AURORA PRO short photography expedition

Discovering the Aurora Pro Short Photography Expedition in Rovaniemi

If you’re planning a trip to Rovaniemi during the winter months, catching the Northern Lights is often at the top of your wish list. The Aurora Pro Short Photography Expedition promises to boost your chances of witnessing this magical display and capturing it on camera. While we haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, the reviews and details paint a pretty clear picture of what you can expect.

What we particularly like is that this experience is tailored to those who want more than just a quick glimpse — it offers expert guidance to help you photograph the Northern Lights and sends you professional-quality photos afterward. Plus, the fact that it takes you out to a remote viewing spot away from the city lights means you’re in a good position to see the aurora if conditions cooperate.

That said, it’s worth noting that Northern Lights sightings are never guaranteed — weather and solar activity play a big role. So while this tour maximizes your odds with prime locations and expert advice, you should go into it with a flexible attitude. It’s best suited for travelers who are keen on photography, enjoy small-group experiences, and want a more personalized chance to see the lights.

Key Points

• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides increase your chances of seeing the aurora and help with photography tips.
• Remote Locations: The tour takes you away from light pollution for better viewing potential.
• Photo Keepsakes: You’ll receive professionally taken photos afterward, which could become treasured reminders.
• Warm Comforts: Thermal wear and hot drinks help make the cold night more bearable.
• Small Group Feel: With a maximum of nine people, the experience tends to be intimate and personalized.
• Weather Dependence: Like most aurora tours, clear skies are essential — if the weather doesn’t cooperate, the tour might be canceled or rescheduled.

What Is the Aurora Pro Short Photography Expedition?

This is a 3-hour evening tour in Rovaniemi that’s designed specifically for those who want to increase their chances of witnessing the Northern Lights while also capturing stunning photos. Offered by Wonderlapland, the experience includes round-trip transportation from your hotel, warm clothing, and a hot drink, which are crucial when facing the Arctic chill.

The adventure starts at 7:00 pm, an ideal time to catch the night sky as it darkens and the aurora begins to dance. With a maximum group size of nine, the tour feels more personal compared to larger bus excursions. This small group aspect means you’re more likely to get tailored advice from your guide, especially if you’re interested in photography.

The Experience Itself

Your guide, who’s skilled in both spotting the lights and photography, will take you to a carefully chosen viewing spot where light pollution is minimal. This is especially important because, as some reviewers noted, the best chances hinge on leaving the city behind. The guide’s expertise is a real plus — one reviewer called the guide Miguel and said he took them to a “great spot” where they saw the northern lights and made professional photos.

The Role of the Guide & Photography Tips

If you’re bringing your own camera, the guide will offer advice on how to shoot the aurora in low light, which can be tricky without proper settings. The guide’s professional photos are a highlight for many, offering a perfect souvenir of a fleeting natural phenomenon. As one customer mentioned, the photos turned out spectacular, and they appreciated having a personal memento.

Transport & Comfort

The transportation is warm, which sounds simple but makes a big difference in the bitter cold. The tour includes thermal wear, so you won’t need to worry about freezing, and hot drinks help keep you comfortable while waiting. This thoughtful touch is appreciated, especially in sub-zero temperatures.

The Upsides: Why This Tour Might Be a Good Fit

Expert Guidance and Photography: The key selling point here is the guide’s experience. They know the best spots and how to help you get beautiful photos, which is especially valuable if you’re not a professional photographer but want decent shots of the lights. The reviews reflect this — people find the guide helpful and the photos impressive.

Remote Viewing Spot: The tour takes you away from light pollution, which is crucial for seeing the aurora at its best. Those who’ve been on tours closer to the city walls report less favorable views, so this trip’s focus on remote locations pays off.

Small Group Size: With only nine people max, it feels more personal, and you’re more likely to get individual tips and attention. It’s a quiet, intimate way to enjoy the magic of the Arctic night.

Convenience and Comfort: Pickup from your hotel, thermal gear, and hot drinks mean you’re well-equipped to handle the cold, which can otherwise be a barrier to fully enjoying the experience.

The Downsides: What You Should Know

Uncertain Sightings: Like any aurora tour, this one can’t guarantee a sighting. Cloud cover or lack of solar activity might mean you don’t see the lights, regardless of how good the location and guide are. For example, one reviewer mentioned arriving with a cloudy sky, then seeing stars and the moon but the aurora never appeared.

