Overview

I traveled with Visionary Wild to Iceland in 2014.  From the time I walked out of the airport, everything was handled for me.  That includes travel to/from the airport, meals, lodging, all travel within Iceland.  Justin Black made sure everyone was made to feel welcome, wanted and comfortable.  He arranged a group dinner for those of us who had arrived a day early which I feel was above and beyond his obligation to us.  Every step of the trip was well planned.  The instructors were extremely helpful and knowledgeable.  Visionary Wild puts a tremendous amount of planning into each and every detail.  I highly recommend traveling with them. -E. Ciraolo

You may think you know Iceland…

You’ve made a trip there, maybe two, and seen the standard sights from the Ring Road.  You’ve lined your tripod up next to the others on the beach at Jökulsárlón, and waited for tourists snapping selfies to get out from behind the waterfall at Seljalandsfoss.  But there is so much more to Iceland than what you see from the Ring Road on the typical tour.  The largest wilderness area in Europe lies in the middle of the country—the vast area called “The Highlands,” where, according to Icelandic legend, outlaws and evil spirits once roamed.  This workshop is intended for those who want to get off the beaten track—literally and figuratively—to make truly unique photographs.  Getting into Iceland’s rugged Highlands is a challenge in itself.  There are no paved roads or bridges over the rivers.  To find your way through this wilderness, a competent 4WD vehicle and experience is required.

Chris Linder and Justin Black will lead this eleven-night photo expedition limited to eight participants.  The itinerary has been carefully crafted based on Chris and Justin’s numerous prior assignments and explorations in Iceland, and includes incredible locations that can be accessed only be 4WD vehicle. Chris and Justin’s extensive knowledge of the Icelandic landscape and environment makes them the perfect fit for getting to the best locations for prime photographic opportunities. Our small group will travel in comfort in four snorkeled Land Rover “Superjeeps,” each driven by an experienced Icelandic mountain guide.  Every participant will have a window seat, lots of elbow room in the vehicles, and ample space for their equipment.  Our guides will set up camp each night in locations that make dawn and dusk shoots very convenient.  All camping gear will be provided.

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We will make the most of light and weather conditions each day. When we aren’t camping, we will stay in high quality hotels, with all meals included. On the last evening of the trip, we’ll return to Reykjavík, enjoy a final celebratory dinner together at one of Reykjavik’s finest restaurants, and spend the night at the excellent Hotel Holt, located in the city center.

The focus of this expedition is photography in the field. Chris and Justin will provide generous hands-on mentorship, sharing their expertise and professional insights on developing creativity and personal vision, composition, working with various qualities of light and changing weather, and working landscape scenarios to best effect.

Constructive critiques will be included in the schedule to help participants identify where they are succeeding and how they might focus their energies to advance their vision and skills. During critiques, emphasis is first placed on identifying what participants are doing right with regard to chosen subject and composition, followed by discussion of ways to improve the execution of the image in light of the emotional response, concepts, and aesthetics that led the photographer to make the image in the first place.

Attentive group support during the workshop will be provided by experienced Icelandic mountain guides and camp staff. Tents will accommodate one or two people each (according to the preference of guests). Sleeping bags and mattresses are included. Camp equipment will also include portable sanitation and shower solutions suitable for guests to have adequate toilet facilities and some sort of warm shower or bath at least every other day (whenever possible). All camp equipment will be high quality from well-known outdoor equipment brands.

ITINERARY

Sept 8 – Arrival day in Reykjavik: Transfers to Reykjavik’s Hotel Holt will be arranged for inbound guests from Keflavik International Airport (KEF). During the afternoon, there will be group introductions and orientation at the hotel’s private library where wine and coffee will be served. Our first dinner as a group will be held at one of our favorite restaurants in Reykjavik, with a menu designed especially for us by the restaurant’s chefs. Overnight in Reykjavik at Hotel Holt. (D)

Sept 9-10 – Travel to Landmannalaugar: After an early breakfast at the hotel, our guides pick us up to begin our photographic expedition. We will leave paved roads behind as we navigate through the spectacular Fjallabak nature reserve to the Landmannalaugar region.  This is the start of the world-class Laugavegur trail, and boasts some of Iceland’s most stunning landscapes:  multicolored rhyolite cliffs, twisted lava formations, and steaming fissures.  We will set up camp here for two nights to allow time for sunrise/sunset shoots at the best locations, hiking among the hot springs, lakes, and lava fields. Overnight in tents. (B, L, D)

Sept 11 – Tungnafellsjökull area: Today we venture where very few tourists dare to tread: Iceland’s infamous Sprengisandsleið, the ‘Route of the Outlaws’.  This desolate, lunar region is like nowhere else in the country, and yields wonderful photographs.  Our experienced guides will ensure safe fording of the many rivers.  Roughly halfway to Askja, we will set up a camp for the night, keeping an eye out for the northern lights. Overnight in tents. (B, L, D)

Sept 12-14 – Askja area: After a morning photo shoot, we’ll continue the drive to the Askja Caldera region.  This massive caldera complex will be our base for three nights.  We will explore compositions of the 5,000’ peaks of the Dyngjufjöll mountains, Öskjuvatn lake, Viti crater, and Drekagil, the canyon of dragons. Overnight in tents. (B, L, D)

Sept 15 – Mývatn-Akureyri area: We head west to the lake Mývatn.  Along the way we will have the opportunity to photograph the steaming, bubbling geothermal areas at Námafjall and the bizarre twisted lava landscape at Dimmuborgir.  We will spend the night at the hotel Reynihlíð and enjoy an evening soak in the local hot springs. Overnight at Hotel Reynihlíð. (B, L, D)

Sept 16-17 – Hveravellir: We travel along Kjolur Route to Hveravellir, completing our counterclockwise circle of the Interior through the western portion of Iceland’s Highlands.  We will spend two nights in the Hveravellir region, where we will photograph the many geothermal features there, including the incredible blue pool Bláhver. Overnight in tents. (B, L, D)

Sept 18 – Return to Reykjavik: We will travel back to Reykjavik and finish with a session on some hidden gems—moss-covered waterfalls off the beaten track.  Arrive back in town to stay at Hotel Holt and gather for a last celebratory dinner and slideshow together. Overnight in Reykjavik at Hotel Holt. (B, L, D)

Sept 19 – Departure day: Wake up for breakfast at Hotel Holt, followed by time to see the sights and do souvenir shopping in Reykjavik’s city center and waterfront for those leaving later in the day. (B)

PLEASE NOTE:

• VISA: No visa is required for stays less than 90 days.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: We always strongly recommend arranging travel insurance. Travelguard.com is excellent.
• FLIGHTS: No flights are included. Please contact us if you would like recommendations regarding flights to and from Keflavik, Iceland (airport code: KEF)
• GRATUITIES: Tips are included. Our local guides, driver, and lodging staff work very hard to make our experience in Iceland be the best it can be, and Visionary Wild budgets for a healthy group tip in recognition of their services. Guests may tip additionally if they would like to recognize exceptional service.