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Embark on a journey through Iceland’s ethereal landscapes, where fire meets ice and nature’s dramatic spectacles are captured through the lens. From the dancing Northern Lights to the majestic waterfalls, this tour promises moments that will take your breath away and photos that will last a lifetime.
Journey into the heart of Iceland’s pristine beauty on our early winter photography tour. Witness the grandeur of towering mountains and roaring waterfalls. Amidst this natural splendor, the simple charm of traditional Icelandic churches emerges, their silhouettes set against snow-draped backdrops.
The elusive and breathtaking Northern Lights (aurora borealis) may grace our nights with their ethereal dance. The winter months in Iceland offer some of the best opportunities to witness this natural spectacle. We’ll constantly check the conditions to maximize shooting opportunities for you, as capturing the shimmering hues of the auroras against Iceland’s dramatic landscapes will undoubtedly be a highlight of the trip.
Dive deeper into nature’s wonders as you enter the surreal world of ice caves, where radiant blues and ethereal lights provide unparalleled photographic opportunities. The ice cave tour will be a fantastic experience as we take a 15-minute helicopter flight to a beautiful Sapphire ice cave that no other tour company visits, giving us unique and genuinely private access without any disturbances.
The journey takes you to geothermal areas, where steaming geysers contrast the winter’s chill, and to the mesmerizing Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, where icebergs dance and shimmer in the muted light.
In capturing these moments, you’re not merely taking photos; you’re weaving tales of the Icelandic wild’s history, faith, and unyielding spirit. Speaking of the wild, we’ll seize opportunities to photograph famous Icelandic horses whenever possible.
This tour focuses on landscape and nature photography and promises breathtaking shots and cherished memories to kindle warmth even on the frostiest days. Throughout the tour, you’ll receive advice and instructions to help you get the best possible images and take your photography to the next level.
In winter, light is great throughout the day, and shorter days allow for ample time for post-processing sessions that unlock the potential of your photos. Given the short Icelandic days in the winter, you won’t compromise on your sleep.
Join us on this tour to Iceland and witness why it’s called the Land of Ice and Fire. You’ll experience the ultimate landscape photographer’s paradise.
If you cancel:
An additional cancellation fee of 150 EUR applies to cover the payment fees and our service fee.
Below, you find the day-by-day itinerary. It’s not mentioned explicitly every day, but if luck is on our side, we’ll shoot the Northern lights before or after dinner.
Arrive at Keflavík Airport and get transferred to our hotel. After settling into your accommodation, the evening promises a warm welcome with a delicious dinner where we get to know each other and discuss our exciting program for the following week with everything Iceland has to offer.
Start your day with a good breakfast and embark on a 3-hour drive to Snaefellness Peninsula, where our subject will be the iconic black church named Budakirkja. This stark structure, set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains, offers a unique photographic opportunity.
Refuel with a lunch break, savoring local delicacies and discussing potential shots with fellow travelers and tour leaders.
In the early afternoon (for the sunset shoot), position yourself at Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall. With the majestic Kirkjufell mountain as your background, capture the ethereal beauty of the sunset, illuminating the cascading waters.
We’ll embark on a 3.5-hour drive to photograph the sunrise at Gullfoss waterfall, one of Iceland’s most iconic natural wonders. We will time your arrival with the first light of dawn so you can position your camera to capture the cascades bathed in the soft hues of sunrise — a sight to behold and a photographer’s dream. Various boardwalks offer different vantage points to photograph the roaring waterfall. The visitor’s center nearby makes for an excellent shelter to warm up and check out local souvenirs.
After the morning shoot, enjoy a hearty lunch, recharging for the afternoon’s expedition. As the sun begins its descent, marvel at the power of Geyser Strokkur, capturing its eruptive bursts in different photographic styles or as a peaceful background of geothermal pools that paint the landscape in steam and colors.
You get to look at your photos during our 2-hour journey to the coastal town of Vík. Upon arrival, you’ll check into your room, unwind from the day’s adventures, and share stories of your captures over a sumptuous dinner.
Begin your day at Reynisfjara Beach, famed for its striking black sands, basalt columns, and the imposing Reynisdrangar rock formation. As the sun climbs the horizon, harness the soft morning light to capture the play of shadows and reflections on the beach, creating compelling compositions with the sea stacks in the backdrop.
Next, ascend to the view at the Dyrholaey Peninsula, guarded by a lighthouse, an iconic landmark perched high above the coast. From this vantage point, soak in the panoramic scenery of the sprawling black sand beaches stretching out below.
