Ultimate Iceland Summer Photography Workshop
During the summer months, the landscapes of Iceland come alive with wildflowers, waterfalls flow abundantly, and the Icelandic moss once again takes on a lush shade of green. It’s the best time for spotting wildlife, including Arctic foxes, Icelandic horses, sheep roaming free, and of course, the cutest birds in the world, puffins.
The Midnight Sun arrives, and sunsets merge into sunrises with very little darkness in between. Golden Hours can stretch for hours, painting the landscape in a dreamy palette of soft pinks, warm yellows, deep oranges, and dreamy purples from the rays of the low-lying sun. It’s a photographer’s paradise!
Join us on our comprehensive 14-day summer adventure around the Ring Road of Iceland to experience this magical time of year.
With the assistance of two award-winning landscape photographers, you will learn new composition techniques and improve your photography skills as you capture the iconic locations – from stunning waterfalls to majestic mountains, steaming geothermal areas, black sand beaches, quaint coastal villages, and volcanic coastlines.
With his passion for showcasing his home country, your local guide Siggi will also take you off the beaten path to some of his favorite photography locations – sites familiar only to those who have intimately explored Iceland.
Aimed at photographers of all skill levels, you’ll be sure to come away from this workshop with fabulous memories of your time in Iceland and incredible images from this colorful season.
Please note that this is a drone-friendly workshop.
We have a limited number of drones available for hire if you do not have your own and wish to learn – please contact us at info@vip-ehf.com for information and rates.
Dates
July
Group Size
Maximum of 12 participants
Price (USD)
$7,190 (Double Occupancy)
$8,690 (Single Occupancy)
Workshop Highlights
- Improving your Landscape, Seascape, Wildlife, Golden Hour, and Drone photography skills with our team of master photographers
- Capturing the unforgettable, iconic sites of Iceland under the Midnight Sun such as the Diamond Beach, Geysir, Búðir, Vestrahorn, countless magnificent waterfalls, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and many more!
- Exploring the unique, diverse landscapes of Iceland as we travel around the country on the Ring Rd – from the volcanic north and Snæfellsnes Peninsula regions to the magical Vatnajökull National Park of the southeast, the iconic South Coast, and the geothermal Golden Circle
- For beginners, learning technical skills in the field such as setting exposure (ISO, shutter speed, and aperture), and how lens choice and depth of field can be used to capture different compositions and lighting scenarios
- Learning new photography skills and composition techniques to transform your photos into compelling, creative, and engaging images
- Photographing the delightful Atlantic Puffins
- Learning how to bring your images to life through post-processing (beginner through to advanced techniques such as exposure blending)
- Introduction to drone photography, assistance with drone setup, and if it’s your first time or in-field instruction for how to fly one and use this new tool for photography
- Learning how and when to use filters and polarizers to enhance colors, control the dynamic range of the light, and creatively create motion in clouds, waterfalls, and seascapes through long exposures
- Learning advanced photography techniques to make the most of lighting and locations such as bracketing, focus stacking, and panoramas – from shooting the images in-field to the post-processing workflow
- Receiving support and mentoring for both in-field and post-processing techniques customized to meet individual goals
- A small workshop so your experience is truly personal, and you get to know your guide and fellow photographers
Included
- 14 day workshop with 13 nights accommodation
- Award-winning, professional Photo Guides who will provide a combination of instruction, masterclasses, and in-field guidance
- Transportation during the workshop in a comfortable vehicle with ample room for you and your photography gear
- Post-processing and digital workflow masterclass/es with Photo Guides
- Access to exclusive discounts on gear from our partners
- Lots of fun, bragging rights, and amazing memories!
Excluded
- Iceland photography Travel to and from the workshop’s designated pick-up/drop-off points in Reykjavik
- Food and beverages
- Items of a personal nature including (but not limited to) laundry services, clothing, Wi-Fi, email, or phone charges
- Personal Travel, Medical, Equipment or Trip Cancellation Insurance
- Visas (if applicable)
- Gratuities for Photo Guides, local guides, and/or drivers
Book Now
If you would like more information about this workshop,
or want to be notified when we release new dates, please contact us at info@vip-llc.com.
Itinerary
You can find more information about what to expect during this workshop below. However, to give you the opportunity to capture the best images possible, this itinerary will be kept flexible.
This workshop has been timed to take advantage of the Midnight Sun – a phenomenon that occurs in far Northern countries where sunsets merge into sunrises with no darkness in between, and Golden Hour stretches from around 10pm until 5am.
