If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing Iceland and the Northern Lights—while learning from an 8-time Olympic photographer—this photo tour is made for you. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned pro, you’ll find this adventure both accessible and inspiring. I've taught everyone from first-time camera users to full-time professionals, and yes, significant others are absolutely welcome too!

This is a 10-day winter landscape photo tour focusing on amazing natural light and the best landscapes that Iceland has to offer. This is a great opportunity for you to photograph ice and the Northern Lights while learning new techniques from Jeff, taking your photo skills to a new level. And here’s an exciting bonus: thanks to my partnership with Canon, you can borrow nearly any Canon camera or lens for the duration of the trip—completely free of charge. (And no, you don’t have to be a Canon user to join—photographers using all brands are welcome.)

The vehicles we travel in, and the hotels we stay in are some of the best in Iceland.

You can view all upcoming tours on my photo tours page.

Here is what our typical itinerary looks like

Day 1: Arrival in Reykjavik, Iceland
 

Welcome to Iceland! This first evening offers a chance for introductions and to ease into the trip with a relaxing group dinner. It’s also when you will meet our local guide and I’ll introduce the week’s itinerary, discuss goals for the tour, and review recommended camera settings and techniques. It’s a great way to prepare for the adventure ahead and build some camaraderie.

Day 2: First Day in Snaefellsnes
 

On your second day in Iceland, you will be picked up in Reykjavík  before being whisked away to the Snæfellsnes peninsula; home to some of the most photogenic scenery in all  of Iceland.

Awaiting you are wild coastlines, the columnar basalt and spectacular cliffs at Arnarstapi, the charming black church of Búðir, the Búðahraun lava field and the impressive and peculiarly shaped sea stacks, Lóndrangar. Snæfellsnes also happens to be one of the best places in Iceland to seek one of nature‘s absolute wonders, the Northern lights, so keep a good look-out and have your camera ready.

You will spend the night at accommodation in Snæfellsnes.

Day 2

Day 2 2
 

Day 3: Second Day in Snaefellsnes
 

On your third day in Iceland, you will be exploring and photographing the remaining sights to see in Snæfellsnes not covered the day before. You‘ll cover the rugged coastline, see several charming villages as well as the mighty mountains that divide the northern and western part of the peninsula.

A particular highlight is mount Kirkjufell by Grundarfjörður, with its peculiar pyramid shape, when observed from the right angle. This is one of the most photogenic mountains in Iceland as it always offers something new and exciting in terms of angle, light and shape.

Nearby is a beautiful waterfall, Kirkjufellsfoss; the combination of the mountain and the waterfall with the further contrast of the village and fjord makes for some great pictures. In winter, further clarity is added by glistening snow and ice as well as the ever-present hope for the aurora which lend a particular grace to this stunning area.

You will spend the night once more in accommodation on the Snæfellsnes peninsula.

Day 3

Day 3 2
 

Day 4: South Coast

On this day you'll be heading towards the South Coast of Iceland. You‘ll start the day by visiting two of Iceland‘s most picturesque and beloved waterfalls, Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.

The former is a narrow waterfall that cascades from 63 meters and has the rare distinction of one being able to walk behind it. Skógafoss is well known as one of Iceland‘s most beautiful waterfalls and can be shot from the top, as there is a staircase leading up there and beyond towards other amazing falls.

Skógafoss is also known to produce a spectacular double rainbow when the light is right.

Later on, you will travel towards the mainland‘s southernmost point to witness the dramatic scenery of the famous Reynisfjara beach. The Reynisdrangar sea stacks, the black sands of the shore, the waves of the North Atlantic Ocean, the basalt column pyramid of Garðar and the rich birdlife all result in this being one of the most photogenic sites of all you will encounter on your journey.

Please note that the waves of the sea at Reynisfjara are highly unpredictable so it is recommended you proceed with the utmost caution and follow all safety instructions to the fullest.

The South Coast is home to some of the most amazing scenery you could hope to photograph the Northern Lights in, should they appear.

Your night will then be spent at the charming nearby village of Vik.

Day 4
 

Day 4 3
Day 4 2
 

Day 5: Skaftafell Nature Reserve

On this day you will head towards Vatnajökull National Park, home to Europe‘s largest glacier. The park and the Snæfellsnes peninsula share the trait of offering a little bit of everything that Iceland has to offer.

