WORKSHOP LEADER: JOHN PEDERSEN.
This workshop is sold out. (Normal, Domestic US Jack Graham Workshop Discounts DO NOT Apply on International Workshops)
The workshop dates are set considering the moon phases, assuring the best time for aurora photography. Iceland is like nowhere else … a place of contrasts and a photographer’s paradise.
We have all seen images of the amazing landscape of Iceland. Capturing this location in winter is even more special. This workshop will be led by myself and world-class, award-winning photographer and Icelandic resident Örvar Thorgeirsson.
Not many photographers venture to Iceland during the winter months. We will experience locations rarely photographed during this time. The workshop dates are set taking into account the moon phases, assuring the best time for aurora photography. The backdrop of the Icelandic landscape makes the aurora even more breathtaking. We will photograph the winter landscape including ice caves, frozen lakes, bucolic villages, wild horses and the natural wonders of Iceland, all with the backdrop of the Icelandic winter.
We will only be taking five participants on this workshop due to the logistics and challenges of winter photography. This offers participants an exceptional amount of personal time with us, and will help you in making memorable images and growing as a photographer.
Why do we go to Iceland during the winter? Other than for the experience of rare subject matter and locations, we go for the long period of great light. The best light for photography during the day lasts for 6-7 hours, most of which will produce an extremely soft, low angle light. If conditions are good we will be shooting the auroras beginning around 8-9 pm for a few hours. Örvar is an expert on photographing the aurora … and you will be too after this workshop!
Isn’t it dangerous to be in Iceland in the winter? In a word, NO! Yes, it will be cold and can be stormy, but we will be well taken care of. You will be supplied with information on clothing and special needs to keep warm while in the field. While in Iceland, you will be transported in well-equipped 4-wheel drive vehicles from location to location. We will be very safe.
Most of our shooting locations are within no more than 15 minutes from the car and we will not be doing any long winter hikes. Although access to some locations, such as the ice caves, are a short walk which might include rough terrain, we will be assisted by a professional mountain guide. Complete safety equipment (helmets, etc.) is supplied by our guides. Slippery surfaces can be expected throughout the trip but we will send you recommendations regarding footwear.
WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS
We’ll visit specific locations according to conditions. The January winter season can be stormy in Iceland. This makes for great imagery and is part of the allure and adventure of this trip. Temperatures are usually not as low as one may expect considering the latitude. Average temperatures are just below freezing. Some days with thaw and rain can be expected as well. The absolute minimum temperature will be -15°C (-5° f) but a typical clear winter day is about 5°C (25° f). The wind, however, makes the temperature feel colder. Being dressed with wind protection is important. We will suggest the proper clothing to bring along.
LOCATION INFORMATION:
Complete itineraries and details are already set and available for your review. Please email me for details. The following list contains just some of the locations we’ll visit depending on weather and light conditions.
- Seljalandsfoss
- Skógarfoss: Nice winter location. The low mid-day sun will light up the waterfall
- Pinnacles of Vík: Both in the afternoon and morning from different sides
- Fjaðurárglúfur river gorge: Nice winter location as the hopefully frozen river and walls are nicely lit in soft midday sun
- Lómagnúpur: If conditions are good, small ponds offer nice reflections
- Old snowed-in farm villages, if it is snowy
- Skaftafell, Svartifoss: Frozen waterfall; 20 min hikef
- Svínafellsjökull: Possible ice caves and a frozen lagoon
- Hof: Nice little church snowed in
- Breiðarmerkurjökull: ice caves, if there is little snow
- Fjallsárjölull glacier lagoon: Nice background and offers possible walks on the ice amongst icebergs
- Jökulsárlón and the beach: Especially nice in the soft winter light as it will light up the icebergs on the beach. Also the sun will set into the sea behind the icebergs
- Jökulsárlón in the morning: Alpine glow on the Öræfajökull volcano in the background
- Hoffelsjökull glacier lagoon: Possible to walk amongst the icebergs
TRAVEL INFORMATION:
TO ICELAND from the UNITED STATES: Winter is off-season. Flights are far less expensive than in the summer. Direct flights from Seattle, New York, Washington D.C and Boston are available on Icelandic Air as well as other carriers. You will be picked up at Reykjavik Airport (KEF). I would recommend flying in the day before the workshop begins, if possible. We will return to Reykjavik in the late evening on the last day of the workshop, so you may want to stay over another night before departing. (Lodging before and/or after the workshop is not included in price.)
Specific details will be provided upon completion of your registration.
LODGING & ITINERARY
Specific details will be provided upon completion of your registration.
Included:
- Accommodation for 5 nights
- Airport pickup and return
- Full board
- 4×4 transportation
- Expert photographer guidance (Örvar Thorgeirsson & Jack Graham)
- Professional mountain guide assistance and safety equipment for the ice caves
Not included:
- International airfares
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips
- Other incidentals not mentioned as included
SKILL LEVEL
We recommend this workshop for intermediate and advanced photographers. Having the proper equipment and skills are important for this type of photography.
Please consider joining us in for a great photographic and friendly experience that you won’t forget!
Click here if you want to know what we’ll be working on, and click here for general information on what to bring.
