Hillesøya

These red little boathouses are simply so picturesque in the Winter landscape, and no place to photograph them better than on the beautiful island of Sommarøya near Tromsø.

A Winter golden hour near midday on the beautiful island of Sommarøya 69° Northern Latitude.

Last Winter I visited the beautiful area around Tromsø (69° latitiude). One of the most scenic drives is out to Sommarøya, a small island connected by a bridge. This was taken near there. In Winter time the sun only spends a few hours above the horizon. It doesn't climb high so most of the sun time is golden hour time.

When I first became active on Flickr I found a winterphoto which I absolutely loved. It was made by Antony Spencer: www.flickr.com/photos/antonyspencer/5413004979. I always wanted to find that place and try to take a similar photo. The first time I visited Sommarøya in 2016, I actually took a photo of this cabin without even realising it: www.flickr.com/photos/adelheids-pictures/30837369264. The big difference being a lack of snow. Winter 2018 I gave it another try. I came up with this shot, and I quite like the low winter light, but I wish there had been a LOT more snow. Last summer I was there and saw that they are now building tourist cabins right next to it, so it will never be like this anymore.

View from the hills on Hillesøy. Sommarøy with all the small islands and white beaches. Panorama made of 6 vertical images.