Iceland Photo Tour | World Photo Travels | Photography Workshops, Tours and Expeditions

About our Iceland photo tour

Clouds racing across the harsh northern sky and waterfalls plunging into deep canyons, ice lagoons and hot springs, black sand beaches and blue glaciers, sea stacks rising from the ocean and the northern lights above—it’s all part of Iceland’s raw beauty that captures you instantly and forever.

Each turn of the road reveals a new, surreal world—where fire meets ice, and ancient forces shape the land before your eyes. Iceland doesn’t just impress—it casts a spell, leaving you forever changed, as if part of its mythic landscape stays with you long after you’ve gone.

For someone setting foot here for the first time, it feels like stepping onto the set of The Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones. And once you leave, you’ll find yourself wanting to return the moment you’re carried away on the back of a dragon.

Earn yourself an incredible portfolio showcasing the very best of Iceland when you join us on this photo tour!

☛ FEATURE: AURORA & LONG TWILIGHT. In late summer and early autumn, twilight lingers for hours in Iceland’s high latitudes, creating extended periods of soft, atmospheric light. It gives enough ambient light to reveal details in the landscape—mountains, ice, water, or volcanic sand—without needing long exposures or artificial lighting. This helps anchor the aurora in context, making for more dramatic and story-rich compositions. 

☛ FEATURE: DRONE FRIENDLY. Flying a drone is permitted in many locations across Iceland—and it’s easy to see why this land is a dream for any aerial photographer. On this trip, we’re continuing to develop our “drone-friendly” approach to select workshops. No experience? No problem. We’ll help you get started! Our chief flight instructor, Pavel, has an impressive track record of recovering clients’ runaway drones.

☛ FEATURE: SMALL GROUP / TWO EXPERIENCED GUIDES. We will have two experienced guides on this trip and the number of participants will be limited to 6. So you are the focus of our attention. Due to the small size of the group, you have the opportunity to discuss with us photographic topics of your personal choice and immediately put them into practice. We also will be able to split the group in two on some occasions, if the location preferences of the participants differ.

Itinerary

Icelandic weather demands flexibility, with conditions shifting quickly and often unpredictably. To make the most of each day, we’ll continuously adjust our itinerary based on the weather and light. And when night falls—if the skies clear and the Aurora forecast is promising—we’ll head out in search of the magical Northern Lights.

We’ll even be equipped with a full set of camping gear, ready to leave our reserved lodging behind if the local weather turns unfavorable and better photo opportunities arise elsewhere.

Day 1 | August 25, 2025

• If you’re arriving today, we’ll meet you at Keflavík Airport in the early afternoon and begin our journey to Iceland’s South Coast.
• On the way, we’ll stop to photograph some of Iceland’s most beautiful waterfalls—so be sure to have your camera gear handy and your waterproof clothing ready.
• Our first accommodation is tucked away in the peaceful countryside, just minutes from the dramatic Dyrhólaey Cliffs. We will stay here for two nights
• If you plan to arrive a day early, please let us know. Your guides will already be in Reykjavík and can arrange a city excursion for you.

Day 2 | August 26, 2025

• Today, we’ll visit the famous Cape Dyrhólaey. If we're lucky, a few Atlantic puffins may still linger on the cliffs. To photograph them properly, you’ll need at least a 400mm lens.
• We'll also explore the dramatic Reynisfjara beach with its black volcanic sands and the iconic Reynisdrangar basalt sea stacks. Depending on the tide, we might attempt a short hike to get a closer look.
• In the afternoon, we’ll catch up on a few waterfalls we may have missed the day before.

Day 3 | August 27, 2025

• We’ll decide on the morning’s plan based on what we accomplished the day before.
• After our morning photo session and breakfast, we’ll head toward our next accommodation—a cozy, family-owned guesthouse near the iconic Jökulsárlón (Ice Lagoon), where we’ll spend the next two nights.
• On the way, we’ll hike to the most elegant waterfall of Iceland Svartifoss, its narrow transparent water flow is framed by the basalt rocks. Be prepared for a bit of a workout.
• In the evening, we’ll photograph majestic icebergs as they drift through the lagoon, glowing in the soft light of the setting sun.

