Iceland 2026
Land of Fire and Ice • Oct 6–16, 2026The Best of Iceland’s Must-See’s
Gullfoss and Seljalandsfoss waterfalls, Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon, and Fellsfjara (aka Diamond) Beach. You may not be able to pronounce the names, but you’ve likely marveled at photographs of Iceland’s iconic natural attractions, including spectacular waterfalls, ice-littered black sand beaches, and vast glaciers.
At a Glance
- Starts / Ends
- Reykjavik, Iceland
- Dates
- Oct 6-16, 2026
- Fitness Level
- Easy-Medium (see FAQ’s for more details)
- Cost
- $8,750 USD Double occupancy
Single Lodging +$1400 - Deposit
- $1,500
- Instructors
- Ken Lee
Leighton Lum - Max Group Size
- 5 Participants
- Included
- Lodging, Transportation & Photography Instruction
- Not Included
- International Airfare to/from Reykjavik, Meals, Tourist Visa/ETA, Travel Insurance, Personal Expenses, Gratuities. Anything not specifically listed as included
Experience Highlights
Iconic Attractions
Photograph iconic attractions including vast landscapes, spectacular waterfalls, enormous glaciers and black sand beaches in Iceland’s Golden Circle and South Coast
Beyond-the-Beaten-Path
Travel beyond-the-beaten-path to less visited regions of Iceland like the Snaefelness Peninsula and West Fjords. Discover hidden canyons and spectacular fjords
Northern Lights
Experience the wonder of the northern lights (Mother Nature willing) under truly dark, light pollution free skies.
Glacier Ice Cave
Strap on your crampons (provided) and enter the otherworldly environment of a glacier ice cave
Beyond-the-Beaten-Path
Escape the crowds and cliché compositions as we explore less-visited regions of Iceland like the West Fjords. We’re also always on the lookout for serendipitous combinations of landscape and light
Aurora Borealis – the Icy Sky at Night
Capture the northern lights, Earth’s best natural light show, from the vast Icelandic wilderness. Experience this bucket-list natural phenomenon and learn the ins and outs of capturing this amazing event from seasoned veterans with years of experience photographing auroras around the world.
Note: We’ve timed our trip to give us the best chance to see and photograph the northern lights, but we’ll still need some cooperation from Mother Nature. No guarantees!
Photography Focused Adventure
Every aspect of this trip is designed for passionate photographers by passionate photographers:
Our days start early and end late because that’s when the best light happens. Breakfast often happens after our morning shoot.
Moving beyond snapshots requires patience and perseverance. We put in the time necessary to produce portfolio-worthy images.
We choose our accommodations for their proximity to our photo locations rather than their amenities. However, we’re confident you will be pleasantly surprised by our accommodations.
Level Up Your Skills and Vision
Ken and Leighton will always be close by to answer questions, provide tips on shooting techniques and insights about practical ways to expand your creative vision.
Like most pursuits, good coaching and lots of practice are the keys to leveling up your landscape photography game. You will get plenty of both on this photography-intensive adventure.
Images From Past Trips
Day by Day Itinerary
Iceland 2026 · Oct 6–16
| Day | Date | Itinerary | Meals |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 6-Oct | Reykjavik — Welcome to Iceland! We will be waiting at the KEF airport when you arrive to transfer you to our accommodations in Reykjavik. Relax and rest after your long journey or explore the city until 4pm when we gather for our Workshop Overview meeting followed by a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. Reykjavik hotel | – |
| 2 | 7-Oct | Reykjavik – Snaefelness Peninsula — We’ll begin the picturesque drive to the Snaefelness Peninsula early, stopping for breakfast along the way. We’ll break up the drive with several photo sessions to capture beautiful seascapes and other attractions like the famous Black Church at Budir. In the afternoon, we’ll get settled at our new hotel before heading out for our sunset session to photograph Mount Kirkjufell, a stunning mountain fronted by several waterfalls. Afterward, we return to our hotel for dinner. Note 1: we will be on ‘Aurora alert’ throughout our time in Iceland, meaning a Northern Lights photo session is always a possible addition to each day’s itinerary if conditions look promising. Note 2: Ken and Leighton will host several sessions covering composition, image management, workflow and editing. We prefer to ‘play it by ear’ as far as scheduling these sessions. Snaefelnes Hotel | – |
