Photo Tour
Landscapes
Reykjavík (KEF)
Reykjavík (KEF)
August 30, 2022
September 9, 2022
6-10 Participants
Moderate
Iceland is an incredible place to visit, with its vast glaciers and volcanoes. It’s also home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. This tour will take you on a journey through this land of fire and ice, where we’ll explore everything from geysers to waterfalls. You can expect epic views and photo opportunities at every turn!
With just one trip, your Instagram feed could turn into a beautiful gallery filled with stunning images from around Iceland’s most iconic locations, such as epic waterfalls, the highlands, or diamond beach.
Our 11-days long photo tour to Iceland explores the most iconic locations around the ring and the highlands.
We will capture powerful North Sea waves breaking over rugged offshore sea stacks, and blue glacial icebergs calved from ancient glaciers. Just visualize yourself in Iceland, capturing beams of sunlight dancing over picturesque red-roofed churches, farms, and sparkling glacial ice shards glistening on a black sand beach.
We will photograph rainbows manifesting in the billowing spray of spectacular waterfalls, geothermal geysers, and brilliantly colorful rhyolite mountains. Perhaps we will encounter horseback riders rounding up sheep in the highlands or rain squalls drifting across a background panorama of rugged mountains.
Sunrise, early mornings, golden hour, and sunsets into nightfall will be our favorite shooting times, but mid-day opportunities are sure to yield stunning images, as well.
Iceland will deliver unique opportunities and conditions that will provide a profound photographic experience– and we will return with pictures of a lifetime.
Iceland photographer and guide Thor Jonsson, along with Steve Carr and George Plucienkowsky, will lead this tour. They will be there with you every step of the way to get you to the best locations and help you capture prize-winning photos during this unique journey.
Experience Iceland like no one else can—with our expert photography tour guides leading the way as we explore some of the most stunning places in Iceland.
When: August 30 – September 9, 2022.
Where: This photo tour starts and ends in Reykjavik (KEF)
Who: Open to all skill levels, non-photographer spouses are welcome.
Group Size: Minimum 6 People, Maximum 10 People.
Fitness Level: Moderate. Most of the locations we visit during this photo tour are within short walking distance, less than 1 mile from where we leave our vehicle. Weather is variable and can be windy and wet. See information about the weather and our suggestions for clothing and equipment in our FAQ.
The tour is open to all levels of photographic skills, from beginner to experienced. However, there will be no formal workshops or critiques. We will share knowledge and skills along the way, in the spirit of real adventurers.
We will meet in the lobby of our host hotel and go from there to a nearby restaurant for a meet and greet dinner where we get to know each other and chat about what we will be doing during the coming week. Hotel Fosshótel, Reykjavík Today we’ll Reykjavík early and head west to our first location, Snæfellsnes peninsula, packed with great photography locations- the most famous of all is probably Mt. Kirkjufel. But there is so much more to shoot here. Snæfellsnes is often called “Iceland in a nutshell” as it has most of the geological setting packed in this one peninsula. Hotel Langaholt, Snaefellsbaer Today we will continue to explore the many wonders of the Snæfellsnes peninsula. Hotel Langaholt, Snaefellsbaer Today, we’ll head into the otherworldly Icelandic highlands. During the next couple of days, we will travel to several locations in the region, and as always, we’ll base our decision on the weather forecast and conditions each time. Locations in the highlands we will visit include (but are not limited to): Háifoss (the fourth tallest waterfall in Iceland with a drop of 122m) and Granni (situated right next to Háifoss), which are located in Fossá where they drop side by side in a deep gorge. The destination on this leg of the tour is the unspoiled highland nature. This is an exceptional place for photography where we encounter lava fields, jet black volcanic sands stretching for miles, mountains covered with bright green moss, and colorful craters filled with water. The highland is covered in geothermal hotspots. Previous volcanic activity is often evident, a tell-tale sign of the tremendous forces at work, some a few hundred years ago and others only decades old. The best-known location in the highlands is probably Landmannalaugar, where we’ll photograph colorful rhyolite mountains. This place is like nothing else you’ve seen before. In Landmannalaugar, we’ll have the option of doing several short hikes, like into the canyon Grænagil (green canyon) or even hike up to Brennisteinsalda, a Sulphur mountain/hill. There are also great photo opportunities right from the parking area! The crater Hnausapollur is also known as The Blue pool because of the color of the water. This 0.3 square kilometer crater was formed in an explosive eruption about 1130 years ago. The colors here are simply breathtaking, with the ironic red gravel in the crater shining against the bright green vegetation that surrounds it. Frostastaðavatn, the biggest lake in the area covering roughly 2,2 square kilometers, with lava fields coming at it at three sides; this shows off the harsh forces at work in the eruptions forming the landscape. Hotel Hrauneyjar, Kirkjubæjarklaustur We will continue to visit some of these places. We will move around the