Ultimate Iceland Winter Photo Workshop
During winter, Iceland transforms into a wonderland of breathtaking scenery draped in a blanket of snow and ice.
Join us on this comprehensive 14-day photography adventure as we travel around the Ring Road of Iceland.
You will learn new composition techniques and improve your photography skills as you capture the iconic locations that Iceland is most known for. 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.
The days will be spent capturing epic winter vistas – magnificent frozen waterfalls, snow-capped mountains, and dramatic volcanic beaches. It is the only time of year when you can visit the incredibly beautiful, frozen underworld of the ice caves hidden within Europe’s largest glacier. For many photographers, this is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
At night, we will experience the chase of a lifetime for the spectacular Northern Lights!
Aimed at photographers of all skill levels, you’ll be sure to come away from this adventure with new composition techniques, improved photography skills, wonderful memories, and a diverse portfolio of images of Iceland in one of its most beautiful seasons.
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-llc.com for information and rates.
Dates
3 - 16 February, 2024
19 February - 3 March, 2024 (SOLD OUT)
3 - 16 March, 2024
Group Size
Maximum of 14 participants
Price (USD)
$6,990 (Double Occupancy)
$7,990 (Single Occupancy)
Workshop Highlights
- Improving your Landscape, Seascape, Golden Hour, Drone and Northern Lights photography skills
- Capturing the unforgettable, iconic sites of Iceland as we travel around the Ring Rd. Kirkjufell, Diamond Beach, Black church of Búðir, Vestrahorn, waterfalls, Jökulsárlón, and many more!
- 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
- Receiving support and mentoring for both in-field and post-processing techniques customized to meet individual goals
- 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
- Exploring ice caves hidden within Europe’s largest glacier
- Going on the chase of a lifetime for the Northern Lights
- Learning new photography skills and composition techniques to transform your photos into compelling, creative, and engaging images
- For those bringing drones – assistance with mastering aerial compositions, and if you’re a novice, then also help with setup and lots of tips on how to use this new tool
- Learning how to bring your images to life through post-processing (beginner through to advanced techniques such as exposure blending)
- A small workshop so your experience is truly personal, and you get to know your guides 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
- Welcome and Farewell Dinners on Days 1 and 13
- Breakfasts at hotels
- Entry to a natural Ice Cave in one of the Vatnajökull outlet glaciers with a certified glacier guide, with all necessary safety gear
- Post-processing and digital workflow masterclass/es with Photo Guides
- Complimentary use of crampons and rubber boots for the Diamond Beach
- Access to exclusive discounts on gear from our partners
- Lots of fun, bragging rights, and amazing memories!
Excluded
- Travel to and from the workshop’s designated pick-up/drop-off points in Reykjavik
- Food and beverages (other than breakfasts, Welcome and Farewell dinners)
- 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
This workshop is provided through a partnership with Iceland Photo Tours and will be co-guided by our own award-winning photographer, Sigurdur “Siggi” Brynjarsson.
Please contact us at info@vip-llc.com for information on availability and booking.
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.
On a typical day, you can expect long hours. As this workshop focuses on landscape photography, to take advantage of the best light you will be up early to capture the sunrise and out past sunset. Daylight hours will be spent shooting and/or traveling to the next destination. If the weather isn’t ideal, we will use the time for post-processing.
Our Photo Guides will monitor weather forecasts, road conditions, northern lights, 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.
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
You’ll make your way to the capital city of Reykjavik and get settled into your hotel. In the evening, we will meet for a welcome dinner at a nearby restaurant to get to know each other and discuss the adventure ahead!
You can use your free time before dinner to explore this vibrant capital and its abundance of photo opportunities.
Be sure to stroll along the harbor to visit the Sun Voyager statue.
Continue along to the Harpa Concert Hall – a visual wonder inside and out.
Explore the local stores along Laugavegur to shop for your own lopapeysa (traditional Icelandic sweater), buy some last-minute snacks for the road, and to enjoy a favorite local pastime – eating ice cream even in winter!
