Iceland in Winter

This Iceland photography workshop will take place in the Vatnajökull glacier region, the eastern fjords, the south coast and the Snæfellsnes peninsula. These locations have been chosen as they offer plenty of coastal scenery and ice formations, which are some of the most dynamic and ever changing subjects encountered in the landscape.

 

We will undoubtedly visit iconic locations but will also visit some lesser known areas. Many of the landscape icons have been photographed countless times but we will be looking at these places with fresh eyes. The essence of any art is to see well-known things anew. We need to keep within us the spirit of a child, seeing everything for the first time.

 

By the end of February one feels that the days are getting longer. Sunrise is around 9am and sunset around 6pm. The evenings will be dedicated to image reviews and lectures. As this workshop is designed to be a learning experience, we will be limiting our evening excursions to chase the northern lights.

 

Our field time will be split between the south coast and the western peninsulas of Snæfellsnes and Reykjanes. We’ll begin with 3 nights near Vatnajökull and the glacial lagoons. Countless images testify to the power of these locations but few try and see beyond the cliché.

 

After Vatnajökull we’ll move further east and spend 2 nights in the eastern fjords. The sea deeply incises the coast here, flooding the space where glaciers used to flow. There is a sense of space and light, the water borrowing light from the clouds. 

 

We then return west to Snæfellsnes where a spine of high mountains stand above a thin line of farmed land. At the time we visit it may well be wrapped in a white cloak. The power of water is apparent everywhere, from the waves crashing on the shore to the ancient glacier atop Snæfellsjökull and the many impressive waterfalls.

This workshop is not about locations but about developing your vision. Daniel and I will actively encourage all participants to strive for a personal approach.

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N.B. All bookings are handled by my Icelandic co-leader Daniel Bergmann.