ICELAND PHOTO EXPEDITION mARCH 2024
Join me as I guide you to some of the most incredible landscapes in the land of fire and ice, where nature's most breathtaking spectacles await your lens. Immerse yourself in Iceland's otherworldly beauty, where cascading waterfalls, dramatic fjords, rugged volcanoes, and vast lava fields provide a surreal backdrop for your creative vision. As the sun dips below the horizon, prepare to be enchanted by the mystical Northern Lights. Iceland's dark skies offer the perfect canvas for this celestial dance of color and light. Learn the secrets of landscape photography and capture the aurora borealis in all its glory. Whether you're a seasoned pro, a budding photographer, or an avid traveler, our workshop promises an unforgettable adventure and the chance to bring home stunning images that will leave you in awe.
What you need to know
Dates : March 7th - March 15th, 2024
Price: $2525 ( INR 2.10L ) [ $600 deposit is required to confirm your booking; you can pay the rest all at once or in small increments ]
All payments have to be completed 2 months prior to the date of departure.
Participants: 7 + Mentor ( Myself )
Participating in the tour does not require a high level of physical fitness as most locations are accessible by vehicle.
All photography skill levels are encouraged to join, whether you prefer capturing moments with your smartphone or maximizing the potential of your high-end mirrorless camera
What's Included
• 8 Day photo-tour and workshop
• All accommodation: Twin-Share ( Single supplement available, would be extra )
• All transport around Iceland, including airport pickup & drop.
• Photography Tuition - Landscape & Nightscapes
• Post-processing
What's not Included
• Your flights and transport to Iceland and visa to Iceland
• Travel and Medical insurance
• Meals & Beverages
• Photography equipment
• Additional accommodation before and after workshop dates.
• Any expenses arising from alterations to the itinerary resulting from flight cancellations due to adverse weather conditions and personal reasons.
• Any visa fees, airport taxes, or any other expenses not listed above.
Itineary
• March 7th - Pickup from the airport and check-in at the hotel in Reykjanes Peninsula.
Proposed Itinerary - Gunnuhver Hot Springs, Garður Old Lighthouse.
• March 8th - Morning we head to Snaefellsness Peninsula,
Located in the western part of the country, this picturesque peninsula boasts a stunning blend of rugged coastlines and towering volcanic peaks. We plan to allocate two nights for our stay in this region, during which we will actively monitor weather conditions to maximize our opportunities for shooting the Northern Lights. We would also be shooting during the golden hours depending on the weather conditions.
Proposed Itinerary - Búðakirkja ( Black Church ), Mt. Kirkjufell, Kirkjufellsfoss, Arnarstapi, Lóndrangar, Saxhóll Crater, Ingjaldshólskirkja and some aerial spots around the peninsula.
• March 10th - After the sunrise shoot, We head towards Vik. On the way to Vik, we stop at a few waterfalls such as Skogafoss, Seljalandsfoss, Gljufrabui etc & a few aerial spots.
Proposed Itinerary - Kerid Crater, Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Kvernufoss, Gljufrabui, Sólheimajökull, Reynisfjara Beach, Vík Myrdal Church, Víkurfjara Black Sand Beach, Solheimasandur Plane Wreck.
• March 11th - After breakfast, we head to Solheimasandur Plane Wreck for the sunrise shoot. Post we head to Hofn. On the way, we shoot a few aerial images of braided rivers, Eldhraun Lava Field, Skaftafell Glacier & Diamond beach during sunset. Stay at Höfn. We will attempt for northern lights around Stokksnes depending on cloud activity.
Proposed Itinerary: Eldhraun Lava Field, Skaftafell Glacier, Diamond Beach
• March 12th - Sunrise at Stokksnes and we will use this day for post-processing sessions. Evening will head out to Jökulsárlón Glacier will head back after attempting for northern lights with the glacier.
• March 13th - Drive towards Hella. On this day we can attempt any locations we had missed prior due to bad weather and also some aerial locations. Stay at Hella.
• March 14th - This would be more of a chill day where we discuss about post-processing and reviewing shots. We head to Reykjavik, to explore the capital of Iceland. Participants interested in visiting Blue Lagoon Spa can make their booking for this day evening.
• March 15th - This would be the last day of the trip. Everyone would be dropped at the airport according to their flight schedule.
