12 Day Midnight Sun Photography Workshop around Iceland

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Description

Summary

Tour starts

Reykjavík, Iceland

Duration:

12 days

Ending place

Reykjavík, Iceland

Difficulty:

Easy

Available:

May - July

Minimum age:

18 years old

Description

Embark on this 12-day photography tour and travel the Ring Road of Iceland, capturing the most amazing natural wonders with your camera. This expedition is perfect for those who want to see a lot of what Iceland has to offer while honing their photography skills.

During this photo workshop around Iceland, you will chase the light across beautiful and epic locations in the company of a group of other enthusiastic photographers. Your award-winning photoguides will share their experience and technique with you at every turn to take your photography skills to a higher level.

During summertime from mid-May through July, the days get longer in Iceland. You will be mesmerised by the “Midnight Sun,” a natural phenomenon where the sunlight remains visible throughout the night creating a golden glow. Be prepared to start early and stay out late hunting and photographing otherworldly scenes in the arctic light.

During this tour, your main focus is on landscape photography but since Iceland is a colony for the smart and beautiful Atlantic puffin, you will also be looking out for this gorgeous seabird that nests in cliffs and little islands around Iceland this time of year.

You will experience Iceland’s surreal beauty with its countless majestic and iconic waterfalls, world-famous glacier lagoons, black sand beaches with impressive cliffs and basalt formations, sea stacks and bird colonies, the largest glacier in Europe, mountain peaks, big lava fields, moon-like steamy craters, active volcanoes, and more.

As well as travelling around the island on Iceland's famous Route 1 Ring Road, you will have the chance to explore the Snæfellsnes peninsula in the western part of the country. This region is well-known for its large amount of natural features decorating its modest 90-kilometre coastline.

This photography workshop is suitable for beginners and experts alike; perfect for those wishing to delve into the world of landscape photography or those looking to progress their skills to a near professional level.

Immerse yourself in the stunning splendour of Iceland and look forward to this 12-day photography retreat in Iceland. Check availability by choosing a date.

Included

Professional Photo Guide

Transportation in a comfortable vehicle

Accommodation in hotels and guesthouses. Rooms with private bathrooms.

All Breakfasts; Group Dinner on day 1 and day 11.

Activities

Photo Tours

Photo Workshop

Daily itinerary

Day 1

The iconic Hallgrímskirkja church in the city of Reykjavík bathed in the summer sun.

Day 1 - Arrival

You will arrive at Keflavík International Airport and make your way to your hotel in Reykjavík. In the evening you'll head to the lobby of your hotel where you will meet the rest of the group as well as your guides. As a group, you'll head out for dinner at a downtown restaurant to get to know each other and familiarise yourselves with the itinerary before turning in for the evening to your accommodation in Reykjavík.

Day 2

The jagged coastline of the Snæfellsnes peninsula under the Midnight Sun.

Day 2 - Charming Fishing Villages of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Your day begins by boarding your comfortable transportation in Reykjavík and travelling towards the fascinating Snæfellsnes Peninsula in West Iceland. You will spend two days in this awe-inspiring area surfing between the southern and northern part of the peninsula. We will be photographing craggy rock formations and columnar basalt on the coast of Arnarstapi, a fishing village where ocean waves create a great interplay with light both day and night. You will be amazed by the huge lava field and windswept area at the picturesque Búðir hamlet where the glazed icecap of Snæfellsjokull Glacier makes a great backdrop for a scene with a little black church in the foreground. There are so many natural wonders and extraordinary vistas to be found throughout Snæfellsnes that it’s sometimes referred to as “Iceland in Miniature”. Your accommodation for the evening will be on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Day 3

The majestic Kirkjufell mountain is one of Snæfellsnes peninsula's most iconic landmarks.

Day 3 - Majestic Natural Features of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Today you will continue your amazing exploration of Snæfellsnes discovering and photographing the outstanding beauty of the coastline which is dotted with small villages just a short distance from each other among lush fjords and steep mountains. You will travel to visit the sight, Lóndrangar, the name for two ancient volcanic basalt plugs that rise out of the ocean along the shorefront. Their unusual shape provides a popular habitat for nesting birds of all kinds and their distinctive beauty makes excellent photo opportunities. Since days are long and nights are bright we will have many opportunities to shoot the famous mountain, Kirkjufell on the northern side of Snæfellsnes. Mt. Kirkjufell is considered to be one of Iceland´'s most beautiful mountains with its special cone-like shape and steep hills. The appearance of this photographer's favourite changes with the angle you observe it from, providing countless opportunities to get that perfect picture to add to your portfolio. Once again, you will spend your evening resting up in accommodation on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Day 4

The dramatic rock stack, Hvítserkur, can be found in North Iceland.

