Epic Iceland: The South and Snaefellsnes

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Date: Wed 22nd Jan - Sat 1st Feb 2025

Price: £3,675.00

Group size: 6

Tutor / Guide: Robert Canis

Location: South Iceland and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula

Duration: 9 nights

Cost includes: B&B accommodation in single occupancy en-suite rooms and 9-seater 4WD minibus transportation throughout the tour's duration. Airport shuttle on departure day providing you leave with the group majority.

Cost excludes: Flights (circa £300), insurance and meals not mentioned (£30-£40 per day). Everyone, of course, consumes different quantities throughout the day and so lunch and dinner are not included in the price enabling you to have what you want without overpaying. Ticket entry (£5 per visit) to Vestrahorn black sand beach. We will endeavour to visit here twice (sunset and sunrise) and possibly three times should there be an opportunity to shoot the northern lights over the mountain range from the beach.

Accommodation:

We will be staying in a total of 8 hotels which include one in Reykjabik and another situated very close to the airport the night before departure day. You will each have a very comfortable en-suite room to yourself and, of course, breakfast is included. Each photo-base has been chosen so that we are within easy reach of the very best photographic locations thereby limiting our time spent travelling.

Fitness level: Moderate. It is important that you are of reasonable fitness (worth putting in some steps before the tour) and mobility and able to withstand spending quite long periods in potentially cold and windy conditions while walking through snow and on ice. Please contact me in advance to discuss this should you be unsure.

Sunrise / Sunset: 10.30 / 17.00

Experience Level: Beginner upwards.

Equipment needed: A full checklist on equipment and clothing will be given around 3 months before the tour but the following will give you an idea. Ultra-wide (14mm) for the northern lights, 24-70mm a 70-300mm, polarising filter and a tripod.

Waiting list

Join me on this epic photography tour in winter to one of the world's most unique and breathtaking countries - Iceland! A rugged wilderness comprising of glaciers, black sand beaches, sea stacks and lava fields, this 11-day photo-tour to the south and Snaefellsnes Peninsula has all the ingredients for a trip of a lifetime!

INTRODUCTION
For photographers, Iceland is one country that requires very little by way of an introduction. At just 243,610 sq km, Iceland is 2.4 times smaller than the UK but what it lacks in size it more than makes up for it in breathtaking landscapes.

Known as the Land of Ice and Fire, Iceland has an incredibly diverse and unique landscape where one moment you are standing there, in awe, as icebergs slowly move to the open sea and the next you are confronted with a black sand beach, glacier or thundering waterfall. During the day on this 11-day photography tour to Iceland, we will visit all the iconic (and some lesser known) locations of the south and Snaefellsnes Peninsula, and at night, with fingers crossed, photograph the northern lights.

SOLAR MAXIMUM
Solar maximum refers to the period in the solar cycle when the number of sunspots and solar activity is at its highest. This typically occurs every 11 years, and with the last being in 2014, yes, you guessed it, the next will be in 2025! Photographing the northern lights is an unforgettable expereince and no matter how often I have photographed it, it is always a breathtakingly humble expereince. There are times when you just have to take your eye away from the viewfinder and watch! Our accommodation location is based upon two factors: Proximity to sunrise locations and stunning views to the north in case of aurora activity. While in the south, we are a stone's throw from Stokksnes and Jokulsarlon and while on Snaefellsnses, the iconic Kirkjufell mountain which we were lucky to capture this year. I can't imagine a more stunning location; a mere 7 minutes from our hotel!

TIMING
The dates have been specifically chosen to coincide with a New Moon affording us the darkest skies possible for northern lights photography. Each evening we will keep a close eye on the forecast and if there is the faintest chance of a showing we will be out!

EXPERT DRIVER & CO-GUIDE
Upon meeting at Keflavik airport, you will be met by me and Dirk Van Uden whom I have flown all the way from Finnish Lapland to accompany me. Dirk (Derek in English) has been my driver and co-guide in Finland, Norway, the Faroes, Italy and Iceland since 2014 and is a highly experienced winter wilderness guide and driver where he drives with aplomb in whatever weather is thrown at him - from heavy snowfall to gale-force winds. Nothing fazes him! Trust me, you are in very safe hands.