| 3 | 8-Oct | Snaefelness Peninsula – Ísafjörður — We begin our day with a sunrise photoshoot of Kirkjufell mountain before returning to our hotel for breakfast and checkout. Today we travel to the West Fjords of Iceland, an area not on most tourist itineraries, yet contains beautiful landscapes and seascapes There is a ferry crossing along the way and we will make multiple photo stops including at Dynjandi Falls, one of the most impressive waterfalls in Iceland. Ísafjörður Hotel | – |
| 4 | 9-Oct | Ísafjörður — We rise early again for a sunrise photo session near our hotel before returning for breakfast. We’ll explore the West Fjords region for rest of the day. Our photo stops will be dictated by the landscapes and light Ísafjörður Hotel | – |
| 5 | 10-Oct | Ísafjörður – Vatnsnes Peninsula — Today we make our way down the West Fjords, stopping at various locations along the way for photographs (4-5hr drive). When we reach our destination in scenic Laugarbakki village, we will check in at our hotel and get settled before heading out to the famous sea stacks of Hvítserkur for our sunset photoshoot. West Iceland Hotel | – |
| 6 | 11-Oct | Vatnsnes Peninsula – Golden Circle — Early start, a quick sunrise shoot near our hotel before returning to our hotel for breakfast. Afterwards, we check out and start the drive to the Golden Circle, a superbly scenic (and popular) area with attractions including Pingvellier national park, Gullfoss waterfall, Hraunfossar waterfall and Geysir geothermal area. We’ll plan our stops based on weather and crowd conditions at the time. Later, we’ll check in at our new hotel before heading to Bruarfoss waterfall for sunset. Golden Circle Hotel | – |
| 7 | 12-Oct | Golden Circle – Vik — Wake up early to capture sunrise at Gullfoss, Iceland’s most famous waterfall and one of its largest. After breakfast we make our way down the South Coast. Along the way we may stop at several scenic spots such as Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Gljufrabui depending on weather conditions or possibly do a short hike to the Solheimasandur plane wreck. Our plan for sunset is to photograph Reynisfjara Beach or Kirkjufjara, both black sand beaches in Dyrhólaey Nature Reserve. Vik Hotel | – |
| 8 | 13-Oct | Vik–Hofn — Sunrise finds us photographing the scenic seafront village of Vik and its beautiful natural surroundings. After breakfast at our hotel, we get back on the road down Iceland’s breathtaking South Coast, towards the famous Diamond Beach (aka Ice Beach) where large numbers of icebergs calved from Jokulsarlon glacier come to rest on its black sands. We may also make stops at Fjaorargljufur canyon or Skaftafell glacier along the way. Later, we’ll check in and take a break till our sunset shoot at Diamond Beach or Glacier lagoon. Hofn Hotel | – |
| 9 | 14-Oct | Hofn — Diamond Beach is our sunrise destination where we hope to create dramatic compositions of early morning rays lighting icebergs on this black sand beach. Breakfast is at our hotel as usual. No traveling on our agenda, so enjoy a relaxing day, maybe work on some post processing before we head out for our sunset shoot. The mighty Vestrahorn mountains are the focus of our evening photo session! A can’t miss location! Hofn Hotel | – |
| 10 | 15-Oct | Hofn – Vik — We have one more chance to photograph stunning Diamond Beach or Glacier lagoon at sunrise before packing up and making our way back towards Vik. We will stop at any spots we missed on our way up. Sunset will be around the Vik area. Vik Hotel | – |
| 11 | 16-Oct | Vik–Keflavík — Our final sunrise shoot! Or, if you’ve seen enough sunrises, sleep in and enjoy a leisurely morning. After breakfast in Vik will make our way back to Reykjavik airport where we will catch our flights home. End of Service. | – |
Your Instructors
Ken Lee — Ken Lee, the founder Art of Seeing Photography Adventures is as passionate about helping others grow as photographers as he is about creating his own images. Ken’s Whole Brain approach to teaching photography addresses both the Craft (gear, technique, post-processing) and Creative (Composition & the Photographer’s Eye) aspects of image-making – and the completely different approaches needed to master both. Click the links to read more about Ken Lee and The Art of Seeing, what you can expect from an Art of Seeing workshop, or to see examples of Ken’s photography.
Leighton Lum — Hawaii native Leighton Lum’s jaw-dropping images simply speak for themselves. Led by his creative eye and passion for adventure, Leighton has traveled the globe to destinations like Africa, South America, Iceland, Indonesia, and Antarctica, leading photography workshops and making his own award-winning photographs. Leighton hopes his photography inspires others and raises awareness about conservation to ensure future generations can enjoy the natural world he cherishes. Read more about Leighton and see a selection of his images.
