Join award-winning landscape photographer Brian Rueb as he leads a photography tour through the rugged beauty of Iceland.
Iceland is a magical destination for photography any time of year…but winter is out of this world. Frozen waterfalls, Glaciers, steaming geothermal areas, Ice berg filled beaches, and the bluest ice caves, are all part of this surreal landscape. Of course, there is always a possibility of witnessing the spectacle of the aurora as it dances across the night sky. Join us as we'll spend 8 days exploring the best of the southern half of this country looking for the best light and locations to capture some of the winter magic.
Rugged mountains, geothermal hotspots, enormous waterfalls, lush moss-covered valleys, glacially-fed lagoons, and black sand beaches. Iceland is a landscape photographer's dream location.
During the summer months, Iceland never sees the sunlight fully disappear. Winter brings more "normal" schedule for light. Sunrises occur around 9am and the sun sets around 6-7pm. This means on nights where the chance of aurora activity are minimal...you'll get a full night of sleep. During those sunrise and sunset times Brian will be working hard to put you into position to capture the best locations with the best light! Frozen Waterfalls, Ice Caves, rugged and desolate seascapes and steaming geothermal vents...there's something wonderful just waiting to be captured.
Experience is everything when selecting the right photography tour or workshop. Brian has over 11 trips under his belt in Iceland since 2010. Together he has logged well over 250 days worth of experience within Iceland doing photography related activities. While most tours will have a single location in mind. Brian has plan A, B, C and sometimes D for each day of your workshop. He KNOWS this area because he has explored it. You're in great hands. Brian is also excellent at photographic instruction so whatever level you're at they can help push you to the next level in terms of composition, creativity, and post-processing.
If you're serious about your photography, or just looking for an experienced guide to help you find some of the best Iceland has to offer, why not pack up and head to Iceland? There's an amazing photographic adventure awaiting....
Iceland Itinerary
Day 1
Today you'll land in Reykjavik and check into your lovely downtown hotel. Brian will meet the group at the hotel in the afternoon for orientation. That night after a nice dinner we'll head out along the waterfront for a little photography including the Harpa center, and the sun voyager sculpture.
Day 2 and 3
Snaefellsness Peninsula. We'll spend 2 nights in the fishing village of Stykkisholmur. You might recognize this little town if you've seen the movie ‘The Secret life of Walter Mitty.' This little town is not only great for photography, but the food, hospitality, and proximity to the other photographic treasures of the Snaefells peninsula make it a great home base for us. From here we can explore Kirkjufell, Snaefells glacier, the Arnastapi sea arch, Budir church, and all of the wonderful coastal basalt.
Day 4
We'll move back south to the town of Vik where we'll have access to some of the best sea stacks, and coastal scenery around! Additionally, two of the most iconic waterfalls in the country- Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss are on the docket! It'll be a full slate of great photography opportunities.
Day 5 and 6
We'll move a little farther east to the area around the Vatnajokull Glacier. Here we'll take one day to explore the cool blue playground of an ice cave and witness the sculptural and artistic power of Mother Nature. We'll also explore the iconic Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, and black sand ice beach. The Stokknes peninsula is the gateway to the eastern fjords, and another popular spot for photography, and we'll make a stop here to in search of great winter images.
Day 7
We travel back to Reykjavik. After we check in our hotel we'll have a last group dinner, and head out to relax in the world famous Blue Lagoon…where we'll enjoy the winter evening from the warmth of the geothermally heated waters. If the conditions are right, we'll stick around after and do some photography in the area as well!
Day 8
You're out... time to pack up the cameras, and all of the great memories you've made and head to the airport to fly home and look through all those images you collected during the week!
Travel and Lodging
We will be staying in traditional European-style tourist class hotels. All hotels are very clean and provide comfortable places to sleep. Each room is equipped with a bathroom, and many have a small television. Most of our hotels will be equipped with wi-fi for free or a small fee. Expect to find clean, comfortable rooms with individual bathrooms.
We will be driving from location to location in the largest van available, to be sure we can provide ample room for luggage, all our gear, and our comfort, as we enjoy photography each evening.
