Iceland Highlands Photo Workshop | Iceland | William Yu Photo Workshops

Iceland Highlands Photo Workshop
July 17 – 23, 2023
FULL

Workshop Summary:

Iceland highlands are the hidden jewels only revealing themselves to the explorers like us during short summer season. Volcanic geology created a otherworldly landscape unlike anywhere else on earth. Bubbling mud pots, rivers winding through colourful mountains, huge glaciers and barren landscapes cloaked in the moody mystery of steaming sulphur vents. Join us to photograph this nature's raw wonderland.

When: July 17 – 23, 2023
Where: Iceland
Cost: $4,450 double occupancy ($600 extra for single occupancy)
Group size: 10 maximum
Category: Photography Workshop
Tour Leader & Photography Instructor: William Yu
Workshop URL: www.williamyuphotoworkshops.com/iceland-highlands
Contact: info@williamyuphotoworkshops.com

The cost of this workshop is $4,450/person for double occupancy, it includes:

2 Professional photography guides
Transportation to and from hotel.
Ground transportation and vehicles specialized for highlands.
Accommodation for 7 nights in hotels.
Outdoor photography instruction.
Landscape photography masterclass.
Post-processing masterclass.
Exclusive discounts on photo equipment in our camera store: Stetinden Photo

The cost does NOT include:

Alcoholic beverages and other drinks
Snacks, lunch, and dinners not mentioned in the inclusions
Airfare to and from Iceland.
Visas (if needed)
Gratuities for photo guides, local guides and/or drivers
Personal Travel Insurance (required) / We recommend IATI or World Nomads

Activity Level: Moderate, Some hiking involved.

Over the next few days, we’ll take radial excursions off our “camp base” to the countryside or towns; there are plenty exciting spots to photograph under any weather and condition.

We’ll explore the most hidden and iconic places in the Val d’Orcia and Crete Senesi, looking for out the amazing diversity of landscapes that this region offers.

You will be visiting our island during summer and this is the time of 24 hour daylight- or the Midnight Sun as many call it. There are only a few days in Iceland when the sun is fully visible for all 24-hours, but even on the other days, when it does set, it doesn’t set very far. The average daylight in Iceland in July is about 20h with the sun rising at 3:58am and setting at 11:00pm. It´s as if the sun just travels along the horizon creating an extended sunset, which eventually fades seamlessly into sunrise.

This means you need to be prepared for an adventure unlike other tours you have taken. We will be up late evening and night, to catch the golden hour, the unique light reflected by this endless sunset and resting until late morning and even in the afternoon when the light is anyways too strong.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Arrival / Reykjavík

Group arrives at Keflavík International airport. Each traveler arranges transport to Reykjavík. Day is free to relax & roam around the city center. Check in from 3 pm at Hotel Reykjavík.

Day 2 Kerlingarfjöll & Hveravellir

Come with us to see оur islands specialities: the geothermal areas and the color spectrum of the volcanic area in the uninhabitable highlands. Navigate through this mercurial land to reach a state of landscape photography bliss on the route Kjölur. In the land of the opposite forces, ice and fire, achieve a magical day true volcanic experience. Kjölur is a plateau in the Icelandic highlands between the glaciers Langjökull and Hofsjökull. It is at an altitude of about 600–700 meters. A gravel road known as Kjalvegur (F35) runs through the center of the area and connects the south coast to the north coast. This is the only road toKerlingarfjoll and Hveravellir Highland Photo tour which makes the area more exclusive.

Here the cold wind meets the mountains colored by extreme temperatures and minerals. Mountains above ground left as monuments of the heat and power lurking underneath your feet. The volcanic origin of Kerlingarfjöll is evidenced by the numerous hot springs and rivulets in the area, as well as red volcanic rhyolite stone.

Minerals that have emerged from the hot springs also color the ground yellow, red and green. Kerlingarfjöll is a mountain range, 1.477 m tall, situated in the Highlands of Iceland. They are a part of a large volcano system (100 square km) that was formed when lava erupted through a thick glacier. Giving them a specific formation, flat-topped, steep-sided, often known as Tuya. Tuya are somewhat rare worldwide, being confined to regions which were covered by glaciers and had active volcanism during the same period.

This area is the perfect location for great photographs. You´ll travel through a dark and gloomy highland route to arrive in this bright, colorful haven which has a unique glow in the Icelandic midnight sun.

Hveravellir is one of the largest geothermal areas in Iceland. It truly is an oasis in the Icelandic highlands and on of our stops in Kerlingarfjoll and Hveravellir.

It's called the “hub” of the Kjolur route for a reason. Hveravellir is a geothermal area of fumaroles, and multicolored hot pools and there's even one you can relax in. As much a natural phenomenon as a historical place, here you´ll find the hidden dwellings of a notorious Icelandic outlaw from the 18 th century.

We spend the night in the cabins in Kerlingarfjöll.

Day 3-5 Landmannalaugar, Veiðivötn & South Fjallabak

We enjoy breakfast before we check out and head on the mountain road called the F-road.

Our first stop is likely to be Háifoss waterfall, the third highest waterfall in Iceland, situated in the Fossá river. The water drops about 122m into a beautifully sculpted gorge, caressing different layers of rock formations.

Landmannalaugar is an enchanting and colorful and yet secluded area in the uninhabitable highlands of Iceland on the edge of Laugahraun lava field, erupting in the late 15th century. The Landmannalaugar area is known for its rhyolite formations and geothermal activity, the steaming hot springs and the fumes rising up from the crackling surface, proving that Iceland is indeed a living and breathing phenomenon.