These Golden Hours are a fascinating time to be photographing Iceland, as the landscapes can be painted in an ethereal palette of soft pinks, warm yellows, deep oranges, and dreamy purples from the rays of the low-lying sun. However, to capture this light, we will be reversing our sleep cycles – shooting from late in the afternoon until late morning as weather allows, and sleeping throughout the day whenever we are not using the time to travel to the next destination.
Our Photo Guides will monitor weather forecasts, road conditions, and any other factors and plan the days to optimize shooting conditions.
Our goal is to put you in the best locations at the right time with the best light so you can capture fantastic images
Days 1 - 2: An introduction to Iceland in the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
The Iceland photography workshop starts in the capital city of Reykjavik, where we will meet over a welcome lunch to get to know each other and discuss the workshop itinerary. We’ll then pack our gear into our bus and start our summer photography adventure!
For the next 14 days, we will be traveling clockwise around Iceland via the Ring Road, branching off to visit spectacular sites and incredible landscapes.
The perfect start to our journey is exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula – an area fondly known as ‘Iceland in Miniature.’
The dramatic landscapes of the peninsula formed during the eruption of Snæfellsjökull – the glacier-capped volcano that dominates the skyline and famously features in Jules Verne’s novel, ‘Journey to the Center of the Earth.’
From stunning waterfalls to volcanic craters, quaint fishing villages, majestic mountains, and rugged volcanic coastlines, this region provides a taste of all that Iceland offers and what is to come!
Once we arrive on the peninsula, we will check into the hotel that will be our base for the first two nights and rest – we will want to adjust our sleep patterns from Day 1 to take advantage of the spectacular Midnight Sun season over the next two weeks! On a typical day throughout this workshop – weather permitting – we will be sleeping through the middle of the day before meeting for an afternoon shoot or masterclasses. We will have dinner together and then head out for our sunset/sunrise shoot, where Golden Hour starts around 10 pm and finishes around 5 am.
Our first Midnight Sun shoot of the workshop is Kirkjufell Mountain – one of Iceland’s most famous landmarks. With its distinctive shape like a church steeple, it sits by itself on the edge of the sea, towering above its surroundings. The nearby waterfall, streams, and ponds provide endless options for creative compositions of this impressive mountain.
We will finish our Golden Hour at the Black Church of Búðir. This unique little building sits alone on an expansive lava field, framed by the incredible backdrop of the Snæfellsjökull glacier on one side and the sea on the other. It is picture-perfect – and looks impressive from many angles and in all types of weather!
There are many other places we will explore during our time on the peninsula, including Lóndrangar – the remains of a crater that eroded into a magnificent pair of rock pinnacles towering 60 meters above the waves, the quaint coastal village of Arnarstapi, and the black lava cliffs of the coastline where nature has carved magnificent arches and jagged rock formations.
Accommodations: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Days 3 - 5: Exploring the North
Today we will say goodbye to Snæfellsnes Peninsula and continue east along the Ring Road to North Iceland.
For the next three nights, our base will be the lake region of Mývatn– another part of Iceland formed through volcanic activity. In fact, as we explore the region, you will witness the forces of earth and fire that are still actively shaping the landscape here!
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another planet when we visit the fascinating geothermal area of Námaskarð, with its screaming steam vents, hissing fumaroles, and bubbling, sulfuric mud pools. Minerals that have emerged from the hot springs stain the ground in shades of orange, yellow and blue. Between the palette of colors, intense smell, extreme heat, and sounds, this is a stop that will awaken your senses!
At the Dimmuborgir lava field, you wouldn’t be the first to imagine running into a troll! This labyrinth of lava formations was formed around 2,300 years ago and is scattered with dramatic, oddly shaped sculptures, massive pillars, caverns, and natural bridges. It’s a great spot for black and white or abstract photography.
The waters of the underground Grjótagjá Cave are heated by volcanic activity deep below to temperatures above 50 °C. The cave is small, fitting only a few people, and requires a scramble underground over uneven boulders. However, the serene, deep-blue waters are magical and worth the effort.
Drone enthusiasts will need fully-charged batteries – there are several volcanic sites in the area that are even more incredible with a birds-eye-view of the landscape! This includes Víti Crater, with its stunning lake filled with teal-green water. Also, the dark, ominous Hverfjall tuff ring volcano whose amphitheater-like crater stretches a massive 1km wide.
The volcanic sites are just one feature of this region though.
Scattered throughout can also be found areas of exquisite diversity and beauty – lakes, lush wetlands rich in birdlife, grottos, birch forests, and nature baths, to name a few. Being closer to the Arctic Circle, the days here are even longer, so we will have plenty of time to explore this photographer’s paradise.