After the morning’s shoot, head back to Vik for a quick lunch, refueling for the evening ahead.
As the golden hour approaches, we’ll frame the picturesque townscape of Vík for a sunset shoot.
We’ll head back to the hotel for dinner and rest.
Begin your day with a late departure, embarking on a 1.5-hour drive towards the towering Lómagnúpur mountain. At sunrise, stand at the foot of this imposing peak, capturing its grandeur as the morning light enhances its features.
Fuel up with a quick snack for the afternoon; if time permits, we’ll make a brief photo stop along the way.
For sunset, you’ll photograph one of the major highlights of the tour – Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon in Vatnajökull National Park. The sun’s trajectory will allow you to shoot the drifting icebergs in the warm tones of the sunset, a tranquil and awe-inspiring sight.
After sunset, we will conclude the day with a short drive to your hotel. Settle in and relish a well-deserved dinner, reminiscing about the day’s highlights and the photographs captured.
Greet the day with a sunrise shoot at the mesmerizing Diamond Beach. Watch as the sun illuminates ice chunks that glitter like gems against the black sands. If we have time and feel like it, we can revisit Jokulsarlon.
Refuel with a small snack to keep your energy up for the adventure that awaits.
In the early afternoon, another tour highlight occurs as we embark on a 15-minute helicopter flight to a Sapphire ice cave in the glacier’s heart. We will visit an ice cave that no other tour company offers so that we will be the only tour there, and nobody will disturb us when we take our photos. This unique experience promises a surreal visual spectacle, with hues of blue and black and the play of light offering unparalleled photo opportunities.
At the end, we’ll unwind over a hearty dinner, reflecting on the wonders witnessed and the memories captured through the lens and in the heart.
Disclaimer: Ice caves change from one year to another. We will do our best so we can do the tour as described. However, what ice caves are available after the summer of 2024 depends on Mother Nature.
Begin your day with a 1.5-hour drive to the striking Eystrahorn. The morning light offers a magical ambiance, enhancing the rugged contours and textures of Eystrahorn, providing ample opportunities to capture its beauty.
Later in Höfn, you’ll indulge in a delightful lunch, savoring local delicacies and reenergizing for the latter half of your day.
As the sun begins its descent, make your way to Vestrahorn and Stokksnes. This iconic location presents a dramatic interplay of mountainous silhouettes against coastal vistas and grasses on black sands, promising photographs that evoke the raw beauty of Iceland.
Once the sun dips below the horizon, embark on a 1-hour drive to your hotel and end the day with a sumptuous dinner.
Your final day starts with a breakfast and hotel check-out, paving the way for an exhilarating conclusion to your Icelandic photography adventure. Embark on an early morning journey, driving 3 hours to the iconic Skógafoss waterfall. The morning light casts a magical glow on the cascading waters, offering a perfect setting for your shots.
Next, you visit the magnificent Seljalandsfoss waterfall, capturing its unique beauty and surroundings. These are probably the two most photographed waterfalls in Iceland.
Then, we’ll continue with a 2-hour drive back to Reykjavik to dive deep into the city’s architecture, starting with the striking Harpa concert hall, capturing both its intricate exterior and mesmerizing interior designs. We’ll progress to the contemporary Sólfar artwork, followed by the towering Hallgrímskirkja church, capturing its grandeur against the backdrop of the city’s night lights.
Wrap up the day with a drive to Keflavik, checking into your hotel, and settling down for a heartfelt farewell dinner. Here, reminisce about the week’s adventures, celebrate the memories made, and toast to future journeys together.
After breakfast, you say goodbye to Iceland and leave for the airport to catch your flight home. On your way home, you can contemplate your time in one of the world’s most impressive landscape photography destinations.
Please note the itinerary is subject to change. We will do our best so you have an enjoyable experience and can get the best pictures possible, even if it means changing the plan according to the weather.
Whilst in Iceland, we will also run post-processing sessions in Adobe Lightroom Classic CC to provide another benefit from this photo trip. We will work on your images from the tour and unlock their full potential.
Jan will take you on a journey from unattractive and flat photos to vibrant, appealing, professional-looking pictures that will sell well and unlock the full potential of your best shots.
In a short time, you’ll understand why editing your photos is important and how to do it efficiently.
For post-processing sessions, we’ll use the time for rest and do it in small groups of one to three participants.
Upon request, we can also discuss various topics such as digital asset management, backup workflow, or anything else that interests you.
