Douglas Steakley
Photography Tours and Expeditions
Iceland Tour
September 7-17, 2020
All photographs © Doug Steakley
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Iceland is a photographer's paradise due to the great variety of landscapes—from glacial lagoons to waterfalls, to the dramatic central highlands and black sand beaches. September is a perfect time to visit as there are an equal number of daylight and night hours, which will enable us to photograph during the day and again at night for the aurora borealis and Milky Way.
Iceland is the perfect location to work with neutral density filters to slow the motion of the water along the beaches and many waterfalls. If you are unfamiliar with ND filters, this will be a good opportunity to learn a new skill. Photographic instruction and assistance will be readily available, and some of the hotels have flat panel screens where we can link our computers to review and discuss our images.
The main focus of this tour will be landscapes, but we will also be on the lookout for the ubiquitous and photogenic Icelandic horses and rams.
Our transportation will be in a large, comfortable bus with on-board wi-fi and ample seating, and along the way we will enjoy excellent meals including fresh salmon and char and comfortable lodging. We will also have the benefit of a personable Icelandic photographer-guide to take us to the best locations at the optimal time of day.
You will return as a better photographer after spending these days in Iceland.
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ITINERARY
Day 1, September 7-Arrival in Reykjavik
We will land at Keflavik International Airport and transfer by FlyBus to the modern Fosshotel in Reykjavik, where we can relax before the exciting upcoming tour. We’ll meet at 7 PM in the lobby of the hotel and go out for an orientation dinner, where we will get to know each other and discuss our itinerary and the exciting journey ahead of us. I highly recommend arriving early or staying a day or two after the tour to enjoy the walking streets and excellent restaurants in Reykjavik. Please let me know if you plan to do this and I will give you a list of recommended restaurants provided to me by friends who live there part time.
Passes for the Flybus are included and will be emailed shortly before departure.
Accommodation at Fosshotel.
Day 2-3, September 8-9--Snaefellsnes Peninsula
We will have an early pick-up from our hotel in Reykjavík and begin our journey by traveling west to the spectacular Snæfellsnes Peninsula to see and photograph the rugged coastline and other features. This area includes the columnar basalt cliffs at Arnarstapi and the windswept area of Búdir with its beautiful pitch-black church and cemetery, with the glazed icecap of Snaefellsjokull Glacier in the background. We will also visit Lóndrangar where two ancient volcanic plugs rise out of the ocean along the shoreline. Their unusual shape provides a nesting area for many birds, including the Kittiwakes seen in the photos above.
There are so many natural wonders and extraordinary vistas throughout Snaefellsnes that it is sometimes called "Iceland in Miniature".
We will drive over to photograph the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall at sunset. Kirkjufell Mountain is considered one of the most beautiful in Iceland and the nearby waterfalls combine to make a beautiful scene with numerous photographic opportunities.
Accommodation for both nights in Snæfellsnes at Hotel Arnarstapi.
Day 4, September 10--South Coast Waterfalls
We will leave the Snaefellsness Peninsula and head east along the southern shore near the small town of Vik. Our first stop will be the well-known waterfall Seljalandfoss, a narrow cascade that is nearly 200' tall. Because this waterfall drops off from a concave cliff, it is possible to walk behind it and photograph some unusual perspectives as seen above. Nearby are two more waterfalls--Skógafoss and Kvernufoss. Skógafoss is a much larger waterfall with a trail that goes up beside it, allowing for an different perspective. If the sun is shining look for a rainbow rising from the thick spray.
Kvernufoss requires a bit of walking, but is another waterfall that can be photographed from behind.
In the afternoon we will head to Reynisdrangar, the beautiful black sand beach with basalt columns, sea stacks and powerful waves, considered the most beautiful non-tropical beach in the world. Against the backdrop of the ocean are the
unique basalt columnar walls that form a small cave.
There is a beautiful small church poised on a hill above the small village of Vik.
Accommodation at Kria Hotel for one night.
Day 5-6, September 11-12--The Central Highlands, Landmannalaugar
On day five we will take advantage of our four wheel drive vehicle as we head north into the central highlands on a road that soon becomes unpaved and more challenibng. Here we will see rhyolite peaks, black lava fields and the mighty Hekla volcano that stands to the west. Although Hekla is an active volcano with an ominous name (Gateway to Hell), the area's multi-colored mountains and barren landscapes make it a photographer's destination. We will spend two full days exploring the rich and varied terrain in the Landmannalaugar region. There are two crater lakes that are particularly breathtaking, particularly Ljotipollur, with its red sandy sloping shoreline giving way to a cool, blue pool, and we will also visit Sigöldugljúfur Canyon, where numerous waterfalls meet and cascade down the cliffs into the river below.
Accommodation for two nights at the Hrauneyjar Hotel.
On day five we will take advantage of our four wheel drive vehicle as we head north into the central highlands on a road that soon becomes unpaved and more challenibng. Here we will see rhyolite peaks, black lava fields and the mighty Hekla volcano that stands to the west. Although Hekla is an active volcano with an ominous name (Gateway to Hell), the area's multi-colored mountains and barren landscapes make it a photographer's destination. We will spend two full days exploring the rich and varied terrain in the Landmannalaugar region. There are two crater lakes that are particularly breathtaking, particularly Ljotipollur, with its red sandy sloping shoreline giving way to a cool, blue pool, and we will also visit Sigöldugljúfur Canyon, where numerous waterfalls meet and cascade down the cliffs into the river below.