Day 4 | August 28, 2025

• We’ll greet the sunrise at the Ice Lagoon, where the ocean waves wash over the black sand beach, carrying glistening ice floes and, at times, entire icebergs. Capturing these frozen sculptures bathed in the first light of day is one of the most breathtaking moments of our tour—and if conditions align, it could be one of the most unforgettable dawns of your life.
• During the day, we can launch our drones to capture the elegant threads of glacial rivers weaving over black volcanic sands—or take a scenic flight from a nearby airstrip for a breathtaking aerial perspective.
• We’ll decide on our sunset location based on what we capture at Jökulsárlón and Diamond Beach earlier. We may revisit one—or even both—since sunsets in Iceland at this time of year unfold slowly, giving us plenty of time to work with the light.
• We can also head to the stunning Stokksnes Peninsula to photograph black sand dunes and majestic mountain peaks reflected in the wet black sand of the volcanic shoreline.
• Don't forget, we also have a chance to catch the Aurora, and there are a few spots in Iceland as good as Stokksnes to photograph it!

Day 5 | August 29, 2025

• Today, we'll greet the sunrise at Stokksnes before heading north to the steaming volcanic shores of Lake Mývatn, where we’ll spend the next two nights in a comfortable, modern hotel.
• This will be our longest transfer of the tour—about five hours—but we’ll make the most of it with a few scenic photography stops along the way. The changing Icelandic landscape offers plenty of inspiration, even from the road.
• After the road trip, we’ll unwind in a local thermal lagoon that we actually prefer over the famous Blue Lagoon. With fewer crowds, two saunas, cold beer served right in the water, and beautiful views all around, it’s the perfect place to relax and recharge before the final stretch of our journey.

Day 6 | August 30, 2025

• Our morning begins with a visit to Dettifoss, one of Iceland’s most powerful and awe-inspiring waterfalls. Known for its thunderous roar and raw, muddy torrent, this epic natural force famously appeared in the opening scenes of Ridley Scott’s Prometheus. We’ll soak in the elemental energy of the place and capture its primal beauty through our lenses.
• Next, we’ll explore nearby Selfoss, where a series of elegant cascades drop into a dramatic canyon—perfect for wide-angle shots and quiet admiration.
• In the afternoon, we head to the fishing village of Húsavík, where we’ll set off on a whale-watching cruise. Though nature offers no guarantees, sightings here are frequent, and it’s not uncommon for us to photograph massive whale tails, or even spot a curious giant surfacing just meters from the boat. The trip ends with a warm mug of cocoa served by the captain.
• Back in Mývatn, we’ll take time to rest before visiting the Grjótagjá cave in the evening—a natural hot spring tucked into a lava fissure, made famous by a certain steamy scene between Jon Snow and Ygritte. As you peer into the misty blue water, you might just hear her whisper, “You know nothing, Jon Snow.”
• At sunset, we’ll photograph the majestic Goðafoss—“Waterfall of the Gods”—whose name and beauty are matched by its role in Icelandic history, where the old Norse idols were cast into the falls as a symbol of conversion to Christianity.

Day 7 | August 31, 2025

• After our morning photo session and breakfast, we’ll make our way to the northwest of Iceland, heading toward the small town of Hvammstangi, where we’ll spend the night.
• That evening, we’ll visit nearby bays known for their seal colonies, hoping to capture these animals resting on sunlit rocks. Seals are frequently spotted in Icelandic coastal waters—especially harbor seals and grey seals, which are the most common species around the island. They often bask along rocky shores or swim in the cold Atlantic.
• In Icelandic folklore, seals are tied to legends as mystical beings capable of transforming into humans. Historically, they were a vital resource for early Icelanders, offering both food and materials. Today, seals are considered a treasured part of Iceland’s wildlife and remain a favorite subject for photographers and nature lovers alike.

