoten, where we focused entirely on landscape photography. September turned

Wild garlic woodland photography featuring a small river in Allaman, Canton of Vaud, Switzerland. Captured in spring by Jennifer Esseiva using the Nikon Z8.

Sharing Landscape Photography Locations – Why I Don’t Reveal Them All

Every time I share a photo, I get the same question: “Where exactly is this spot?” Sharing landscape photography locations is a sensitive topic. Some photographers are completely open about it, while others strongly prefer to keep their spots private. I have also seen people argue that not sharing locations helps protect nature. And honestly, I believe everyone is right in their own way. I understand the curiosity. I spend hours searching for locations myself, walking in nature, studying maps, and exploring other photographers’ work. Planning a photography trip takes time, and finding a place that truly resonates is part

Golden sunlight hitting mountain at Skagsanden Beach, Lofoten Islands, Norway, with dramatic sky and reflection on wet sand during autumn.

Skagsanden Beach in Lofoten: 6 Unique Landscape Photos to Inspire You

Skagsanden Beach is one of the most iconic photography locations in the Lofoten Islands, Norway. Located in Flakstad near Ramberg, it’s known for its black sand patterns, dramatic mountain backdrop and ever changing weather. But what makes it truly special is how much it transforms throughout the day, the seasons and the light. I visited this beach during two different photography trips to Northern Norway, one in September and one in March. Experiencing Skagsanden in both autumn and winter allowed me to see how dramatically the landscape can change depending on the season, the weather and the light. In this

Fuerteventura Photography Bucket List: 8 Stunning Locations