Accommodation for two nights at the Hrauneyjar Hotel.
Day 7, September 13--Vatnajökull National Park
Day seven will begin with an incredible Icelandic canyon, Fjaörágljúfur, and the unusual rock formations that run along the border walls. We will continue driving east into into the mystical Vatnajökull National Park with numerous glacial
formations and volcanoes. We will also plan a stop at the turf covered church pictured above--Hofskirkja.
Accommodation at Hali Hotel near Vatnaökull National Park for three nights.
Day Eight, September 14--Jökulsárlón Galcier Lagoon
Jökulsárlón Galcial Lagoon is perhaps the most exciting and dramatic destination in Iceland. In this park, giant icebergs calve off the large glacier tongue and float calmly in the lagoon, slowly drifting to sea. The accessible shoreline puts us close to the action and when the tide changes to outgoing, the glaciers pick up speed and rush down a small channel into the ocean. Once in the ocean, they are washed ashore on the nearby Diamond Beach, named by photographers for the blue colored glaciers that are deposited on the black lava sand. As the tide recedes the glaciers remain, waiting for us to find and photograph them with the crashing waves and receding water. We will be there at sunrise and sunset to add a pink glow into this compelling scene.
Accommodation at the Hali Hotel
Day Nine, September 15--Diamond Beach and Vestrahorn Mountain
We will begin the day with a sunrise shoot at Diamond Beach before driving further east to Vestrahorn Mountain on the Stoksness Peninsula. This mountain is reflected in the ocean with a black sand beach, and there is a lot to explore and photograph. We will stay through sunset to capture the setting sun as it turns the mountain a bright red with alpenglow.
Vestrahorn is also an excellent location to photograph the aurora borealis.
Accommodation at Hali Hotel
We will begin the day with a sunrise shoot at Diamond Beach before driving further east to Vestrahorn Mountain on the Stoksness Peninsula. This mountain is reflected in the ocean with a black sand beach, and there is a lot to explore and photograph. We will stay through sunset to capture the setting sun as it turns the mountain a bright red with alpenglow.
Vestrahorn is also an excellent location to photograph the aurora borealis.
Accommodation at Hali Hotel
Day Ten, September 16--Skaftell Nature Reserve to Reykjavik
On day ten we will visit Skaftell Nature Reserve on the way back to Reykjavik. We may also have an opportunity to make additional stops along the south coast, including Strokkur Geyser. Skaftell contains many natural wonders such as glacial tongues, lagoons, Svartifoss Waterfall and lava landscapes. We may also stop at one of the several deserted farmhouses and be on the lookout for Icelandic horses. If time permits, we can also stop at Gullfoss, one of Iceland's largest waterfalls.
Accommodation at the Fosshotel, Reykjavik.
On day ten we will visit Skaftell Nature Reserve on the way back to Reykjavik. We may also have an opportunity to make additional stops along the south coast, including Strokkur Geyser. Skaftell contains many natural wonders such as glacial tongues, lagoons, Svartifoss Waterfall and lava landscapes. We may also stop at one of the several deserted farmhouses and be on the lookout for Icelandic horses. If time permits, we can also stop at Gullfoss, one of Iceland's largest waterfalls.
Accommodation at the Fosshotel, Reykjavik.
Day Eleven--September 17--Flights Home From Reykjavik
This will be our final day in Iceland and please plan your return flights for this day. The FlyBus will pick you up at the Fosshotel and return you to Keflavik International Airport. Morning flights are better as the hotel checkout time is 11:00 am.
This will be our final day in Iceland and please plan your return flights for this day. The FlyBus will pick you up at the Fosshotel and return you to Keflavik International Airport. Morning flights are better as the hotel checkout time is 11:00 am.
Pricing
The cost for this tour is as follows:
8-9 Participants-$6,700 per person, double occupancy
10-11 Participants, $6,200 per person, double occupancy
12 Participants, $5,700 per person, double occupancy
A single supplement is $800.
A non-refundable deposit of $800.00 is required with registration.
Payment in full is due 60 days prior to departure--July 7, 2020.
This tour will be limited to 12 participants and non-photographer spouses or friends are welcome to join.
What is Included
A professional photographer guide from Iceland.
Transportation in a spacious and comfortable bus with ample room for photography gear.
All accommodations in quality hotels, with quiet rooms and private bathrooms.
All meals from dinner on the first day to breakfast on the last day.
FlyBus to and from the airport to the hotel in Reykjavik.
Photography guidance and assistance as needed from both the Icelandic guide and from Doug.
A recommended packing list will be sent out prior to departure.
Not Included
International flights to and from Reykjavik
Alcoholic drinks, snacks, laundry and tips
Travel Insurance and Medical Evacuation insurance, which are highly recommended.
Registration
To register for this tour please send 4 items to me:
A copy of the signature page of your passport
A deposit check in the amount of $800
A completed registration form and signed liability release form
Please click here for a Registration Form
Please click here for a Liability Release Form
