PhotographyCourses.Biz
Iceland Photography Workshop 2024
South coast, glacier lagoon and diamond beach: 9th - 16th January 2024
$4250 USD per person - 10 places remaining
In partnership with Thor Photography 
- Tuesday 9th January: Arrivals
- 10-15th January: On locations
- Tuesday 16th January: Departures
Get some fresh air on this ever popular workshop with me in partnership with Thor Photography. The south coast of Iceland is one of the most popular popular areas to visit for many years for good reason, the scenery is spectacular and every corner offers a new opportunity.
This workshop is covering the best parts of the South Coast which holds by far many of Iceland's most picturesque locations like Vik and the surrounding area, black sandy beaches, majestic waterfalls, glaciers and more.
Northern Lights and landscapes
This time of year Aurora season is in full swing and we will be hunting them whenever the conditions are favourable. Since the weather can be changeable, locations are often chosen according to the conditions so your chances of some awesome images are maximised.
Where we're based
We begin and end in Reykjavík but will be staying at a variety of great hotels, conveniently located for our shooting locations throughout the workshop. The map below is the area we'll be exploring. Please note, it is not nescessarily our exact route.
Highlights include:
- Vík
- Reynisdrangar
- Black sand beaches (Diamond beach)
- Glacier lagoon
- Ice Cave (condition dependant)
- Vestrahorn
- Seljalandsfoss
- Skogafoss
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Day
Upon arriving to Iceland, we suggest using the FlyBus service from Keflavik Airport to the host hotel. Taxis are also available near the terminal building.
The FlyBus service is located right outside the terminal building and the cost is around $35USD each way. Book online using the FlyBus Plus service which will drop you off at your hotel. You can book a round trip to take you back to the airport after the tour.
Book FlyBus online:
- Visit https://www.re.is/flybus
- Choose the FlyBus+ service which will ask for your hotel information
- Pay online.
Accommodation is in Reykjavík. We'll send details after booking.
Day 2:
We leave Reykjavík early and head east to our first locations. The exact locations depend on weather conditions, but on our route are the two waterfalls Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss, Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara.
Overnight in Vík area.
Day 3-4-5:
These three days will be spent in the Vatnajökull National Park, which is covering about 14% of Iceland and makes it the biggest national park in Europe. This area is packed with beautiful picturesque opportunities. Waterfalls, black sand desert, glacier tongues and not to mention the famous glacier lagoon Jökulsárlón, with it's floating giant icebergs and just below we have the spectacular diamond beach, where the ice that has been carried out from the lagoon gets washed up on the shore creating captivating scenery, this is a feast for your sensor.
Overnight in Glacier lagoon area.
Day 6:
We head west in the direction of Reykjavík. Probable locations along the way include Skaftafell, where there are numerous photo opportunities including Svínafellsjökull glacier, and Fjaðrárgljúfur canyon among other locations that we either skipped on our way east or re-visit others.
Overnight in Vik area.
Day 7:
After breakfast we check out and head for sunrise shoot based on the condition and weather forecast we’ll make a decision on our next steps weather we will spend more time on the south coast or visit what’s known as The Golden Circle to photograph the spouting hot spring Strokkur which erupts every 5-10 minutes, ejecting boiling water 25-30 meters into the air. The other option will be visiting Reykjanes peninsula, decision will be made upon weather and conditions.
Overnight in Reykjavík.
Day 8: (Departure day)
This is your last day in Iceland. If you have time, you might want to enjoy a dip into the Blue Lagoon which is in the neighbourhood of Grindavík, before you head out towards Keflavik International Airport for your flight home, taking with you memories and photographs from an unforgettable adventure.
Again, we recommend using the FlyBus+.
More images from previous workshops below
What you'll learn
- How to create compelling and enticing landscape compositions
- How to properly expose for an image throughout all variety of light including prime and non-prime lighting conditions
- How to photograph the night sky, create star trails and with some luck, capture the Northern Lights! (Aurora Borealis)
- How to use their camera to it´s best capabilities
- How to utilise motion blur to capture dramatic seascapes and waterfall images
- Workflow techniques for Lightroom and Photoshop
And much, much more!
