Northern Lights, Glaciers and Ice Workshop

Highlights include…

• Luminous icebergs floating in a surreal turquoise lagoon
• Bizarre glacial landscapes up close
• Superbly located accommodation close to Glacier Lagoon
• Sunrises and sunsets in dramatic locations
• Weird ice formations on black volcanic sand
• Ephemeral Aurora Borealis (northern lights)
• Photograph the surreal ice caves
• Drive through spectacular scenery of Iceland’s south coast
• Basalt columns and sea stacks, Vík
• Waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Svartifoss
• Relax in the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa

Northern Lights, Glaciers and Ice – New Departures

Our new departures are now eight days long to do full justice to all the different locations that we photograph.
We will take up to eight participants with one tutor and for more than this up to a maximum of twelve there will be an additional tutor.
The years 2012/13 are optimum for the Northern Lights and statistically, the equinox months of September and March are best for aurora activity
The winter months of October-thru-February are also good (there is definitely no shortage of darkness!).

This is what Jack from the US had to say about our most recent departure February 2012:
 

“… I can’t thank you (Martin) and Geraldine enough. Between the photo opportunities, suggestions and tips, food, and just great company, this was one of the best photo trips we’ve been on.”

and…

“… it was great being with you guys for the trip, you really create a relaxed atmosphere making it comfortable to chat and take photos; the critiquing process was easy and enjoyable… I really enjoyed my trip and I am absolutely delighted with the photos I managed to capture.”

Steven Coburn, Ice Workshop September 2011
See some of Steven’s images taken during this workshop

General Summary

South Iceland has some of the most spectacular and easily accessible ice and glacial phenomena in Europe, awesome mountain scenery, Skaftafell National Park, several glacial lagoons, black beaches festooned with sparkling sea washed ice sculptures, incredible waterfalls, the famous Jokulsárlon glacier lagoon, and magnificent views of Iceland’s highest mountain Hvannadalshnúkur from the Svínafellsjokull glacier. This trip will give us sunrise and sunset opportunities in well chosen locations and several chances to capture Aurora Borealis; the northern lights. The varied locations give a really diverse range of natural phenomena and remarkable landscapes. The surreal arctic environment of the Glacier Lagoon was the location for films such as James Bond’s Die Another Day, ‘A View to a Kill’ and ‘Lara Croft – Tomb Raider’. Our main base is just ten minutes drive from the Jökulsárlon.

The unusual locations are inspiring allowing participants an opportunity to produce exceptional images. Evening tutorials including image development, image presentations and night shooting of Aurora can be expected. Whether you are a beginner with your first DSLR or are considerably more advanced, this highly personalized workshop will take you to the next level of proficiency.

Brief Itinerary

For full details please download the PDF dossier

Day 1: Arrive

Transfer to Reykjavik hotel

Day 2: Locations on Iceland’s south coast

From Reykjavik to Skaftafell National Park with iconic locations en route including waterfalls Seljalandsfoss, Skogarfoss, black beach and basalt columns on Vik beach
Hotel Vik

Day 3: To Skaftafell National Park

We travel Iceland’s south coast passing through vast lava fields and past glaciated mountains to the Skaftafell National Park where we will photograph Svartifoss waterfall, the icy water cascades into a black ampitheatre of basalt columns. A second location is the glacial tongue of Svínafellsjökull and a beautiful ice cave. It is worth noting that we can never predict what these natural phenomena will be like until we arrive as they are constantly changing.
En route to our accommodation we will check out the layout of Glacier Lagoon and beach for both sunrise and the possibility of aurora.
Guesthouse

Day 4-6

Our base is very well situated for all our locations. We chose our locations in conjunction with the weather and the Aurora forecasts, we have to be very flexible to get the best images and we will often revisit worthwhile locations.

• Jökulsárlon beach: icebergs and sculptures at sunrise, seals are quite common here.
• Jökulsárlón Lagoon: we will photograph here on several occasions in all different light. This also makes a fine location for the Aurora as it is easily accessible from our accommodation and gives fine foreground for images; very dramatic!
• Fjallsárlon Glacier Lagoon: a remote less visited location.
• Mountain locations east of our accommodation including small lakes with great mountain reflections
• Natural ice caves beneath the Vatnajökull Glacier, Europe’s largest ice cap.
• Svínafellsjökull Glacier at sunset

Guesthouse

Day 7 Return to Reykjavik

This morning we take a final visit to the Glacier Lagoon and beach for sunrise and morning light; basically photographers could visit this location a thousand times and never tire of its magic.
After lunch we drive back to Reykjavik arriving in time for dinner.
Reykjavik Hotel

Day 8 Blue Lagoon and Homeward Flights

Following a leisurely breakfast we visit the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa followed by a transfer to the International airport and homeward flights in the afternoon. If participants have an early morning flight then they will be unable to fit in the Blue Lagoon. This visit could also be taken on Day 1 if participants flights are early enough.

Complete Itinerary and Full Details

This page is only a summary. A complete itinerary and more details can be found in our full information file which is currently offline while it is being updated, this should be available in a few days time.

Booking this Workshop

To book contact us by email, phone 00354 5888939 to chat about the above itinerary. If you would like to be guided privately outside of the scheduled departures then the price will depend on numbers and participant aspirations.