Photo Tours

Best Photo Tours in Iceland

Capture stunning nature with the largest selection of photo tours in Iceland. Improve your skills and advance your portfolio with professional guidance.
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Chuck Standley

Chuck Standley

Amazing!
06/02/2022, 20:50
Review of 11 Day Photography Tour | All Around Iceland in Winter

Our trip to Iceland was one of the top ones on our retirement bucket list. I am an amateur photographer and enjoy wildlife and landscape photography. We were considering a self drive tour around Iceland to afford me the opportunity to take pictures whenever the opportunity presented itself. When I thought of the prospect of driving the winter roads in Iceland and the fact that we didn’t have enough information on where to find the best photo spots we opted for a guided tour. Again, guided tours often don’t offer the time it takes to setup and take landscapes so, we opted for a Guided Photography Tour. Guide to Iceland offered a number of choices in terms of length of trip and photo opportunities and we finally settled on an 11 day guided photo safari from Iceland Photo Tours. It included a small group tour via comfortable van, private room lodging, breakfasts and a knowledgeable photographer to inform and guide us around the island. The company also provided rubber boots for some wet photo locations and crampons for walking when it was icy outside, which was quite a bit of the time. Our guide Vincenzo Maaza was originally from Italy but has a many years long residency in Iceland and extensive experience guiding glacier, mountain, and photography tours. His prime concerns were for our group’s happiness with our photography experience in Iceland and our personal comfort. He went the extra mile in many cases to get us to the best and sometimes secret locations for photographs. He helped us in setup and showed us techniques for taking advantage of the unique landscape’s photo opportunities. He knew of many great locations but was also always on the lookout for new ones as weather changes affected the agenda for the day’s shooting. I remember one incident specially where we had been on a long day of shooting over dinner Vincenzo asked each of us, individually, whether we’d like to set up for the Aurora that evening. The weather outside was pretty frightful as it was snowing sideways. Everyone else was ready for a warm relaxing night inside and replied absolutely not. I hesitantly said no and he picked up on my slower answer to the question and repeatedly said he’d be “more than happy” to take just me out for a look. I finally convinced him that I was sincere and that convinced him to stay inside and warm too. We were treated to many excellent locations and afforded plenty of time to get our shots of the beautiful landscape. We had some good weather and some “not quite so good” weather but that is always expected and unavoidable in winter in Iceland. Vincenzo also treated us to some of his post processing knowledge on his computer on couple of evenings, before dinner, after our daily photo shoots. The accommodations were very comfortable and in some cases quaint and historical additionally. Vincenzo’s driving skills were on display a number of times when it was particularly windy and/or snowy and icy. We all felt safe in the company’s modern, comfortable van and when we were out tromping around, fitted with our crampons. We really made to feel as though we were a group of lifelong friends on a road trip together. The trip was as memorable as we had hoped and the photos taken will help us remember the trip the rest of our lives.

Photography in Iceland

Iceland is a photographer’s paradise, a land of mesmerizing landscapes and infinitely interesting subjects, be they cascading waterfalls, creeping glaciers, jagged canyons, or weatherbeaten coastlines.

With the explosion of photography’s popularity across the world, it is no wonder that Iceland is fast becoming one of the most photographed destinations on earth.

Photographers of all backgrounds, creeds, and caliber visit Iceland each year to capture their experiences, traveling across the country in search of that ultimate shot. Be they Instagrammers, nature photographers, or cultural shutterbugs, all visitors to Iceland will be immediately taken with the urge to document, frame, and shoot their surroundings.

Photo tours and workshops in Iceland allow guests to sharpen their skills behind the camera, acting under the tutelage of an experienced and knowledgeable guide.

Taking you to some of this country’s biggest attractions and providing opportunities to capture phenomena like the northern lights and the midnight sun, your guide will ensure that you return home with a portfolio brimming with new contributions.

Photo tours and workshops can be concentrated to a single day with only a few attractions focused upon, or alternatively, they can extend for up to two weeks, allowing visitors every opportunity to maximize their photography in Iceland.