You will fly to Keflavík Airport (KEF). It would be best if you arrived early in the afternoon to make it in time for our dinner at 6:30 pm. We will arrange your transportation to the hotel upon arrival and before departure.
We will use a combination of a comfortable 9-seater van and an estate personal vehicle, both allowing for ample space and your comfort during the tour. Both tour leaders will drive the cars.
We will stay at comfortable 3-star hotels or apartments. We carefully make the lodging arrangements so they feature cozy, spacious rooms and offer a fantastic experience so you feel comfortable and can get a good rest.
All hotels serve breakfast and have either a restaurant on-site or in walking proximity.
Hotels serve breakfasts. Based on our plan for the day, we’ll have lunch on the way, often something small, given the short days and early dinners.
We recommend you keep snacks (e.g., granola bars, trail mix, etc.) in your camera bag.
You’ll always have access to complimentary bottles of water in our cars.
Participants will encounter a variety of terrains that reflect Iceland’s diverse landscapes. Most shooting locations are accessible within a short distance from the parking areas, typically ranging from 2 to 10 minutes of walking.
For instance, locations like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss involve relatively flat paths, while areas near Eystrahorn or Vestrahorn might have slightly uneven terrains with gentle inclines.
The ice cave tour and the terrain around Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon could present a few challenges due to slippery or rocky patches.
On average, participants can expect to walk or hike up to 2-4 kilometers (1-2.5 miles) daily. A basic fitness level is recommended, as some days might involve consecutive short walks or hikes to reach prime shooting spots.
The drives between locations are designed for comfort, with scheduled breaks to ensure participants aren’t tired.
You can also take our self-assessment quiz that indicates whether our photo tours are a good fit for you. Get your personalized report now.
Intermediate photography experience is recommended. We expect you to know the basics of exposure and composition and be comfortable handling your camera. Terms like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, depth of field, bracketing, or self-timer should be in your vocabulary.
If you’re a beginner with a passion for photography and need clarification on whether to visit Iceland with Jan, get in touch, please.
You can also take our self-assessment quiz that indicates whether our photo tours are a good fit for you. Get your personalized report now.
Jan is an award-winning landscape and travel photographer based in the Czech Republic who has led six photo tours in Iceland. Jan regularly runs photography tours in Prague and the United States and more adventurous photo expeditions in places like Peru. Jan’s instruction on multi-day tours focuses on training each participant to see hidden compositions. Jan’s goal is to ensure each participant comes to understand composition and exposure, yielding more desirable results.
As an avid video producer and photographer, Greg documents his adventures through inspiring storytelling on YouTube and award-winning travel photography. He is an expert in cinematic video, travel photography, Adobe suite editing, and drone operation as a fully certified pilot.
In late November and early December, Iceland experiences its winter season, characterized by short days and long nights. Temperatures during this period typically hover between -1°C (30°F) and 4°C (39°F), but can occasionally drop lower. Our tour will take you around the coast, so the temperature will not drop significantly.
Participants can expect varying weather conditions, from clear, cold days to overcast skies with occasional snow or sleet showers. Wind can also be a factor, often intensifying the perceived cold.
Given the unpredictable nature of Icelandic weather, it’s essential to come prepared. Layering is key to staying warm: start with moisture-wicking base layers, add insulating mid-layers like fleece or down, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.
Waterproof hiking boots with good grip are crucial for navigating icy or snowy patches. Accessories such as warm hats, gloves, scarves, and thermal socks will also prove invaluable in ensuring comfort during outdoor shoots and explorations.
Sunrises are approximately at 10:37 a.m., and sunsets are around 3:54 p.m. on these dates.
Iceland Photo Tour is operated by We Travel the World s.r.o., identification number (ID): 08351864, head office address: gen. Píky 300/12a, Řepčín, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic; registered at the Regional Court in Ostrava under file no. C 79254. You can review their Terms of Use.
Yes, non-photographers are also welcome. The tour price for non-photographers is the same as for photographers.
A photo tour usually refers to a trip where leaders bring participants to the usual shooting locations and let them be without much help. On a workshop, leaders work more closely with participants and actively help them to take stunning images. Even though this event is called a photo tour, in its nature, it’s more of a workshop. Your leaders will work with you and help you craft good images, but they will also shoot themselves.
We are going to visit Iceland in the winter. The midnight sun occurs in the early summer so we won’t see it, but we may see the Northern lights, which I find even more exciting.
Take our self-assessment quiz to find out. After answering mostly Yes/No questions that cover areas such as photography, fitness, and comfort levels, you will receive a personalized report showing whether our tours are suitable for you.
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