What to Expect
What to Expect
Our sojourns are always designed to maximize the most of each photographic day. We hit the ground running! We will spend the mornings and afternoons searching out the intimate and the iconic looking for amazing images of waterfalls, sea stacks, and shaggy horses. The evenings we will be on processing and aurora watch, hoping to get a display of the northern lights to dance for our sensors.
Breakfasts will be included in all hotels, and depending on the days schedule and shooting location we will eat breakfast either before we depart in the morning, or upon our return. The afternoon will be spend processing, resting, or in transit to our next hotel. After sunset concludes, we will head back to the hotel or a nearby restaurant for our evening meal. Then you will have free time to relax in your room unless the aurora activity requires us to be out chasing it. Of course, this is your trip...ALL excursions are up to you. If you need rest, you're able to go to your room and do that.
Everyone has a different level of experience, and different needs. Brian is able to assist with whatever needs your skill level requires. If you'd rather be left alone, we'll give you the room to roam. If you just got that new camera for Christmas and need a lot of help...we're right there to help you learn all you can! It's Photography. It's fun. It's FUN-tography!
Group Size
Winter requires use of 4-wheel drive vehicles so class size is limited to 8 students to accommodate these vehicles and allow room for our gear. Every spot we visit during the winter will have some options or angles that are not available in winter due to safety concerns. Brian will be on hand in EACH spot to help our smaller class size navigate safely and still maximize the most from each location.
Price Per Person (based on double occupancy)
Photographer cost: $5295
Price includes: Hotel accommodation for seven nights, breakfast at the hotels, transportation during the workshop, Ice Cave Tours and instruction.
Price does NOT include: International airfare to/from Reykjavik, optional activities such as the blue lagoon, lunch and dinner (due to weather conditions and changing photography times, planning community dinners and lunches isn't feasible), excursions, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities, additional days beyond trip dates, trip insurance.
Non-Photographer Spots: Due to the capacity of vehicles, the price is the same for non-photographic passengers.
Payment Schedule: To secure your spot, a non-refundable deposit is required.
Getting to Iceland
A wide variety of national and international airlines are available that regularly fly into Reykjavik. Iceland Air flies routinely out of New York, Boston, Minneapolis, Orlando and Seattle. Most flights require layover on the way to Reykjavik, so plan accordingly to ensure you arrive on Friday at a decent hour.
Timing
The summer has the longest periods of time for photographing, and typically the mildest and most pleasant weather. Being close to the arctic circle can mean dramatic weather patterns that deliver wind, rain, and even snow. Your clothing should have layers that plan for high temperatures in the low 70s, and low temperatures in the 40s. You should include layers that protect against wind and rain, as well.
Visa Requirements
Currently U.S. citizens are able to travel in and out of Iceland with only a valid US passport. If you are arriving from other countries, please check your local government office to find out the current requirements for travel from your country of origin.
Vaccination and Medical Recommendations
We recommend you contact your travel physician or health care provider for the most up-to-date recommendations.
Meet Our Workshop Master Instructors...
Meet our master instructors and learn what qualifies them to give you a great experience during your workshops! While you're joining us, you will receive comprehensive digital photography instruction and tutoring by our team of award-winning photographers.
→ Brian Rueb
Brian is an acclaimed landscape photographer who has taught photography and art for two decades. His work has appeared in numerous galleries, magazines and newspapers, and he has received awards at the national, state and local levels. His students have also won awards for their work.
Brian's passion for photography is evident in every image. His talent, education and background guide his use of color, composition and balance in ways that maximize the aesthetic values of his superlative images. His principle philosophy is that of complete immersion into a subject. This applies to his photographs, students, and writing. He is currently working on several photography-related books.
Note: In the event a scheduled instructor for a particular workshop is unavailable, a replacement instructor will be scheduled.
While we make every effort, there is no guarantee that the assigned instructors for a scheduled workshop will be present.
Will we see the aurora?
→ Maybe. This is certainly the time of year to see it. We will monitor the aurora closely with the weather…if there is an opportunity for us to capture it, we will make every effort to photograph this awesome display. For us to see the aurora, the aurora activity level needs to be high, and the sky needs to be clear. If we can find an area of clear sky, within a reasonable drive from our location we will try our best to photograph it.