We plan to start in the very southeast close to the Vestrahorn Mountains and Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and then gradually work our way back towards Reykjavik (where we will stay for one night) and then onto Snaefellsnes for a further 3. However, since Jokulsarlon is more than 400km away and not knowing either the flight's arrival time or conditions (it could be snowing, heavily), we will, instead, drive just a couple of hours in that direction and stay overnight in a hotel in the immediate vicinity of the mighty Skogafoss waterfall! Therefore, time permitting, we can literally hit the ground running photographing this amazing sight as well as potentially under the northern lights, and again at sunrise. What a way to start the week!

From here we will move further east to the Jolulsarlon Ice Lagoon where we will stay for two nights and then return stopping for two nights at Vik and a night in the capital before moving on to the Snaefellsness Peninsula for a further three, finally concluding with a one night stay in a close-to-the-airport hotel.

HIGHLIGHTS
Small group of just 6 photographers
Tuition and guidance from an experienced professional
Expert driver
9-seater 4WD minibus
Aurora borealis
Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon
Diamond Beach
Skogafoss Waterfall
Vestrshorn Mountains
Reynisfjara beach
Sea-stacks
Stormy seas
Kirkjufell / Wizard's Hat Mountain
Black sand beaches and dunes
Imposing mountains
Lava fields

FINALLY...
Thank you for considering this tour. If you have any questions, no matter how small or insignificant they may seem, please don't hesitate to contact me. I'm here to help and ensure that you have a wonderful trip filled with inspiring photography!

Itinerary

Come our visit, the winter days will have begun to lengthen but, as you can see, they are neither too long nor too short. Perfect for a full day of exciting photography!

Below will give you an idea of the daily schedule, though, of course, this is subject to change due to weather conditions. As with all my tours, it will be 'fluid!'

Sunrise: 10.30
Sunset: 17.00

Although day lengths are reasonably short, due to our northerly latitude, dawn and dusk begin and end much earlier and later than in the UK

08.00 – 08.30: Breakfast
09.30 – 11.00: Sunrise/morning shoot
11.00 – 11.30: Coffee break
11.30 – 13.30: Afternoon shoot
13.30 – 14.30: Lunch
14.30 – 18.00. Sunset shoot
19.00 – 20.30: Dinner
21.30 onwards. Possible northern lights photography.

Day 1 (22nd)
Arrive at Keflavik airport then transfer to our hotel, within the grounds of Skogafoss waterfall.
Hotel Skogafoss

Day 2 (23rd)
Following breakfast, we drive to our furthest east hotel in the town of Hofn just 15 mnutes from one of my favourite locations - Stokksnes beach and Vestrahorn Mountain. With its black-sand beach, dunes and mountain backdrop, this must surely rate as being one of Iceland's most iconic locations. While staying here we will shoot it at sunset, sunrise and, perhaps, in between, the northern lights.
Milk Factory

Day 3 (24th)
After breakfast and a sunrise shoot, we drive just 45 minutes to our next hotel for one night situated 15 minutes from the famous Jokulsarlon Ice Lagoon and diamond beach. As with the previous location, you will have the opportunity to photograph it at sunset, sunrise and, hopefully, with the northern lights.
Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

Days 4 and 5 (25th and 26th)
Today we transfer to our hotel near Vik where we will be for a further 2 nights, a journey of approximately 2 1/2 hours. We will stop en route for both a comfort break and photography and once there we will head for the famous Reynisfjara beach with its huge waves and impressive sea stacks. As with the previous nights, should we be presented with clear/partially clear skies we will head out hunting for auroras!
Hotel Katla

Day 6 (27th)
Following a morning shoot, we will make our way to Reykjavik where we will stay for one night. You will have the option to explore the city or simply unwind and relax in your room, and although we will arrange to meet for dinner, the day will be yours.
Fosshotel Baron

