WELCOME TO ICELAND
WITH MATS ANDERSSON
In this document, you will find some important information regarding the trip to Iceland.
Please read through the document. Should you have any questions afterwards, you are most welcome to contact Hans Elmqvist at Zoom Photo Tours by phone at +46 70-180 90 99 or via email at hans.elmqvist@zoomphototours.com
WELCOME TO TILL ICELAND
WITH MATS ANDERSSON
In this document, you will find some important information regarding the trip to Iceland.
Please read through the document. Should you have any questions afterwards, you are most welcome to contact Hans Elmqvist at Zoom Photo Tours by phone at +46 70 180 90 99 or via email at hans.elmqvist@zoomphototours.com
BEFORE THE TRIP
BEFORE THE TRIP
YOUR FLIGHT TICKET
Check that the spelling of your name matches the spelling in your passport.
LUGGAGE
Airlines typically allow two pieces of luggage per person, one carry-on and one checked suitcase. The suitcase can weigh a maximum of 23 kg, and the carry-on can weigh a maximum of 8 kg with dimensions of 56 x 45 x 25 cm. For Icelandair, the same applies except that the carry-on can weigh a maximum of 10 kg with dimensions of 56 x 40 x 20 cm. For exact information about the airline you are traveling with, see the respective airline’s website.
CHECK-IN
Normally check-in must be completed at least one hour before departure. However, we recommend at least two hours before departure due to potential queues at passport and security control.
PASSPORT
Don’t forget your passport as the airline always asks to see it at check-in. Without a passport, there is a risk that the airline will not allow you to board.
CURRENCY / EXCHANGE
Iceland’s currency is the “króna.” The coin denominations are 100 kr, 50 kr, 10 kr, 5 kr, and 1 kr. The bill denominations are 10,000 kr, 5,000 kr, 2,000 kr, 1,000 kr, and 500 kr. 1000 ISK = 5,70 pounds. There are plenty of banks and ATMs. Hotels, restaurants, and most shops often accept cards. The price level is generally higher than in the Nordic countries. For more information and to exchange currency before the trip, we refer you to your local bank.
FACEBOOK GROUP
We have started a Facebook group for the trip. Here you can communicate, share pictures, and exchange information with other participants and with Mats before, during, and after the trip. Click on the link below and join the group.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/469077598959476
PARTICIPANTS
Below you will find a link to the participant list for the trip. NOTE! If any participant has chosen not to share their information, only the name of that participant will be included.
FLIGHT SCHEDULE
If you haven’t already, please send a copy of the flight schedule so that we know everyone’s travel arrangements. Please do this promptly to info@zoomphpototours.com
ITINERARY
ITINERARY
JULY 26-31, 2024
DAY 1, (JULY 26) – ARRIVAL AND EVENING PHOTOGRAPHY
MEETING POINT: In the afternoon we gather at the harbor in Isafjordur. The boat to Hesteyri departs from Bjarmi boat´s anchorage at Mávagarðsbryggja, 400. The boat departs at 16:00 with the gathering at 15:40. However, we recommend that you be in Isafjordur at least an hour earlier since they unexpectedly moved the departure an hour earlier when Mats scouted last year.
