Payment of deposit constitutes registration for this tour.

* Welcome packets are emailed out to all registered participants.

OPTION # 2 FILLING FAST!

- July 19 - July 26, 2026 | SUMMER LANDSCAPES

* In order to provide participants with the best photographic opportunities the itinerary is subject to change based on weather, lighting and other variables.

DAY 1: July 19th, 2016 - REYKJAVIK to HOFN

After you arrival into Keflavik International Airport we’ll meet at 9:00 a.m. in the airport’s arrival and departure hall at Joe & The Juice cafe. We can make our introductions, get to know each other and discuss our upcoming itinerary. I’ll have a Nature Odyssey Worldwide Tours (NOWtours) sign on the table to help you locate our group. From there we’ll load into our vehicle and begin our Icelandic odyssey. We will travel along the southeast perimeter of the island making our way towards Hofn. We will make multiple stops along the way and be sure to take advantage of any exceptional weather conditions during our drive.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Hvammur Guesthouse

DAY 2: July 20th, 2016 - HOFN
- Breakfast Provided

Arriving in Hofn we’ll check into our hotel and finalize plans for our first scheduled shoot of the tour. Hofn is home to the iconic and dramatic Mt. Vestrahorn. Located on the southeast corner of Iceland this majestic peak rises an impressive 454 meter high and is primarily comprised of gabbros rock. Here in Hofn we’ll also find the beautiful black sand dune beaches at Stokksnes which make for a fantastic foreground. Beyond Stokksnes beach you will witness the mighty Atlantic Ocean put on an incredible display of force as it crashes into the rocky coastline As a part of our continued exploration we’ll also visit the rugged coastal peaks of Eystrahorn and photograph numerous picturesque cascading streams, sea stacks and fjords of east Iceland. Following our shoot in Hofn we’ll journey south towards Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Here in the protected Vatnajokull National Park you’ll photograph some of the most incredible and other worldly landscapes in Iceland. As Europe’s largest ice cap, the glacier it creates its own weather systems and thus the light is constantly changing making it a wonderful location for photography. The glacial lagoon is a photographic cornucopia of abstract potential. If you watch, chances are you’ll find seals basking on the ice of the lagoon or playing in the tidal river as it flows out to the ocean.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Hvammur Guesthouse

DAY 3: July 21st, 2016 - HOFN
- Breakfast Provided

The next day we will be exploring the Black Sand Beach below Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Huge chunks of ice in various shapes and sizes frequently break off the glacier and plunge into the frigid waters of the lagoon. We will watch them float by on the tide, only a few meters away, being pulled out to sea. The awaiting ocean will cast these large ice crystals up onto the black sand beach, setting up yet another perfect photographic opportunity for our group. When the sunlight catches them it’s absolutely breathtaking. The blue color in the glacial ice is formed from snow that has been compressed. As more and more snow piles up over the years, the weight of the snow on top starts to compress the snow on the bottom. This compression turns the snow to ice. The compression of the glacial ice continues for dozen, hundreds or even thousands of years, adding more and more layers of compressed snow on top and adding even more weight. The ice eventually gets compressed so much that most of the oxygen is forced out of it causing the glacial ice to appear blue. The black tones are from volcanic residue and ash embedded in the ice.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Hvammur Guesthouse

DAY 4: July 22nd, 2016 - HOFN to VIK
- Breakfast Provided

Our journey will lead us on to explore the scenic region of Skaftafell Park. This diverse area is filled with a variety of flora and fauna as well as Iceland’s highest mountain peaks, huge glaciers, waterfalls and rivers. We’ll walk into another glacier and photograph the incredible ice formations found there. Many consider Svartifoss (or Black Falls) the highlight of Skaftafell. Surrounded by massive basalt walls that stretch from the ground to the towering cliff above this waterfall is a bit of a hike to reach the viewing point, but well worth every step. The concave shape of the rock wall and the basalt columns make it look like a gigantic pipe organ where Icelandic trolls play haunting melodies after dark.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel Fljótshlið