Of course, no trip to north Iceland would be complete without visiting its biggest natural wonders and attractions – two of the most spectacular waterfalls in Iceland!
Goðafoss translates to ‘Fall of the Gods’, named due to its role in the conversion of the Viking settlers from the Old Norse religion to Christianity in 1000 A.D. when the idols of the Old Gods were thrown into the falls. With its brilliantly turquoise waters cascading over the horseshoe-shaped basin, it is easily one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Iceland.
Dettifoss is the most powerful waterfall in Europe!
It is also possibly the most epic – with its enormous volume of water that rushes over a massive, 100-meter-wide drop at almost 200 meters/second. You can hear the thunder of the water, feel the tremble of the ground beneath your feet and see the spray in the air well before you even reach the waterfall. Dettifoss is accessible from both sides, and each makes for a different viewing experience.
During our time in Mývatn, our guides will run a post-processing Masterclass. Whether you are brand new to editing or have extensive experience, you are sure to learn new techniques for your workflow to help you return home with great images of Iceland.
We will revisit post-processing throughout the workshop, introducing advanced techniques, different software options, and demonstrating different editing styles.
TIP: Mývatn Lake translates to Midge Lake, named after the annoying insects that swarm the area in summer. You may want to pack a mosquito (head) net or repellent to prepare for your time here!
Accommodations: Mývatn
Day 6: Puffins of the East
Today you are in for a treat – and plenty of belly laughs!
In the afternoon, we will travel on a long, gravel road over a mountain pass to reach Borgarfjörður Eystri – the northernmost bay in the East Fjords. One of the largest colonies of Atlantic Puffins in Iceland is located on the edge of the bay – home to an estimated 10,000 pairs!
It is one of the best places to see them, as there is a bird-watching shelter and wooden platforms that allow you to get as close as 2 meters away from them without the risk of stepping into their burrows, falling over the cliff edge, or getting up in their face… or is it beak?
Puffins are the star attraction when photographing wildlife in Iceland over the summer months.
They spend most of their lives out at sea, returning to their colony in summer to find their life-long mate and raise their young together. (Fun Fact: Baby Puffins are called Pufflings!)
These comical birds are often called the ‘Clowns of the Sea’ because of their technicolor facial markings and awkward, clumsy antics. They are incredibly entertaining to watch and amazing to photograph due to their expressive eyes and striking colors.
Whether a wildlife and bird photography enthusiast or not, we have yet to meet a photographer who does not love these sea birds. They will be sure to capture your hearts and lenses too!
Accommodations: Egilsstaðir
Days 7 - 9: The magical landscapes of southeast Iceland
Today we’ll travel through the East Fjords into southeast Iceland where we will stay for three nights.
This area of Iceland is almost indescribable – but if we were to pick just one word, we would choose: Magical.
Incredible glacial tongues stretching down from the ice caps towards the sea, picturesque lagoons, majestic mountain ranges, waterfalls, and one-of-a-kind coastlines are just some of the sites we will explore during our time here. While beautiful at any time of the year, these vistas transform under the golden light of the Midnight Sun!
One of the highlights will be Jökulsárlón. Icebergs of all shapes and sizes break off from the nearby glacial tongue and slowly drift through this beautiful lagoon towards the ocean. It is a magical experience to see them float by in their palettes of turquoise, frosted white, deep blue, and even black.
Diamond Beach is undoubtedly one of Iceland’s most surreal and extraordinary places.
It is the final resting place for the giant icebergs in Jökulsárlón. They float through a narrow channel in the lagoon towards the ocean, where they get pounded by the rough waves of the Atlantic and smashed into smaller chunks of ice. These ice chunks then wash up onto the black volcanic sand where they lay, glistening like diamonds. The memories of watching the ice glow in the golden light will last a lifetime!
Every day, the beach transforms with the elements and lighting and can look completely different, so we will return to shoot here a few times during our stay.
Another remarkable site to explore in the southeast is Vestrahorn, the iconic mountain that sits alone on the shore of the wild Atlantic Ocean. Wind and waves have battered this mountain over eons, creating jagged peaks and rugged formations from the dark lava rock.
The weather around it is dynamic – it is common to witness clear skies, fog, and clouds within the same hour. The scenery constantly shifts as the light changes – making this site a photographer’s dream!
This famous landmark is even more spectacular in Summer, surrounded by wildflowers, shallow pools providing reflections, and undulating black dunes.
There is a reason why visiting southeast Iceland is often the favorite part of the trip for many people.
After our three days of exploring the area and the many composition options, we think you might agree!
