Join me and co-guide Siggi “The Viking” for an epic 8 day Summer photo tour in the Land of Fire and Ice!

The Midnight Sun – a phenomenon that occurs in far Northern countries where sunsets merge into sunrises with very little darkness in between. Golden Hour can stretch on 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 this 7 day summer workshop to experience this phenomenon and capture the landscapes of the South Coast, Vatnajökull National Park and Highlands under the Midnight Sun.

We will visit the iconic locations of Iceland – from stunning waterfalls to majestic mountains, steaming geothermal areas, black sand beaches, epic canyons, and volcanic coastlines.

Aimed at photographers of all skill level – beginner, amateur or a professional – you’ll be sure to come away from this workshop with a diverse portfolio of images of Iceland.

JUNE 18TH - 24TH 2023

WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHTS

-Improving your Landscape, Seascape, Golden Hour, and Aerial photography skills with our team of master photographers-Two days of privately guided Ice Cave photo tours

-Experiencing the diverse landscapes and iconic sights of Iceland under the midnight sun

-The magnificent, powerful waterfalls of the south coast

-Learning new skills and advanced photography techniques to make the most of lighting and locations such as bracketing, focus stacking, and long exposures

-Receiving support and mentoring for both in-field and post-processing techniques customized to meet individual goals

-Visiting the unforgettable Diamond Beach

-Capturing the delightful Atlantic Puffins

-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

-Understanding how to create stunning panoramas – from shooting the images in-field to the post-processing workflow

-Learning composition techniques to transform your photos into compelling, creative, and engaging images

-Potential Volcano photography (conditions dependent)

TOUR INFO

-7 Days, 6 Nights of Exploration & Photography Instruction

-Full Accommodations in clean hotels & Transportation included

-Maximum group of 12, with 2 guides for more personal Instruction

FULL ITINERARY

DAY ONE - FRIDAY (07-29-22)

INTRODUCING ICELAND

We will set off early from Reykjavik, starting our adventure by heading to the South East of Iceland.
We will travel along the foothills of the Vatnajökull glacier, past majestic mountain ranges and incredible glacial tongues that stretch down from the ice cap towards the sea.
As this is our longest driving day of the workshop, we will stop at several places along the way to stretch our legs and capture the incredible vistas. This includes the puffin colony in Dyrholaey, where you will get your first chance at photographing these delightful sea birds.

We will also visit Svínafellsjökull, an immense glacier tongue with tendrils reaching down from the ice cap towards the sea. You can walk close enough to the ice ridges to hear the sounds of the glacier – creaks, fractures, and deep cracking. From here, you’ll capture the fascinating textures made from deposits of black ash and rubble dispersed among the deep blue ice – the scars left by previous volcanic eruptions.
Our final destination will be Vatnajökull National Park – our base for the next few days.
After some rest time and a late dinner, we will head out for our first Midnight Sun shoot at one of Iceland‘s most iconic landmarks: Jökulsárlón.
Icebergs of all shapes and sizes break off from the nearby glacial tongue and slowly drift towards the sea at this beautiful lagoon. It is a magical experience to see them float by in their palettes of turquoise, frosted white, deep blue, and even black. We will stay here to capture the sun setting over the lagoon.
**Accommodations: Vatnajökull National Park**

DAY TWO - SATURDAY (07-30-22)

ICONIC MOUNTAINS

Today we will continue along the Ring Road to Vestrahorn, the iconic mountain that sits alone on the shore of the wild Atlantic Ocean. Located on the next headland is Eystrahorn – an incredibly steep mountain that has been battered over eons by wind and waves, creating jagged peaks and rugged formations from the dark lava rock.The weather around these mountains 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 these mountains a photographer’s dream!
These famous landmarks are even more spectacular under the golden light of the Midnight Sun, surrounded by wildflowers, shallow pools providing reflections, and undulating black dunes.
We will spend the afternoon exploring the many composition options, staying to photograph the jagged peaks against the backdrop of a Midnight Sun sunset.

DAY THREE - SUNDAY (07-31-22)

ICE & DIAMONDS

In the afternoon, your guides will run post-processing training. 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 then explore Fjallsárlón – a glacier lagoon surrounded by a landscape that will blow you away, and an ideal place to capture panoramas!
Looming above the lagoon is the volcano Öræfajökull – the largest active volcano in Iceland. Its peaks are so high it remains covered with ice in the middle of summer! The glacier Fjallsjökull winds down the steep mountainside, stretching into the lagoon. On calm days, this is an excellent destination to capture serene reflection shots.
We will also return to Jökulsárlón to capture the beautiful vistas under different lighting conditions.
Our day will finish at one of the most extraordinary locations in Iceland, Diamond Beach – the final resting place for the icebergs that we just saw floating in Jökulsárlón. The icebergs are pounded by waves and smashed into smaller chunks of ice that then wash up onto the black volcanic sand where they lay, glistening like diamonds.
We will have plenty of time to photograph this spectacular beach – the memories of watching the ice glow in the golden light will last a lifetime.
**Accommodations: Vatnajökull National Park**

DAY FOUR - MONDAY (08-01-22)