The ever changing landscape, still sculpted by the fierce winds, creates optical fascinations with its crystal clear waters reflecting the mood of the day and the rugged and dramatic lava fields covered with the soft blanket of the brightest green moss, even in the middle of winter. The majestic mountains are standing monuments of the power shaping the area with minerals emerging from the hot springs, offering a diverse and vibrant palette of different shades of yellow, green and red.

To reach this beloved gem we cross rivers and drive along gravel roads in the rough conditions of the Icelandic highlands called Fjallabak Nature Reserve. The area is only accessible with a 4×4 jeep and is open mainly during the summer.

Driving along the deserted, dark and seemingly gloomy highland route, you will be delighted to reach this colorful, unique haven, glowing in the Icelandic midnight sun.

There is a natural geothermal pool in Landmannalaugar, perfect to soak in at the end of a magnificent day of panoramic soul food - so bring your swimsuit.

Highlights in the area are many but to name a few we will visit: Háifoss, Ljótipollur, Frostastaðavatn, Landmannalaugar, Green Ridge.

We will also visit a cluster of fifty Lakes, Veiðivötn (Fishing Lakes) in the middle of the island in an area known to locals as Landmannaafrétt. The lakes have different size and shape, both small and large, and most of them are explosive craters from an eruption in the area. Like the name tells you it´s a popular spot to come fishing, the lakes are full of fresh wild trout. The Veiðivötn area is approx. 20 km long and 5 km wide from southwest to northeast.

We spend 3 nights in the Highland Hotel, Hrauneyjar, which is conveniently situated for our travel plans.

Day 6 South Fjallabak Highlands

We enjoy breakfast and check out.

We are heading on towards The South Fjallabaksleið ('Fjallabaksleið syðri') which is an old highland route north of Mýrdalsjökull glacier, connecting the eastern part of the South Iceland lowlands to the area northwest of glacier Mýrdalsjökull.

It's like entering a black sand desert. The area is very dry, sporting scant vegetation as it is situated between mountains that have a strong volcanic activity. The mountains have left endless amounts of ash, sand and lava in the area which is now covered in moss, creating a truly unique regional look.

We rest at Hrífunes for the night.

Day 7 South Coast - Reykjavík

After breakfast and check out we head towards Reykjavík. Our journey is through The South Coast which is one of Iceland's most scenic regions. Along the way we stop at a few of Iceland's most notorious landmarks such as:

Skógar to see the waterfall Skógafoss, it is one of the biggest waterfalls in the country with a width of 25 meters (82 feet) and a drop of 60 m (200 ft). This waterfall falls off the cliffs of the former coastline. After the coastline had receded seaward (it is now at a distance of about 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) from Skógar), the former sea cliffs remained, parallel to the coast over hundreds of kilometers, creating together with some mountains a clear border between the coastal lowlands and the Highlands of Iceland.

Due to the amount of spray the waterfall consistently produces, a single or double rainbow is normally visible on sunny days.

Waterfall Seljalandsfoss in the river Seljalandsa is a wonderful waterfall and truly magical. Seljalandsfoss has a narrow cascade but is one of Iceland’s highest waterfalls, at 63 meters (200 ft) it drops over the cliffs of the former coastline. The waterfall is highly picturesque and you´ll have the option of walking behind the water as it drops down to earth. This experience makes the visit a magical and romantic one.

And we will also see its neighbor Gljúfrabúi.

We will finish our tour in Reykjavík, where we started, in a nice hotel.

Itinerary Disclaimer:

Our workshop’s itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of our Photo Guides depending on factors including but not limited to weather, road conditions, transportation delays, and other factors beyond our control. We will check the weather forecasts and road conditions and plan our day to optimize shooting conditions. We cannot guarantee that we will be able to visit all the locations on the itinerary.

Recommended Photography Equipment:

After you signup, we’ll send you a recommended camera gear and packing list. Please pay special attention to things that we say are absolutely required.

FAQ:

How do I sign up and pay for this workshop?

A non-refundable deposit of $200 is required for this workshop to hold your spot, you can pay by Visa, Mastercard or PayPal via PayPal.com or send a check (U.S. residents only). The balance is due on Mar 17, 2023. All participants must sign William Yu Photography Workshops/Tours Liability Waiver Form and show the proof of travel insurance before the tour starts.

How many participants do you allow?

Photo tour size is limited to 10 attendees, which ensures that every attendee will get full attention.

What photographic skill level is required to benefit from this workshop?

Any people who has a basic understanding of exposure all the way to the advanced amateur and professional who is in search of a fresh perspective!

What is your refund or cancellation policy?

The $200 deposit is NOT refundable. If you cancel and the workshop within 120 days or less from the start date of the workshop, and the seats does not fill, the whole workshop fee is non-refundable.

William Yu Photo Workshops (William Yu LLC) reserves the right to cancel or reschedule tours and workshops due to Force Majeure or impossible weather conditions where safety of the buyer cannot be guaranteed. We will strive to make every attempt to reschedule the workshop or tour within 2 years of the original scheduled date. No refunds will be given but participants will be reserved a spot on the rescheduled tour or will receive credit for use towards another workshop or tour.

In the very unlikely event that a tour or workshop is canceled, we will refund the workshop fee to participants. Expenses related to travel and accommodations not provided by us will not be refunded. We require that you obtain Trip Cancellation & Travel Insurance after booking your trip with us. Proof of coverage is required 90 days before the workshop starts. Please contact us for any additional questions with regards to our cancellation and refund policy.

I have some questions, how do I learn more?

Please send email to info@williamyuphotoworkshops.com

Iceland Highlands Photo Workshop July 17 – 23, 2023 FULL