Accommodations: Vatnajökull National Park
Days 10 - 11: The iconic South Coast
We will continue along the Ring Road to the charming coastal village of Vik – our base for the next two nights as we explore the South Coast. We will capture many of the following iconic landscapes that Iceland is known for during our time here.
Atop the hill that overlooks the village is Víkurkirkja – a picture-perfect white church. The surrounding area is covered in vibrant blooms of purple lupine during the summer months, making this quaint church even more picturesque.
From the promontory of Dyrhólaey, we will photograph the massive sea arch and historic lighthouse. From here, we will also capture remarkable panoramic views of the Vik coastline, with the black sand beach stretching into the horizon.
Reynisfjara is an infamous beach, well-known for its dangerous ‘sneaker’ waves. It’s also a photographer’s dream, with its imposing basalt columns, dramatic black volcanic sand, and impressive sea stacks.
The sea stacks are one of our favorite subjects to photograph. Legend says that two trolls were pulling their ship into the shore when daylight broke, turning them into these impressive stone towers!
You can experiment and practice your seascapes here – capturing the receding waves as a foreground subject using long shutter speeds or freezing the moment as massive waves crash violently into them.
Skógafoss is one of Iceland’s most recognizable waterfalls – and it is so mighty you will feel the mist before you reach it. Here the water roars over a moss-covered, tall cliff, crashing 60 meters below into a shallow stream. If it is a sunny day, we will capture a rainbow in the spray!
We couldn’t think of a better place to visit during Golden Hour than Seljalandsfoss – a unique waterfall with a path that takes you behind the veil of water! Capturing this waterfall from behind the cascade is a challenging but unforgettable experience – especially when the water lights up under the glow of the setting Midnight Sun.
There is a scientific theory that waterfalls make people happier and boost energy. If this is true, we will be overflowing with positive vibes by the time we leave Vik!
Accommodations: Vik
Days 12 - 13: Exploring the Golden Circle
On Day 12, we will return to Skogafoss during the day to make sure we can capture rainbows in the spray. We will then detour from the Ring Road and drive inland to The Golden Circle.
After some well-earned rest, we will meet for our last post-processing masterclass in the afternoon. Our Guides will be happy to make themselves available for feedback or 1:1 help if you need assistance finessing your images.
It will be our last Midnight Sun shoot together, and we will spend it exploring the Golden Circle – the route known for three natural attractions.
The first is Haukadalur, a geothermal area shaped by the forces of earth and fire, with bubbling mud pits, hot springs, and steaming fumaroles. We’ll capture the extraordinary activity of Strokkur – a geyser that spouts jets of scalding water over 20 meters into the air every 4-10 minutes. It’s a blast to shoot using super-high shutter speeds to freeze the motion as the bubble of water explodes from the ground!
The second is Þingvellir National Park, where we can walk along the Almannagjá gorge – the rift valley between the European and North American tectonic plates where Iceland is literally being pulled apart. Flowing into this valley is the stunning Öxarárfoss waterfall.
The last is Gullfoss, the Golden Waterfall. Here the water cascades over two tiers before dropping dramatically into a narrow, deep canyon. It is fitting to spend our Golden Hour exploring the viewpoints above the falls, where it can appear as if the waters are disappearing into the earth!
Sadly, Day 13 will be our last shooting day. We will use it to visit any spots we didn’t get to the night before or return to our favorites.
We will then make our way back to Reykjavik, arriving in the city early in the evening.
After settling into your hotel, we will meet for our Farewell Dinner, sharing one last meal together to talk about our epic adventure, share stories, and compare our favorite parts.
Accommodations: Golden Circle and Reykjavik
Day 14: Departure
After breakfast, you will make your way to the airport to fly home, with memories to last a lifetime, new friends, and memory cards full of amazing images of Iceland under the Midnight Sun.
Important Workshop Information
Most shooting locations are easily accessible via a short hike. However, sometimes this may be across rough, uneven, icy or muddy terrain that includes elevation changes. Our Guides will let you know if a photography destination involves a long hike, steep incline or particularly challenging terrain, and provide alternative shooting locations or other options if you don’t feel comfortable.
Participants should also be able to carry their own camera gear while hiking.
Sometimes we may remain in a location shooting for a few hours. Participants should be comfortable outdoors for extended periods of time in various weather conditions such as wind, rain, sun and extremes of temperature. Wherever possible, our Guides will keep the vehicle available nearby so participants can rest and take a break.
All participants should be in good physical shape with no mobility issues. If you have any concerns about your suitability, then reach out to us and we will be happy to discuss the particular location details of the workshop with you.