THE SOUTH COAST

Diamond Beach is undoubtedly one of the most surreal places in Iceland – it is commonly one of the highlights of our workshops. Every day, under different conditions, the beach is transformed. We will return to shoot here again to ensure portfolios are varied and practice our long exposure skills.
We will then travel back along the south coast to Vík – our base for the next few days.
We will stop at Víkurkirkja – a picture-perfect white church that sits atop a hill overlooking the village of Vik. The surrounding area is covered in vibrant blooms of purple lupine during the summer months, making this quaint church even more picturesque.
We will then visit the promontory of Dyrhólaey with its massive arch and historic lighthouse. From here, you can also capture remarkable panoramic views of the Vik coastline, with the black sand beach stretching into the horizon.
Not only are the views here spectacular, but close by is home to a colony of adorable Atlantic Puffins. 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. They will be sure to capture your hearts and lenses.
After dinner, we will head out to Reynisfjara for another Midnight Sun shoot – an infamous beach with imposing basalt columns, dramatic black volcanic sand, and impressive sea stacks. Legend says that two trolls were pulling their ship into the shore when daylight broke, turning them into these impressive stone towers.
We will stay out shooting for as long as we can last to capture their silhouettes through the golden hour as the sun sets behind them on the horizon.
**Accommodations: Vik**

DAY FIVE - TUESDAY (08-02-22)

CHASING WATERFALLS

There is a scientific theory that waterfalls make people happier and boost energy.
If this is true, prepare for a day overflowing with positive vibes as we visit three spectacular waterfalls!
We will start our day at Skógafoss – one of Iceland’s most recognizable waterfalls and one 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 be able to capture a rainbow in the spray!
Next, we will visit Kvernufoss – a lesser-known waterfall but one of our favorites!
After a short hike through a narrow, winding gorge, we will arrive at this (literally) hidden gem – a magical fall cascading from a height of 30 meters into a stream below. There are endless composition options here – and the best part is that we can take our time here without many other people around.
We couldn’t think of a better place to spend sunset than Seljalandsfoss – with its narrow stream of pure glacier water that cascades over a cliff 60 meters below. This waterfall is unique in that it has 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!
**Accommodations: Vik**

DAY SIX - WEDNESDAY (08-03-22)

HIGHLAND COLORS

We are heading off the beaten path and into the rugged Central Highlands!
Amongst the desolate, rugged deserts and volcanic mountain ranges of the Highlands are areas of exquisite diversity and beauty – many of which rarely see visitors. We will spend our day exploring some of these unique sites – including jewel-colored crater lakes, braided rivers, and volcanic mountains that rise like pyramids out of nowhere.
Drone enthusiasts will need fully-charged batteries – some of these places are even more incredible with a birds-eye-view of the landscape!
We will finish our day in the valley of Landmannalaugar.
The landscape here is incredible – a vast, volcanic oasis of rhyolite mountains dispersed with rising vents of white steam and natural blue pools. The hills are shaded in colors of yellow, brown, green, blue, and pink – and they continually transform as the light changes throughout the day!
This extraordinary site is a photographer’s dream, and exploring it will be an experience you will never forget.
**Accommodations: Highlands**

DAY SEVEN - THURSDAY (08-04-22)

HIGHLANDS

Sadly, today will be our final day of shooting.

We will set off early to Háifoss – one of Iceland’s most spectacular waterfalls. Translating to ‘High Falls,’ the waters here plunge 122 meters into a deep gorge in the beautiful Þjórsárdalur valley, resulting in breathtaking panoramic views.

Next, we will visit Sigöldugljúfur – a hidden gem known as the Valley of Tears due to its many waterfalls. This remarkable canyon is truly an oasis in the middle of the volcanic landscapes of the central Highlands, characterized by turquoise water, lush vegetation, and canyon walls covered in moss.

We will finish our workshop in the Golden Circle, where we can witness the results of the incredible volcanic forces that continue to shape Iceland.
You will see the rift between the European and North American tectonic plates where Iceland is literally being pulled apart.
We will stop to capture the extraordinary activity of Strokkur – a geyser that spouts jets of scalding water over 20 meters into the air every 4-10 minutes. A blast to shoot at high shutter speeds!
We will then visit our last waterfall – the powerful Gullfoss whose waters plummet spectacularly into a deep crevice.
Finally, we will make our way back to Reykjavik for the final drop-off, arriving in the city late in the afternoon.
**Accommodations: Reykjavik Area**

DAY EIGHT - FRIDAY (08-05-22)

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.

Price for the workshop is $4390 USD For Double Occupancy (shared room)

You'll have two options to sign up for the photo tour. First option is the deposit to secure your spot, with balance due 90 days before workshop. Second option is to pay full amount upfront. Pricing is based on double occupancy. Single occupancy is available for $5190. Please email about this request and we will provide more info. Upon signing up you will be emailed a list of all details for locations and a checklist of what to bring to be fully prepared for the workshop.

What's included: -

-Two Professional Photo guides

-Personalized Instruction - In field, and in classroom

-Transportation in a safe and comfortable vehicle

-7 nights in clean hotels and guesthouses with private bathrooms

-All Breakfasts

-Welcome and Farewell dinner

What's not included: Any equipment - Including camera, tripods, remote shutters, computers/software.

-Snacks, lunch, and dinners (other than above mentioned).

- Alcoholic beverages and other drinks

-Flight to and from Iceland

-Visas (if needed)

-Travel Insurance

-Medical Expenses

-Transportation to and from Airport

Iceland SUmmer Workshop

Midnight Sun