Day 4 - Hvitserkur Rock Stack

Today we will head toward North Iceland to the wild and remote Vatnsnes Peninsula. The Vatnsnes peninsula is known for its vast and mostly uninhabited terrain with its intermingling of craggy hills and green grazing land where horses can be seen. On the eastern side of the peninsula, you can get a great view out to the peaks of the coastal region of Strandir in the Westfjords. The peninsula is also known for its flocks of geese and as a seal breeding ground. It is actually one of the best places in Iceland to see seals in their natural habitat and since they are quite curious you can get pretty close. The real focus for the day will be the dinosaur-like rock formation, Hvítserkur, a 15-metre high cliff rising from the sea. Icelandic legend has it that the rock was a troll who forgot to retreat from the light of the rising sun and was turned to stone, a sure fate for all trolls that make this mistake. From some angles, it looks like a dragon drinking from the water while from another viewpoint it looks like a huge rugged troll. Light is a vital element of landscape photography and your expert guides will take great care of timing so that the sun will be in the best place to capture the most magical shot of this particular attraction before retiring for the night to accommodation on the Vatnsnes peninsula.

Day 5

Goðafoss waterfall is one of the most beautiful cascades in Iceland.

Day 5 - Lake Myvatn

It's time to head North towards the Lake Mývatn where your group will spend the next two days photographing the many wonderful natural features that characterise the region. The lake itself is very picturesque with incredible rock formations which you will have the opportunity to photograph. Sitting squarely on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge the Mývatn Basin is one of the most volcanically active regions on earth. It has produced an astonishing landscape unlike anywhere else in the country. This becomes very apparent at the Námskarð Pass, an otherworldly landscape of spluttering mud-pots, weird lava formations, steaming fumaroles and volcanic craters. Lake Myvatn is one of Iceland’s major breeding grounds for birds and in combination with craters and fresh lava fields this is a fantastic destination for photographers. Your accommodation for the evening will be in the Mývatn region.

Day 6

The geothermal area around Lake Mývatn can often be described as 'otherworldly'.

Day 6 - Viti Crater & Geothermal Areas

Day six and you will continue to explore the surrounding area of Myvatn travelling to Namafjall covered with a myriad of colourful hot springs and mud pools and the famous fascinating sights of the geothermal field, Hverir. There you can capture extreme contrasts and textures especially when the light is soft and golden from the midnight sun. You will have the opportunity to see Krafla, a caldera about 10-km in diameter that includes the Víti Crater with a bright green lake inside of it. Víti means hell and in former times people believed volcanoes gave way to hell. Moving on, two photographic gems await; Goðafoss Waterfall meaning the “Fall of the Gods” and the impressive Aldeyjarfoss Waterfall tumbling into a wide basin surrounded by extremely beautiful basalt column walls. Since nights are bright and the sun never fully sets, circumstances and opportunities for photographers are exceptional guaranteeing beautiful photographs of these otherworldly scenes. You will once again retire to accommodation in the Mývatn region.

Day 7

Dettifoss waterfall bathed in the summer light captured on film.

Day 7 - East Iceland

Before you head east we will visit the Jökulsárgljúfur National Park to shoot Dettifoss, Europe’s most powerful waterfall. To see it its 100-metre width and 45-metres drop is out of this world and its giant plume of spray can be seen from a kilometre away. Not only will Dettifoss give you epic and artistic photographs but it will also give you an unforgettable experience. Once you have fully captured the majesty of Dettifoss, there is a pretty long journey ahead. You will drive through the highland desert and over a mountain pass into the beautiful Eastfjords. The landscape of this area is full of contrasts, and it is strikingly beautiful with its many mountainous fjords along the eastern coast. You will experience picturesque fishing towns, hauntingly beautiful fjords, steep mountains, highland farms, clear mountain streams, bird cliffs and waterfalls, such as the Rjkandi Fall´s. You will settle down for the evening in the small picturesque fishing village of Djúpivogur known for its charming harbour and well-preserved old buildings surrounded by beautiful mountains.