Focusing on the park‘s southern and eastern regions, you will witness mighty glaciers and glacier tongues, as well as dark sandy beaches. In addition to this fantastic scenery, you will continue the hunt for the Northern Lights, lending a further otherworldly feel to the scenery.

This is a particularly good time of year for photographing the aurora, as the nights are long.

Accommodation for the night will be found in the nearby area.

Day 6: Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and Ice Cave

On this day you will have plenty of time to photograph the stunningly beautiful Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, at the eastern part of Vatnajökull National Park. Massive icebergs from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier riddle the lagoon, each unique in shape and colour as they float out to sea.

The amazing view, the display of light, multiple reflections and glistening ice and snow which are then contrasted by dark sands, all combine in making the area a photographer‘s dream. Walk among the ancient chunks of ice on the Diamond Beach and seize further photogenic opportunities.

Still more wonders await you as you will have the unique experience of shooting photos within a subglacial ice cave deep below the massive Vatnajökull glacier. Here you‘ll find phenomenal natural sculptures and cavities of crystal-clear blue ice, as we stand in awe against nature and feel as if time had stopped.

Wide-angle lenses are recommended here for shooting unforgettable photos. Afterwards, keep a lookout for the Northern Lights, which particularly complement this wonderful area. Your accommodation for the night will be near the lagoon.

Day 7: Vatnajokull National Park

On this day you will have ample opportunity to shoot the mighty Vestrahorn mountain, that stands at 454-meters above the black lava beach of the Stokksnes peninsula.

The mountain is made of unstratified plutonic rock (gabbro and granophyre) and it is a marvel to photograph as it is very interestingly shaped. Vetsrahorn consists of several steep peaks, the most oddly formed of which is the Brunnhorn outcrop, which stretches all the way eastwards to the sea.

The wild waves of the North Atlantic Ocean make the scenery all the more photogenic and sunset and sunrise are particularly recommended for great photos. Aurora may then further grace the sky at nighttime, blazing their enchanting trails across the arctic sky.

Your night will be spent in the Vatnajökull area.

Day 7
Day 7 3
 

Day 8: Waterfalls & Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach

On this day you‘ll be photographing the beautiful scenery of the Skaftafell Nature Reserve. The area is home to the Kristínartindar volcanic peaks, stunning glacier lagoons and the majestic glacier outlet, Svínafellsjökull.

After visiting Skaftafell you will get more time to shoot the fascinating area of Reynisfjara. Evening photography at this site, accompanied by the rays of the setting sun, is sure to result in some particularly amazing pictures, as well as further opportunities for aurora photography.

Your night will be spent in accommodation in the village of Vík.

Day 7
Day 8
 

Day 9: Golden Circle & Return to Reykjavik

On your last full day in Iceland, you‘ll visit “the big three“ of Icelandic natural attractions, considered essential for all visitors of the country and referred to as 'The Golden Circle'.

These three attractions are Þingvellir National Park, the Geysir geothermal area and Gullfoss waterfall, all located in southwest Iceland. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Þingvellir National Park is one of Iceland‘s most important sites. It was here that the old national assembly was founded, and the current parliament in Iceland, Alþingi, still bears its name.

The area is situated in a rift valley and evidence of the movement of the tectonic plates may be seen at the impressive Almannagjá gorge, into which the beautiful waterfall Öxarárfoss falls. The park is certainly one of Iceland‘s most picturesque sites and we also recommend photographing the surrounding mountain ring and lake Þingvallavatn, Iceland‘s largest lake, and its islets.

The famous spouting hot spring Geysir in Haukadalur valley lends its name to geysers all over the world and the surrounding geothermal area is also widely known simply as the Geysir geothermal area.

This is our next destination. Geysir seldom erupts anymore, but its neighbour Strokkur does so with gusto, spouting water as high as 15-20 meters. Also of interest are the geysers Smiður and Litli-Strokkur. To the north colourful fumaroles may be found and to the south is a range of mud pots.

They may boil or steam depending on the weather. Nearby is an old natural pool. It can be entered but it is still very fragile, so visitors need to take extra care not to disrupt it. 

