© 2026 Robert Canis
Since flights are currently arriving in the morning and taking into account the possibility of northern lights, our first night will be spent en-route to Snaefellsnes in the perfectly situated Fosshotel Reykholt. One night will then be in Grundarfjordur Guesthouse (just 5 minutes from Kirkjufell), two on the south coast in Hotel Langaholt and on the final night, Park Inn by Radisson, just 7 minutes from the airport.
In case of any unforeseen circumstances such as flight cancellations/rescheduling, it is a condition of booking that you leave +/- 3 days free on either side of the dates stated.
Amongst photographers, in particular, 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 in breathtaking landscapes. Just a few hours' drive from Reykjavik lies the diverse and fascinating landscape of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, whose iconic locations include the world-famous Kirkjufell Mountain, the black church of Budir and Arnastapi sea arch.

Mid-February is a fabulous time to visit when days are lengthening, yet the sun is still low and warm, revealing textures and producing a stunning golden glow to the surrounding landscape.


By day, we'll explore this remarkable region, and at night, we'll head out in the hope of capturing one of nature's greatest spectacles - the aurora borealis. Speaking of which....
NORTHERN LIGHTS
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! The photographs below were taken on our last tour, where for a full two hours, we had the most incredible display above Kirkjufell, otherwise known as Wizard's Hat!

Upon collecting everyone from Keflavik airport, we'll drive 2 hours north and spend the night in a hotel close to Barnafoss Waterfall, where there should still be plenty of daylight in which to capture the landscape and, at night, who knows, perhaps the aurora borealis! Although the majority of the locations we'll be visiting are in the south, its most famous landmark - Kirkjufell or Wizard's Hat Mountain - is in the north and by staying just 5 minutes away for one night we'll have the opportunity of photographing it both at sunset and sunrise and, with fingers crossed, with the northern lights dancing in the sky above - just as we did this year and last! A further 2 nights will then be spent in the south and the last in a hotel in Keflavik, 7 minutes from the airport.
HIGHLIGHTS
Small group of just 6
9-seater 4WD minibus
Expert driver
Aurora borealis
Kirkjufell / Wizard's Hat Mountain
Budir black church
Historic fishing villages
Lóndrangar cliffs
Arnastapi sea arch
Imposing mountains
Lava fields
"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 Howgate
"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
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.
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.
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 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.