It really is the land of fire and ice and any photographer will tell you that it is paradise. With its stunning views, awesome light, and remarkably rich variety from latitude to latitude, it is not surprising that photographers of the world gravitate to this group of islands. With attractions in Iceland being almost in every corner, however, planning a photoshoot trip may be slightly daunting. That is why photography tours in Iceland can present themselves.
One of the best things of summarized with photography tour with this breathtaking country can be exceeding time, enhance or skill, and photographing. They provide a level of knowledge, certain out of the way locations, and an emphasis on taking pictures that is impossible when traveling independently. In this blog post, we’ll consider reasons why photography tours are ideal for Iceland, important factors to consider before choosing a tour and the best places you shouldn’t miss. Let’s dive in!
Why Choose a Photography Tour in Iceland?
Although, photography tour in Iceland have numerous benefits that can improve your photography experience and make your shots incredible. Here’s why you should consider joining one:
How to Get the Most from Your Photographic Time
Just like with every holiday, time is limited when you’re out on a photographic mission. With a photography tour, you can leave the logistics to the experts, allowing you to focus on what you love most: taking pictures. Package tour operators coordinate right from transport/ servicing transport to organizing and suggesting the right places to visit, the right time for shooting in the right season. What this means is that you would be in a position to spend more time taking shots, and less time thinking about some of the nitty-gritty things.
For instance, a client would spend many hours identifying the best driving routes and accommodation to find that a tour with a professional driver takes you straight to the Blue Lagoon at that incredible hour for photography, among other fantastic impressions. This efficiency enables you to travel to several places and take different shots your time in the visited places.
You should get to know experienced professionals.
Another great benefit of visiting Iceland photography tours is that there is ability to learn from other expert photographers. Tourist drivers are most of the time experienced staffers armed with vast knowledge of the regions main attractions which include; Iceland landscapes, fauna, and the special lighting conditions found in the region. The experts can give you advice, suggestions, and ideas which would be hofuse to ignore for anyone who wants to be a better photographer.
It is one thing to receive tips on composition while being in front of the Skógafoss waterfall, or to master how to photograph the Northern Lights with the help of an expert. These are the kinds of experiences that can help you get that leap to the next level you want for your photography.
Discover Hidden Gems
What a diverse country Iceland is in terms of tourism, with its variety of waterfalls and cliffs by the sea, a geothermal area and very cute villages. The extraction has already pointed out that while some of these places are easily recognizable, some are literally tucked away from mainstream sightseeing routes.
Pre-booked photography tours in Iceland cover such places making it possible for you to shoot lesser-known destinations. That can be especially significant if you are going to try to create a photograph different from those shots tourists usually take in such places.
Northern Lights photography (depending on the season).
Whichever time of the year you are heading to Iceland, if you are there from September to April, shooting the Northern Lights, and even the most amateurish photographer would book this tour. But, in fact, the Main Northern Lights’ attraction can be viewed only during the night in clear sky, and this is not always possible.
In fact, photography tours offer you enhanced opportunities for observing this event. As for the popular myth of interpreting the phenomenon, tour guides, relying on their experience and knowledge of the area, indicate that in order not to lose Aurora, you must constantly track the forecasts and choose a location that is at a distance from artificial lighting. They can also give important tips on shooting configuration, angles and postures in regard to photographing the Northern Lights.
What to Look for in a Photography Tour
There are many photography tours in Iceland today, and to get the most out of your trip, you need to select a tour that meets your requirements. Here are some key factors to consider:
Group Size
However, with large groups this turns into a nightmare because the entire tour becomes dominated by a physical experience. Small groups are usually preferred if you expect more one-on-one communication with the guide, more tour freedom and enhanced company spirits among the participants. If you prefer to learn in small groups to have more attention paid to you as a student and enjoy an individual approach, choose those tours which are made for groups no more than 6-12 people.
Tour Leader Expertise
Therefore it is very important that the organizer and the tour leader possesses the right kind of expertise when embarking on a photography tour. Book tours with tour guides who are professional photographers and who know the terrain, the wildlife and what can be photographed at what time. The ideal guide should have some knowledge of the area and mainly deal with the kind of photography you are interested in (landscapes, wildlife, stars etc).