What you need
- A DSLR or Mirrorless camera
- A variety of lenses - a wide angle lens will be your most used on this trip
- A sturdy tripod and head. (A plastic one that vibrates is useless)
- An intervalometer (optional - to create star trails... a cheap one will do just fine)
- Multiple memory cards
- Extra batteries
- Laptop
- Photoshop and Lightroom installed on your laptop (at least the trial versions)
Training and skill level
All levels of photographers are welcome. We have had everyone from complete beginners to some very advanced photographers with us on this tour. At each location direction will be given to help you get the best from that location and instructions on how to assemble and think your images through, one step at a time.
Other information
Visas
As far as we know, visas are not required to visit Iceland but PLEASE CHECK because things can change and we don’t want anyone to be disappointed. Visas are not included and it’s the responsibility of participants to find out if they need a visa and obtain one if you do.
Passport
You will need a valid passport for the duration of your intended stay in Iceland.
Insurance
It is the responsibility of participants to arrange their own Travel and Equipment insurance for the trip.
Fitness
The workshop will involve a few short hikes of maybe 20-30 minutes carrying your camera equipment. You may need to climb a hill for the best vantage point. Surfaces may include sand or rocky ground so a small level of fitness is recommended.
Clothing
We will be spending a lot of time outside in the elements and You won’t enjoy the experience if you’re cold. Average temperature is around -2C but it can go lower and with wind chill it will feel much colder still. It’s very important to bring warm rugged clothing including...
- Thermal underwear, socks and gloves.
- Sturdy waterproof hiking boots. (Light shoes will not be sufficient to keep your feet warm and dry)
- Waterproof jacket and over trousers
- Gloves, scarf and woolly hat.
- A change of clothes is vital so you always have at least one set that’s warm and dry.
Money and Credit Cards
Local currency is the Icelandic Krona and it’s worth bringing some with you. Krona may need to be ordered in advance from banks and post offices. Credit cards are widely accepted throughout Iceland. Some card providers charge more for international transactions than others so please check with yours if you need to.
Budget around 85$ USD per day for food, snacks and souvenirs.
Booking deadline
A $1000 USD non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space for this workshop, or you may pay in full. The remaining balance is due on 1st September, 2022. If the remaining balance is not paid in full, your space will be forfeited.
All bookings are handled by Thor Photography and their Icelandic travel agent Sif Travel. The book now button will transfer you to their site
Price includes:
- Lodging at each location upon double occupancy (single occupancy adds 900$ USD)
- Welcome & farewell dinner
- Daily hands on time with instructors, who will be available to you all day long
- Transportation throughout the workshop
- Park entrance fees
- Breakfast daily
Price does not include
- Airfares to and from Iceland Keflavik International Airport
- Meals exempt where indicated
- Transportation to and from Keflavik airport to our hotel in Reykjavík for arrivals and departure dates, We highly recommended the FlyBus Plus for transportation to/from the airport/host hotel
- Beverages and snacks
- Personal expenses
If you'd like to speak to me, leave your details and I'll get in touch.
$4250 USD
Deposit: $1000 USD
A $1000 USD non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space for this workshop, or you may pay in full. The remaining balance is due on 9th October 2023. If the remaining balance is not paid in full, your space will be forfeited.
Bookings are are handled by my partner Thor Photography's travel agent Sif Travel. When you book you will be transferred to Thor Photography website.
[www.thor-photography.com/south-coast-and-glacier-lagoon-signup-form]
Images from previous Iceland workshops
Your tutors at a glance
Thor Jonsson
Thor is a specialist Icelandic landscape photographer and location guide whose images are frequently used by the tourist board in Iceland.
He's the guy who camps out in sub-zero temperatures to ensure he's in the right place at the right time to capture the money shot.
When not guiding professional landscape photographers, groups or shooting for himself, Thor loves exploring new locations and vantage points to shoot from.
His ambition is to photograph a Unicorn, sliding down a rainbow in front of the Northern Lights...
Mike Br
owne...
Has been running location workshops in Iceland, Asia, Europe and other countries since 2011 and is flattered to be called the 'UK's friendliest photo expert' by 500px.
His Youtube channel is in Petapixels 'Top Ten Youtube Trainers' list and has over 250,000 subscribers.
He's appeared on TV a number of times and spoken at some of the worlds leading photo events such as The International Photography Festival in Sharjah, UAE and the Photography Show in Birmingham UK.
Mike describes himself as a committed motorcyclist, traveller and explorer of this wonderful world we live in.
Some homework before you come
The Workshop Prep page has a few specially chosen videos for you to watch to ensure we go straight to work and everyone gets the most out of our location and the training. If we all have a basic understanding of camera controls it helps everyone get the most out of the photo training.