Upon arrival in Hesteyri, we check into our accommodation and have a welcome dinner. After dinner, it’s time for the trip’s first photo session in the Icelandic landscape, and with a bit of luck, we’ll have our first encounter with arctic foxes. We will photograph in the evening light until the sun sets before returning to our accommodation. (D)
DAY 2, (JULY 27) – FULL DAY WITH THE ARCTIC FOXES
Today, we spend a full day in the realm of the arctic fox, wandering around the surroundings and exploring with our cameras. Among other things, there is an old ruin where arctic foxes are often seen, and there are also fantastic hiking trails for those who want to explore the surroundings more closely. The arctic fox can be found in many places in Iceland, but there are few places where they are as easy to spot as here, and with a bit of luck, we can photograph them up close. However, it is important to remember that they are wild animals, and there are no guarantees of seeing them. As if the chance to photograph the area’s arctic foxes wasn’t enough, we are also in a fantastic landscape, which both enhances the nature experience and provides us with plenty of photo opportunities. The landscape is dramatic enough to inspire beautiful landscape pictures, and it can also become an interesting element when we photograph arctic foxes, letting them become part of the majestic surroundings – perhaps walking along the water with the mountains rising on the other side of the lake. While we are out in the field, Mats will provide personal guidance on how we can create interesting and creative images with his unique photographic style. (B, L, D)
DAY 3, (JULY 28) – SEALS AND ARCTIC FOXES
Today we continue to photograph arctic foxes and landscapes with Mats. In addition to arctic foxes, there are also seals here that can often be photographed up close. At 17:00, we take the boat back to Isafjordur. After checking in at Hotel Horn in Isafjordur and having dinner, there is time to work on the pictures we have taken over the past few days on our own. (B, L, D)
DAY 4, (JULY 29) – WATERFALL AND RED BEACH
Today we take a full-day trip to Rauðasandur and Dynjandi. We start early in the morning with a bus ride of about two hours that takes us to Rauðasandur, also known as the red beach. Unlike most other beaches in Iceland that have black sand, the colors at Rauðasandur vary between orange, red, and yellow depending on the light conditions. When we look out over the sand, we see a long beach stretching 10 km towards the bird cliffs that rise at the end. When we photograph, the orange-toned sand forms a lovely combination with the blue sea. In the afternoon, we move on to the waterfall, Dynjandi. Upon arrival, we are greeted by an impressive sight. Dynjandi consists of no less than seven waterfalls and has an impressive width of between 30-60 meters. Mats will show us how to use different techniques to create striking images. We return to the hotel in the evening. (B, L, D)
DAY 5, (JULY 30) – WHALE SAFARI & PICTURE OF THE TRIP
In the morning, we will work on our photos from the trip to select the best ones for the competition with great prizes. Lunch on your own.
At 13:30, we leave land and head out to sea where our goal is to photograph whales. The sea around Iceland is one of the most whale-rich in the world. There are over 23 different whale species in the waters around Iceland. The most common ones are humpback whales, minke whales, and blue whales.
We conclude our days with a farewell dinner where Mats will announce the “Picture of the Trip,” which will advance to the final of the “Picture of the Year 2024” competition. (B, D)
DAY 6, (JULY 31) – DEPARTURE
After breakfast, we head to the airport for further transfer on our own.
Program for the six days in Iceland.
READ MORE
JULY 26-31, 2024
DAY 1, (JULY 26) – ARRIVAL AND EVENING PHOTOGRAPHY
MEETING POINT: In the afternoon we gather at the harbor in Isafjordur. The boat to Hesteyri departs from Bjarmi boats’ anchorage at Mávagarðsbryggja, 400. The boat departs at 16:00 with the gathering at 15:40. However, we recommend that you be in Isafjordur at least an hour earlier since they unexpectedly moved the departure an hour earlier when Mats scouted last year.
