10 Day Northern Lights and Ice Caves Photo Workshop in Iceland

A lighthouse is the perfect subject to have in the foreground of an epic Northern Lights shot.
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Description

Summary

Tour starts
Iceland
Duration:
10 days
Ending place
Iceland
Languages:
English
Difficulty:
Moderate
Available:
Jan. - Feb.
Minimum age:
18 years old

Description

Join this 10-day winter landscape photography tour and experience some of the best natural light and impressive landscapes that Iceland has to offer. This is a great opportunity to photograph ice and the Northern Lights while learning new techniques from award-winning photography guides, taking your skills to a higher level.

You will travel in comfort on a spacious bus and a modified super jeep to cover the iconic frozen landscapes of the Snæfellsnes peninsula, capturing sights such as Kirkjufell mountain and the black church of Búðir. Additionally, you will visit Iceland's stunning South Coast for ice caves, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, the Diamond Beach and many waterfalls.

Iceland is one of the best places to capture the amazing Northern Lights dancing across the dark Arctic sky. Your guides will keep a close eye on weather conditions and the aurora forecast to ensure you can photograph the Aurora Borealis in the most spectacular landscapes.

Included in this tour is a trip to an ice cave. You will be accompanied by a professional ice cave guide who will escort you to this rare natural phenomenon, lend you protective gear and direct you through the caves with utmost caution. Ice caves in Iceland will give you the feeling of being in a different world, filled with varied shapes and patterns of shiny blue ice waiting to be captured by your camera.

At Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the Diamond Beach, you'll have many chances to photograph massive icebergs and chunks of ancient ice that break away from the nearby Breiðmerkurjökull glacier in Vatnajökull National Park.

The Snæfellsnes peninsula is an exciting region, especially in winter. There are beautiful beaches, incredible lava and rock formations, and, not least, one of Iceland's most famous mountains, Kirkjufell. 

This photography tour is easy to moderate in difficulty and it is open to all skill levels, making it the perfect choice for amateur and experienced photographers alike. All of the instructors are award-winning photographers, so you can expect the best possible results.

Grab your camera and get ready for an adventure across Iceland all the while improving your photography skills and taking some of the best pictures of your life. Check availability by choosing a date.

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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 9.

Activities

Caving
Northern Lights
Photo Tours
Photo Workshop

Daily itinerary

Day 1
Downtown Reykjavík with a fine dusting of snow.

Day 1 - Arrival

On your first day in Iceland, you will land at Keflavík International Airport and then take an airport transfer towards your accommodation in central Reykjavík. You will meet your guide and group in the hotel lobby at 7 PM and go to a nearby restaurant to get to know each other. There, you will also learn more about the adventures awaiting you. You will spend the night in Reykjavík.
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Day 2
Mount Kirkjufell changes depending on where you see it from.

Day 2 - First Day in Snaefellsnes

On your second day in Iceland, you will be picked up in Reykjavík at 9 AM before being whisked away to the Snæfellsnes peninsula; home to some of the most photogenic scenery in all  of Iceland. Awaiting you are wild coastlines, the columnar basalt and spectacular cliffs at Arnarstapi, the charming black church of Búðir, the Búðahraun lava field and the impressive and peculiarly shaped sea stacks, Lóndrangar. Snæfellsnes also happens to be one of the best places in Iceland to seek one of nature‘s absolute wonders, the Northern lights, so keep a good look-out and have your camera ready. You will spend the night at accommodation in Snæfellsnes.
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Day 3
The days might be short in the winter but the sunsets are always heavenly.

Day 3 - Second Day in Snaefellsnes

On your third day in Iceland, you will be exploring and photographing the remaining sights to see in Snæfellsnes not covered the day before. You‘ll cover the rugged coastline, see several charming villages as well as the mighty mountains that divide the northern and western part of the peninsula. A particular highlight is mount Kirkjufell by Grundarfjörður, with its peculiar pyramid shape, when observed from the right angle. This is one of the most photogenic mountains in Iceland as it always offers something new and exciting in terms of angle, light and shape. Nearby is a beautiful waterfall, Kirkjufellsfoss; the combination of the mountain and the waterfall with the further contrast of the village and fjord makes for some great pictures. In winter, further clarity is added by glistening snow and ice as well as the ever-present hope for the aurora which lend a particular grace to this stunning area. You will spend the night once more in accommodation on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.
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Day 4
The Reynisdrangar sea stacks punctuate Iceland's stunning South Coast.