Finally, there is the“golden waterfall“ Gullfoss, widely held to be the most beautiful waterfall in Iceland and certainly the most sought after by nature photographers and nature lovers alike. Gullfoss belongs to the Hvítá glacier river and falls 32-meters into the narrow river gorge.

Snow and ice are likely to once more add an extra touch of splendour to the scenery, the sun may even lend it a rainbow and you may feel the spray of the falls on your face.

After visiting “the big three“ attractions of the Golden Circle and having seen many of Iceland‘s greatest natural wonders, you‘ll head back to Reykjavík for your final night in Iceland.

This day will also be your final chance to spot the Northern Lights photography, so keep a lookout and keep your camera ready.

Day 9 2
Day 9
 

Day 9 3
 

Day 10: Transfer to Keflavik Airport

This will be the day of your departure. You will return home, taking with you photos and memories of an extraordinary adventure.

Schedule is subject to change

The itinerary listed here is the proposed agenda for the trip. Depending on the weather and other circumstances, the schedule is subject to change. But, of course, the goal is to have everyone come home with amazing photos and to learn as much as possible.

Trip Details

Welcome to an unforgettable photography adventure in the heart of Iceland. Here’s everything you need to know:

📅 Upcoming Trips

View all upcoming tour dates on the Tour Page.

👥 Group Size

Each tour is limited to 12 guests for a personalized experience and plenty of hands-on instruction.
Spots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

✈️ Travel & Flights

Arrival:
Plan to fly into Keflavik Airport. We’ll meet for a group dinner on the first night.

Departure:
Book your return flight from Keflavik Airport.

Optional Extended Stay:
Arriving early or staying longer? I’d be happy to help you make those arrangements—just reach out!

📸 Skill Level

This tour is ideal for all photography skill levels.
Whether you're a seasoned pro or just getting started, you’ll be guided every step of the way. All you need is a basic understanding of how to use an SLR or Mirrorless camera—the rest, we’ll learn together in the field.

💰 Pricing

Total Cost: $11,995 per person (All-Inclusive from Keflavik Airport)
Includes:

• All lodging

• All meals

Additional Options:

• Private Room: +$1,000 (single supplement)

• Non-photographer guest: $350 discount
  (They’re welcome on all excursions!)

Note: International airfare to Keflavik Airport not included

I always recommend trip insurance. I find that the best value is the annual plan at Allianz (which is what I have). You can find out more about this insurance offering HERE. 

🌧️ Weather

Expect cold weather.

Bring a warm waterproof clothing and your camera gear.

🎒 Gear Checklist

Recommended Photo Gear:

• Two camera bodies (or borrow one—see below!)

• Wide-angle lens

• Mid-range zoom lens (24–150mm)

• Zoom lens (300mm minimum)

• Tripod

• Durable camera backpack

• Laptop + editing software

• External drive (for backups)

Don’t have all this?
No problem—Canon offers free loaner gear to all attendees! Just tell me what you need in advance.

Suggested Clothing:

• 3 pairs of warm pants

• 4 long warm shirts

• 2 pairs of shoes (include water shoes)

• Waterproof jacket

🏞 Physical Requirements

This trip requires minimal physical effort.
No long hikes—most photography happens close to our vehicles with short walks.
You should be comfortable getting in and out of a vehicle and walking brief distances.

$ What is Included

- Professional guide/driver

- Comfortable vehicle transportation

- Accommodation in hotels and guesthouses with private bathrooms and Wi-Fi

- All meals

- Pick-up and drop-off in Reykjavik

- Ice cave entrance

- Northern Lights hunting

- All fees for parking and National Parks

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are there bathrooms during excursions?
A: Yes, we have access to restrooms at all locations.

Q: What kind of food is served?
A: Delicious, Western-style meals—nothing exotic or too unusual.

Q: What if I have dietary restrictions?
A: We can accommodate almost any dietary restriction.

Q: Will we hike much?
A: No. We travel by vehicle and stop when we see great photo ops.

Q: Do I need to be a professional photographer?
A: Not at all! This trip is perfect for beginners through professionals.
 

Click HERE to reserve a spot!

For more information - email Jeff at [email protected]