area, chasing the best opportunities according to the current weather conditions. Hotel Hrauneyjar, Kirkjubæjarklaustur Today we’ll be moving to photograph the South Coast of Iceland. As we leave the iconic mountains, we’ll drive through the highlands to a canyon called Eldgjá, which holds a beautiful waterfall called Ófærurfoss. Hotel Laki, Kirkjubæjarklaustur Glacier Lagoon and the South Coast of Iceland will be our playground for the next couple of days. This area is one of the most famous places in Iceland, with its floating icebergs and the mystical Diamond Beach, located just below the lagoon providing unparalleled photo opportunities to capture the quintessential Icelandic black sand. From here, we’ll also visit Mt.Vestrahorn, a place that’s sure to get your heart racing! This majestic peak is surrounded by glaciers and stunning landscapes, making it the perfect backdrop for incredible otherworldly images. Hotel Gerdi, Vatnajökull Region Today we continue to explore the area around Vatnajökull for more stunning photos. We’ll move around the location seeking the best opportunities and photographing according to weather conditions and the best light. Hotel Gerdi, Vatnajökull Region We’ll start with another epic sunrise shoot. Then we begin to head our way west towards Vík, where we will be photographing stunning seascapes, Dyrhólaey, Reynisdrangar, and majestic waterfalls like Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss, among other things. Hotel Dyrholaey, Vík On our last day on the road, depending on the conditions, we might visit the famous Golden Circle, head to Reykjanes peninsula, or even spend some more time on the south coast before we go and check into our hotel in the afternoon. Hotel Fosshótel, Reykjavík Departure day.Day 1 | Arriving in Reykjavik, Iceland, Airport Code (KEF) | (D)
Day 2 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula | (B)
Day 3 | Snæfellsnes Peninsula | (B)
Day 4 | The Highlands | (B)
Day 5 | The Highlands | (B)
Day 6 | The Highlands & The South Coast | (B)
Day 7 | Vatnajökull Region | ( D)
Day 8 | Vatnajökull Region | (B)
Day 9 | Vik | (B)
Day 10 | The Golden Circle | (B)
Day 11 | Reykjavik | (B)
Steve Carr is a photographer, writer, and world traveler. His photographs have appeared in newspapers, national and regional magazines, textbooks, galleries and private collections, brochures, corporate reports, and online.
A veteran of advertising photography and now specializing in travel, editorial, and fine art photography. Steve’s love of adventure and desire to share his photographic knowledge and experience with others nurtures his unending passion for traveling leading groups to explore and photograph its exotic human diversity and natural beauty.
George is an adventure/travel photographer based in Miami; however, most often, he is traveling somewhere in the world. His passion started in his youth; the love for photography has never stopped growing for the 40 plus years. His unique approach for developing itineraries, for arranging high-quality excursions, and guiding people to unique locations yields the capture of great images. He brings all of his experience and knowledge to share it personally with each participant.
If you have seen the fantastic images that come from Iceland and have wanted to experience and photograph them yourself, this is the trip for you.
We have planned this trip to include many of the most iconic and picturesque locations. However, not satisfied to include just the famous south coast locations, we have included the SnaefellsnesPeninsula and the highlands of Landmannalaugar. Iceland is an incredible country with a diverse variety of photographic possibilities and friendly people.
This photo tour offers a great combination of photographic opportunities, primarily landscape, and you will have plenty of shooting possibilities.
According to the Global Peace Index, Iceland is the safest country in the world and has been every year since 2008. Petty crime like pickpocketing and robbery is rare, and violent crime is almost non-existent.
We have rated this tour as Easy to Moderate/Active.
Most photo opportunities are within easy walking distances from the vehicle and up to a maximum of 1 mile or so from our parking location.
For the most part, the photo tour will feature long days with a complete and active itinerary.
You need to be able to walk on paved paths, hills, stairs without handrails, limited or no access to elevators, and muddy/slippery walking/hiking trails.
Some days may require early morning departures and later evening returns. .
Covid vaccinations are officially required for a visit to Iceland.
The government health agency makes it easy to enter using an app and QR code. Beyond this, no vaccinations are required.
Take along any prescription medication with sufficient supplies, as those might not be readily available in Iceland.
We will primarily be at or very near sea level on this trip, except for the portion of the journey into the Landmannalaugar highlands, where the altitude will only be around 2100′.
In sum, altitude sickness shouldn’t be any problem in Iceland.
The best time to visit Iceland is during the late summer to early fall, although it offers unique and different photo possibilities in all seasons.
We find September to be a wonderful time, with ground cover and foliage taking on a rich tinge of fall color, while the weather, although variable, is more temperate than later in the fall.
In Iceland, you should always expect the unexpected in terms of weather. However, September marks the transition into the fall and is one of the best seasons of the year to visit.