You should not wait to investigate the tour leader and look at their profile, portfolio and check previous travelers’ feedback about the person.
Itinerary and Locations
Pay close attention to the tour schedule so you can guarantee that the places and photographic sights you want are captured on the itinerary. Take into account lifestyle, with specific emphasis on the goals and preference when it comes to photography. Is it important to photograph famous sights, find new places or shoot defined objects such as waterfalls, glaciers or animals?
There are so many tours which will concentrate on a definite region while others will touch even all the corners of Iceland. Select day to day program of visit with respect to your choice and preference and do get enough time to cover the place for photographs.
These include; Shelter/Residence and Transport.
Good quality accommodation and transport are important things when it comes to having a good experience in the photographs tour. Think about your choice of the place to stay. Would you enjoy having a camper van to travel with and park near the sites you want to photograph or do you get more comfortable in a hotel?
Second, think about the type of transportation delivered. Will you be using a minibus as a minibus, a 4 x 4 type of car or both types of mean of transport? Check that the type of transportation is appropriate to where you plan on traveling and the climate prevailing there at the time of your travel.
Inclusions and Exclusions
Always be sure to read the fine print and see what is offered when considering what tour to book. The options vary from meals, park entrance fee, equipment rental to charges that are not inclusive of the cost of the tour. Sub categories could include the type of accommodation, travel means, or any other touring or sight seeing activities that are optional.
Being aware of what is included or excluded requires adequate planning to enable one set a good financial plan for their trip.
Top Photography Locations in Iceland
Iceland boasts a wealth of stunning photography locations, each offering unique and captivating subjects. Here are some of the top spots you might visit on a photography tour in Iceland:
Iconic Waterfalls
Iceland is renowned for its majestic waterfalls, each with its own distinct character and beauty.
- Skógafoss: This powerful waterfall plunges 60 meters down a cliff, creating a dramatic scene often accompanied by rainbows.
- Photography Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire waterfall and its surroundings, or zoom in with a telephoto lens to isolate details and capture the power of the water.
- Seljalandsfoss: This unique waterfall allows you to walk behind the cascading water, offering a unique perspective.
- Photography Tip: Use a wide aperture to create a shallow depth of field and blur the background, emphasizing the waterfall. Don’t forget to bring a raincoat and waterproof your gear!
- Gullfoss: Known as the “Golden Falls,” Gullfoss is a powerful, two-tiered waterfall that thunders into a rugged canyon.
- Photography Tip: Experiment with different shutter speeds to capture the movement of the water. A slow shutter speed can create a silky smooth effect, while a fast shutter speed will freeze the action.
Glaciers and Ice Caves
Iceland’s glaciers and ice caves offer a glimpse into a world of ice and wonder.
- Vatnajökull: Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, offers stunning ice formations, glacial lagoons, and ice caves.
- Photography Tip: Use a polarizing filter to reduce glare and enhance the blue hues of the ice. Be sure to dress warmly and wear sturdy footwear for exploring these icy landscapes.
- Jökulsárlón: This glacial lagoon is filled with floating icebergs that eventually drift out to sea.
- Photography Tip: Look for interesting compositions with icebergs of different shapes and sizes. Use a long lens to compress the perspective and create a sense of scale.
Volcanic Landscapes
Iceland’s volcanic landscapes are a testament to the island’s fiery origins.
- Landmannalaugar: This geothermal area is known for its colorful rhyolite mountains, steaming hot springs, and hiking trails.
- Photography Tip: Capture the vibrant colors of the mountains and the contrast with the black lava fields. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the vastness of the landscape.
- Kerið Crater: This volcanic crater lake is filled with vibrant turquoise water, surrounded by red volcanic rock.
- Photography Tip: Shoot from different angles to capture the unique shape of the crater and the contrasting colors.
Black Sand Beaches
Iceland’s black sand beaches are a striking contrast to the typical white sand beaches found elsewhere.