Day 4 - South Coast

On this day you'll be heading towards the South Coast of Iceland. You‘ll start the day by visiting two of Iceland‘s most picturesque and beloved waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. The former is a narrow waterfall that cascades from 63 meters and has the rare distinction of one being able to walk behind it. Skógafoss is well known as one of Iceland‘s most beautiful waterfalls and can be shot from the top, as there is a staircase leading up there and beyond towards other amazing falls. Skógafoss is also known to produce a spectacular double rainbow when the light is right. Later on, you will travel towards the mainland‘s southernmost point to witness the dramatic scenery of the famous Reynisfjara beach. The Reynisdrangar sea stacks, the black sands of the shore, the waves of the North Atlantic Ocean, the basalt column pyramid of Garðar and the rich birdlife all result in this being one of the most photogenic sites of all you will encounter on your journey. Please note that the waves of the sea at Reynisfjara are highly unpredictable so it is recommended you proceed with the utmost caution and follow all safety instructions to the fullest. The South Coast is home to some of the most amazing scenery you could hope to photograph the Northern Lights in, should they appear. Your night will then be spent at the charming nearby village of Vik.
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Day 5
Admire perfectly clear chunks of glacial ice on the Diamond Beach.

Day 5 - Skaftafell Nature Reserve

On this day you will head towards Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe‘s largest glacier. The park and the Snæfellsnes peninsula share the trait of offering a little bit of everything that Iceland has to offer. Focusing on the park‘s southern and eastern regions, you will witness mighty glaciers and glacier tongues, as well as dark sandy beaches. In addition to this fantastic scenery, you will continue the hunt for the Northern Lights, lending a further otherworldly feel to the scenery. This is a particularly good time of year for photographing the aurora, as the nights are long. Accommodation for the night will be found in the nearby area.
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Day 6
The hidden world inside of Iceland's glaciers.

Day 6 - Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon & Ice Cave

On this day you will have plenty of time to photograph the stunningly beautiful Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, at the eastern part of Vatnajökull National Park. Massive icebergs from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier riddle the lagoon, each unique in shape and colour as they float out to sea. The amazing view, the display of light, multiple reflections and glistening ice and snow which are then contrasted by dark sands, all combine in making the area a photographer‘s dream. Walk among the ancient chunks of ice on the Diamond Beach and seize further photogenic opportunities. Still more wonders await you as you will have the unique experience of shooting photos within a subglacial ice cave deep below the massive Vatnajökull glacier. Here you‘ll find phenomenal natural sculptures and cavities of crystal-clear blue ice, as we stand in awe against nature and feel as if time had stopped. Wide-angle lenses are recommended here for shooting unforgettable photos. Afterwards, keep a lookout for the Northern Lights, which particularly complement this wonderful area. Your accommodation for the night will be near the lagoon.
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Day 7
Vestrahorn mountain is a particular favourite among photographers.

Day 7 - Vatnajokull National Park

On this day you will have ample opportunity to shoot the mighty Vestrahorn mountain, that stands at 454-meters above the black lava beach of the Stokksnes peninsula. The mountain is made of unstratified plutonic rock (gabbro and granophyre) and it is a marvel to photograph as it is very interestingly shaped. Vetsrahorn consists of several steep peaks, the most oddly formed of which is the Brunnhorn outcrop, which stretches all the way eastwards to the sea. The wild waves of the North Atlantic Ocean make the scenery all the more photogenic and sunset and sunrise are particularly recommended for great photos. Aurora may then further grace the sky at nighttime, blazing their enchanting trails across the arctic sky. Your night will be spent in the Vatnajökull area.
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Day 8
The sun setting over Iceland's scenic South Coast.