You may visit Iceland’s most photographed feature, Mt. Kirkjufell, most famously portrayed as “the mountain like an arrowhead” from HBO’s ‘Games of Thrones.’ Alternatively, you could spend time at “the Crown Jewel of Iceland”, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, photographing the hundreds of icebergs that float peacefully on the still surface.

Another option could be spending time in Iceland’s picturesque capital city, Reykjavik, photographing many iconic cultural landmarks, including Hallgrimskirkja church and Harpa Concert Hall.

Whatever you choose, you will collect a wealth of fascinating photographs that will forever bring you back to Iceland.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best photo tours in Iceland?

One of the best photo tours from Iceland is this epic 10-day Greenland sailing trip and photography workshop with transfers from Reykjavik. It's available in summer and costs about 5,659 USD.

Another excellent photography tour is this full-day trip with a photographer-guide to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It includes Reykjavik transfers and costs around 259 USD.

Winter travelers can check out this spectacular four-hour small-group northern lights tour with an expert aurora hunter and photographer. It costs approximately 267 USD and departs from Reykjavik.

Is it worth it to take photo tours in Iceland?

It is absolutely worthwhile to book photo tours in Iceland. For photographers seeking to gain new skills and build a strong portfolio, your photo guides will provide you with invaluable information. For everyone else, photo tours are an excellent opportunity to capture Iceland's incredible landscapes, unique wildlife, and fascinating culture.

If you want to build a career as a photographer, take memories of your holiday home with you, or liven up your social media, a photo tour is for you.

What's the cheapest photo tour in Iceland?

Iceland's cheapest guided photography tour is this eight-hour Golden Circle tour with Reykjavik transfers. A knowledgeable photography expert will show you how to capture excellent shots of the country's top attractions for around 174 USD per person.

The second-cheapest photography tour in Iceland is a small-group three-hour ice-caving tour at Vatnajokull glacier, including a photo package. It departs from the Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon car park and costs about 189 USD.

The third cheapest photography tour in Iceland is this beautiful photo tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. It includes transfers from Reykjavik and costs approximately 259 USD.

When is the best time to come to Iceland for a photo tour?

It depends on what sort of photos you are looking to shoot. In summer, the bright nights provide a long golden hour, often called the midnight sun.

The short, dim days in winter create a unique and eerie atmosphere. Although you will have fewer hours to shoot under the sun, photo workshops in winter will allow you to capture the northern lights.

What will the weather be like during my photo tour in Iceland?

The weather in Iceland is notoriously changeable. In summer, average temperatures range between 46 to 55 F (8-13 C). However, temperatures can reach 68 to 77 F (20-25 C).

Winters in Iceland are not as cold as some might think, and the temperature indoors is always comfortable as heating runs off inexpensive geothermal energy. Temperatures across the island vary, but you can expect averages of around 28 to 35 F (-2 to 2 C).

Will the guides help me to photograph the northern lights in Iceland?

Your photography guides are experts in hunting and photographing the northern lights. They will inform you what camera settings are best to take fantastic snapshots of the natural phenomenon. The aurora can be seen in Iceland from late August to the beginning of April when the sky is clear.

What kind of lenses and equipment will I need for photography in Iceland ?

For landscape photography, you will need a wide-angle lens. For wildlife photography, a telescopic lens will be very useful. You will need a tripod and a DSLR camera to photograph the northern lights.

Amateur photographers will find smartphone photos sufficient. However, most smartphones don’t pick up the northern lights. For northern lights photography, a DSLR camera is ideal. Once you book a photo tour in Iceland, you will be sent a complete list of equipment that you need.

What other essentials should I pack for my photo tour in Iceland?