DAY 5: July 23rd, 2016 - VIK
- Breakfast Provided

On our travels south we’ll stop to photograph the moss covered lava field in Eldhraun, reminiscent more of a moonscape than something on this planet. Further on we will arrive in Vik, a quaint seaside village and well known destination in Iceland. World renowned for its iconic Reynisdrangar sea stack formations, (commonly referred to as ‘The Trolls’), the area has a host of other appealing subjects as well. Stunning, endless miles of lupine flowers, beautiful waterfalls and volcanoes are all in the area. The massive cliffs along its shoreline are covered in nesting bird colonies during the summer months including Puffin colonies. Vik’s popular ‘Black Beach’ boasts some of the most impressive waves and surf in this part of the world. It’s awe inspiring to photograph the ocean crashing against the rugged basalt rock columns that line the shore. High on a hill above Vik sits a simple white church with a red roof surrounded by flowers. We’ll also photograph the impressive Dyrholaey Cape with its lave arch and lighthouse. From that elevated vantage point we can view the black sand beaches stretching for miles in either direction and even see a distant glacier.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel Fljótshlið

DAY 6: July 24th, 2016 - VIK
- Breakfast Provided

Just a short drive from Vik is the mighty Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls. Dropping from a height of 200 feet and spanning nearly 100 feet in width, this is an impressive sight for anyone. Our overshoes will come in handy at this location, allowing us to get out into the river below the falls for more unique compositions. You’ll often spot sheep herds grazing on the rolling green hills behind this waterfall. There is a set of stairs to the top for those who want to take in the view from above the falls. A couple different locations in this area should afford us some great opportunities to photograph the Country’s iconic symbol, the Icelandic Horse.

 

ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel Fljótshlið

DAY 7: July 25th, 2016 - VIK to THE GOLDEN CIRCLE
- Breakfast Provided

As we leave Vik be sure your raincoat is accessible, you’ll want it when we stop at Seljalandsfoss on our way to The Golden Circle. Here you can walk behind one of Iceland’s most picturesque waterfalls and even take a picture if your camera is weather sealed and you can manage to keep the lens dry! Continuing on we will reach The Golden Circle where the geothermally active valley of Haukadalur is home to the two geysers, Strokkur and Geysir. Geysir has been inactive for many years now, but Strokkur continues to erupt every 10 - 15 minutes. Further beyond Geysir we will come to Gullfoss, meaning “golden falls”, Iceland’s most famous waterfall.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Héraðsskólinn Hotel

DAY 8: July 26th, 2016 - THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK to TOUR CONCLUSION in REYKJAVIK
- Breakfast Provided

On the final day of our tour we’ll visit Thingvellir National Park, home of Iceland’s first (and the world’s oldest) parliament meeting place. This is also the separation zone between the North American and European tectonic plates. The striking Oxararfoss waterfall flows down the center of the canyon here and creates great compositions in both directions. This is one of the few locations in Iceland with a sizable stand of tree growth. From Thingvellir we will make our way back to Reykjavik. There are no scheduled stops on the drive back, but it is Iceland after all so there will be countless opportunities for more photos. We will spend some time walking through Reykjavik’s shopping and tourist district before sharing our last dinner of the tour together. Following our meal you’ll be transfer to to your hotel or Keflavik International Airport for outbound flights with a new collection of friends, wonderful experiences and memory cards loaded full of image files to remember it all by.

OPTION # 3 FILLING FAST!

- Feb. 24 - Mar. 4, 2017 | WINTER LANDSCAPES & AURORA BOREALIS

* In order to provide participants with the best photographic opportunities the itinerary is subject to change based on weather, lighting and other variables.

