12 – 18 September 2021
$4290 (double occupancy)
$5290 (single occupancy)
Join us on this 7 day Autumn workshop to capture the iconic locations of Iceland – from stunning waterfalls to majestic mountains, black sand beaches, epic canyons, volcanic coastlines and the elusive Northern Lights!
During this photography adventure we hope to capture the Northern Lights while photographing the quintessential landscapes under an ethereal palette of golden colors.
Aimed at photographers of all skill level – beginner, amateur or a professional – you’ll be sure to come away from this workshop with a diverse portfolio of images of Iceland.
Want to experience the power of the volcano while you are in Iceland? We have teamed up with our world-class partners at Viking International Photo Tours and Global Elite Photographers to bring you a workshop like no other. Join Mark Denney, Siggi William & Kah-Wai Lin, for this unique adventure to Iceland!
For registration and sign-up, please e-mail me at:
kahwailin (AT) outlook (DOT) com
Highlights
- A focus on Landscape, Seascape and Golden Hour and Northern Lights photography
- Experiencing the diverse landscapes and iconic sights of Iceland in Autumn
- The magnificent, powerful waterfalls of the south coast
- Visiting the unforgettable Diamond Beach
- Vestrahorn & Eystrahorn – the dramatic mountain ranges of the south
- Learning new skills and advanced photography techniques to make the most of lighting and locations such as bracketing, focus stacking and long exposures
- A small workshop so your experience is truly personal, and you get to know your guide and fellow photographers
Day 1 – Arrival
The workshop starts in the capital city of Reykjavik, where we will meet over a welcome dinner to get to know each other and discuss the workshop itinerary together.
You can use your free time before dinner to explore this vibrant capital and its abundance of photo opportunities. Be sure to visit the Sun Voyager with its picturesque views towards Mount Esja, the kaleidoscopic Harpa Concert Hall – a visual wonder from every angle, the incredible street art scattered throughout the city, and the iconic Hallgrímskirkja with its unparalleled 360° views over the colourful capital.
Accommodations: Reykjavik
Day 2 – Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Today we will set off early to start our adventure, making our way to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. This area is fondly known as ‘Iceland in Miniature’, as here you can get a taste of all the natural wonders Iceland has to offer – waterfalls, volcanic craters, lava fields and black sand beaches. It is especially beautiful in winter with the rugged, volcanic landscape draped in a soft blanket of snow and ice, under soft winter light.
We will stop at Hraunfossar, where water from an underground spring seeps through a lava field, emerging as if out of nowhere.
We will visit the coastal village of Arnarstapi, where nature has carved magnificent arches and jagged rock formations from the black lava cliffs.
A highlight today will be Kirkjufell Mountain – one of Iceland’s most famous landmarks. With its distinctive shape like a church steeple, it sits by itself on the edge of the sea, towering above its surroundings. We will spend sunset here, exploring its many composition options. Should the Northern Lights appear, our expert guides will be on hand to help capture images of the aurora dancing over the mountain.
Accommodations: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Day 3 – Vatnajökull National Park
Throughout the day under changing light, the landscapes of Iceland can appear dramatically different. To ensure our portfolios are varied, we will return to Strokkur to capture the shooting water at sunrise.
The rest of the day will be spent travelling through the south coast along the foothills of the Vatnajökull glacier, past majestic mountain ranges and incredible glacial tongues that stretch down from the ice cap towards the sea.
There are countless places we can stop to stretch our legs and capture the incredible vistas. One of these is Fjaðrárgljúfur, a magnificent canyon with deep, unusually shaped walls that twist and turn. It is especially epic viewed from above, where it resembles a zipper ripping along the earth.
Our final destination will be Jökulsárlón. At this beautiful lagoon, icebergs in an array of shapes and sizes calve from the nearby glacial tongue and slowly drift towards the sea. It is a magical experience to see them float by in their palette of colours – turquoise, frosted white, deep blue and even black. We will stay here to capture the sun setting over the lagoon and will hopefully have an opportunity to shoot it beneath the Northern Lights.
