Take your camera on a breathtaking journey in Iceland, a country literally rumbling with a spectrum of natural energy, from its eruptions of lava and gushing geysers to its artistic inhabitants and spirited wildlife. You’ll be inspired by what you see, hear, and feel in this wondrous place—and your photography is sure to take on a fresh perspective in turn. Nikon professional photographers Layne Kennedy and Lucas Gilman will be at your side along the way, helping you build your skill set and portfolio in ways you never imagined.
We’ll start by exploring the charming capital city of Reykjavik, where you’ll find no shortage of photo ops. Stroll the lively downtown streets, passing by vibrantly hued houses, tidy green parks, centuries-old cathedrals, modern museums, and much more. Side-stepping out to a less urban setting, we’ll make our way to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula and visit the ancient, quaint fishing villages of Hellnar and Arnarstapi. Snap serene portraits of stark white houses set against strips of blue sky and green grass, then turn toward the rocky shores and let the glasslike reflection of the sea take center stage.
No trip to Iceland would be complete without visiting the 700,000-year-old stratovolcano and glacier-topped Snaefellsjokull, famed for being the site in which the protagonists of Jules Verne’s Journey to the Center of the Earth begin their eponymous trek. Find creative ways to play up the contrast of this stunning white-on-white landscape. Traveling on to Reykholt, we’ll encounter Icelandic horses in their natural habitat. With especially long manes and nearly pony-size stature, these beautiful creatures will be a unique addition to your wildlife portfolio.
As Iceland’s numerous glaciers melt in the summer months, we’ll bear witness to the breathtaking result of this natural occurrence: waterfalls. From the powerful might of the canyon-flanked Gullfoss to the seemingly horseshoe-shaped Hjalparfoss; the cascading waters of the Gjain to the roaring Skogafoss; and the perfectly picturesque Seljalandsfoss, you’ll be a pro at waterfall photography by trip’s end! Even more geological treats can be found in Reynisfjara, where the black volcanic pebbled beach and towering stacks of basalt rock formations conjure an equally eerie and majestic sight. The glacial lagoon at Jokulsarlon is yet another rare gift of Mother Nature, featuring blue-and-white icebergs scattered atop a far-reaching, placid sea.
Don’t miss this incredible trek to Iceland, where magnificent forces of nature await to rejuvenate your portfolio. Sign up today!
Iceland is a photographers gem. Resting atop the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, it is alive filled with rawness, color, and texture. Around every corner the landscape changes. I've often referred to Iceland as the LITTLE BIG LAND. For an island roughly the size of Kentucky, it is jam packed with a sense of scale seen in its glaciers, lava fields, moss covered landscapes, waterfalls and stunning coastline. I get excited every time I think of Iceland. Think of it as a trek to the country. Wear comfortable, well worn boots, bring wind pants because it can be windy, and also pack rain gear to seal in your warmth and stay dry. Think in terms of layers when choosing clothing. Iceland is not cold, but it can be windy and damp. Fingerless gloves and hats can be your best friend when our creating visual music with your camera. A wide angle lens will visually convey the landscape while a long lens can get you close to Puffins if so lucky. With limited opportunities this time of year to catch the aurora, a tripod is also to your advantage to capture the Northern Lights in all their splendor and magic. See you in the magic land of Iceland! Layne Kennedy
Land Only Workshop Cost: $4,100
* Includes 4 star hotel accommodations for 9 nights (based on double occupancy), breakfast daily and 6 dinners, English speaking guide, boat trip on Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon, entrance to Viking Farm, entrance and towel at Blue Lagoon, glacier hike in Skaftafell National Park/Vatnajökull glacier, private motor coach transportation to all shooting locations, daily lecture series, presentations and group review sessions.
If you are interested in airfare from New York, please contact Michelle at michelle.cast@bonniercorp.com
Fosshotel Lind in Reykjavik, http://www.fosshotel.is/
Hotel Hellnar, http://www.hellnar.is/
Hotel Hamar, http://icelandairhotels.com/hotels/hamar
Hotel Hekla in South Iceland, http://www.hotelhekla.is/english/home/
Hotel Edda Vik, http://hoteledda.is/en/hotels/hotel-edda-vik
Fosshotel Skaftafell, http://www.fosshotel.is/
Hotel Northern Lights Inn, http://www.northernlightinn.is/
Weather
We are very casual on the treks. We will be shooting mainly outdoors, so bring a variety of clothing you can layer. Dress comfortably, with good walking shoes. Make sure to have rain gear with you at all times to protect your camera bag and camera. http://www.weather.com/
Travel Insurance
Access America (tel. 866/807-3982; www.accessamerica.com)
Travel Guard International (tel. 800/826-4919; www.travelguard.com)
Travel Insured International (tel. 800/243-3174; www.travelinsured.com)
Travelex Insurance Services (tel. 888/457-4602; www.travelex-insurance.com).
Digital Review Sessions
We will have digital review sessions throughout the workshop. You will be asked to select 5 images for each review session that you will review with your mentor on your own laptop.
Equipment
Bring a camera, lenses, flash, lightweight tripod, filters, lens hoods, lens cloth, battery charger, batteries, storage device or portable hard drives, card reader, all cables, power converters, memory cards and adapters, a rain cover for your backpack and camera, cable release and your cameras manual.
Non-Photographers/Spouse Policy
We would like to notify you that spouses or non photographers of trek participants who travel with them to mentor series trek destinations advertised as part of the mentor series will be charged the prevailing workshop cost. This is because of limitations in the workshop classes, transportation and seating at the many venues we work with on the treks.
Incidentals
You are responsible to pay for all charges to your room when we check out of your hotels. Incidentals such as room service, drinks, phone calls, business services, laundry, etc. are not included.