Day 7 (28th)
We leave the south and drive three hours north to our next accommodation on the north coast of the Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Once checked in we will drive the short distance to Iceland's most famous mountain - Kirkjufell, otherwise known as Wizard's Hat. With amazing views and frozen waterfalls, you will find more than enough to satisfy your 'appetite'!
Grundarfjordur Guesthouse

Days 8 and 9 (29th and 30th)
Following sunrise at Kirkjufell, we head to our penultimate hotel on the south coast where we will spend 2 nights. The south of the peninsula has much to offer and 2 days will give us ample opportunities to capture much of this dramatic stretch of coastline.
Hotel Langaholt

Day 10 (31st)
Our final morning. We'll eke out what we can of the region until forced to drive to our hotel in Keflavik situated less than 10 minutes from the airport.
Park Inn by Radisson

Day 11 (1st)
Sadly, today is departure day where we leave behind this incredible country but take away some amazing photographs and a head full of wonderful memories.

FAQ

How do I get there?
Keflavik International is serviced by a number of airlines including Easyjet, BA and Icelandair. As per the T&Cs, once 50% of the balance is received, you will be advised which flights to take. Should you be arriving from outside of the UK, I strongly advise you to arrive the day before to allow for any delays.

What will the weather be like?
There's no escaping it, Iceland can be wild and yes, at times, challenging, but it is these unpredictable conditions that more often than not make the most compelling photographs. Temperatures can range from -15 to +10. Most likely there will be snow but we could also have rain, blue skies and/or gale-force winds. If at the time you don't like the weather, wait five minutes!

Do I need to be fit?
Although very little 'distance' walking is involved, it is important that you are of reasonable fitness (worth putting in some steps before the tour) and mobility and able to withstand spending quite long periods in potentially cold and windy conditions and walking through snow and on ice. Please contact me in advance to discuss this should you be unsure.

How large will the group be?
As with all my workshops, the group size will be relatively small ensuring plenty of 'personal space' in which to create your images. It also means that since we will all be travelling as one, it makes for an extremely friendly group dynamic. Due to this being overseas and the day-to-day logistics involved, this is classed as a tour and not a workshop where although I will be on hand to offer advice and suggestions you will largely be working alone. Emphasis will be on getting you to amazing locations at the best times of the day.

Will there be any image appraisals?
As this is a tour and not a workshop where the emphasis is on the logistics of getting you to great locations, no time for critique sessions will be factored in. However, appraising your images can just as easily be done through me reviewing them on the back of your camera which I will be doing, anyway, from time to time while we are out photographing.

How much tuition will I receive?
Although not a workshop I will, as others will testify (just read the testimonials!), always be on hand to offer advice and encouragement. For example, upon arrival at a location, I will advise as to where I consider the most productive spots for photography are and give suggestions on composition, lens and filter selection. We will then disperse and immerse ourselves in the landscape, during which, I will intermittently approach each of you and see how you are getting on. This, over many years of running tours, I have found to be the most effective way since it allows everyone to grow and create their own style of images.

Testimonials

"What a brilliant group leader you are; your attention to detail is surely unparalleled!! Your speedy response to emails was so good and your care for us all, for our health and safety and well-being was a real joy!"
Hilary Musk

"I can honestly say that I enjoyed every second of my trip to Iceland. Rob and Dirk got us to the most amazing locations including a lagoon full of icebergs, black beaches, mountains, waterfalls, rivers and an ice cave in a glacier. There were peaceful, icy cold sunrises overlooking waterfalls and wild, windy beaches (sometimes with horizontal snow!) The Vesterhorn mountains were a stunning backdrop for the black sand dunes and the Jokulsarlon ice lagoon has to be seen to be believed. The conditions for photography were challenging at times but Rob was always on hand with help and advice. As always with Rob’s tours it was a very well planned trip with comfortable hotels, plenty of time at each location and lots of laughs. It is without a shadow of a doubt the best photography tour that I have ever been on".
Jill Denis

"After a good few years of badgering, Bob finally weakened and agreed to take a small 'guineapig' group to a place he'd never visited before. I know he normally likes to plan meticulously ahead of a trip so he was definitely out of his comfort zone. That said, he made certain our safety and comfort was paramount at all times and we were in the capable hands of an excellent driver, Dirk. He had clearly researched the trip to the best of his ability as left nothing to chance. No change in the 'Canis O'clock' starts for sunrises either!