Accommodations: Vatnajökull National Park
Day 4 – Vatnajökull National Park
We will begin the day early with sunrise at one of the most extraordinary locations in Iceland, Diamond Beach – the final resting place for the icebergs that have calved from the nearby glacier and made their way out to sea. The icebergs are pounded by the waves and smashed into smaller chunks of ice that then wash up onto the black sand where they lay, glistening like diamonds. We will have plenty of time to photograph this spectacular beach – the memories of watching the ice glow in the Golden Hour light will last a lifetime.
We will then continue along the Ring Road to Vestrahorn, the strikingly photogenic mountain that sits alone on the shore of the wild Atlantic Ocean. This vista is even more spectacular in its winter coat, surrounded by ice shards that have formed over the shallow pools at low tide, and the undulating black sand dunes capped with snow.
We will spend the afternoon exploring the many composition options, staying to photograph the jagged peaks against the backdrop of a winter sunset. We will also keep an eye on the Northern Lights forecast so we are ready to capture the reflection of the aurora blazing above the mountain.
Accommodations: Vatnajökull National Park
Day 5 – Vatnajökull National Park to South Coast
Diamond Beach has endless photo opportunities, so we will head back for another sunrise and practice our long exposure skills.
We will then start our journey back along the south coast to Vík, where we will spend the afternoon and sunset capturing Reynisfjara Beach with its tall basalt columns, dramatic black volcanic sand, and impressive sea stacks.
This will be our last opportunity to chase the Northern Lights, and there are many amazing locations nearby we can go to photograph them, should they appear.
Accommodations: Vik
Day 6 – South Coast
Today will be our final day of shooting, and we will spend it exploring the wonders of the South Coast and a stop at the highlights of the Golden Circle.
We will rise early to capture the sea stacks from a different vantage point and in sunrise light before visiting the promontory of Dyrhólaey with its massive arch, historic lighthouse and spectacular views over the coastline.
Our last stops will be at two of Iceland‘s most picturesque waterfalls: Seljalandsfoss – with its path that leads behind the veil of falling water, and Skógafoss – a waterfall so mighty you will feel the mist before you reach it. Snow and glittering icicles will add an extra touch of wonder, and if the lighting is right, we will be able to capture rainbows in their spray!
Once we reach Reykjavik, we will share one last dinner together. This will be a special night, where we will fondly reminisce about our adventure, sharing stories and talking about our favourite places.
Accommodations: Reykjavik
Day 7 – Departure
After breakfast you will make your way to the airport to fly home, with memories to last a lifetime, new friends and memory cards full of amazing images of Iceland as a winter wonderland.
We will not say goodbye, but “see you later”, because it is very likely we will cross paths again.
Workshop Details
You must also advise us in advance and in writing of any illness, injury or pre-existing medical conditions that might reasonably be expected to affect your attendance and participation during the workshop.
Please note that you are solely responsible for your equipment, and are expected to adhere to all rules and regulations as specified by the Icelandic Transport Authority (which can be accessed here). Kah-Wai Lin Photography LLC and our Photo Guides will not be liable for any injury or damage caused to equipment, environment or people caused by you operating your drone during our workshop.
Please also note that the wind and weather in Iceland can be sudden and hazardous, so use your judgement and be mindful of conditions.
Workshop Details
Total Price
US$4290 per person double occupancy.
US$5290 per person single occupancy.
Group Size
Maximum 10 people
Registration
Deposit
US$1000
Full Payment
90 days prior to the workshop starting date.
Meet the Guides
Included
- 7 day workshop with 6 nights accommodation (double occupancy)
- Award-winning, professional Photo Guides who will provide a combination of instruction, masterclasses, and in-field guidance
- Transportation during the workshop in a comfortable vehicle with ample room for you and your photography gear
- Welcome lunch on Day 1
- Breakfasts at the hotels during the workshop
- Post-processing sessions with Photo Guides
- Complimentary use of boots for the Diamond Beach
- Access to exclusive discounts on gear from our partners
Not Included
- Travel to and from Iceland
- Airport transfers
- Single room supplement (may be available on request – contact us for price)
- Food and beverages (other than breakfasts and Welcome lunch)
- Items of a personal nature including (but not limited to) laundry services, clothing, Wi-Fi, email, or phone charges
- Gratuities for Photo Guides, local guides, and/or drivers