Trip Overview
STYLE: WILDLIFE
This adventure is for wanderers who like to enjoy nature without roughing it! We welcome photographers from all levels and backgrounds.
THEME: ARCTIC TUNDRA
Fusing creativity with the natural environment, it is the perfect blend of photography, nature and exploration.
We welcome photographers, explorers or simply anyone who loves the arctic landscape. No prior experience of photography is necessary, although a good understanding would certainly help you to make the most of the experience. Kindly note that this trip involves a lot of walking and hiking across rough terrain so only join us if you are relatively fit!
WHO: PHOTOGRAPHERS
Hello and Welcome!
During this immersive workshop, we will embark on a thrilling journey into a remote and inaccessible region of Iceland, visiting a variety of carefully selected locations that showcase the country's rich wildlife. From magnificent waterfalls and stunning glaciers to captivating bird life and elusive Arctic foxes, the Westfjords of Iceland is a true paradise for wildlife photographers .
I will be sharing my photography tips through evening presentations regarding techniques, wildlife and editing! We will also have a group call before the trip to discuss what to bring and to get to know each other.
I can't wait for you to join me on this very special adventure!
Squirrelly wishes,
Dani
Our team will take you on an 11 day expedition to one of the most stunning, fragile and remote landscape in the world. The WestFjords in Iceland will be our home for the week where we will seek to capture the very best of the Arctic wildlife in this remote region.
Flight to and from Reykjavik airport code KEF
WESTFJORDS, ICELAND
Day 1: REYKJAVIK
Upon your arrival at the airport, our fantastic guide will meet you and drive you to Reykjavik. Along the way, you will drive through the scenic Reykjanes Peninsula, known for its stunning landscapes and geothermal areas.
En route to our hotel in Reykjavik our guide will take you to a few secret spots for fantastic photo opportunities.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious three-course welcome dinner included in your itinerary.
• Meals: Meals Included: 3 Course Welcome Dinner
• Accommdation: Hotel Reykjavik Saga
Day 2: SNAFELLSNES PENINSULA
Today, you will have the opportunity to visit several remarkable locations on the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. We will visit the picturesque fishing village of Arnarstapi, where you can capture the charm of the village and its scenic coastal surroundings.
Next, we will take you to the majestic Kirkjufell Mountain, a prominent landmark often referred to as "the most photographed mountain in Iceland." Its stunning beauty and dramatic landscapes provide an incredible backdrop for wildlife photography. Along the journey we will stop regularly to photograph the many birds and mammals that live in the area.
Continuing our journey, you will encounter the impressive Lóndrangar sea stacks, rising dramatically from the coastline where we hope to see a full spectrum of magnificent birdlife of the area, including puffins, kittiwakes, common murres and northern fulmars. In the afternoon we will visit the stunning Svalbúfa Hill, where you can capture panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.
• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Accommodation: 3-4* Hotel
Day 3: PUFFINS & WATERFALLS
In the morning, we will board a ferry to Látrabjarg, an iconic location known for its majestic cliffs and abundant birdlife.
This remote and rugged coastline provides an excellent opportunity for capturing stunning photographs of various seabird species, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. The cliffs also offer breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and the vast North Atlantic Ocean.
After immersing ourselves in the beauty of Látrabjarg, our journey continues to the impressive Dynjandi Waterfall. This cascading waterfall, also known as the "Jewel of the Westfjords," is renowned for its sheer size and ethereal beauty.
Depending on timing and conditions, we can take a short drive to Raudasandur, a unique red sand beach known for its striking color. Here, we plan to capture the contrast between the red sands, the blue ocean, and the surrounding cliffs, creating a visually stunning composition.
• Meals: Breakfast
Day 4 to 7: HORNSTRANDIR NATIOINAL PARK
Today we venture into the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve. One of the best places in the world to photograph Artic Foxes and a huge range of Arctic birdlife!
After breakfast, we board a small boat that will take you on an incredible scenic journey to this remote and uninhabited area in the far North of the island, renowned for its untouched beauty and diverse wildlife.
Arriving at the reserve, we'll have plenty of time to settle into our recently renovated private house, our home for the next four days. Our goal over the coming days is to explore this incredible reserve, capturing its pristine landscapes and focusing on photographing the Arctic Foxes and abundant sealife. Throughout our stay, Dani will guide you on all aspects of photography from composition to post production techniques, a fantastic opportunity to hone you photography skills in a very picturesque part of the world.