- Reynisfjara: This dramatic beach is known for its basalt columns, sea stacks, and powerful waves.
- Photography Tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the scale of the cliffs and the drama of the waves. Be cautious of sneaker waves, which can be dangerous.
- Diamond Beach: This beach is named for the icebergs that wash ashore, creating a surreal scene of ice against black sand.
- Photography Tip: Capture the contrast between the ice and the black sand. Look for interesting patterns and reflections in the ice.
Charming Towns and Villages
Iceland’s towns and villages offer a glimpse into the island’s culture and history.
- Reykjavík: Iceland’s capital city boasts colorful buildings, a vibrant harbor, and iconic landmarks like Hallgrímskirkja church.
- Photography Tip: Capture the city’s architecture, street scenes, and the bustling atmosphere.
- Vík í Mýrdal: This charming village is known for its black sand beach, dramatic cliffs, and picturesque church.
- Photography Tip: Capture the village’s unique setting against the backdrop of the mountains and the sea.
Essential Gear for Your Photography Tour
The type of equipment you carry determines the quality of photos you are going to take on Iceland photography tour. Here’s a list of essential equipment:
Camera and Lenses
- Versatile Camera Body: For this purpose, any DSLR or mirrorless camera that allows the use of manual controls and has god low light performance would do nicely.
- Wide-Angle Lens: Very important when taking pictures of scenic countryside, waterfalls and the wonderful Arctic lights. An ideal lens should be a zoom lens, with a focal length range of 16mm to 35mm.
- Telephoto Lens: Appliable for shooting animals, details, and perspective views with the least width. It is advisable to use the 70-200mm or even 100-400mm glass.
- Standard Zoom Lens: If one needs a single lens that covers most usage then a 24-70 or 24-105 lens might be needed.
Tripod
A good and strong tripod is very recommended in striving for a clear picture, particularly at night and in taking shots that require long exposure. Specifically search for a tripod that is portable but resilient to vibrate or sway in a windy environment or in terrains not even at all.
Filters
Some of the filters can be useful when it comes to landscape photography, as they can give you some extra unique looks to your pictures.
- Polarizing Filter: Removes reflections and haze, increases the value of blue and sky colours.
- Neutral Density (ND) Filters: Enables the setting of longer shutter speeds which will make water and clouds blurry as objects.
Weatherproof Gear
In terms of climate, Iceland may not really be that harsh, but there are always a possibility that while shooting, the weather will turn very bad.
- Weather-Sealed Camera Body: Selecting a camera body with weather resistant to prevent it from rain and dust.
- Rain Covers: Secure rain jackets for these to guarantee additional security in rainy environment.
Battery and Memory Card Extra
Batteries are also likely to fall by the wayside as a result of the cold and therefore, take spare batteries along with you. More to that, carry enough memory cards for your shots on the field or scene. Having large storage capability is preferable than having insufficient storage space at some point.
Pro Tip: Think about using extras like tele lenses or filters for rent in case you haven’t got them. This can help you cut down expenditures and also take little space when packing your bags.
Tips for Capturing Stunning Iceland Photos
Of course, having a good camera does make it easier but no matter how good your equipment is, really iconized pictures in Iceland need some work on the composition, lighting, and how the picture was taken. Here are some tips to help you elevate your Iceland photography:
Mastering Composition
- Leading Lines: Try to utilize something like roads leading in the scene, rivers, or fences to kind of point the viewer towards the scene.
- Rule of Thirds: Now picture that what you have in front of you can be divided into nine equal parts by two horizontal and two vertical lines. To balance the composition of these lines, put key elements on the intersection of the lines.
- Foreground Interest: Use interesting elements in foreground for depth and dimension on the pictures being taken.
- Framing: background refers to incorporate natural frames such as trees, arches, or windows in order to help stretch the apparent depth of the picture’s subject matter.
- Negative Space: You may put a lot of distance between the subject, or surrounding the isolated subject with a blank area to enhance its significance.
Utilizing Natural Light
Lighting in Iceland can be a challenge or a blessing depending with the kind of photographic work that needs to be done.
