Located just below the Arctic Circle sits a photographers paradise. A land of fire & ice, with breathtaking wild mountains, live volcanos, geothermal vents, beautiful churches, and the magic of the dancing Aurora Borealis.
Explore the lesser known north of Iceland
Most photography workshops in Iceland cover the south and some of the west. On this trip we will cover whole of the ring road and travelling across the lesser expored north. The north of Iceland is a captivating region known for its diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and unique natural phenomena: Aurora Borealis.
Exploring high mountains and deep ocean fjords, dramatic sea stacks, amazing frozen waterfalls, incredible wild horses, spectacular lighthouses and geothermal vents.
The south brings dramatic glaciers, raw beaches & ice bergs
The south of Iceland is one of the most popular and accessible regions for photographers, known for its dramatic landscapes, iconic landmarks, and a mix of natural wonders. Including massive rainbow adorned waterfalls, raw mountain ranges, incredible black sand beaches, Vatnajökull glacier (Europe’s largest glacier), and Jökulsárlón lagoon with its spectacular icebergs.
The west of Iceland brings vast open landscapes
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers a different view of Iceland: Kirkjufell Mountain (aka the witches hat), plus Arnarstapi and Hellnar picturesque fishing villages with stunning coastal cliffs and natural rock arches. Lighthouses perched on steep cliffs, as black churches contrast against a stark landscape.
The east features picturesque fjords with steep mountains
The east is little visited by photographers due to its distance from the main areas, but on our trip we will drive through the most beautiful areas. Taking in steep mountains, high water falls with basalt columns, ships wrecks, and reindeer. Ending up at the famous Vestrahorn mountain range with its striking peaks reflected in the shallow waters of the beach.
2024/2025 Solar Max = Amazing Northern Lights
Over the winter of 2024 to 2025 we should see the 11 year cycle of the solar max. This should mean greater than usual solar flares hitting the earth’s amosphere leading to higher chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis. Of course this is not guaranteed and we also need to have clear skies, but every night during this trip we will use the latest solar forcasts and apps to try to hunt down the amazing northern lights.
Comfortable hotel accommodation in Iceland
We will stay in numerous hotels over the trip. Most will be 2 night stays and all have ensuite private rooms. No sharing. Most include breakfast. The remoteness of the north and east means hotels can be few and far between so some may be a little rustic as we always try to use local owned independent hotels. But always clean and comfortable. Some have sauna and hot tubs.
What makes this such a great Iceland photography workshop?
Iceland in winter holds a special charm. For me its the best time to visit. The sunrise and sunsets seem to last for ever. The stark landscape against a dramatic sky just complements each other.
I have visited Iceland many many times over the past 21 years. The dramatic raw landscape never ceases to amaze me and whilst I’ve visited the same places many times, they always look different.
Over the years I have driven the extra mile, looked around the next corner, walked over the hill to find numerous little known locations what aren’t on most photo tours. I think that’s what makes me different and my workshops are always evolving and never the same old trip over and over again.
Our transport in Iceland
Over the two weeks of this trip we will drive in 9 seater air conditioned people carrier with winter tyres. The allows extra space for comfort and the extra ability to confidently drive in the snow. There is also good space for all our luggage, tripods and camera kit.
Iceland Photo Workshop Approach
Before taking any photos we will look at how the landscape presents itself, how the weather and light sits and how it may move and change. We’ll consider the best framing and how to experiment with different ideas and view points, picking out different elements of the landscape and using them to best effect. We are on hand at all times to offer help and advice about composition and technique to help you get the very best from every location.
There will be occasional downtime during the day with the flexibility to either rest or do your own thing, or discuss image critique, editing and feedback. I can talk photography all day!
Our trips are structured for photographers of all photo abilities; For those that are beginners or want additional help, we provide assistance, evaluation and guidance throughout from an experienced landscape and travel photographer. For experienced photographers, you have the benefit of joining a workshop with a guide with excellent local knowledge. We want photographers of all abilities to leave the workshop with an amazing array of quality images to be proud of.
End of workshop photo review
On the last afternoon or evening of the trip we will have a photo review. Everyone brings around 4 or 5 edited images to show the group. We can then offer joint feed back and editing advice. I appreciate not everyone may bring laptops for editing, so SOOC images are also fine.
Access to Private Members Facebook group
We also have a private Facebook group where members can join and post images for feedback and I answer questions and give help and advice.
Weather and Accessibility
In winter some remote roads to some locations can be closed due to heavy snow fall meaning we cannot visit them. The main Route 1 (aka the Ring Road) can also sometimes become blocked but is normally cleared very quickly, but it may delay our transfer between destinations.
Iceland Photography Tour Schedule
My arrival flight on 02/11/2024 is with Easyjet from London Luton to Keflavik 06.25 > 09.35. But ideally you need to arrive before midday in case you wish to take alternative flights. From here we will drive clockwise around Route 1 (aka the Ring Road), taking detours off the Ring Road to some amazing locations. All hotels are mostly two night stays, all are non-shared private ensuite rooms. Most hotels include breakfast.
Our route takes in the best and iconic photo locations around Iceland but also many lesser known beautiful spots I have found on previous trips.
Upon our return we have one extra night near the airport on Saturday 16th Nov and then arriving back at Keklavik Airport at 07.30 on Sunday with my Easyjet flight leaving to Luton at 10.00 > 13.00.
Photography Learnings
Over the duration of the workshop we will work on various photography subjects and elements, including:
- Working with available light
- Composition techniques
- Appropriate camera settings
- Exposure and use of the histogram
- Depth of field and focusing
- Shooting at sunrise and sunset
- ICM and multiple exposures
- Use of filters
- Use of tripod
- Long exposure
- Landscape techniques
- Seascape techniques
Workshop highlights…
- Photograph many of the highlights of Iceland and more…
- Vast local knowledge gives you access to little known locations
- Daily tuition from a professional photographer
- Daily photo reviews and critique
- Social time with other like minded photographers
- Experienced travel and landscape photographer, knows the best spots to shoot
Our workshop is for you if…
- You’re an amateur photographer of any ability who wants to improve your technical and creative skills
- You’re an advanced or Pro photographer looking to expand your portfolio with new and different images
- You’re a competitive camera club member and looking to create amazing winning images
- You want to spend two weeks with like minded photographers
Photography in the North of Iceland
Photography in the East of Iceland
Photography in the South of Iceland
Photography in the West of Iceland