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
- Artic Foxes
As we traverse the pristine landscapes, our expert guide will explain their role in the delicate ecosystem of the nature reserve as well as their behavior, habitat, and conservation efforts aimed at protecting these iconic species. There are approximately 9000 Arctic Foxes in Iceland and while the Arctic Fox has the status of a protected species in Hornstrandir it is hunted elsewhere in Iceland, as it threatens bird colonies. We will have as much time as possible with the foxes and Dani will be on hand to give you tips on photographing the Arctic Foxes, helping you to compose striking shots and capture their essence. They will share their expertise on the best angles, lighting conditions, and camera settings to bring out the beauty of these remarkable creatures.
- Sea Birds
Hornstrandir Nature Reserve is home to a vibrant array of seabirds, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts. The reserve's coastal cliffs and islands provide nesting sites for species like Atlantic Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, Kittiwakes, and Fulmars. We have planned our expedition during the breeding season, so there will be countless opportunities to observe these birds in large colonies, and capture their colorful plumage and captivating behaviors.
- Unique Flora
About 260 species of flowering plants and ferns are known to grow in the nature reserve area. Most of these species are common in the West Fjords, but there are also rare species in the region. The region has been preserved against grazing for several decades helping the flora to reach an altitude of 300-400 meters. On day 7, we will ride on our RIB (Rigid Inflatable Boat) to explore the secluded bays further away into the reserve. We will pack a picnic and watch for curious seals and bird life that populate the shores. We will then await the passenger ferry, which will transport us back to ísafjöräur.
Day 8: DRANGSNES
Today we wake early for breakfast, pack up our bags and journey from Isafjörur to Drangsnes, taking in the picturesque village of Súavik, and the historic site of Hrafnseyri.
En-route we will be on the lookout for more wildlife as we make our way through the peaceful and remote landscapes and can stop for as long as necessary should the opportunity for photographs arise.
At the end of the day we will relax in the hot pots in Drangsnes. These hot natural pools are situated right on the coastline, overlooking the fjord. If we're lucky we may even spot whales and seals passing through. July is a great time for whale watching, although kindly note that sightings are not guaranteed.
• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Accommodation: 3-4* Hotel
Day 9: HVITSERKUR ROCK STACK
On day 9, we'll set off by boat from the quiet little hamlet of Drangsnes to a small island called Grimsey, not to be confused with the more famous one which straddles the Arctic Circle.
This island has an abundant amount of birdlife, including puffins and fulmars, which we'll be photographing.
Afterwards, we'll be shooting the spectacular basalt monolith Hvitserkur, which rises like a prehistoric monster from the Vatnsnes Peninsula. It takes its name and white colour from bird excrement created by fulmars, seagulls and arctic terns.
The sun also does further wonders to this photogenic site, particularly during sunrise and sunset, where the light, colours and shadows lend a further otherworldliness to the scene.
While shaped by sea and wind, folklore says it was a troll turned to stone by the sun. If we have time, we'll visit the amazing basalt columns at Borgarvirki, and the peninsula itself which is home to plenty of beautiful mountains.
• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Accommodation: 3-4* Hotel
Day 10: HRAUNFOSSAR WATERFALL & JOURNEY BACK TO REYKJAVIK
On this day we'll be photographing the magnificent Kolugljufur canyon in Vididalur valley and its many beautiful waterfalls, collectively known as Kolufossar. The gorge and its falls make for a breathtaking and incredibly photogenic sight, where the clear water of the falls contrasts with the ruggedness of the canyon. The name of the falls comes from a legend of a giantess named Kola who was said to live there.
We'll also be photographing the stunning Hraunfossar waterfalls in Borgarfjörgur, made up of many rivulets flowing at the edge of the lava field Hallmundarhraun and falling into the mighty glacier river Hvítá.
After photographing these beautiful falls, we'll be wrapping up our photographing adventure as we'll return to Reykjavik, share a dinner at a local restaurant and say our goodbyes
• Meals Included: Breakfast
• Accommodation: Reykjavik Saga Hotel
Day 11: DEPARTURE
On your final day, you will make your way back to Keflavik International Airport, bringing with you memories and photos from an unforgettable photography adventure. Until next time, we hope you've had a fantastic time photographing the Westfjords in Iceland.
• Meals Included: Breakfast
AFTER YOUR EXPEDITION
After our time in Iceland is over, Dani plans to host an online editing lecture to run through some of her images and her editing process. This will be arranged at a time when everyone is available and will last for approximately 2 hours.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
• Accommodation, based on twin share with private bathrooms
• Private transportation in luxurious vehicles, led by an expert wildlife guide
• Transportation to Hornstrandir & return (full board while there)
• Private transfers to and from Reyjkavik International Airport
• Meals as outlined in the itinerary
• Professional photographic guide
• Entrance fees for national parks
• Presentations by Dani during and post trip
OUR ACCOMMODATION IN HORNSTRADIR