Weather Dependence: The tour is weather-dependent. If conditions are poor, the experience might be canceled, or you might need to reschedule. It’s worth planning some flexibility into your trip.

Cost vs. Experience: At around $183.80 per person, it’s not the cheapest option, but considering it includes transport, warm gear, hot drinks, and professional photos, many find it to be good value. Still, if your main goal is just to see the lights and not photograph them, you might consider other options.

What Does the Itinerary Look Like?

The tour is straightforward:
– Meet at 7:00 pm for pickup and introductions.
– Travel to a remote viewing spot — the guide chooses a location with optimal chances to see the aurora, away from city lights.
– Wait and watch for the Northern Lights to appear. The guide will be on hand offering advice on how to photograph them.
– Enjoy hot drinks and warmth while waiting.
– Photograph the lights with the guide’s help, then return to your hotel after about three hours.

While the exact stops aren’t detailed, reviews suggest the chosen locations are well-selected for visibility and scenery.

Real Experiences from Travelers

One reviewer called this “the best Northern lights tour from Rovaniemi,” emphasizing how their guide Miguel took them to a great spot where they saw the aurora and received professional photos. This suggests the tour can deliver if the conditions align.

On the flip side, a less positive review describes a six-hour experience trapped in an old van with no toilet, waiting in one spot for lights that didn’t show up. This highlights the variability of aurora tours and the importance of choosing reputable providers and realistic expectations.

Another reviewer praised the spectacular photos and hospitable guide, confirming that when conditions are favorable, this tour can be quite memorable.

Is It Worth It?

Considering the price, the value largely depends on your expectations. If you’re eager to capture professional-quality photos and want expert guidance in a small, cozy group, this experience offers a lot. The included warm gear and hot drinks are thoughtful touches that make the cold Arctic night more comfortable.

However, keep in mind that Northern Lights are unpredictable. If your trip coincides with clear, active nights, you’ll find this tour to be a rewarding way to experience the magic. If cloud cover or poor solar activity spoil the show, even the best guides can’t do much.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This expedition is best suited for photography enthusiasts or travelers who want a more personalized, less commercial experience. It’s a good choice if you’re staying in Rovaniemi and want to maximize your chances of a sighting with expert help. The small-group setting also benefits those who prefer a quieter, more intimate outing rather than large busloads.

It’s less ideal if your primary goal is simply to see the lights without concern for photos or if you prefer a very flexible schedule — in which case, other options like longer, guaranteed-viewing tours could be better.

FAQs about the Aurora Pro Short Photography Expedition

What time does the tour start?
It begins at 7:00 pm, which is when pickup occurs and the tour kicks off into the evening.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the round-trip transport from your Rovaniemi hotel to the viewing spot is part of the experience.

What should I wear?
The tour provides thermal wear, but it’s also advisable to dress warmly in layers, especially thermal underwear, hat, gloves, and sturdy boots.

Will I see the Northern Lights?
While this tour aims to maximize your chances by visiting prime locations and providing expert guidance, sightings are never guaranteed due to weather and solar conditions.

Are hot drinks provided?
Yes, hot drinks are included to keep you warm during the wait.

How many people are in a group?
A maximum of nine travelers, creating a more intimate experience.

Can I get photos of the Northern Lights?
Absolutely — professional photos will be sent to you afterward, making for a great keepsake.

What happens if the weather is bad?
If poor weather cancels the tour, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Is this suitable for children?
The tour is designed for most travelers, but since it involves outdoor waiting in cold temperatures and a certain level of patience, check with the provider if you’re traveling with young kids.

Final thoughts

The Aurora Pro Short Photography Expedition offers a thoughtfully curated way to chase the Northern Lights in Rovaniemi, with expert guidance, remote locations, and the chance to take home professional photos. While no tour can guarantee an aurora appearance, the experience’s small-group size and focus on photography make it a compelling choice for those eager to make the most of their Arctic adventure.

If you’re comfortable with the uncertainties of aurora hunting and want a cozy, guided experience that emphasizes quality over quantity, this tour can be a real highlight. For serious photographers or travelers who love personalized adventures, it’s likely to be worth the price.

Just remember, no matter how well-organized, the lights are nature’s show — sometimes spectacular, sometimes elusive. But with the right attitude and a bit of luck, you’ll leave Rovaniemi with unforgettable photos and memories.