For incredible panoramic views over the colorful city, visit the observation deck of the iconic Hallgrímskirkja church.
Accommodations: Reykjavik
Days 2 - 3: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
We will be picked up early in the morning. For the next 2 weeks, we will be traveling clockwise around the Ring Road, branching off to visit spectacular sites and incredible landscapes.
The perfect start to our journey will be exploring the Snæfellsnes Peninsula – an area fondly known as ‘Iceland in Miniature.’
We will visit many places here, including the quaint fishing village of Arnarstapi, with its picturesque harbor and black lava coastline scattered with arches and columnar basalt rock formations.
At Lóndrangar, we will photograph the remains of a crater that eroded into a magnificent pair of rock pinnacles towering 60 meters above the waves.
At Djúpalónssandur, we will capture unique seascapes – a beach covered in black pearl-like pebbles, surrounded by strange rock formations.
For those bringing along drones, there will be an opportunity to capture the legendary Viking Sword Road at the north of the peninsula and the beautifully formed, circular Eldborg crater.
A highlight of our time on the peninsula will be our first sunset at Mount Kirkjufell – 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. Should the Northern Lights appear, our expert guides will be on hand to help capture images of the aurora dancing over the mountain.
Another will be a golden hour at the Black Church of Búðir. This picture-perfect building sits alone on an expansive lava field. It is framed by the incredible backdrop of the snow-capped Snæfellsjökull glacier on one side and the sea on the other. This church can be particularly stunning during winter, contrasting dramatically with the snow.
From stunning waterfalls to volcanic craters, majestic mountains, and volcanic coastlines, this region will provide a taste of what is to come as our adventure continues!
Accommodations: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Days 4 - 5: Exploring the North
Today we will say goodbye to Snæfellsnes Peninsula and continue east along the Ring Road to North Iceland.
We will spend the day exploring the wild, vastly uninhabited Vatnsnes Peninsula.
This area of Iceland is well-known for being one of the best places for spotting seals! It is also remote enough for the elusive arctic fox, and is populated by many horse and sheep farms – so you will have many opportunities to practice capturing the animals of Iceland. You’ll particularly fall in love with photographing the Icelandic horses in their fluffy winter coats!
The highlight of the peninsula will be the bizarre 15-meter-high rock formation, Hvitserkur. According to folklore, this monolith is a petrified troll who got caught when the sun rose, turning to stone. Standing in the shallow water just off the shore, it is said to resemble an elephant, a drinking dragon, and a dinosaur! No matter which one you think it is, this natural sculpture makes a great photographic subject. There are many options to utilize the surrounding landscape for creative compositions – long exposure moody seascapes, driftwood pieces for foregrounds, rippled sands at low tide, and starbursts as the sun sets.
After shooting through the golden hour here, we will retire to our nearby accommodation for the night.
After an early breakfast on Day 5, we will make our way to our sunrise shoot at Goðafoss, the ‘Fall of the Gods’.
Goðafoss was named due to its role in the conversion of the Vikings to Christianity in 1000 AD when the idols of the Old Norse 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! At this time of year, it is likely to be covered in a blanket of snow and ice, making it even more magical.
We will then continue on our journey toward the Lake Mývatn area.
Accommodations: Vatnsnes Peninsula
Days 5 - 7: Lake Mývatn
For the next three days, our base will be the lake region of Mývatn– a part of Iceland formed through volcanic activity.
As we explore the region, you will witness the forces of earth and fire actively shaping the landscape!
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another planet when we visit the fascinating geothermal area of Námaskarð. You will be overwhelmed with the screaming steam vents, hissing fumaroles, and bubbling, sulfuric mud pools. Even in the snow, the minerals emerge from the hot springs, staining 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!
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! This includes Víti Crater, with its stunning lake filled with teal-green water. Also, the Hverfjall tuff ring volcano’s explosion crater, which stretches a massive 1km wide!
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!
