ICELAND 

Iceland means spouting geysers, hot springs, beautiful glaciers, mighty volcanoes, and thundering waterfalls. The wild and extraordinary nature is the major tourist attraction in Iceland and a dream come true for any landscape photographer. The reason behind this is Iceland’s location right above the mid-Atlantic ridge, a long fracture zone in the ocean where glowing lava easily emerges from deep inside of the earth. In Iceland, there are no less than about 30 active volcanoes and several hundred that are no longer active. These have created hot springs where the water is heated by the volcanic activity from underneath the Earth’s surface. Many of Iceland’s volcanoes are very active, and from time to time have large and devastating eruptions. Together with a huge amount of glaciers and many spectacular waterfalls, this makes Iceland not only beautiful but thrilling and fascinating as well. In short, Iceland may be the best country in Europe for a landscape photographer.

TOUR ITINERARY 26 – 31/7 2024

DAY 1, (JULY 26) – ARRIVAL AND EVENING PHOTOGRAPHY
In the afternoon we gather in Isafjordur to take the boat to the nature reserve where we check in at our accommodation and share a welcome dinner. After dinner it’s time for the first photo session in the Icelandic landscape and with a bit of luck we get our first encounter with Arctic foxes. We shoot in the evening light until the sun goes down before returning to our accommodations. (D)

DAY 2, (JULY 27) – FULL DAY IN THE REALM OF THE ARCTIC FOX
Today we spend a full day in the realm of the Arctic fox and wander around the surroundings and explore with our cameras. Among other things, there is an old ruin where Arctic foxes often can be spotted, and there are also great hiking trails for those of you who want to explore the surroundings a little closer.

The Arctic fox can be found in many places on Iceland but in few places are they as easy to spot as here and with a little bit of luck we can photograph them up close. However, it is important to remember that these are wild animals and that there are no guarantees that we will be able to see them.

As if the chance to photograph the area’s Arctic foxes were not enough, we will also be spending time in a fantastic landscape, something that both helps to increase the nature experience and give us lots of photo opportunities. The landscape is dramatic enough to inspire us to beautiful landscape pictures and can also an extra interesting ingredient when we photograph Arctic foxes and let them become part of the mighty environment – perhaps walking along the water with the mountains rising on the other side of the lake.

When we are out in the field, Mats will give you personal guidance on how to create interesting and creative pictures with his unique imagery. (B, L, D)

DAY 3, (JULY 28) – SEALS AND ARCTIC FOXES
Today we continue to photograph Arctic foxes and landscapes together with Mats. In addition to Arctic foxes, there are also seals that can often be photographed up close. In the late afternoon we take the boat back to Isafjordur. After checking into our hotel in Isafjordur and having dinner, there is time to work on the photos we have taken in recent days on our own. (B, L, D)

DAY 4, (JULY 29) – WATERFALL AND RED BEACH
Today we begin with a drive of about two hours that takes us to Rauðasandur, also known as the Red Beach. Unlike most other beaches in Iceland that have a black beach, the colours at Rauðasandur shifts in hues of orange, red and yellow depending on the lighting. When we look out over the sand, we are met by a long beach that stretches for 10 km towards the bird cliffs on the far end. When we take our photographs, the orange-tinted sand forms a lovely combination with the blue sea.

In the afternoon it is time to head on to the waterfall, Dynjandi. Upon arrival, we are met by an impressive sight. Dynjandi consists of no less than seven waterfalls and has an impressive width of 30-60 meters. Mats will show us how we can use different techniques to create impactful images. When darkness falls, the white water rushing down becomes a powerful contrast to the dark rocks surrounding the waterfall. We return to the hotel late in the evening. (B, L, D)

DAY 5, (JULY 30) – WHALE SAFARI & IMAGE OF THE TRIP
In the morning we leave land and head out to sea where our goal is to photograph whales. The sea off Iceland is one of the most whale dense in the world. In total, there are over twenty-three different whale species in the waters surrounding Iceland. The most common are the humpback whale, the minke whale and the blue whale.

During the afternoon there is time for lunch and discovering Isafjordur on your own. During the afternoon we will also work on our photos from the trip to select the best ones. We round off with a dinner, where Mats will appoint “Image of the trip”, which goes on to the final of “Image of the year 2024” and will compete for great prizes. (B, D)

DAY 6, (JULY 31) – DEPARTURE
After breakfast we head towards the airport for further transfer to Sweden by our own devices.

PHOTOGRAPHER 

MATS ANDERSSON – Nature & Fine Art Photograper

NATURE RESERVE: SIMPLE ACCOMMODATION

PRICE, FACTS & BOOKING 

Price per person: £ 3 100 or USD 4 265

Included:

• All ground transfers according to the itinerary.
• Accommodation in a shared room.
• Meals according to itinerary (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner).
• Activities according to the itinerary.
• Participation by Mats Andersson during the entire tour.
• Whale safari by boat.
• Workshops during the tour.
• A tour leader from Zoom Photo Tours.
• Hotel taxes and other local fees.
• Travel documents and other travel information.

Excluded:

• Single room supplement 325 or USD 395
• Flights to Iceland.
• All expenses of personal nature like drinks, laundry etc.
• Cancellation & travel insurance. For more details, click here.
• Any other item not mentioned as included.

FLIGHTS

FLIGHTS

‘Flights to Iceland and to Isafjordur by domestic flight or by rental car on your own. You should be at the airport in Isafjordur no later than 14.00 on July 26. The return trip can take place at any time on July 31.

If you want help with booking your flights, we are more than happy to assist you with this. You are welcome to call us by phone +46 470 466 40, email us at info@zoomfotoresor.se or let us know when you book with us.

GROUP SIZE

In order to for you to get personal photo guidance and the best experience with our photographer our groups are always small. On this tour the minimum and maximum number of guests are 8/10.

PHOTO GEAR

• A DSLR Camera
• 70-200mm
• Wide-angle lens, like a 24-70mm
• Tripod
• A Laptop computer with Photoshop or Lightroom software.
• Extra batteries, chargers etc.

LANGUAGE

Languages: English & Swedish

TERMS & CONDITIONS

For more information about Terms & Conditions click here.

BOOKING

You can book the trip by clicking on the button below. You are also welcome to call us on the phone +47 470 466 40 or email us at info@zoomphototours.com