The average temperature in Iceland in September is 47.3 F (8.5 C) with an average high of 50 F (11 C), and the average low is 42 F (6 C), making snowfall unlikely. The temperature doesn’t go above 59 F (15 C).
As mentioned, the weather in Iceland is inconsistent, and high winds are inevitable. Clouds and storms roll in quickly. The use of layers is the best advice.
The idea is to add or take off cloth depending on the circumstances. Doing so will help your body to maintain a comfortable and constant temperature. Today it is easy to find synthetic fibers that are developed to remove sweat, becoming better than any natural fiber.
For the upper body, the first is a t-shirt made from synthetic breathable “thermal” fabric. As the second layer, you can use a long sleeve shirt of the same material and then a synthetic fleece sweater or jacket. This will protect you from moisture and wind. We also recommend bringing a rain shell jacket and pants.
Finally, thermal underwear is recommended, especially on cold nights.
Waterproof light hiking boots are a necessity. Please make sure you have an opportunity to break them in before the trip. Also, don’t forget your sunglasses.
You need a passport to enter Iceland. Your passport must be valid for at least six months and have at least one blank page available for the entry stamp.
Visa is NOT required for citizens of North American and European Union countries.
It is required that all of our guests have their own travel insurance, which should include evacuation for medical reasons.
The currency used in Iceland is the Icelandic Krone (pronounced “krona”).
ATMs are generally available in Reyjkavik and larger towns.
Major credit cards from international providers are widely accepted in hotels, shops, and restaurants.
Good accomodations, close to where we need to be in order to maximize our photography experience. We always strive for the best; however, some locations are more remote, and we need to settle for convenience and place instead of comfort. The hotels booked for each location are listed on the itinerary.
However, keep in mind that there could be occasions where it won’t be possible to obtain final confirmation. We will replace it with a hotel of a similar category in such case. .
On or around forty-five days before the trip, you’ll receive a list of final confirmed hotels:
The most typical foods in Iceland are fish, lamb, and Icelandic skyr (a type of yogurt). These have been the main elements in the Icelandic diet for over a thousand years. Over recent years, the boom in tourism has fostered a new and creative cuisine developed by local chefs.
You are sure to love the hearty, flavorful offerings made with fresh, natural ingredients. Vegetarians will not be disappointed as many meatless dishes are offered as well.
We have based our first hotel in Reykjavik; however, international flights arrive in Keflavik. Therefore, to avoid possible delays and make the most of your photo tour, we recommend you arrive a day earlier. If you choose to do so, we can help you arrange an extra day of accommodation at the hotel where we’ll be based. The best way to transfer from the airport into Reykjavik is to use the Flybus service. Use this link to check it out.
Yes, you need a cell phone with GSM capabilities to connect to a cellular network in Iceland. ATT, Sprint/ T-Mobile, and Verizon all work in Iceland, but you should confirm with your carrier. If you’re planning to buy a local SIM Card, the phone must also be unlocked.
All hotels in major cities have internet access and wifi. In some remote and small towns, the internet may or may not be available and the service reliable as in major cities.
Iceland operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz. There are two associated plug types, C and F. Plug type C is the plug with two round pins, and plug type F is the plug with two round pins, with two earth clips on the side. If your devices run at 110 volts only, you’ll need to bring a converter to avoid frying the electronics.
1) Booking procedure:
We will send you an email shortly after confirming your booking. Do not book your flights at this time unless otherwise indicated by us. We will let you know once the minimum number of guests to run the tour has been reached.
2) Balance of Payments:
The final payment for the trip is 90 days before departure. Such payment shall be made via credit card or wire transfer. Failure to meet the payment schedule will result in cancelation and forfeit of deposit.
3) Cancelation and Refunds
If, for any reason, DAK Photography Inc. must cancel the trip, 100% of paid deposits will be fully refunded. We reserve the right to cancel any trip/tour/group due to insufficient registration at any time. In the event of such cancellation, those with reservations shall be notified as soon as possible, and a full refund of trip payment will be given.
If a guest needs to cancel, we must receive written notification, email is accepted.
The following cancelation fees apply:
In the event that you have to cancel, we will do our best to fill your spot. If we do so, we will refund 100% of the tour fee less an administrative fee of $ 150.-
Refunds will be not be made for any other costs you may have incurred as a result of your booking.
Travel and medical insurance that includes emergency evacuation coverage are mandatory. We recommend that you purchase this as soon as the trip is confirmed to protect your investment.
Price: $ 5,950 US Dollars
Single Supplement: $ 1400 US Dollars
Deposit: $695 US Dollars, secures your spot.
Balance: Due 90 days before departure. Full terms and conditions in FAQ.
Searching Availability…
Searching Availability…
Copyright © 2020-2021 | Photo Tours and Expeditions is a DBA of DAK Photography Inc., a Florida Corporation
Enter your information to receive our monthly newsletter.