Wild Iceland Photography Workshop
with Dani Connor
As one of the most breathtaking and diverse landscapes in the world, Iceland offers an abundance of unique opportunities to capture incredible wildlife moments. From magnificent waterfalls and stunning glaciers to captivating bird life and elusive Arctic foxes, the Westfjords of Iceland is a true paradise for wildlife photographers .
Our team will take you on an 11 day expedition to one of the most stunning, fragile and remote landscape in the world. The WestFjords in Iceland will be our home for the duration where we will seek to capture the very best of the Arctic wildlife in this remote region.
THEME: Arctic Tundra
This adventure is for wanderers who like to enjoy nature without roughing it! We welcome photographers from all levels and backgrounds.
STYLE: Wildlife
Fusing creativity with the natural environment, it is the perfect blend of photography, nature and exploration.
WHO: Photographers
We welcome photographers, explorers or simply anyone who loves the arctic landscape.. No prior experience of photography is necessary, although a good understanding would certainly help you to make the most of the experience. Kindly note that this trip involves la lot of walking and hiking across rough terrain so only join us if you are relatively fit!
Trip details
Dates
1st July to 11th July 2024, 11 days.
Language spoken
English
Places available
6 (only 1 left!)
Price
$7795 USD. Deposit of $1000, followed by monthly instalments.
Trip highlights
- Látrabjarg Cliffs: Sail to these dramatic cliffs, home to a rich variety of birdlife including puffins and guillemots, and capture the breathtaking views over the North Atlantic.
- Dynjandi Waterfall: Witness the cascading beauty of the “Jewel of the Westfjords,” an ethereal natural wonder that’s a photographer’s dream.
- Hornstrandir Nature Reserve: Spend four days in this untouched reserve, honing your photography skills on Arctic Foxes and abundant sealife under expert guidance.
- Hot Pots in Drangsnes: Unwind in natural hot pools right on the coastline, with a chance to spot whales and seals in their natural habitat.
What’s included
• Accommodation, based on twin share with private bathrooms
• Private transportation in luxurious vehicles, led by an expert wildlife guide
• Transportation to Hornstrandir & return (full board while there)
• Private transfers to and from Reyjkavik International Airport
• Meals as outlined in the itinerary
• Professional photographic guide
• Entrance fees for national parks
• Lectures by Dani during and post trip
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Iceland
Upon your arrival at the airport, our fantastic guide will meet you and drive you to Reykjavik. Along the way, you will drive through the scenic Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its stunning landscapes and geothermal areas.
En route to our hotel in Reykjavik our guide will take you to a few secret spots for fantastic photo opportunities.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious three-course welcome dinner included in your itinerary
Meals Included: 3 Course Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel Reykjavik Saga
Day 2: The Snaefellsnes Peninsula
Today, you will have the opportunity to visit several remarkable locations on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. We will visit the picturesque fishing village of Arnarstapi, where you can capture the charm of the village and its scenic coastal surroundings. You will also have the chance to photograph the enchanting Búðakirkja church, known for its unique black color.
Next, your guide will take you to the majestic Kirkjufell Mountain, a prominent landmark often referred to as “the most photographed mountain in Iceland.” Its stunning beauty and dramatic landscapes provide an incredible backdrop for wildlife photography. Along the journey we will stop regularly to photograph the many birds and mammals that live in the area.
Continuing our journey, you will encounter the impressive Lóndrangar sea stacks, rising dramatically from the coastline where we hope to see a full spectrum of magnificent birdlife of the area, including puffins, kittiwakes, common murres and northern fulmars. In the afternoon we will visit the stunning Svalþúfa Hill, where you can capture panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
After a day filled with adventures and remarkable photo opportunities, you will find comfort in a well-appointed hotel in Stykkisholmur. Rest well, as there are plenty more exciting wildlife photography in the days ahead!
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3-4* Hotel (TBC)
Day 3: Puffins and Waterfalls
In the morning, we will board a ferry to Látrabjarg, an iconic location known for its majestic cliffs and abundant birdlife. This remote and rugged coastline provides an excellent opportunity for capturing stunning photographs of various seabird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. The cliffs also offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the vast North Atlantic Ocean.
After immersing ourselves in the beauty of Látrabjarg, our journey continues to the impressive Dynjandi Waterfall. This cascading waterfall, also known as the “Jewel of the Westfjords,” is renowned for its sheer size and ethereal beauty. You’ll have the chance to photograph the dynamic and mesmerizing flow of water as it plunges down the multi-tiered steps.