- Golden Hour: The first and last hour of sunlight is often pinkish and golden and therefore perfect for shooting landscapes.
- Blue Hour: Twilight – it is the hour of the day if you prefer cool lighting, and it is also the hour after the sunset and before sunrise.
- Long Summer Days: One should also seize the long summer days and go out to capture several places of interest in the summer time.
- Short Winter Days: Use the winter light and appreciate the gloomy feeling of Icelandic landscapes.
- Northern Lights: Seeing the Aurora Borealis is endeavors of luck, which must be captured using a fast lens and high ISO settings.
Capturing Movement
It may come as a shock, but take note of the motion in your shots through Iceland’s waterfalls, waves, and wildlife.
- Waterfalls: If you want fast moving water (as in a stream or a waterfall), try using a slow shutter speed of ¼ or slower to capture soft and silky water areas.
- Waves: Adjust the shutter speed to get the power of the wave and its movement clearly and easily.
- Wildlife: If one is shooting birds in flight or any other wildlife, then he can use a fast all in respect to this.
Post-Processing Techniques
Processing is that you make the necessary enhancements to the photograph to make it as good as your desired outcome or better still, to bring out its best.
- Basic Adjustments: Babies can be bright, cast a shadow or look dull (the correct term being low contrast); correct the exposure, increase or decrease the contrast and fine-tune the white balance.
- Color Correction: Tweak or boost more colors, change white balance and set up a desired atmosphere.
- Sharpening: Enhance pictures so that specific features of an image and general illumination of the picture is enhanced.
- Noise Reduction: Cancelled or lessened the noise in the images that are captured via high ISO sensitivity.
Booking Your Photography Tour
Looking forward to your Iceland photography tour? Here’s how to book your dream tour:
Researching Tour Operators
- Read Reviews: Look at guest reviews on TripAdvisor, Google Reviews, forums for photography trips, etc, to find out from other people who have been there.
- Compare Itineraries: Gather information on different offers of several tour operators and look for the offer which can be interesting for you and useful for your photography.
- Check Prices and Inclusions: Check prices and always pay attention to what comes with each tour package. Such incidental expenses as of accommodation, transport, meals and fees for entry to attractions.
- Look for Specializations: Actually, there are some companies that based on certain kinds of photoshoots, for instance, scenic views, animals, or aurora borealis. Only select a tour operator with which you would like to travel with.
Booking in Advance
- Popular Tours Fill Up Quickly: During summer and winter, especially, the most-loved photography tours can get booked for a few months in advance. As you can imagine, having such a venue means that it may sometimes run out of space – if you are interested, you need to book in advance so that you claim your seat.
- Flexibility with Dates: If your schedule is not fixated on arriving and leaving on specific dates, it will be more productive to travel during the off season, which is the spring or autumn months.
Travel Insurance
- Protect Your Investment: No traveler should leave home without having travel insurance regardless of the destination, but especially when traveling to Iceland where the climate can be unpredictable, and situations such as the mentioned in this article can occur at any time.
- Coverage for Cancellations and Medical Emergencies: Always ensure that the insurance policy that you have ’embraces’ cancellation of trip, emergencies mainly medical, as well as lost or damaged equipment.
Pro Tip: If you have any concerns or request, you should communicate with tour operator. As they are involved in the selling of various tours they can advice on which tour would suit one’s need best.
Conclusion
Iceland photography tours are a great chance to appreciate the stunning nature of this amazing country with your camera. I got a chance to shoot my heart out and capture some memories that will last a lifetime all due to professional guidance in terms of location and focus on whatever you are shooting.
Through picking the right tour, bringing the appropriate equipment, and learning some general photography tips you will increase your ability to take the perfect shot in Iceland and convey the real beauty of this majestic country’s views, fauna and flora.
So, what are you waiting for? Contact Sharmine Photography now for Iceland photography tour and pack your cameras for the beauty hunt of a lifetime!
References
- Guide to Iceland: https://guidetoiceland.is/
- Iceland Photo Tours: https://iceland-photo-tours.com/
- TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com/
- Photography Life: https://photographylife.com/
