Overview

The Visionary Wild Iceland Expedition was an extraordinary and wonderful experience. The locations were superb and unique and the instructors are technical experts who offered great instruction. I literally could not have asked more from the trip – it exceeded all my expectations. I would recommend Visionary Wild to all photographers and aspiring photographers who want experiences off the tourist path and to take their photography to the next level. –Alex E., Iceland Highlands expedition participant

Our journey to the inner highlands of Iceland was beyond anything we could have imagined. Every day was unique and awe-inspiring, featuring starkly beautiful landscapes of volcanic rock and glacial ice. We would highly recommend Visionary Wild for serious photographers; traveling with experienced guides who shared our passion to explore and photograph the world was invigorating, educational – and tremendous fun. The mentorship and organizational planning from our group leaders, Justin Black and Chris Linder, was truly world class. We are already planning our next adventures with Visionary Wild!” – Ray M. and Leona D., Iceland Highlands expedition participants

You may think you know Iceland… but on this winter workshop to the remote Highlands region, we will be exploring sublime snow-covered landscapes accessible only using custom-built Superjeeps driven by professional guides.

Iceland in winter is a landscape photographer’s dream: snow-covered highlands, prolonged sunrises and sunsets, long nights perfect for the aurora borealis, frozen waterfalls, deep blue ice caves, and fewer tourists, particularly when we escape into the highlands in our caravan of Superjeeps.

The typical visitor wouldn’t know it given how popular the standard tourist destinations in Iceland have become over the last decade, but the bulk of this spectacular island is still remote, uncrowded, and unspoiled. The middle of this country is home to the largest wilderness area in Europe—the vast Highlands—where, according to Icelandic legend, outlaws, dragons, and evil spirits once lurked, and some believe elves are still in residence.  This expedition is intended for those who want to get off the beaten track—literally and figuratively—to make truly unique photographs in the otherworldly landscape of the Land of Fire and Ice.  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 mandatory.

Chris Linder and Justin Black will lead this eleven-night photo expedition limited to seven participants.  The itinerary has been carefully crafted based on Chris and Justin’s numerous prior assignments and explorations in Iceland, and features incredible locations that can be accessed only by 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 three “Superjeeps” — heavily customized Toyota Land Cruiser, Nissan Patrol, and Jeep Wrangler with 44-inch tires — driven by experienced Icelandic mountain guides who we’ve worked with on several prior trips.  Every participant will have a window seat and ample space for their equipment.  In the Highlands, we will spend two nights at the remote Highlands Hotel, two nights at the Landmannalaugar mountain hut (with a wonderful natural hot spring pool), and two nights at a private mountain hut in Fjallabak Nature Preserve, all in spectacular locations close to our photo locations. As always, we will make the most of light and weather conditions each day. On the coast near Jökulsarlón Glacier Lagoon and the ice caves in the Vatnajökull icecap, we will spend three nights nearby at the excellent FossHotel.

Our accommodations will be a mix of excellent hotels and comfortable, warm, tidy, well-maintained mountain huts at Landmannalaugar and Hungerfit in the undeveloped interior highlands. The mountain huts, which we will have to ourselves, are Scandinavian-style bunk houses with comfortable beds, large kitchens and dining areas (in which our guides prepare and serve tasty meals). The Landmannalaugar Hut has a wonderful natural hot spring pool to relax in.

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. Sleeping bags, for use at the mountain huts, are provided.

All meals are included throughout. After being picked up and transferred from Keflavik Airport to the conveniently located Hotel Holt, one of our favorites in Reykjavik, we will enjoy a festive group dinner at one of the capital’s fine restaurants. On the last evening of the overland itinerary, we’ll return to the southwestern town of Selfoss, enjoy a final celebratory dinner, and spend the night at Hotel Örk. Our drivers will transfer guests to Keflavik airport for flights home the next day.