Upon arrival in Hesteyri, we check into our accommodation and have a welcome dinner. After dinner, it’s time for the trip’s first photo session in the Icelandic landscape, and with a bit of luck, we’ll have our first encounter with arctic foxes. We will photograph in the evening light until the sun sets before returning to our accommodation. (D)
DAY 2, (JULY 27) – FULL DAY WITH THE ARCTIC FOXES
Today, we spend a full day in the realm of the arctic fox, wandering around the surroundings and exploring with our cameras. Among other things, there is an old ruin where arctic foxes are often seen, and there are also fantastic hiking trails for those who want to explore the surroundings more closely. The arctic fox can be found in many places in Iceland, but there are few places where they are as easy to spot as here, and with a bit of luck, we can photograph them up close. However, it is important to remember that they are wild animals, and there are no guarantees of seeing them. As if the chance to photograph the area’s arctic foxes wasn’t enough, we are also in a fantastic landscape, which both enhances the nature experience and provides us with plenty of photo opportunities. The landscape is dramatic enough to inspire beautiful landscape pictures, and it can also become an interesting element when we photograph arctic foxes, letting them become part of the majestic surroundings – perhaps walking along the water with the mountains rising on the other side of the lake. While we are out in the field, Mats will provide personal guidance on how we can create interesting and creative images with his unique photographic style. (B, L, D)
DAY 3, (JULY 28) – SEALS AND ARCTIC FOXES
Today we continue to photograph arctic foxes and landscapes with Mats. In addition to arctic foxes, there are also seals here that can often be photographed up close. At 17:00, we take the boat back to Isafjordur. After checking in at Hotel Horn in Isafjordur and having dinner, there is time to work on the pictures we have taken over the past few days on our own. (B, L, D)
DAY 4, (JULY 29) – WATERFALL AND RED BEACH
Today we take a full-day trip to Rauðasandur and Dynjandi. We start early in the morning with a bus ride of about two hours that takes us to Rauðasandur, also known as the red beach. Unlike most other beaches in Iceland that have black sand, the colors at Rauðasandur vary between orange, red, and yellow depending on the light conditions. When we look out over the sand, we see a long beach stretching 10 km towards the bird cliffs that rise at the end. When we photograph, the orange-toned sand forms a lovely combination with the blue sea.
In the afternoon, we move on to the waterfall, Dynjandi. Upon arrival, we are greeted by an impressive sight. Dynjandi consists of no less than seven waterfalls and has an impressive width of between 30-60 meters. Mats will show us how to use different techniques to create striking images. We return to the hotel in the evening. (B, L, D)
DAY 5, (JULY 30) – WHALE SAFARI & PICTURE OF THE TRIP
In the morning, we will work on our photos from the trip to select the best ones for the competition with great prizes. Lunch on your own.
At 13:30, we leave land and head out to sea where our goal is to photograph whales. The sea around Iceland is one of the most whale-rich in the world. There are over 23 different whale species in the waters around Iceland. The most common ones are humpback whales, minke whales, and blue whales.
We conclude our days with a farewell dinner where Mats will announce the “Picture of the Trip,” which will advance to the final of the “Picture of the Year 2024” competition. (B, D)
DAY 6, (JULY 31) – DEPARTURE
After breakfast, we head to the airport for further transfer on our own.
PHOTOGRAPHER
PHOTOGRAPHER
MATS ANDERSSON – Naturephotographer
Mats Andersson lives in Jönköping in Småland, Sweden. He studied photography at the School of Art and Design in Gothenburg in the 1980s and since 1989 works as art director and photographer at Concret Reklam in Jönköping. Mats is affiliated with the agency Mascot in Stockholm and a member of Naturfotograferna’/N. Over the years, Mats has published no less than 12 books, won a large number of awards, including Wildlife Photographer of the year 2016, (Black & White), Nordic Nature Photographer of the year 2016, and has been named Nature Photographer of the year 2016. In 2017, he also managed to win a silver medal in Wildlife Photographer of the year (referred to as the world championship of nature photography). Portfolio
ACCOMODATION
ACCOMODATION
NATURE RESERVE: SIMPLE ACCMODATION*
GOOD TO KNOW
GOOD TO KNOW
ATM
There are ATMs at the airport and in Reykjavík, which are open 24/7. However, keep in mind that there is usually a few percent fee on the amount you withdraw from an ATM. There are no ATMs in the countryside where we will be traveling.
TIPS
Service charges and VAT are generally included in prices when shopping in Iceland.
ELECTRICITY
220 volts. Adapters are needed in the hotels. Apart from an adapter we recommend that you bringing a power strip with 2-3 outlets so you can charge both camera batteries, phones, and other electrical equipment at the same time.
CLIMATE
Thanks to the Gulf Stream, Iceland has a temperate coastal climate, cool in summer and mild in winter. The weather can vary, and you must be prepared for all kinds of weather. The average temperature in Reykjavík in summer is just over 10 degrees Celsius.