Knowing what to pack for travel in Iceland is hard when it is your first time visiting the country. Warm and waterproof clothing is always recommended since you will spend a great deal of time outside, and the weather in Iceland is highly changeable. It is recommended that you bring clothes which you can layer. Breathable fabric is ideal. We suggest that you avoid heavy cotton clothing that can trap sweat, making you uncomfortable as your day progresses. In all seasons, hats, gloves, and scarves are recommended, as well as sunglasses.

Are the Iceland photo workshops led by experts?

All of the Iceland photo tours are led by a team made up of experienced local and international photography guides. They will be available every step of the way to guide you as you hone your skills.

Many are award-winning photographers and some of Iceland's best photo tour guides. As well as being highly qualified, all the guides speak excellent English and boast an intimate knowledge of Iceland.

Is wildlife photography possible in Iceland?

Yes, Iceland is teeming with wildlife. Wild animals in Iceland include whales and puffins, seals, horses, foxes, reindeer, and sometimes even dolphins. Puffins nest in Iceland between April and the end of August. It is possible to photograph them on a midnight sun photo tour.

Do I need to be a good photographer to join an Iceland photo tour?

No, Guide to Iceland offers tours that are open to amateurs as well as experts. Groups are often mixed with people of varying skill sets. Our expert photo guides will always be available to provide you with as much guidance as you need.

Can I hire a private photographer for my trip?

Yes, you can. Contact us through info@guidetoiceland.is for more information.

How can I photograph an erupting volcano in Iceland?

When a volcano erupts, helicopter and plane tours will give you the best aerial views.

Are there specific photo tours for capturing Iceland's waterfalls and landscapes?

Yes, there are photo tours in Iceland specifically designed to capture the country's stunning waterfalls and landscapes. These tours often visit iconic locations like the Golden Circle, South Coast, and Snaefellsnes Peninsula, focusing on getting the best photographic perspectives of these natural wonders.

For example, this epic 14-day photography workshop travels the entire Ring Road in autumn. It's perfect for professional and beginner photographers and costs about 6,463 USD.

What are the group sizes like on photography tours in Iceland?

Group sizes for photography tours in Iceland can vary. Some excursions offer a more intimate experience with small groups, allowing personalized instruction and guidance, while others may accommodate larger groups. It's best to check with the tour operator for specific group size details.

How physically demanding are photo tours in Iceland?

The physical demand for photo tours in Iceland varies depending on the trip. Some may involve easy walks to accessible sites, while others might include hiking or trekking to more remote locations. It's essential to assess your fitness level and choose a tour that matches your comfort level.

For example, this full-day photoshoot tour from Reykjavik requires a decent fitness level. A professional photographer and expert guide will take you on a glacier hiking adventure and capture incredible shots of you in action on the glacier and visiting top South Coast attractions.

Can photo tours be customized to focus on specific interests or locations?

Many photo tour operators in Iceland offer customizable tours tailored to focus on specific interests, themes, or locations. This option is perfect for photographers who have particular subjects or areas they wish to concentrate on.

Private tours are excellent options for those seeking the ultimate customization. Book a private photography tour of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, South Coast, or the Icelandic Highlands tailored to your preferences.

Are there photo tours available during Iceland's winter months?

Photo tours are available in Iceland year-round, including during the winter months. Winter tours provide unique opportunities to photograph snow-covered landscapes, frozen waterfalls, and the northern lights.

Check out this excellent eight-day northern lights winter photography workshop and an unbeatable 11-day all-around Iceland winter photography tour.

What tips do photo tour guides provide for capturing the best shots in Iceland's unique lighting conditions?

Photo tour guides in Iceland offer valuable tips on dealing with the country's unique lighting conditions, such as capturing the soft light of the golden hour, dealing with midday light, or photographing the northern lights. They also advise on camera settings and techniques suitable for Iceland's varied landscapes.

What safety precautions are taken during photo tours in harsh or remote Icelandic environments?

Safety is a top priority on photo tours in Iceland, especially in harsh or remote environments. Excursions are led by experienced guides familiar with the terrain and weather conditions. Participants are briefed on safety protocols, and tours are equipped with necessary safety gear and communication devices.
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