Cancellation, Refunds & Travel Insurance
We understand life happens and plans may change. If you need to cancel your reservation, the following applies:
Deposits are not refundable. If you cancel more than 120 days before the workshop start date, your deposit is transferrable to another Art of Seeing workshop for up to 24 months from the date you cancel. If you cancel inside 120 days, your deposit is forfeit.
If we fill your spot*, you receive a refund of all other fees paid, less a $150 processing fee. This applies no matter when you cancel.
If we do not fill your spot, your refund depends on when you cancel:
- More than 120 days before the start date: 100% refund of fees paid, less your deposit and a $150 processing fee. Deposit transferrable for up to 24 months.
- 90 to 120 days before the start date: 50% refund of fees paid, less your deposit and a $150 processing fee. Deposit forfeit.
- Less than 90 days before the start date: No refund. Deposit forfeit.
*Your spot counts as filled only after the workshop reaches full capacity and another participant signs up. Someone who signs up while we still have open spots has not filled your spot.
All cancellations must be made in writing. We pay refunds by the same method you used to pay.
If we cancel or substantially change this workshop before it begins and you cannot accommodate the change, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us, including your deposit. If we change the schedule or itinerary during the workshop for reasons outside our control, such as weather, wildlife, logistics, road conditions, the availability of guides and vehicles or mechanical failure, no refund or compensation is due.
Travel Insurance
A travel insurance policy which covers emergency medical evacuation is a requirement for participation in this workshop, because medical facilities and standards of care where we are going may not meet US standards. Such policies typically also provide other benefits, including coverage for lost luggage or trip cancellations.
Click here to read our complete Terms & Conditions
Alumni Discounts
If you’ve traveled with us before, thank you! You’re the reason our passion is our profession, and we are deeply grateful for this blessing.
To express our appreciation, we’ve launched our Alumni Rewards Program which gives our ‘frequent flyers’ discounts on future Art of Seeing Photography Adventures. Click here for full details
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the physical fitness requirements?
This trip is rated Easy-Medium. Most of our photo locations are easy to reach for people of average fitness. There are several optional hikes that may require a moderate hike of up to 1.5 miles one-way. Some locations like waterfalls and beaches may have wet/slippery unpaved surfaces. You must be able to carry your own gear when we are not in our vehicle.
How should I book my international flights?
Book your inbound flight to arrive at Keflavik International Airport (airport code: KEF) in Reykjavik, Iceland before 1pm on October 6, 2026.
Book your homeward flight to depart KEF after 6pm on October 16, 2026.
Additional information to help plan your travels will be provided to registered participants.
What if I want to arrive early or stay after the workshop dates?
No problem, let us know your arrival/departure details and we will book the additional hotel nights on your behalf (additional cost).
Where will we stay?
We will stay in small hotels or B&B’s in each of our locations. Nothing fancy, but clean and comfortable with modern amenities like wi-fi.
Is there an extra fee for a private room?
Yes, prices are based on double occupancy. Single lodging is available at extra cost (+$1400).
If you don’t have a travel partner, we will pair you with a same-gender roommate. If a roommate is unavailable, you will receive a single room but be charged the single lodging rate.
Are meals included?
Meals are NOT included. Some of our hotels provide a free breakfast but all other meals are at your expense.
Can my non-photographer friend/partner attend?
Absolutely, travel partners who may not share your passion for photography are very welcome. Just make sure they can handle being part of a group that wants to do nothing but eat, sleep and talk about photography. Unfortunately, due to limited space, we cannot offer a discount for non-photographer partners.
What is the weather like in Iceland?
‘Average’ daytime and overnight temps are historically in the mid to high 30’s Fahrenheit. However, weather in Iceland is highly variable and can change suddenly. Rain and strong winds are highly like during our trip and snow/hail is also possible.
Additional guidance about appropriate clothing and other items to pack will be provided to registered participants
Can I bring a drone?
Yes, you can bring and fly a drone in Iceland but there are regulations including a 120-meter altitude limit and maintaining visual contact. You are responsible for knowing the rules and flying competently and responsibly. There are a few areas where we cannot fly but a lot of other great options!
Will we see active volcanoes and lava?
Maybe – Iceland is famous for its active volcanos; we will keep an eye on the activity as we get closer to the trip, and we can plan accordingly if an eruption is happening. Fingers crossed!
More Photography Adventures
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