Chasing the Classic

How I Got the Hamnøy Bridge Shot with Platypod

By Kersten Luts

If you’ve ever Googled “Lofoten photography,” chances are that one of the first images you saw was that ridiculously perfect view from the Hamnøy bridge — you know the one: red cabins hugging the shoreline, icy water below, and the mighty Olstinden mountain rising like a frozen wave in the background. It’s the classic Lofoten shot, and on my recent trip to the islands, I was determined to get it… but with a bit of a twist.

Spoiler alert: Platypod came to the rescue in a big way.

Lofoten: A Photographer’s Dreamland

This wasn’t my first time in Lofoten, but it always feels brand new. The air is crisp, the light dances across the peaks like it’s got somewhere to be, and the weather — well, let’s just say you’re on a first-name basis with your waterproof gear.

I arrived with the usual suspects in my camera bag — but I’d also packed something I was especially excited to try out in a real-world, rough-and-ready location: the Platypod eXtreme, paired with the Handle and the Platyball Traveller. I wanted to see if this ultra-portable setup could hold its own in one of the most photographed spots in the world… while dodging cars and gale-force winds on a bridge.

The Setup: Low, Light, Locked

Now, if you’ve ever tried shooting on that bridge, you’ll know it’s not tripod-friendly. Space is tight, there’s barely a shoulder to stand on, and tourists aren’t exactly looking out for your Manfrotto legs when they're chasing the Northern Lights. That’s where the Platypod eXtreme came in — a flat, sturdy base with four adjustable legs that I could wedge right onto the edge of the bridge barrier. No big legs to trip over, no wobble, just solid support.

On top of the eXtreme, I mounted the Platyball Traveller, which is a dream for quick adjustments. The upside-down design means the leveling base is up top — so once I had it dialled in, it stayed level no matter how I repositioned my shot. Brilliant. Smooth, quick, intuitive — and way easier than fiddling with traditional ball heads.

And then, to round it all off, I used the Platypod Handle with a small LED light on one arm and my phone on another. That little rig let me film a behind-the-scenes shot while I was taking the photo, without bringing an entire film crew with me.

The Shot: Worth the Wait

I waited for the clouds to part and for that soft Arctic light to hit just right. When it did, I got the frame I was after — moody skies, soft snow on the peaks, deep blues in the fjord, and those iconic red rorbuer cabins glowing like embers.

And because my setup was rock solid, I could take my time, bracket exposures, and even grab a few video clips for the vlog. Not once did I have to fight with gear. It just worked. And when the wind kicked up? The eXtreme stayed put — no drama, no shake.

Why This Gear Matters

I’ve used Platypod gear in city streets, tight interiors, and now on Arctic bridges, and what I love most is how it lets me get the shot without compromising my kit or my carry-on. It’s discreet, stable, and surprisingly powerful. The Handle adds a whole new level of versatility for content creators, and paired with the Platyball, you’ve got a setup that works whether you’re on a mountain or under a desk.

Would I trust it again on another wild Lofoten adventure? Absolutely. It’s earned a permanent spot in my bag.

Final Thoughts (and a Bit of Gear Geekery)

So, to all my fellow photographers out there: if you’re heading to Lofoten — or just planning a trip where space is tight and time is short — give the Platypod eXtreme, Handle, and Platyball Traveller combo a try. It’s a killer rig that won’t let you down when it matters most.

And yes… I did take a selfie on the bridge after nailing the shot. As you do.

Want to see the final image and BTS footage? Head over to my Instagram @kerstenluts or catch the full story on the YouTube channel. You might even catch a cameo from Dave Williams, master of the aurora and Lofoten’s unofficial mayor.