September 1st to September 13th, 2027

  12 nights/13 inclusive days  |  Maximum of 8 participants, and a minimum of 4 participants

Photography Tour Overview: Iceland hit the headlines in 2010 when the eruption of Mount Eyjafjallajökull caused major aviation disruption - the itinerary takes us right past that peak by the way - but this remote northern European country sandwiched between the north Atlantic and Norwegian seas, is a land of rock, rainbows, waterfalls, ice, unpronounceable names, glaciers, icebergs, geysers, thermal springs, black sand beaches, red-roofed churches, towering cliffs, sea-birds, Icelandic horses, and ever-changing terrain from volcanoes to green pastures. The waterfalls - 10,000 of them - come in all shapes, sizes, velocity and flavor . . . vanilla to chocolate, and you'll shoot Iceland's best and the unique. We take in a lot more than the Golden Circle, a lot more, plus photographing the Aurora Borealis [northern lights] is a possibility if the skies are moderate to mostly clear, and solar conditions are in our favor. As with all of our photography tours, early and late shooting is scheduled for each day.

Volcanic Activity: It could be that there will be zero events during our photography tour of Iceland, but should there be . . . A: Our itinerary could be disrupted . . . B: New photography opportunities might be created!
 

Day 1  |  Reykjavik, Thingvellir National Park, Geysir and Gullfoss
Our Iceland photography tour will get under way at our gateway hotel in Keflavik at 9:30 am. We shall head north to Reykjavik for our first photography session. The 'Sun Voyager' sculpture at the water's edge will give you a good grasp of how much Iceland values its Viking heritage, and wherever you are in the city you cannot miss the massive Hallgrimskirkja church. Other stops are planned along with the included first day lunch, then on east to Thingvellir National Park for a 'walkabout'. Included will be rock, water, mountain views, quaint white church and your first waterfall . . . 'foss' being the Icelandic word for waterfall. Remote Thingvellir [Þingvellir] was actually the Icelandic seat of government from 930 to 1798, and sits directly on a volcanic fissure that also divides the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates. On eastwards via a photogenically placed red-roofed church to southern Iceland's frequently erupting Strokkur geyser. Nearby is the fairly dormant 'Geysir' which gave its name to all geysers. The Strokkur geyser erupts every 1 to 8 minutes and projects up to 60 feet high. The waterfall of Gullfoss - the 'golden falls' - is one of Iceland's most photogenic, and is fed by the vast River Hvítá. You'll love the 'unconventional' waterfall views you'll be able to capture, and long tripod exposures are highly recommended as we'll be there both late and early.
Near Gullfoss, 1 night

Days 2 + 3  |  Vik and the Reynisfjara peninsula
We'll shoot early, return for breakfast, and head down to Iceland's southern coastal road for a pair of waterfalls that sit on the slopes of the Mount Eyjafjallajökull - 'jökull' = glacier - famed for its 2010 eruption. Seljalandsfoss is a waterfall that you can pass behind, so imagine the possibilities that offers. Then up next is Skógafoss, a waterfall that offers both a river level view and upper level compositional options. Following the coastline eastwards we'll make a detour or two, and during our stay near Vik you'll photograph black sand, coastal cliffs, a lighthouse, basalt columns and sea stacks et cetera.
Near Vik, 2 nights

Day 4  |  Vik to Jökulsárlón Lagoon
As always, we'll shoot early, return for breakfast, and after check-out head north making multiple stops for photography as we go. Included will be a 'cairn city', a volcanic plateau covered in moss, various waterfalls, and a unique canyon. Approaching Skaftafell National Park we see the first of many glaciers, then make a detour for the Fjallsárlón Lagoon. Further east on the edge of Vatnajökull National Park there sits the intriguing iceberg-laden Jökulsárlón Lagoon. We include a boat trip out on the lagoon to place the group among the colorful, eerily-shaped icebergs. Seal sightings are possible here. Shoreline photography is also scheduled, but more importantly, should mostly clear skies and the Aurora Borealis rendezvous after dark, this will be the place to be.
Near Jökulsárlón Lagoon, 1 night

Day 5  |  Eastern Fjords
Back to Glacier Lagoon before dawn for some terrific shooting, breakfast, then off on our journey around the eastern fjords. The day will be filled with ever changing scenery including ocean vistas, photogenic mountain ranges, fjords, waterfalls, rural Icelandic scenes dotted with Icelandic ponies, turf houses and more . . . overall a beautiful drive. On to our overnight in Egilsstaðir.
Egilsstaðir, 1 night

Day 6 + 7  |  Dettifoss and Volcanic Iceland
We get off the beaten track early in the day, then as we head westwards across increasingly volcanic terrain, we'll detour into Jökulsárgljúfur National Park, which is now part of the greater Vatnajökull National Park. Dettifoss is the park's main attraction and is Europe's most powerful waterfall. It was featured in the opening scenes of the movie 'Prometheus', while nearby Selfoss is a waterfall for those that are game for hiking a short way upstream for shots. On to Reykjahlíð for a two night stay.
During our Mývatn region sojourn we'll shoot Lake Mývatn which has one of Europe's largest bird populations, and several unique volcanic regions with differing thermal or volcanic features. You'll enjoy the slow pace and photo opportunities that this volcanic landscape has to offer.
Reykjahlíð, 2 nights