Day 8 - Waterfalls & Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

On this day you‘ll be photographing the beautiful scenery of the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. The area is home to the Kristínartindar volcanic peaks, stunning glacier lagoons and the majestic glacier outlet, Svínafellsjökull. After visiting Skaftafell you will get more time to shoot the fascinating area of Reynisfjara. Evening photography at this site, accompanied by the rays of the setting sun, is sure to result in some particularly amazing pictures, as well as further opportunities for aurora photography. Your night will be spent in accommodation in the village of Vík.
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Day 9
Gullfoss in the wintertime is particularly beautiful adorned with ice and snow.

Day 9 - Golden Circle & Return to Reykjavik

On your last full day in Iceland, you‘ll visit “the big three“ of Icelandic natural attractions, considered essential for all visitors of the country and referred to as 'The Golden Circle'. These three attractions are Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall, all located in southwest Iceland. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir National Park is one of Iceland‘s most important sites. It was here that the old national assembly was founded, and the current parliament in Iceland, Alþingi, still bears its name. The area is situated in a rift valley and evidence of the movement of the tectonic plates may be seen at the impressive Almannagjá gorge, into which the beautiful waterfall Öxarárfoss falls. The park is certainly one of Iceland‘s most picturesque sites and we also recommend photographing the surrounding mountain ring and lake Þingvallavatn, Iceland‘s largest lake, and its islets. The famous spouting hot spring Geysir in Haukadalur valley lends its name to geysers all over the world and the surrounding geothermal area is also widely known simply as the Geysir geothermal area. This is our next destination. Geysir seldom erupts anymore, but its neighbour Strokkur does so with gusto, spouting water as high as 15-20 meters. Also of interest are the geysers Smiður and Litli-Strokkur. To the north colourful fumaroles may be found and to the south is a range of mud pots. They may boil or steam depending on the weather. Nearby is an old natural pool. It can be entered but it is still very fragile, so visitors need to take extra care not to disrupt it.  Finally, there is the“golden waterfall“ Gullfoss, widely held to be the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland and certainly the most sought after by nature photographers and nature lovers alike. Gullfoss belongs to the Hvítá glacier river and falls 32-meters into the narrow river gorge. Snow and ice are likely to once more add an extra touch of splendour to the scenery, the sun may even lend it a rainbow and you may feel the spray of the falls on your face. After visiting “the big three“ attractions of the Golden Circle and having seen many of Iceland‘s greatest natural wonders, you‘ll head back to Reykjavík for your final night in Iceland. This day will also be your final chance to spot the Northern Lights photography, so keep a lookout and keep your camera ready.
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Day 10
Dazzling Northern Lights paint the sky above Þingvellir National Park.

Day 10 - Transfer to Keflavik Airport

This will be the day of your departure. You will return home, taking with you photos and memories of an extraordinary adventure.
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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.

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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

31 Jan- 9 Feb 2024- Guided by Kevin Pagés

10-19 Feb 2024 - Guided by Vincenzo Mazza

31 Jan- 9 Feb 2025

10-19 Feb 2025

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Guides

Vincenzo Mazza

Vincenzo Mazza

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Vincenzo is a nature and landscape photographer. He has been doing landscape photography since 2010, mostly between Italy and Iceland. Born in Italy he moved to Iceland in 2015, after spending many months in that country during the years before to practice landscape photography.

He has been teaching photography and running photo tours since 2011, mostly in Iceland and in Italy. In 2015 he was among the winner photographers of the BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year international nature photography competition. 

In Iceland he become a mountain and a glacier guide, and he is now an official member of the association of the Icelandic mountain guides.

Regarding his approach to photography, he like to consider himself a storyteller. He believes that his pictures are the result of diligence, creativity and technical skills in the field but most of all unconditional love for nature landscapes.

He would define his pictures as “authentic”, they are a faithful representation of the reality at the moment of the photo shooting, prior to all the obvious adjustments which are essential to the optimization of the picture.

Regarding that aspect, he said: “Nature is so impressive, inspiring and magnificent! if I created pictures with Photoshop, mixing up places and different moments I wouldn’t be the storyteller I want to be. Photography is an interpretation of an evanescent moment. Intuition and passion are needed on the playground of nature”.

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