CLOTHING
Be prepared for all types of weather, from sunny to rainy, from calm days to very windy ones. See the packing list for more information about clothing. If you need to supplement your equipment, there are many outdoor companies with a good range of clothes.
CREDIT CARDS
Credit cards are accepted in most places. The most common cards in Iceland are Mastercard and VISA.
SHOPPING
Icelandic shops meet international standards and have a wide range of products. Local specialties include wool items such as sweaters, cardigans, hats, and gloves; handmade ceramics, glass, and silver jewelry. In addition, a variety of seafood delicacies of top quality are offered. Shops are usually open between 10:00 and 18:00.
LANGUAGE
The language is Icelandic. The first foreign language in schools since 1998 is English, followed by Danish. Many Icelanders speak Danish with an Icelandic accent, which makes it easy for many Nordics to understand them. Almost everyone gladly speaks English.
TELEPHONE
There are four GSM operators in Iceland: Siminn, Tal, Nova, and Vodafone. Together they cover almost the entire country, including all towns with over 200 inhabitants. Check with your phone operator to see if they have a good agreement with the local operator. Only browse the internet when connected to a Wi-Fi network; otherwise, it can be very expensive. To call from Iceland the country code is +354 and to call to the UK it is +44.
TIME DIFFERENCE
Iceland is -1 hour compared to UK
WATER
It is safe to drink tap water.
IMPORTANT PHONE NUMBERS
Before the trip: Hans Elmqvist, Zoom Photo Tours, +46 70 180 90 99
During the trip: Mats Andersson, +46 70 814 12 42
Police/Ambulance/Fire Brigade, 112
WEBSITES
PACKING LIST
Below are some equipment tips. These are not mandatory but serve as guidelines.
BAGS
- Camera backpack and suitcase. We recommend packing in large soft duffel bags instead of hard suitcases. They are easier to stow away in the hotel room.
- Camera bag. The climate in Iceland can vary from sunny to rainy, and it can be windy. Therefore, it is important to have a good camera backpack. It should hold camera equipment, extra clothing, and a water bottle.
SHOES AND CLOTHES
- A pair of sturdy trekking shoes or well-broken-in boots for photo expeditions.
- Socks and stockings.
- Wind and waterproof jacket and pants.
- Light windbreaker, not necessary but good for sunny yet windy days.
- Light wool garments/warm sweater.
- Shirt and undershirt.
- Rain gear.
- Toiletries and preferably some small band-aids.
OTHER EQUIPMENT
- Mobile phone.
- Battery charger for the camera and other electronic equipment.
- Power strip with 2-3 outlets so you can charge several things at once.
- A seat pad is usually nice to have!
- Thermos/water bottle if you want some extra drink during the hike.
MEDICAL SUPPLIES
We recommend bringing some personal medical equipment such as:
- Band-aids.
- Antiseptic cream.
- Pain relievers pills.
- Lip balm with SPF.
- Sunscreen.
CAMERA EQUIPMENT
- A system camera.
- Lenses ranging from wide-angle to telephoto, such as 70-200 mm.
- Gray filter.
- Polarizing filter is useful for increasing color saturation in images.
- A monopod/tripod.
- Extra batteries, at least one.
- Battery charger for the camera and other electronic equipment.
- Memory cards as needed and a portable hard drive.
- Cleaning equipment such as cleaning cloths, compressed air, etc., for the camera.
- Batteries if needed for cameras and flashes.
- A laptop for photo editing with software like Photoshop or Lightroom.
- An external hard drive to back up your photos. USB stick.
- Some rain protection for your camera.
NYHETSBREV
Bli först med att höra om nya resor, erbjudanden och reseinspiration från Zoom.
KONTAKTA OSS
E-post: info@zoomfotoresor.se
Telefon: +46(0) 470 – 466 40
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Foto: Hans Strand