Iceland: Dramatic Landscapes Workshop
“I had a fantastic time. Sitting here less than a week later back at work it feels like some sort of vague dream already. The locations for shooting were incredible and the large number of locations you got us to in 10 days was also very impressive.
You are a very good instructor. Those of us who do this for a living recognize that the axiom “Those who can’t, teach” is pure bullshit and they’ve never tried teaching. I’ve met many amazing professionals in a variety of fields who couldn’t articulate worth a damn to another person how it is they do what they do —even when that is why I was paying to see them try. You show very disciplined patience when necessary, but also are very good at utilizing your sense of humor to make everyone have a good time. Your depth and breadth of knowledge is commendable. Not only are you able to answer questions, but also give a deep understanding behind the answer if necessary.
You made yourself amazingly accessible. I didn’t anticipate that you would be with us at every meal and so open to discussing photgraphy during every breathing moment you were awake. That level of accessibility is not something I was expecting.”
— Scott McGlynn, USA
“I can’t thank you enough, Peter, for making this workshop such a memorable experience. You gave us magical locations, great food and fun, and most of all your ability to provide useful and positive learning opportunities at all skill levels. You truly are a teacher and photographer with a “high dynamic range!” I’m already recommending your workshops to my friends.”
— Gail Bingham, USA
“As the only genuine old-timer in your group I found the course to be tough but very rewarding. You took us to some beautiful locations that but for this course we might never have seen. Each day you took trouble to spend time with each of us to explain everything from the absolutely simple to the highly technical about landscape photography. Above all, through your leadership, you merged us into a team who enjoyed each others company and at the same time greatly improved our photographic skills. The organisation, food and accommodation were all first class
Many thanks for a great ten days. Long may you reign in elite photographic circles.”
— Robert Moran, Australia
“What can I say? Brilliant locations, food, accommodation, teaching and non-stop laughs. And you got me on the plane with my tripod!”
— Val Graham, UK
Fully booked! Please send an email to be added to the waiting list, or check out my Iceland Aurora and Autumn Landscapes Workshop in September.
Iceland is a place of real wonder, a land sculpted by fire and ice. Join me and renowned Icelandic nature photographer Daníel Bergmann on a 10 day journey through some of this island’s most dramatic locations.
From plunging glaciers and dramatic coastal cliffs, to graceful waterfalls and desolate black sandy landscapes, Iceland has it all. It’s a place that got under my skin when I first visited several years ago and has drawn me back ever since.
Daníel and I will take you to some of our favourite spots on the island. Armed with detailed local knowledge we’ll make sure you’re in the right place at the right time to capture the landscape in the best possible light. As we’re going in mid-summer, the periods of great light stretch much longer than they do in southern latitudes. When the weather is good, sunsets can seem to go on forever.
My goal is not only to give you an excellent journey through some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet, but to improve your photography as well. I’ll be on hand to talk about subjects ranging from composition, planning location shoots, technical operation of the camera through to postprocessing the final results.
You’ll leave with great images and an increased understanding of how to get better photographs for yourself in the future.
Dates for 2012 are:
- July 14-23
If this sounds like something that you’d love to do – read on!
Philosophy:
This trip is about improving your photography as well as getting out and about in stunning locations. I will be out shooting with you every day, helping you get the shots you’re after and introducing you to new ways of seeing, so you get images you never thought of before.
As such, this workshop is targetted to a wide range of people. From the advanced photographer who is looking to refine his or her technique, to someone who has recently started to cultivate their passion and is looking for a guiding hand to master the technical and compositional aspects of the art.
You’ll be spending 10 days with others who are just as passionate about photography as you are, and to ensure everyone gets plenty of individual attention, the maximum number of participants is capped at 10.
There will be regular critique sessions in the evenings where we can look at what was successful, and what wasn’t, in each other’s images. These sessions are an invaluable tool in improving your photos, as they show you exactly what you did wrong (and right!), allowing you to learn from your mistakes.
Accommodation and food:
We will be staying in hotels every night. Your comfort is taken seriously so all the establishments will offer a good standard of comfort and excellent food. After a long day’s shooting, the creature comforts are important!
Internet access will be available in most locations.
All meals are included. If you have a special dietary requirement you will be accommodated – just be sure and let me know when you make your booking.
The included accommodation is based on a sharing rate – single rooms are available but will involve an additional charge.
Lunches will be taken on the road, either in cafés or as packed lunches/picnics.
The Culture and People:
Iceland is a friendly and welcoming country. With a population of only 300,000 people, it’s very sparsely populated. It’s one of the oldest democracies in the world, and the Icelandic language hasn’t changed in over a thousand years.
English is spoken fluently by virtually the entire population which makes it a very accessible place to visit.
Itinerary:
This is a preliminary itinerary. What we’ll do and see in each location will be dependent on the conditions at the time. The exact photography locations may not be decided on until hours in advance, when the weather forecast is available.
Day 1 – Reykjavík to Snæfellsnes
We’ll start early morning from Reykjavík city and drive to the Snæfellsnes peninsula, where we’ll spend two nights. Our accommodation will be at the border of the Snæfellsjökull National Park and we’ll be concentrating on coastal scenery from Arnarstapi to Svörtuloft. We’ll also direct our attention to the Snaæfellsjökull glacier, the dominating landmark of the park.
Day 2 – Snaæfellsnes
A second day at Snaefellsnes gives us more opportunities for good light in great locations. If the light is favourable we’ll photograph during the evening and early morning, with a rest period during the middle of the day. If the conditions are overcast we may reverse that schedule.
Day 3 – Snæfellsnes to the South Coast
The move to the south coast will take a few hours. Once there we’ll be photographing some of the amazing waterfalls of the Eyjafjöll region, such as Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss. We may also go into Þórsmörk to the Gígjökull glacier, where the glacial burst came through during the first day of the 2010 Eyjafjallajökull eruption.
Day 4 – The South
Depending on the weather, we may either do a day trip up into the southern highlands, into an area known as Syðra Fjallabak. Or we may visit the town of Vík on the coast, and photograph at Reynisfjara and Dyrhólaey.
Day 5 – From the South to the East
We’ll drive further east, all the way to the Vatnajökull glacier, where we’ll spend three nights in a guesthouse only 10 minutes away from the amazing Jökulsárlón glacial lagoon. The extended stay in the southeast is to maximize the possibility of good light at the lagoon and the nearby iceberg beach. We’ll also photograph some of the smaller outlet glaciers, such as Svínafellsjökull, Fjallsjökull and possibly more. A visit to the Skaftafell National Park, now part of the larger Vatnajökull National Park, is also on the agenda.
Days 6-7 – In the Region of Vatnajokull
The two extra days are to cover the endless possibilities of subject matter and hopefully get good light at these wonderful locations. We’ll make 3-4 visits to the lagoon and the nearby beach during our stay, plus all the other locations mentioned above.
Day 8 – Through Nyrdra Fjallabak
On this day we’ll be travelling through the northern part of Fjallabak, one of the most precious gems of Iceland’s highland. The mountain route will take us into Landmannalaugar, a spectacular area of golden rhyolite mountains and geothermal features. We’ll eventually get to our Highland hotel in Hrauneyjar, where we’ll stay for two nights.
Day 9 – Fjallabak and Veiðivötn
We’ll continue to explore the Fjallabak Nature Reserve, which we drove through to get to Hrauneyjar. And we’ll also visit the Veiðivötn region, an area of countless lakes (water filled craters).
Day 10 – Hrauneyjar to Keflavík
This will be the day of departure. We’ll be at the Keflavík airport for afternoon flights out of Iceland. Afterwards, anyone staying on in Iceland can continue with us into Reykjavík city.
The Instructor
I am a professional landscape photographer – one of only a handful in Ireland. I was the only Irish photographer to travel to Iceland in 2010 to photograph the Eyjafjallajökull volcanic eruption.
I hold an Associateship qualification from the Irish Professional Photographers Association (IPPA). I’m also a Qualified European Photographer, a distinction held by less than 20 photographers in Ireland (as of February 2011).
I won the IPPA Landscape Photographer of the Year award in 2007 in both the portfolio and single-image categories, and have placed highly in several international photographic competitions.
I have a passion for both photography and for teaching. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced photographer, I make sure to pitch my lessons at your level and to ensure that you understand what’s being taught. My goal is for you to leave not just with great pictures and fond memories – but with increased confidence and ability too.
I teach year-round, both private and group workshops and courses – all on digital landscape photography. I have also taught a short Winter course on digital postprocessing techniques at Williams College in Massachusetts in the USA.
The Guide:
Daníel Bergmann is a professional nature photographer with over two decades of experience in the field of photography. In 1999 he completely turned his energies towards nature photography and has since focused on capturing the essence of Iceland’s landscapes and wild creatures. The long days of summer have him wandering about – sleep deprived – in search of magic moments.
He used to write and photograph for the now dormant Icelandic Geographic Magazine. He is also the editor of Fuglar (Birds) magazine and photographic editor for Bliki bird magazine. He currently lives on the Snæfellsnes peninsula in Iceland.
The Price:
This workshop will cost €3,400. This price includes all expenses except your airfare to and from Iceland. Your transportation, food, drinks (except alcohol) and accommodation for the entire ten days are covered.
Accommodation will be two to a room. If you require a single room, there is an additional charge of €600.
To secure your place, a deposit of €700 is required within two weeks of registration, the balance payable by March 31, 2012. If you have to cancel up to that date, you will get a full refund less €350. Cancellations after that date will receive a refund less €700. Cancellations within a month of the start date of the trip will only be refunded if a replacement can be found.
Sign Me Up!
Fully booked – Please send an email to be added to the waiting list, or check out my Iceland Aurora and Autumn Landscapes Workshop in September.
If this trip sounds perfect for you and you’re ready to embark on a ten-day odyssey of beautiful landscapes, friendly and competent instruction and a fantastic cultural experience, then secure your place now. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me. I look forward to seeing you soon!
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