DAY 1: February 24th, 2017 - ARRIVE IN REYKJAVIK

After you arrival into Keflavik International Airport you will transfer to your accommodations in Reykjavik. We will meet at 6:00 p.m. in the lobby of our hotel and go out for a group dinner meal. I’ll have a Nature Odyssey Worldwide Tours (NOWtours) sign on the table to help you locate our group. There we will get to know each other and discuss our itinerary and the exciting days ahead. Overnight in Reykjavik.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel Berg

DAY 2: February 25th, 2017 - REYKJAVIK to SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA
- Breakfast Provided

Leaving Reykjavik we will begin our journey making multiple stops along the way to the Snaefellsnes Peninsula photographing glaciers, rock formations, seascapes, mountains and waterfalls. We will always ensure that we take advantage of any exceptional weather conditions during our drive. The rugged coastline’s majestic cliffs of Arnarstapi and basalt rock columns are striking against an ocean backdrop. The landscape around Budir is exceptionally barren, but creates the perfect setting to photograph its iconic black church, especially with a nice aurora display at night! Stunning sea arches and uniquely formed basalt volcanic dikes at Londrangar will offer us even more photographic opportunities. We’ll also visit Mount Kikjufell, a picturesque mountain in eastern Iceland that bears a strong resemblance to a witches hat and offers compositions with the nearby river and waterfall.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel Husafell

DAY 3: February 26th, 2017 - SNÆFELLSNES PENINSULA to THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK
- Breakfast Provided

If weather permits we will travel and photograph the striking blue waterfall of Hraunfossar to begin our day. Then we will visit Thingvellir National Park, home of Iceland’s first (and the world’s oldest) parliament meeting place. This is also the separation zone between the North American and European tectonic plates. The striking Oxararfoss waterfall flows down the center of the canyon here and creates great compositions in both directions. This is one of the few locations in Iceland with a sizable stand of tree growth. Continuing on we will reach The Golden Circle where the geothermally active valley of Haukadalur is home to the two geysers, Strokkur and Geysir. Geysir has been inactive for many years now, but Strokkur continues to erupt every 10 - 15 minutes. Further beyond Geysir we will come to Gullfoss, meaning “golden falls”, Iceland’s most famous waterfall.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Ion Adventure Hotel

DAY 4: February 27th, 2017 - THINGVELLIR NATIONAL PARK to VIK
- Breakfast Provided

As we leave Thingvellir and begin to make our way to Vik be sure your raincoat is accessible, you’ll want it when we stop at Seljalandsfoss. Here you can walk behind one of Iceland’s most picturesque waterfalls and even take a picture if your camera is weather sealed and you can manage to keep the lens dry! Vik is a quaint seaside village and a well known destination in Iceland. World renowned for its iconic Reynisdrangar sea stack formations, (so commonly referred to as ‘The Trolls’), the area has a host of other appealing subjects as well. Stunning, endless miles of lupine flowers, beautiful waterfalls and volcanoes are all in the area. The massive cliffs along its shoreline are covered with pelagic birds during the winter months seeking refuge from the stormy Atlantic Ocean. Vik’s popular ‘Black Beach’ boasts some of the most impressive waves and surf in this part of the world. It’s awe inspiring to photograph the ocean crashing against the rugged basalt rock columns that line the shore. High on a hill above Vik sits a simple white church with a red roof surrounded by flowers. We’ll also photograph the impressive Dyrholaey Cape with its lave arch and lighthouse. From that elevated vantage point we can view the black sand beaches stretching for miles in either direction and even see a distant glacier.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel Edda

DAY 5: February 28th, 2017 - VIK
- Breakfast Provided

Just a short drive from Vik is the mighty Skogafoss, one of Iceland’s most popular waterfalls. Dropping from a height of 200 feet and spanning nearly 100 feet in width, this is an impressive sight for anyone. Our overshoes will come in handy at this location, allowing us to get out into the river below the falls for more unique compositions. You’ll often spot sheep herds grazing on the rolling green hills behind this waterfall. There is a set of stairs to the top for those who want to take in the view from above the falls. A couple different locations in this area should afford us some great opportunities to photograph the Country’s iconic symbol, the Icelandic Horse.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Hotel Edda

DAY 6: March 1st, 2017 - VIK to HOFN
- Breakfast Provided

We will travel along the southeast perimeter of the island towards Hofn. On our travels North we’ll stop to photograph the moss covered lava field in Eldhraun, reminiscent more of a moonscape than something from planet earth. Arriving in Hofn we’ll check into our hotel and finalize plans for our next shoot of the tour. Hofn is home to the iconic and dramatic Mt. Vestrahorn. Located on the southeast corner of Iceland, this majestic peak rises an impressive 454 meter high and is primarily comprised of gabbros rock. During the winter tour this mountain should be illuminated with extraordinary light and the chance sighting of Reindeer or an Arctic Fox are not out of the question. Here in Hofn we’ll also find the beautiful black sand dune beaches at Stokksnes which make for a fantastic foreground. Beyond Stokksnes beach you will witness the mighty Atlantic Ocean put on an incredible display of force as it crashes into the rocky coastline As a part of our continued exploration we’ll also visit the rugged coastal peaks of Eystrahorn and photograph numerous picturesque cascading streams, sea stacks and fjords of east Iceland.