We will travel by super-jeep to Aldeyjarfoss – a secluded waterfall on the northern outskirts of The Highlands. This area is generally difficult to access – especially in winter without a vehicle specially built for the icy terrain. It is well worth the effort, though, as Aldeyjarfoss is perhaps Iceland’s most beautiful waterfall. Its turquoise waters plunge 20 meters from a narrow canyon into a turbulent, icy basin framed by hexagonal basalt columns – simply breathtaking!
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.
As always, your guides will be watching the aurora forecasts closely. Plenty of places in the Lake Mývatn area make great composition options should the Northern Lights appear.
Accommodations: Mývatn
Day 8: East Iceland
We are halfway through our adventure, so today will be a more leisurely day for us as we make our way south to the realm of the Vatnajökull Glacier.
We will travel over a mountain pass into the Eastfjords, journeying through spectacular, narrow fjords surrounded by steep cliffs. We will stop at several interesting, lesser-known waterfalls along the way.
This region is known for herds of wild reindeer, so we will be on the lookout!
We will stop for the night in Djúpivogur.
Surrounded by mountains, this quaint fishing village has a tranquil harbor often filled with colorful boats. On a calm day, the reflections of the surrounding mountains make a beautiful subject to photograph.
While we are here, 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 and software options, and demonstrating different editing styles.
Accommodations: Djúpivogur
Days 9 - 10: Vatnajökull National Park
Today we’ll travel to southeast Iceland, where we will stay for three days.
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.
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 onto the black volcanic sand where they lay, glistening like diamonds. The memories of watching the ice glow in the golden light of sunrise 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!
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, you might agree!
Accommodations: Vatnajökull National Park
Day 11: Ice Caves
We will rise early for what will be one of the most memorable and surreal parts of our adventure – traveling on a super-jeep to Europe’s largest glacier to explore the frozen underworld of the ice caves hidden within!
You’ll be amazed by their intense colors, remarkable structures, and the textures in their glistening walls. As they are constantly changing, we will be able to capture some truly unique images.
Accommodations: Vatnajökull National Park
Days 12 - 13: The iconic South Coast
Today we will rise early and continue along the Ring Road to the charming coastal village of Vik – our base for the next two days as we explore the South Coast. We will capture many of the iconic landscapes that Iceland is known for during our time here.
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 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.
On Day 13, we will slowly head back towards Reykjavik, exploring gems along the way like Skógafoss – one of Iceland’s most recognizable waterfalls. It is so mighty you will feel the mist before you reach it. Here the water roars over a tall cliff, crashing 60 meters below into a shallow stream. On 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. Snow and glittering icicles will add an extra touch of wonder.
Once we reach Reykjavik, we will share one last dinner together. It will be a special night where we fondly reminisce about our adventure, sharing stories and talking about our favorite places.
Accommodations: Vik & 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, new skills, and memory cards full of amazing images of Iceland as a winter wonderland.
We will not say goodbye but “see you later” because we will likely cross paths again.
Important Workshop Information
Our workshop’s itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of our Photo Guides depending on factors including but not limited to weather, road conditions, transportation delays, and other factors beyond our control. We will check the weather forecasts and road conditions and plan our day to optimize shooting conditions.
We cannot guarantee that we will be able to visit all the locations on the itinerary.
One of the major goals of this workshop is hunting and photographing the Northern Lights.
While the Northern Lights season typically runs from September to March, to view them there needs to be sufficient solar activity and clear skies.
As such, while we cannot guarantee that you will catch the lights, our Guides will check daily for Northern Lights activity and weather forecast and plan the day based on these predictions.
A mild to moderate level of fitness is required for this workshop.
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 via email of any illness, injury, or pre-existing medical conditions that might reasonably be expected to affect your participation during the workshop.
Iceland is stunning from the ground, and just as amazing with a birds-eye-view of the landscape. There are drone-friendly places, so if you own a drone, you are welcome to bring it along to the workshop.
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 judgement and be mindful of conditions.
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.
This workshop is provided through Iceland Photo Tours.
For booking terms and conditions, cancellation, and refund policies relating to this workshop please refer to their website at www.iceland-photo-tours.com.
If you have any questions about this workshop, please get in touch with us at info@vip-llc.com.