Day 8  |  Godafoss and Glaumbaer
We'll shoot on the shores of Lake Mývatn at early light, then following breakfast we'll head for Godafoss, the waterfall 'of the gods', as it is known. On west to spend time around Akureyri, the 'capital of the north', then another detour will take us to the Glaumbaer folk village complete with 'turf houses' and church . . . a mirror of ancient Icelandic life. Continuing westwards we'll pass through a quite Scottish-looking landscape, pausing to photograph the best scenes, with several including red and white churches.
Near Hvammstangi, 1 night

Days 9, 10 + 11  |  Snæfellsness Peninsula
Today we head north to the Hvitserkur sea stack, and shoot along a black sand beach while Fulmars circle overhead. Then on west pausing for a variety of Icelandic vistas and oddities as we make our way to the Snæfellsness peninsula for our three-night stay.
We have two and a half glorious days to explore this quaint, rugged and photogenic peninsula . . . a personal favorite. The many classic shots will include waterfalls, mountains, cliff and ocean scenes, harbours, lone churches in all shapes, sizes and color, Icelandic horses, plus the Snæfellsjökull glacier . . . think Jules Verne's classic, Journey to the Center of the Earth.
Hellnar, 3 nights

Day 12  |  Snæfellsness Peninsula and a return to Keflavik
As usual, we'll be out early in search of good light, then after breakfast we'll check out and skirt Haffjörður Bay, shooting as we go and pausing for a pair of churches and basalt columns et cetera. This is our 'mop-up' day, meaning that we can re-shoot locations that might have been previously hampered by the weather or light prior to heading back to the Reykjanes peninsula for our last night. The included dinner on the last night of our photography tour will feature an 'It's You!' presentation of clients in action on this tour by John.
Near Keflavik airport, 1 night

Day 13  |  Departure day
Morning flights are available, but for those of you taking late afternoon flights you'll have the option of an approximately four hour photography extension on the Reykjanes peninsula. Subjects typically are lighthouses, coastal sea-stacks, churches, Icelandic ponies and more. For those of you joining us for this option, fear ye not as you will be returned to the airport at least two hours before your scheduled flight. A flight departure after 4 pm is recommended if taking the photography extension.

Photo Tour Photographer/Leader: John Baker, Travel Images Photography Tours
The preceding itinerary is a copyrighted work by John Baker Photographer LLC, and Travel Images Photography Tours

The following 'Bollywood' video was being filmed while we were on the 2015 Iceland trip,
and the good news is that we take you to all of those locations except to the derelict plane. Check out the scenery!

Enhancing Your Photography Skills
Describing the assistance you'll receive on one of our photography tours takes more than a few words, so for greater detail please go here.

Exertion level: This photography tour is classified as 'non strenuous' to 'moderately strenuous'
A majority of images are found in close proximity to our vehicle
Footpaths to/around waterfalls, thermal and volcanic areas are mildly to moderately strenuous
Portions of the viewpoints at Gullfoss, Dettifoss and Godafoss waterfalls are rugged.
Trails to cliff-dwelling birds and seascapes are moderately strenuous
In every other respect this photography tour is considered non-strenuous to mildly strenuous

Do you need a Visa for travel to Iceland?
Travelers from all countries can do a quick check of visa requirements here or here
Our international clients may need to contact the embassy of their intended destination in their own country for a visa. Go here or here
 

Photography Tour Cost, Deposit, Cancellation Policy and Enrollment Guidance

Trip Cost: $6,992 USD per person not including airfare. A 5% discount is applied to all double occupancies. A single room supplement is required for single occupancy
All of our hotels have private/en-suite bathrooms

Single Supplement: 14% of the base cost of the trip

The deposit for this photography tour is $500. Make a deposit, or pay your tour balance here

Cancellation policy: Go here

Enrollment guidance: Go here
 

Included in the Trip Cost: The following items are included in the trip cost . . .

• Photography instruction throughout the trip by John

• All accommodations with private facilities [en-suite]

• All breakfasts

• Lunch on day one of the trip

• Dinner on the last night of the trip

• On-vehicle snacks and bottled water

• All ground transportation

• Airport pick-up on day 1, and drop-off on departure day. Arrival prior to day 1 is not included

• Entrance fees for sites and activities listed below under ‘Admissions Included’

• Following the trip you'll receive detailed field notes describing the time, place and subject of each photo stop, plus image uploads to a private web page of clients 'in action' on the trip

Not Included in the Trip Cost: The costs for these items are the responsibility of each participant . . .

• Airfare

• Travel costs between your home and the gateway airport and return

• Any transportation or travel costs incurred prior to or after the tour’s inclusive dates

• Pre-tour and/or post-tour accommodation

• Lunches and dinners except for lunch on day one of the trip, and dinner on the last night of the trip

• Alcoholic beverages

• Entrance fees or costs related to optional sites or activities not included in the itinerary

• Baggage fees

• Medical expenses

• Personal items such as the hotel mini-bar, laundry et cetera

• Incidental charges incurred at our accommodations such as movie rentals, internet and phone

• Travel insurance

• Passport or visa expenses

• Airport departure taxes, if applicable

Admissions Included in the Trip Cost:

• The boat ride on Glacier lagoon at Jökulsárlón, the Glaumbaer 'turf house' folk village, parks, thermal areas, and entry to all National Parks is include in your trip cost

• Any other admissions such as museums are optional and not included