Day 8

Icebergs at one of Iceland's most beautiful locations, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon.

Day 8 - Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon

From Djúpivogur your journey continues in the direction of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon where you will be spending the next two days in the incredible area of the Vatnajökull National Park with endless opportunities for your camera. The park encompasses not only all of Vatnajökull Glacier but also extensive surrounding areas from Jökulsárlón in the south up to Dettifoss and the Jökulságljúfur canyon in the north. This area of Iceland is protected because of its uniqueness and natural cultural heritage. Few other places in the world offer such a wide range of natural wonders as Vatnajökull and you will make the most of the never-ending Midnight Sun to witness many of the phenomenal glaciers and glacier outlets. At Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, you will see floating white and blue icebergs drifting along on the clear and tranquil waters. Huge blocks of ice regularly break off Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and nothing is more picture-perfect than the sight of floating icebergs adorned with the light of the rising or setting sun. Since the light is ever changing, you will spend a fair amount of time at this attraction to get the best possible photographs. Just a stone's throw away is the Diamond Beach, a stretch of shoreline where the icebergs from the lagoon wash up onto the shore. The ancient and impossibly clear chunks of ice crystals washed ashore illuminated in the Midnight Sun resemble diamonds; a sight guaranteed to take your breath away. Wildlife enthusiasts will also be happy to hear that many seals inhabit this area and it might be possible to catch them playing in the surf. After taking many excellent photos, you will retire to your accommodation close by.

Day 9

Blue and pink lupin flowers in front of the dramatic Vestrahorn mountain.

Day 9 - Vatnajokull National Park In-Depth

Not only we will be photographing icy scenes in Vatnajökull National Park but we will also have the chance to explore the impressive black dune beach at Stokksnes and the majestic peaks of Mt. Vestrahorn. The picturesque Mt. Vestrahorn on the southeast corner of Iceland is a steep 454-metre high mountain, gorgeous in appearance with dramatic summits and slopes made of gabbro rock that give you endless opportunities with your camera and photographic skills. The strong waves of the Atlantic Ocean crashing on the beach give the scenery an extra wild quality. In the southeast area of Iceland, puffins and other seabirds nest around Ingólfshöfði Cape. As the tour is flexible, your guides will always look out for the best possible opportunities to spot these critters taking into consideration both time and light. Another location that you may explore is the Skaftafell Park on the west side of the glacier lagoon. This area is a treasure trove of breathtaking peaks and glaciers, waterfalls, rivers and wild protected flora and fauna. You will spend the evening once again in the Jökulsárlón area.

Day 10

The sun above Reynisdrangar rock stacks, found just off shore to Reynisfjara black sand beach.

Day 10 - To Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

It's time to say goodbye to Vatnajökull National Park and travel along the South Coast all the way to the charming village of Vík which is surrounded by high, beautiful bird cliffs. The Icelandic South Coast holds some of the most stunning natural attractions of the island. The area boasts a unique mix of volcanoes, lava fields, glaciers, wild black beaches, epic cliffs and sea stacks along with some iconic waterfalls. Puffins can also be spotted across the dramatic coastline as well as many other seabirds. On the way to Vík, you will capture the mossy lava field of Eldhraun where the lava is up to 12-metres deep and completely overgrown with moss. This is an excellent location to immortalise this dramatic and otherworldly scenery with your camera. The black beach at Vík is a magical spot, home to the mysterious Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks. Legend has it that these were trolls out fishing too late that turned to stone when exposed to daylight. Iceland is full of magic and no words can describe how beautiful it is to photograph and enjoy these rock formations during the golden hours. Around the corner from Vík is the black beach Reynisfjara where you can view the Reynisdrangar sea stacks from a different perspective. Marvel at the mighty columnar basalt cliffs and admire the waves as they crash into the shore adding a powerful element to this already extraordinary environment. You will come to understand why Reynisfjara has been rated as the most beautiful non-tropical beach in the world. You will spend the evening in accommodation in the village of Vík.

Day 11

The popular waterfall, Skógafoss, can be found on the scenic South Coast of Iceland.