What will weather be like?
→ Weather in Iceland is very unpredictable at any time of year, and winter has the potential to bring about crazy weather. Cold temperatures, snow, ice, high winds are all possible this time of year. We will monitor the weather closely, and work to ensure we maximize our photography opportunities in the areas the give the best chances for great photos, and safe travel.
How strenuous is the hiking?
→ Our goal is to remain safe, and keep everyone feeling good. The day we hike to the ice cave can be somewhat strenuous. Ice caves in Iceland move from year to year, and where they sit one winter, might shift somewhat as the glaciers continue their natural movement. Every winter the guides we use will find the caves, and plan the routes needed to access them. Often we won't know the cave we will be visiting until a few weeks before the event. The guides from the outfitter will provide all the needed safety gear to get us to the cave safely. The distance to the cave will vary as well depending on its location, and how close they can drive to the entrance. Every other location we visit will have a walk of less than ½ mile…often only 50-100 yards.
What kind of clothing should we bring?
→ Bring layers. I would make sure you have a warm base layer, that wicks moisture. I would make sure you have layers that are wind and waterproof. Bring warm jackets, gloves, wool socks, good waterproof winter boots, and hats. I would even recommend a facemask to help keep your nose and face warm. Hand and foot warmers can be nice as well. I would also look into a set of Yak-trax or some kind of other gripping device to go over your boots. This will help keep you upright should we encounter any ice. You can always shed layering…but if you don't have the necessary warm gear, it will be very expensive to buy it there.
What is included?
→ Included in the cost is; all transportation and lodging within Iceland, admission to the Blue Lagoon, and the Ice Cave, and all instruction from two photography instructors.
How many people?
→ 8 participants and 2 instructors
What kind of physical demands will there be?
→ Iceland has something for everyone. Luckily, many of the iconic and most beautiful areas to photograph are located very close to the main roads. We will walk between 4-6 miles a day (some days less); it depends on you as to how much you want to walk at some of these areas in search of great compositions.
Is this a tour or workshop?
→ In reality it's more of a photo tour than a workshop. In order to fully appreciate the wonders of photographing Iceland, ideally you've had some experience photographing. Brian will drive, and take you to the best places at the best times of day as is customary for Aperture Academy workshops. Once you're at a location, he will be available for any questions or concerns you have with how to shoot a location, what areas are best, settings, etc. Then you'll be on your own to explore and shoot. By all means, if you need help, ask... but unlike our shorter, more introductory level workshops, Brian won't be next to you all the time. You'll have freedom to really explore the locations. Then in the hotel, or during free time, feel free to ask him for any critiques or ideas.
How much free time will we have?
→ Some days more than others. We will be photographing for a long duration of time each evening. The idea is that from the time we return from shooting, until we depart for our next location or to go photograph, that time is yours. If you need to nap, go for a walk, work on images, it's up to you. Brian will give some basic times if people wish to head into town or go sightseeing, but it's up to you whether you go or stay.
Can I bring a spouse?
→ Yes, that is an option, but due to the amount of space in the vehicle we'll travel in, if they accompany us, they must pay full price.
What is the room situation?
→ All rooms will be based on Double Occupancy. We will place you with another solo traveler of the same sex. If you will be traveling with someone on the trip, please contact our studio to let us know that you would like to room together.
What type of hotels will we be in?
→ In Reykjavik, the hotel standards are similar to those you would find in any large European city. In the country, the hotels are often buildings that are converted for summer's tourist season. They are often dormitory-style rooms with a small bathroom, very nice and clean, but nothing extravagant.
What currency do they use?
→ The krona.
Is the food expensive?
→ Most things in Iceland are a higher price than in the US. We will make every attempt to help you with the best spots to eat at the best prices. Lunches are often at fueling stations where hot-dogs and the like are served at reasonable prices.
What If I need to cancel?
→ Due to booking arrangements, the $1500 deposit is non-refundable.
I have a lot of little questions, who should I contact?