Although this was my third visit to Iceland it was such a luxury to spend quality time photographing the variety of stunning locations, some well known and other hidden gems off the beaten track. Such a delight to spend time again with this very capable and talented chap. I would have no hesitation in recommending an Iceland tour with Bob".
Wendy Kennett LRPS

"The most wonderful aspect of a Rob Canis Photo Tour is how much photography there is. It may sound obvious, the clue being in the title, but not all photos tours are equal. Rob really does his homework, he has worked out the optimum time to be there, considers sunrises, sunsets and tides (if appropriate) and then ensures you arrive comfortably, have ample time to enjoy the scenery and get that shot and then nearby food and lodging.

Iceland turned the whole jaw dropping scenery up to eleven. The geysers and waterfalls are a must see. There was always plenty of time to try and capture a bird in flight, the surreal blue icebergs, the abstract juxtaposition of the white sneaker waves breaking onto the black volcanic beaches and melting the snow. Or if you wanted to, sit on a rock and just enjoy the moment. Rob is always happy to offer advice and encouragement and at the end of another fabulously photogenic day it's wonderful to kick off your crampons and rustling trousers and enjoy a meal and drink (though not many at Icelandic prices) and discuss our day. And then perhaps don balaclavas and head torches, with hot hands and feet tucked in gloves and boots and head out Aurora chasing! This was photography nirvana, cannot wait for my next Rob Canis photo tour".
Jo Tinning-Clowes

"As always, thank you for everything you did to ensure we could get the best out of our visit. Your quiet and calm approach towards supporting our photographic needs inspires confidence and is greatly appreciated. The daily planning of the trip ensured that we could visit a series of sites that had huge photographic potential. As always, your planning was exemplary and the choice of accommodation was ideal for our needs. You always adopted a flexible approach to each day's plans which ensured that we could advantage of weather conditions or natural phenomena. The awesome experience of photographing the Aurora Borealis on the last night exemplified your ability to steer us to record such a spectacular display. For all this and so much more, many thanks, Robert".
Nick Nicholas

'Planning is crucial to the success of any photo-trip, and this is something that Robert is extremely good at. Throughout, Robert planned and adapted according to the weather conditions, culminating in some great shots of the Northern Lights".
Ian Stone

Another very well organised and enjoyable trip to Iceland's Snaefellsnes Peninsula. Robert always finds great photo opportunities in a variety of settings and the best light. We were stunned by the amazing landscapes and an incredible northern lights display. He and Dirk are a great team who work well together to give us variety, challenges, and great memories.
Rachel Dunsden

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Workshop info

Thank you for dropping by and considering attending a workshop. I love nothing more than to pass on to others the knowledge I have gained over the last 30 years as a professional photographer and 15 as a workshop and tour leader. My group sizes are always small ensuring a fun and friendly group dynamic, lots of 'personal space' in which to photograph without too much fear of others getting in your way and as much tuition as you would like or feel that you need. I hope you can join me!

Although under the 'umbrella' of Workshops, please note there is a difference between the three types that I offer. To avoid any confusion, please see below.

Workshops

Those taking place in the UK are classed as Workshops where learning is the primary aim, and in the case of those which are multi-day residential, very often include image critique and post-processing sessions.

Tours

Overseas trips are classed as Tours where the logistics are all taken care of and where the emphasis is on getting you to great locations at the best time of the day. Since these may include hide photography and working in cold, windy conditions where one-on-one tuition isn't practical, these are less hands-on. However, prior to the hide session or upon arriving at a location, I will give advice and suggestions on composition, lens selection and exposure.

Creative Visions

Creative Visions is a new concept that I have designed to specifically nurture your artistic growth. They can take place in either the UK or abroad combining both workshop and tour principles. There will be critique and post-processing tutorials and, most importantly, you will be encouraged to go beyond the record and representational and instead produce more intimate creative interpretations.

Epic Iceland: The South and Snaefellsnes

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