Day 11 - South Coast to Reykjavik

Today you will be heading back to Reykjavik but on the way, there are plenty of cool and interesting spots to photograph. First, you will check out the Dyrhólaey headland which offers endless photogenic views of the South Coast. Dyrhólaey is located close to the village of Vík and the view from its heights is breathtaking. From there you can see the columns of Reynisdrangar from a new interesting angle along with more epic cliffs and stacks in the ocean. You will have an exquisite view over the endless black beach stretching what seems like endlessly west. You will also see a gigantic black arch of lava reaching out to sea which gave the promontory its name. It's also possible to see puffins at this location and your guides will take some time to help you get a good shot of these charismatic little critters. You will visit and photograph two famous waterfalls; Seljalandsfoss where you can take some cool shots by walking along the recess behind the waterfall; and the majestic Skógafoss with a drop of 60-metres and width of 25-metres where you can photograph it both from the ground or from the top by climbing the adjacent staircase. You will also pass two active volcanoes one of which is Eyjafjallajökull, the glacier volcano which erupted in 2010 notoriously halting air traffic across Europe for days. The second, Hekla, is far more infamous; its devastating blasts throughout history has earned it the name "gateway to hell". As you arrive back into the city of Reykjavík, you will be taken to your accommodation for the evening where you can unwind and consolidate your Iceland experience.

Day 12

Pink skies as the sun sets on Reykjavík city.

Day 12 - Departure

After a hearty breakfast at your hotel, you will catch your airport transfer back to Keflavík International airport with many wonderful memories and even more pictures.

Good to know

- We are a local tour operator and travel agency authorised by the tourism board of Iceland.

- We offer small group tours with a maximum group size of 10-12. This way, you’ll get to know your photography guide and we can take you to shoot in unique places that aren’t suitable for larger groups.

- All our guests get a free collection of post-processing videos from our award-winning photographers worth over $1,500.

- On our tours we use comfortable vehicles to safely transport you to amazing locations.

- We are using only the best hotels available in Iceland.

- Our photo tours and workshops are guided by award-winning professional landscape photographers.

- We provide crampons and rubber boots for free to all our guests throughout the tour.

- During the tour, we give highly informative and easy-to-follow photography and post-processing lectures.

- Our photo guides will always help you in the field to make sure you will bring home stunning photos of Iceland.

Disclaimer

We highly recommend that you get a travel and medical insurance. Your own domestic medical insurance and private health scheme will not cover you whilst you are overseas.

The tour is always dependent on weather, as the Icelandic weather can indeed be highly unpredictable. Likewise, visits to ice caves are dependent on favorable conditions, and indeed the ice caves themselves are not permanent. When it comes to the Northern Lights, while they are most likely to be seen between September and April, there is no guarantee that they will appear on a given day.

Departure Schedule

22 May-2 Jun 2024 - GUIDED BY GARÐAR ÓLAFSSON

22 May-2 Jun 2025

10-21 Jul 2025

Guides

Brynjar Ágústsson

English, Icelandic

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Being out in nature with a camera and a tripod can be like a form of meditation – a soothing, peaceful experience that has the potential to lift you out of this world.

For Brynjar Ágústsson, a native Icelandic professional landscape photographer, there is simply nothing more satisfying. A former member of the Rimmugýgur Icelandic Viking Community from Hafnarfjördur, Brynjar is acquainted with even the most hidden corners of Iceland and knows every magical location like the back of his hand.

This former parachute jumper, windsurfer and mountain guide has amassed a wealth of experience from guiding countless photography tours, finding himself at his absolute best when outdoors in the wilderness with a camera in hand.

Well-versed in Lightroom and Photoshop, Brynjar’s work has been featured in many magazines, commercials and exhibitions around the world. He has a deep-rooted interest in keeping abreast with the ongoing technological and ideological advancements in photography, as well as a keen eye for composition and light.

With this Viking at the helm, you will be taken to the most epic arctic landscapes on an adventure to remember for a lifetime. Brynjar’s passion for Icelandic nature is quickly mirrored by all those who join him during every journey. Says the man himself, “In our photo tours, you are in the right place at the right time when the beauty of nature’s show begins.”

Jon

English

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Jón is a native Icelander, pro landscape and nature photographer, loves the northern lights and tries different technic capturing them - panorama, vertorama and time lapse.

Jón started taking photography seriously 10 years ago and since then he has held numerous exhibitions all over Iceland and published two photo books. He has been recognised and awarded internationally for his work. His pictures has been published all over the world in newspapers, magazines and various books.

Jón has a great passion for photography and travelling, he attempts to highlight interesting landscape, nature and known landmarks. Often the subject is approached during the twilight, when land and light merge together in undisclosed harmony