Depending on timing and conditions, we can take a short drive to Rauðasandur, a unique red sand beach known for its striking color. Here, we plan to capture the contrast between the red sands, the blue ocean, and the surrounding cliffs, creating a visually stunning composition.
For those who would like to, we will visit the charming town of Patreksfjörður, where you can indulge in a delightful dinner at the renowned Stukuhúsið restaurant. This offers a chance to savour local cuisine (meal not included) and experience the warm hospitality of the people living a slow paced life in the Westfjords.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3-4* Hotel (TBC)
Day 4 – 7: Hornstrandir Nature Reserve
Today we venture into the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. One of the best places in the world to photograph Artic Foxes and a huge range of Arctic birdlife!
After breakfast, we board a small boat that will take you on an incredible scenic journey to this remote and uninhabited area in the far North of the island, renowned for its untouched beauty and diverse wildlife.
Arriving at the reserve, we’ll have plenty of time to settle into our recently renovated private house, our home for the next four days.
Our goal over the coming days is to explore this incredible reserve, capturing its pristine landscapes and focusing on photographing the Arctic Foxes and abundant sealife. Throughout our stay, Dani will guide you on all aspects of photography from composition to post production techniques, a fantastic opportunity to hone you photography skills in a very picturesque part of the world.
Our expert local guides know the reserve exceptionally well and will search for the best photographic opportinities as we explore, on foot and in small boats or kayaks on the water.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Unique Private House (TBC)
Day 8: Drangsnes
Today we wake early for breakfast, pack up our bags and journey from Ísafjörður to Drangsnes, taking in the picturesque village of Súðavík, and the historic site of Hrafnseyri.
En-route we will be on the lookout for more wildlife as we make our way through the peaceful and remote landscapes and can stop for as long as necessary should the opportunity for photographs arise.
At the end of the day we will relax in the hot pots in Drangsnes. These hot natural pools are situated right on the coastline, overlooking the fjord. If we’re lucky we may even spot whales and seals passing through. July is a great time for whale watching, although kindly note that sightings are not guaranteed.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3-4* Hotel (TBC)
Day 9: Hvitserkur Rock Stack
On day 9, we’ll set off by boat from the quiet little hamlet of Drangsnes to a small island called Grimsey, not to be confused with the more famous one which straddles the Arctic Circle. This island has an abundant amount of birdlife, including puffins and fulmars, which we’ll be photographing.
Afterwards, we’ll be shooting the spectacular basalt monolith Hvítserkur, which rises like a prehistoric monster from the Vatnsnes Peninsula. It takes its name and white colour from bird excrement created by fulmars, seagulls and arctic terns.
The sun also does further wonders to this photogenic site, particularly during sunrise and sunset, where the light, colours and shadows lend a further otherworldliness to the scene. While shaped by sea and wind, folklore says it was a troll turned to stone by the sun. If we have time, we’ll visit the amazing basalt columns at Borgarvirki, and the peninsula itself which is home to plenty of beautiful mountains.
Our night will be spent in the Hvítserkur area.
Meals Included: Breakfast
Accommodation: 3-4* Hotel (TBC)
Day 10: Hraunfossar Waterfall & Journey Back to Reykjavik
On this day we’ll be photographing the magnificent Kolugljufur canyon in Vididalur valley and its many beautiful waterfalls, collectively known as Kolufossar. The gorge and its falls make for a breathtaking and incredibly photogenic sight, where the clear water of the falls contrasts with the ruggedness of the canyon. The name of the falls comes from a legend of a giantess named Kola who was said to live there.
We’ll also be photographing the stunning Hraunfossar waterfalls in Borgarfjörður, made up of many rivulets flowing at the edge of the lava field Hallmundarhraun and falling into the mighty glacier river Hvítá.
After photographing these beautiful falls, we’ll be wrapping up our photographing adventure as we’ll return to Reykjavik, share a dinner at a local restaurant and say our goodbyes
Meals Included: Breakfast & Dinner
Accommodation: Reykjavik Saga Hotel
Day 11: Departure
On your final day, you will make your way back to Keflavík International Airport, bringing with you memories and photos from an unforgettable photography adventure. Until next time, we hope you’ve had a fantastic time photographing the Westfjords in Iceland.
Meals Included: Breakfast
AFTER YOUR EXPEDITION
After our time in Iceland is over, Dani plans to host an online editing lecture to run through some of her images and her editing process. This will be arranged at a time when everyone is available and will last for approximately 2 hours.
Book your place now
$7795 USD. Deposit of $1000, followed by monthly instalments.