Iceland the ”Land of Ice and Fire” is one of the most spectacular places in the world.
With such a diverse range of landscapes and natural phenomena, it makes any photographer hungry to explore this unique destination.
Experience the amazing waterfalls of Iceland. Explore the mystical rivers, mountains, lake and crater of the Highland. Discover unique color and texture combination. Perfect mix between touristic and more remote locations.
Trip Dates: August 12-19, 2023
LOCATION
Iceland’s volcanic origins have produced some of Earth’s most stunning natural landscapes. Whether you are a novice or a professional, you will develop your skills as a photographer while practicing on monumental waterfalls, extraterrestrial mountains and craters, crystal blue lakes and even the streets of downtown Reykjavik. This tour has it all.
On this trip, you will expand your skills in taking beautiful photos even in challenging light conditions. Take magnificent photos from dawn to dusk: from the sun shining on sparkling “Diamond Beach” to the top of snowy mountains, to waterfalls flowing inside a canyon.
You will have the chance to master the skill of composition by practicing on beautiful landscapes with fascinating histories. Apply your creativity to the basalt sea stacks of Reynisdrangar, which legend says was formed when two trolls failed to land their ship on the black sand beaches and found it turned to stone by morning.
Not only will you go home with images to be proud of, but you will also be able to use your new skills to improve and expand your photographic technique when you return home. Apart from the technical aspect of learning your camera capabilities, you will learn how to turn an ordinary image into an extraordinary image by using your own creativity.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
The program in a glance:
- Travel from Reykjavik to Vik to see the south waterfalls.
- A few days in the Highland with our 4×4
- Stop by Geyser & Crater on the way back
- 3 nights in Vik, 3 nights in Highland Center, 1 night close to the airport.
- Breakfasts included
We will be accommodated at four select locations:
The Barn Hostel – Vik: The Barn is located near the village of Vík between the Mýrdalsjölill Glacier and the southern coast of Iceland. The double rooms come with a shared bathroom, some present a view over the nearby mountains.
Hotel Skaftafell: The amazing location of Hotel Skaftafell provides guests with stunning views of Iceland’s highest mountain, Hvannadalshnjukur and the largest glacier in Europe, Vatnajökull. All rooms have a work desk, satellite TV and a private bathroom with a shower.
Guesthouse Gerdi: Located at the foot of the impressive Vatnajökull glacier, Gerði Guest house offers country-style living in the unique Icelandic landscape.
Skyr Guesthouse: Located in a former skyr production factory, these comfortable rooms are located next to the Geothermal Park in Hveragerði.
ABOUT YOUR INSTRUCTOR
Languages: French & English
Traveler and passionate about photography since going back from vacation when I was a teenager, I dedicate a lot of my time to learning and practicing photography. I push it further by spending almost a year in south-east Asia in 2017, setting my goal to explore and photograph those beautiful landscapes and culture.
Iceland was on my bucket list for a long time and after coming back for my first visit to this so beautiful and different country, my only thought was where could I go back. I did and I was even able to photograph an active volcano!
We often hear that to take a good photo, you need at least two of three key elements. Good subject, good composition and good light. In Iceland you will have the first almost everywhere, and I will be there to improve the second. Let’s hope for the third 😉
The best way to improve your photography is to practice, and we intend to give you many opportunities during this trip to do just that, from the best viewpoints in the region. We will provide different challenges for all levels, give personal feedback on your work and show you how you can do better.
On this photography trip, expect to practice and improve:
- Landscape photography – how to handle high dynamic range situations, apply composition rules, manage colors and contrasts, using filters
- Outdoor & indoor portraits in different environments and light conditions
- Capturing stars and borealis
- Using reflectors, flashes on and off camera
- Night photography
- Editing techniques and how to form a series of images
- Tips & tricks for all kinds of situation
- Personal, constructive feedback, hands-on exercises, skill sharing
- Assignments to complete each day
What is included?