You must advise Viking International Phototours in advance and in writing of any illness, injury, or pre-existing medical conditions that might reasonably be expected to affect your participation during the workshop.
Accommodation options on our photography workshops may include:
• Double Occupancy where you will share a room with your traveling companion;
• Double Occupancy where you are paired with another workshop participant of the same gender; and/or
• Single Occupancy in your own room.
Your accommodation selection is made when you book the workshop.
During this workshop, we will be staying in clean, comfortable accommodations that include hotels, guesthouses, and apartments.
Please note that if you select Single Occupancy, this may include your own bedroom within a multi-room apartment or Guesthouse (shared bathroom/kitchenette).
Solo Participants wanting Double Occupancy
Solo participants are welcome to select the Double Occupancy rate at the time of booking. If Viking International Phototours is unable to pair you with a roommate of the same gender from the workshop group, we will notify you ahead of the workshop and request you to pay the supplementary cost for a Single Occupancy room.
Single Room Availability
On some photography workshops, Single Occupancy rooms may be limited. If this is the case, single rooms will be assigned on a first-booked, first-served basis. If you booked a photography workshop at the Single Occupancy rate and we are unable to provide you with a single room, we will notify you ahead of the workshop, place you into a Double Occupancy room paired with a workshop participant of the same gender, and refund you the difference.
We cannot guarantee that we will be able to visit all the locations on the itinerary.
As buses are restricted in large parts of Downtown Reykjavik, we are unable to collect individuals from their hotels.
We recommend you book a place to stay nearby – there are a number of decent hotels and guesthouses within walking distance.
We will confirm if your photography workshop will be proceeding 90 days before the start date, at which point full payment of any remaining balance will be required.
Viking International Phototours reserves the right to reschedule or cancel workshops due to low participant numbers.
We will do our best to reschedule the workshop within two years of the original date. If this happens, we will offer you the choice between:
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- Retaining your spot on the rescheduled workshop;
- Transferring to the same workshop on a different date if there is availability; or
- Canceling your spot on the rescheduled workshop: No refund – your funds will be held as credit which can be transferred or used towards our other photography workshops, self-drive packages, or tours for up to 2 years from the date of cancellation.
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- Applying your funds towards a different workshop, tour or self-drive experience; or
- Receiving a full refund minus a $300 USD fee and any non-refundable fees paid to third parties.
We also recommend you do not book travel or make any trip-related purchases before the workshop has been confirmed.
If this happens, participants are responsible for arranging their own transport to catch up with the group – which can be a very costly expense. In addition, no refunds will be made for any time missed on a workshop due to the late arrival by the participant.
For this reason, we highly recommend you arrive the day before your workshop is scheduled to start at the latest.
At the very least, you will be more refreshed and relaxed for the start of your adventure.
You need to advise us in writing via email as soon as possible if you need to cancel your workshop. Your cancelation is not official until you have received a return email confirmation acknowledging your cancelation.
If you cancel and we can fill your spot on the workshop, you will receive a full refund minus a $300 USD fee.
If you cancel and the workshop does not fill, cancelation requests and refunds will be processed according to the following:
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- More than 90 days from the start date of the workshop: Full refund minus $300 USD fee*
- Less than 90 days: No refund – your funds will be held as a credit which can be transferred or used towards our other self-drive packages, tours, or photography workshops for up to 2 years from the date of cancelation*.
*Please note that some of our workshops with partner companies/third parties may have non-refundable deposits, which will not be refunded or credited to you.
In order to capture this light, we will be aiming to reverse our sleep cycles – shooting from late in the afternoon until late morning and sleeping during the day where possible.
Please note that you are solely responsible for your equipment, and are expected to adhere to all rules and regulations as specified by the Icelandic Transport Authority.
Viking International Phototours and our Photo Guides will not be liable for any injury or damage caused to equipment, environment or people caused by you operating your drone during our workshop.
Please also note that the wind and weather in Iceland can be sudden and hazardous, so use your judgment and be mindful of conditions.
Please note that this will be at the discretion of Viking International Phototours – contact us for information.
Your companion would need to understand that this is a photography workshop and not a typical ‘tourist’ tour – long hours will be spent photographing locations outdoors rather than visiting attractions.
If you are interested in this workshop but would prefer a private experience or to attend with your own group of people, we can arrange that for you – contact us to discuss.
Please refer to the Terms and Conditions.
Booking with Viking International Phototours indicates acceptance of the Booking Terms and Conditions as outlined.
If you have any questions about this workshop, please get in touch with us at info@vip-llc.com.