→ Ask Brian, he will be glad to personally assist you with any information you need to make your trip easier to plan, and more comfortable.
Workshop Price and Deposit
2018 Trip:
The workshop fee is $5295. Price includes all Lodging, Ice Cave Tours. Based on Double Occupancy.
A $1500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your space. On August 1st, 2017, 50% of the remaining balance will be due.
The remaining balance is due in full on, or before, November 1st, 2017. Due to the exclusivity of this trip, and the limited number of seats available, refunds are as follows:
100% refundable: 150 days (five months) or greater (not including deposit)
50% refundable: 149-121 days (not including deposit)
No refund within 120 days or less of the start date
Seats are transferrable
Please Note: Returning students discounts are not applicable to Sojourn Series workshops.
What is/isn't included?
The workshop/tour price includes:
Lodging (double occupancy; please note: all rooms are based on double occupancy, but if you're traveling with someone and would like to room together, please let us know!)
We had a great time and Brian's knowledge of taking us where the best light is at a given time was priceless. I will definitely be signing up for more workshops with Aperture Academy. […] Aperture Academy arranged the hotel rooms, transportation, and where to eat. We never felt lost or felt unattended to. I will take advantage of their alumni discount and will arrange more dentists for future workshops. Thanks Brian and Aperture Academy!!
Al Said...
It was truly a memorable trip... good company, good food, and some amazing photo opportunities that sometimes bordered on the surreal. What a spectacularly beautiful country. Thanks, Brian and Scott for a fabulous adventure (and your expert instruction).
Tammy Said...
Another amazing trip with the Aperture Academy! Thanks to Brian and Scott for their dedication and patience. I had a blast and learned some new tricks. I look forward to my next workshop.
Ken Said...
Brian and Scott invested a lot of research into Iceland prior to the workshop, which provided a lot of value during the workshop. Both were very helpful in preparing us for the next shoot and very flexible to the group's needs. Scott's expertise in Lightroom opened up new doors for me when we were not shooting. If you have never travelled with Brian or Scott, it is a very fun and often hilarious experience and I felt I was in good hands the entire time. I really appreciate the 1-2 punch method of visiting key sites...if one day did not have favorable light, a return trip was usually planned to improve success rates. My only complaint is that Brian and Scott eat too much junk food...but they are in such great physical shape that I think they can get away with that.
This workshop is ideal for anyone who wants an introduction to Iceland photography without the hassle of finding locations.
Rob Said...
This workshop was an amazing photographic adventure. I really enjoyed the entire trip. Brian knows Iceland very well and has developed an amazing itinerary. This trip is very highly recommended. You will not be disappointed.
Students of the Aperture Academy are eligible for special discounts and promotions from our partners.
Experience is everything when selecting the right photography tour or workshop. Brian has over 11 trips under his belt in Iceland since 2010. Together he has logged well over 250 days worth of experience within Iceland doing photography related activities. While most tours will have a single location in mind. Brian has plan A, B, C and sometimes D for each day of your workshop. He KNOWS this area because he has explored it. You're in great hands. Brian is also excellent at photographic instruction so whatever level you're at they can help push you to the next level in terms of composition, creativity, and post-processing.
Snaefellsness Peninsula. We'll spend 2 nights in the fishing village of Stykkisholmur. You might recognize this little town if you've seen the movie ‘The Secret life of Walter Mitty.' This little town is not only great for photography, but the food, hospitality, and proximity to the other photographic treasures of the Snaefells peninsula make it a great home base for us. From here we can explore Kirkjufell, Snaefells glacier, the Arnastapi sea arch, Budir church, and all of the wonderful coastal basalt.
Day 7
Our sojourns are always designed to maximize the most of each photographic day. We hit the ground running! We will spend the mornings and afternoons searching out the intimate and the iconic looking for amazing images of waterfalls, sea stacks, and shaggy horses. The evenings we will be on processing and aurora watch, hoping to get a display of the northern lights to dance for our sensors.
Will we see the aurora?
What kind of clothing should we bring?
How much free time will we have?
What currency do they use?
2018 Trip:
