West Iceland Photography
Tour NEW!
For photography, there's a lot to be said for focussing on one area and getting to know its landscapes, wildlife and ever-changing light. And there are few places in Europe more wild and diverse than West Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula. On this small-group tour, you'll photograph everything from seascapes and volcanic craters to orcas, seabirds and, with luck, the dancing lights of the aurora borealis.
6nt (7-day) West Iceland Landscapes, Northern Lights & Orcas Photography Tour
on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula
Join a group of just seven like-minded enthusiasts on a photography tour based on the stunning Snæfellsnes Peninsula – often referred to as 'Iceland in miniature'. Accompanied by award-winning photographer Will Gray, you’ll spend a week focusing on an incredible range of landscapes and seascapes. Timed to coincide with a reliable period for aurora activity, it's a superb opportunity to photograph the northern lights. An orca and dolphin watching boat trip is also included.
Highlights
• Stunning photography locations on Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula
• Prime season for northern lights activity
• Photograph orcas, dolphins and seabirds on a boat trip (included)
• Stay in superb coastal properties
• Visit all of the best locations on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, including Kirkjufell, Lóndrangar sea stacks, Djúpalónssandur beach, Hellnar coast, Saxhóll crater and Búðir black church
• Photograph winter landscapes in some of the less-well-known spots on the Golden Circle
• Accompanied by professional photographer Will Gray
• Small group size of just seven, ensuring plenty of one-to-one tuition
• Lightroom processing sessions
• Transport in a comfortable minibus driven by local driver/guide
*By clicking the link above, you will be asked to complete a simple form to register your interest and reserve a place. I will then send you details of how to complete your booking and pay your deposit. If you have any questions you can email me at will.gray@me.com
Will Gray explains what makes this trip special...
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is like Iceland in miniature. It has everything from mountains, volcanoes and waterfalls to black-pebble beaches, sea cliffs and sea arches. Based in just two locations on the peninsula, we can easily reach all of the key photographic locations – without travelling huge distances, or moving on each day. Our hotels are close to the coast with spectacular views and far from light pollution. If the northern lights appear, we can literally step outside the front door to capture the spectacle with our cameras. We will also be able to photograph eider and harlequin ducks, which are frequently see along the coast here.
I've designed these tours to coincide with prime time for aurora borealis activity. February also marks the start of the season for encounters with pods of orca off the coast of West Iceland. Hunting over-wintering shoals of herring, they can often be seen close inshore. A whale-watching boat trip from Ólafsvík is included in the tour. I'll also help you seek out seals and sea eagles to photograph – and we may even arrange a workshop to photograph wild Arctic foxes!
Travelling in a small group of just seven photographers, plus myself and our local expert driver/guide, we will be nimble enough to adapt our plans to find the best available conditions. There will also be ample opportunity for one-to-one tuition, including Lightroom sessions.
I'll provide hot drinks and snacks while we're out and about. Dinners and breakfasts are included,
To help you get the most out of your photography, I'll provide demonstrations on everything from long exposure techniques for waterfalls to capturing the moment an orca surfaces. In 35+ years as a photographer, writer and zoologist, I have travelled all over Iceland. The Snæfellsnes is one of my favourite destinations.
Itinerary
Tour dates
15-21 February 2027
2028 and 2029 dates will be released about a year before the tours commence.
These dates are based on pick-up at Keflavík airport on day 1 and drop-off at Keflavík on day 7
Duration
The West Iceland Landscapes, Northern Lights and Orcas Photography Tour is 6 nights, 7 days, Keflavík–Keflavík. This does not include flights to and from Iceland. You are welcome to extend your trip before or after the tour.
Group size
Maximum of 7 clients, plus photographer Will Gray. We will use a comfortable minibus, with an expert local driver/guide.
Cost
Prices to be confirmed soon.
Price includes single supplements, but excludes flights to and from Iceland.
Flights
You need to arrange your own flights to and from Keflavík International Airport, arriving on the morning of day 1 and departing in the evening of day 7.
Please contact me if you need advice on flights.
Photography level and gear
This tour is suitable for beginners through to enthusiast photographers. Click here for a suggested list of what to bring. You will get more out of the trip if you already have a good knowledge of your camera's controls and a basic understanding of processing images using Lightroom.
Included
• Fully escorted tour, with photography tuition by Will Gray
• Transport in a minibus equipped for winter driving, with local driver/guide
• 6 nights accommodation
• All breakfasts and dinners
• Airport pick-up and drop-off
• Orca watching boat trip
• Coffee, tea and snacks served from our minibus
• Lightroom sessions, photo critiques and photo sharing during the tour
Not included
• International flights to and from Keflavík Airport
• Personal travel and photographic insurance
• Lunches
RESERVE A PLACE ON THIS PHOTO TOUR
Complete the form opposite and we will be in touch to confirm details.
By completing this form, you are simply registering your interest in this photography holiday. You don't need to pay anything yet and there's no obligation for you to go ahead with the booking if you change your mind. When we get back to you to confirm your place, we will also send you a link to complete a Booking Form, and we will also provide details of how to pay your deposit, and the remaining balance for the photography holiday.