- Fully loaded program of photography practice
- A dedicated and experienced French and English speaking photography instructor
- Transportation in a 9-seater passenger van
- Visits to two different ice caves
- Breakfasts & Lunch
- 2 nights in a B&B in central Reykjavik in a double or single room with a shared bathroom
- 2 nights in a charming country inn in a double or single room with a shared bathroom
- 3 nights in countryside hotels in a double or single room with a private bathroom
Not included:
- Flights to and from Keflavik airport
- Personal expenses like souvenirs, bar beverages, laundry, insurance (travel, medical, cancellation, which are all recommended)
No visa required for Schengen Area residents
Bring a swimsuit if desired – there is the possibility to swim in a pool
Tickets
FAQ’s
Unless differently stated in the trip description, the following conditions apply to cancellations and booking changes for each trip:
- Up to 90 Days: 20% of the price is held as cancellation
- 89 – 31 Days: 50% of the price is held as cancellation
- 30 – 0 Days: 100% of the price is held as cancellation
Please note that some of the trips have stricter cancellation rules due to agencies we work with. In these cases, the cancellation policy in the trip description applies.
Tickets are not for resale.
For shared rooms, we strongly recommend that you book with somebody you already know and comfortable to share the room with.
If you book a shared room alone, that means you accept to share your room with any other participant regardless of gender or age.
With individual booking of a shared room, your booking can only be confirmed if there is another individual shared room reservation with us. Otherwise, depending on the time and availability, you have the option to upgrade to a private room reservation.
If you decide to upgrade to private room, the conditions depend on the timing of your decision, pending of course on the availability.
Before the trip: Possible by paying the price difference at the time of your decision (e.g. if you bought an early bird ticket but decided to upgrade during normal prices, you pay the difference at normal prices).
After the trip has started: If you decide to upgrade during check-in, if there is room available, you will have to pay the price difference plus 20% of your original payment as penalty.
Unless otherwise stated in the course description, the group conversations will be in English.
Our instructors are all at least bi-lingual, so we will probably be able to help you in your own language in private, in case of any questions. Please check before registration if you do not feel comfortable in English.
No. The application is open to everybody who have the passion for photography and learning. This trip is for beginners as well as for pros because we believe that we all have different talents and we can all learn from each other. Even though, a basic knowledge of photography is highly recommended.
Once we receive your payment, we will get back to you with a short survey or a call to get to know your preferences for language and accommodation. As the trip gets closer, we will keep in touch with you again to confirm the trip, introduce the instructors, update you on the progress and communicate the full program.
No. This trip will be organized by and for Swiss Photo Club only.
Children:
Minimum age of 16 years is required.
Pets:
Pets are unfortunately not allowed to bring.
Allergies/food intolerances:
Please let us know about your allergies and food intolerances so we can adjust the organization according to your needs.
Additional photo equipment:
We have a partnership with great photography manufacturers. If you need to buy photo gear for your trip, do not hesitate to contact us and we will send you a quote (hello@swissphotoclub.com).
There is no insurance included in the weekend photography trip. Please make sure you have health, travel and accident insurance coverage.
We will ask you to give us a way to get in touch with a contact person of your choice before the trip.
You and your beloved ones can contact all of us during our trip and our team back in Geneva and Zurich.
In case of any special allergies or medical treatments, we highly recommend to contact your doctor before applying for the trip.
Swiss Photo Club does not provide any insurance.
You can either pay via:
- Credit Card (fastest/prefered option),
- Bank Transfer
- Invoice (send us an email with full name and billing address)
- Cash (get in contact with us to arrange an appointment)
- Photography equipment for landscape and night photography (body, lenses, tripod, filters, strap, batteries, sd cards, etc.)
- Laptop with Lightroom or Photoshop for the editing session (optional)
- Warm clothes according to weather conditions
You will get a recommended packing list with your welcome information