Things work a little different north of the Arctic Circle. Forget about routines as an outdoor photographer; your alarm needs to be adjusted on a daily basis.
Winter is long and dark. In the Lofoten Islands, we have about 3 weeks where the sun doesn't rise above the horizon at all. The periods before and after are equally dark with only a few hours of light per day. Most of this is no more than a regular blue hour.
At least the Northern Lights keep us entertained both day and night.
When March approaches, days are quickly getting longer. The weather doesn't improve much but 'everyone' is out enjoying the few days of sun.
Coming into May, days are suddenly getting longer and the night sky is fading. The Northern Lights are gone and so are the stars.
Now the midnight sun comes knocking. The sun no longer sets. It stays above the horizon for the entire day. Day and night blend together. Insomnia kicks back in.
This is a fascinating period. From a landscape photographer's perspective, it's filled with opportunities. The sun's low position in the sky can create a magical light. Headlamps can be stored away and you can enjoy hiking at 2 AM with no people around. The silence in itself is worth turning your days around for.
That's the period we're entering now. The brightness has been around for a while but the midnight sun has just returned. And it will stay for another few months. Before it gradually gets darker and days fade back into darkness.