Day 8 | Septeber 1, 2025

• We’ll start the day early, photographing Hvitserkur—a striking rock formation often said to resemble a dinosaur drinking from the sea—bathed in the soft light of sunrise.
• After breakfast, we’ll head to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula in western Iceland, a region known for its dramatic coastlines, lava fields, and glaciers. Stretching about 90 km in length, the peninsula is home to the majestic Snæfellsjökull glacier, the crown jewel of its national park.
• Our main focus today will be capturing the iconic Kirkjufell Mountain, a favorite among photographers and known to many as a key filming location in Game of Thrones.

Day 9 | Septeber 2, 2025

• We wake up early to meet sunrise on the southern coast of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula.
• This coastline is wild and dramatic, with steep cliffs and sea stacks rising from the Atlantic.
• We’ll photograph striking rock arches and rugged shores sculpted by wind and waves.
• After exploring Snæfellsnes, we’ll continue to the village of Geysir, where we’ll check into the hotel of the same name—Geysir Hotel.
• Depending on how much time we spend along the coast, we may visit Hraunfossar Falls, a unique series of springs emerging from beneath a lava field and spilling into the Hvítá River.
• Another option is Brúarfoss, often called Iceland’s “blue waterfall,” where glacial waters rush through a narrow canyon in an unreal shade of turquoise.*

Day 10 | Septeber 3, 2025

• At dawn, we’ll photograph Strokkur—perhaps the world’s most iconic geyser—in the soft light of sunrise, before the crowds arrive. Strokkur erupts every 15–20 minutes, launching a column of water up to 20 meters into the air.
• After breakfast, we’ll head to Gullfoss (Golden Falls), the largest volume waterfall in Europe. If the sun is out, we may be treated to one—or several—rainbows arcing through the spray.
• We’ll then begin our drive toward Reykjavik.
• Time permitting, we’ll stop at Þingvellir National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that sits directly on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge. Here, you can walk between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates. The park’s cliffs, fissures, and pristine waters offer a dramatic and photogenic glimpse into the Earth’s geology.
• We plan to arrive in Reykjavik around 3:00 p.m. (15:00). You may choose to fly out later that evening or the following day.*

Weather & Clothing

The average temperature in Iceland in late August to early September ranges from 41°F to 55°F (5°C to 13°C). Expect variable weather, with occasional rain, strong winds, and cooler evenings and nights.

These conditions create the perfect environment for outdoor photography, but having the right gear is essential to fully capture the beauty and protect yourself from the elements.

Remember to protect yourself from rain and wind. The outer layers (top and bottom) should be waterproof. We recommend warm, breathable, and functional clothing in a layering system, often called the “onion” style. The clothing should dry quickly, wick moisture and sweat away from the body, and keep you comfortable and warm.

It’s crucial to pack thermal underwear, gloves, and a beanie. Good hiking boots with solid soles are essential.

For shore shooting on beautiful beaches, knee-high wellingtons are a must. You’ll need to interact with the sea to get great shots. Don’t forget to bring woolen/warm socks and liner socks (best to wear two pairs on top of each other).

Difficulty Level: Easy to Moderate

This is not a hiking-focused photo tour, but some of the best viewpoints do require short walks over uneven and occasionally wet terrain. A few locations involve hikes of 1.5 to 3.5 miles (2.5 to 5.5 km), with elevation gains of 200–300 feet (60–90 meters).

Expect long days—sunrise is around 6:00 AM and sunset around 9:00 PM (21:00), with the rest of the night in twilight. On nights with a promising Aurora forecast, we may spend much of the night out shooting.

Good physical condition is essential to make the most of this adventure.

What is Included

Terms of Payment

Please register for this workshop using the form below. A deposit payment of $1500 is required upon booking. We will send you payment instructions for a deposit payment upon registration. The remaining balance is due June 24, 2025.