Essential Packing List
Camera Gear :
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Camera Body - Full frame or Crop sensor, even mobile photography enthusiasts are welcome.
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Camera Lenses - For Landscapes and Northern Lights, lenses with focal length from 12 to 24mm lens is a perfect go-to if you'd only like to bring one, a telephoto lens of 70-200, 75-300, etc. would also work great for some landscapes.
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Sturdy Tripod
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Extra camera batteries and chargers
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Lens filters - ND Filters
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Memory cards with sufficient storage capacity
Personal Gear:
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Warm and waterproof clothing (layers are key)
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Jacket
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Gloves
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Hiking boots
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Thermal sock 3-4 pair
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Thermal shirts & pants
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Woollen Beanie
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Trousers - Only if you are planning to visit Blue Lagoon
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Scarf or neck gaiter
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Sunglasses and sunscreen (yes, even in winter)
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Headlamp
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Laptop
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Personal medications
Photography Accessories:
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Remote shutter release or intervalometer - not necessary if your camera has an in-built intervalometer.
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Lens cloths and wipes
Backpack Essentials:
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Snacks and a reusable water bottle
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Spare clothing, especially socks, and gloves
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Rain cover for your Camera Bag
Softwares :
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Adobe Photoshop, Lightroom, Luminar - whichever you are comfortable with.
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Google Maps - Just in case you plan to explore Reykjavik on your own.
Power and Charging:
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Appropriate power adapters for Iceland's electrical outlets i.e. EU pin.
Trip Documentation:
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Passport and visa (if required)
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Travel Insurance
Optional Items:
Remember that Iceland's weather can change rapidly, so it's essential to be prepared for a range of conditions, from rain and wind to snow and ice. Layered clothing and protective gear for your camera equipment will ensure you're ready to capture the stunning landscapes Iceland has to offer.
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Drone - If you like shooting aerials, would be a great addition to your packing to capture some unique perspectives.
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Car Charger adapter for drone
Miscellaneous
Experience - I primarily cater to beginner and intermediate photographers, and this workshop is open to participants of all skill levels also avid travellers who are not into photography. Our core focus revolves around practical fieldwork, ensuring ample photography opportunities throughout the duration of the trip.
Please note that the provided itinerary serves as a general guideline, and it is subject to flexibility based on prevailing weather conditions. My commitment is to make every effort to visit the locations listed within the available timeframe.
We would be hunting for Northern Lights every night depending on the weather conditions. I would try my best to take you to open skies.
Some days may commence before dawn and conclude well into the evening, with meal times adjusting to accommodate sunset and sunrise moments. Adaptability and a willingness to deviate from a standard schedule are essential aspects of capturing the landscape in unique lighting conditions, distinct from what one typically encounters on an ordinary day.
Fitness - Most of the locations we visit can be accessed with 5-10 mins short walks
Accommodations - All the accommodations would be on a twin-sharing basis. Single accomodations would cost you extra
Food - Food is relatively expensive in Iceland. One should expect around 15-20k depending on where you plan to eat from. We would be stopping at supermarkets every alternative days if you plan to stock up on food.
Frequently Asked Questions
What all equipments are required ?
As mentioned above, a DSLR, couple of battries, couple of SD Cards, sturdy tripod, Laptop with
Adobe Photoshop or Adobe Lightroom, We do not provide cameras or drone for aerial & land-
scape shooting
What is the recommended clothing ?
The classic trekker clothing, trekking shoes ( waterproof ), a winter jacket, gloves, long and
comfortable trousers (waterproof recommended )
Who should take care of the Visa ?
The participants have to take care of their own visa, we will be providing the itinerary details.
Is it easy to obtain Schengen Visa?
If you reside in India, I would recommend obtaining at least 2-3 passport stamps as a good travel history is necessary for a Schengen Visa. If you have previously obtained a Schengen Visa it would not be an issue.
Can non-photographers attend this workshop ?
Yes, you can, but we do recommend having a camera with you for preserving memories & capture the beautiful landscapes.
Cancellation policy
All communication regarding the tour will be by e-mail.
50%: 150 days from the date of departure
80%: Between 120 and 60 days from the date of departure
100%: No Refund 60 days from date of departure.
You can checkout some of my works on my socials -
@navaneeth_unnikrishnan
Some Images from Iceland. You can see more here.