Following our time in the Hofn we’ll journey south towards Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Here in the protected region of Vatnajokull National Park you’ll photograph some of the most incredible and other worldly landscapes in Iceland. As Europe’s largest ice cap, the glacier it creates its own weather systems and thus the light is constantly changing making it a perfect location for photography. The glacial lagoon is a photographic cornucopia of abstract potential. Huge chunks of ice in various shapes and sizes frequently break off the glacier and plunge into the frigid waters of the lagoon. We will watch them float by on the tide, only a few meters away, being pulled by the tide out to sea. The awaiting ocean will cast these large ice crystals up onto the black sand beach, setting up yet another perfect photographic opportunity for our group. When the sunlight catches them it is simply breathtaking. If you watch chances are you’ll find seals here basking on the ice or playing in the tidal river as it flows out to the ocean. In the evening hours our proximity to the lagoon will allow us to be on location for any potential aurora borealis displays when sky is clear. We will also visit and photograph ice caves far beneath the Vatnajökull glacier, all safety gear such as helmets and ice cleats will be provided to you.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Seljavellir Guesthouse

DAY 7: March 2nd, 2017 - HOFN to JOKULSARLON
- Breakfast Provided

The next day we will be exploring the Black Sand Beach below Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon. Huge chunks of ice in various shapes and sizes frequently break off the glacier and plunge into the frigid waters of the lagoon. We will watch them float by on the tide, only a few meters away, being pulled out to sea. The awaiting ocean will cast these large ice crystals up onto the black sand beach, setting up yet another perfect photographic opportunity for our group. When the sunlight catches them it is absolutely breathtaking. The blue color in the glacial ice is formed from snow that has been compressed. As more and more snow piles up over the years, the weight of the snow on top starts to compress the snow on the bottom. This compression turns the snow to ice. The compression of the glacial ice continues for dozen, hundreds or even thousands of years, adding more and more layers of compressed snow on top and adding even more weight. The ice eventually gets compressed so much that most of the oxygen is forced out of it causing the glacial ice to appear blue. The black tones are from volcanic residue and ash embedded in the ice.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Fosshotel Glacier Lagoon

DAY 8: March 3rd, 2017 - JOKULSARLON to REYKJAVIK
- Breakfast Provided

Finally we will explore the scenic region of Skaftafell Park. This diverse area is filled with a variety of flora and fauna as well as Iceland’s highest mountain peaks, huge glaciers, waterfalls and rivers. We’ll walk into another glacier and photograph the incredible ice formations found there. Many consider Svartifoss (or Black Falls) the highlight of Skaftafell. Surrounded by massive basalt walls that stretch from the ground to the towering cliff above this waterfall is a bit of a hike to reach the viewing point, but well worth every step. The concave shape of the rock wall and the basalt columns make it look like a gigantic pipe organ where Icelandic trolls play haunting melodies after dark. There are no scheduled stops on the drive back, but it is Iceland after all so there will be countless opportunities for more photos. We will spend some time walking through Reykjavik’s shopping and tourist district before sharing our last dinner of the tour together. Following our meal you’ll be transfer to to our hotel. Overnight in Reykjavik.

ACCOMMODATIONS: Park Inn by Radisson

DAY 9: March 4th, 2017 - DEPART REYKJAVIK
- Breakfast Provided

After breakfast at your hotel in Reykjavik you will transfer to Keflavik International Airport for your outbound flights with a new collection of friends, wonderful experiences and memory cards loaded full of image files to remember it all by.

1. Pick up at Keflavik International Airport
2. All Ground Transportation in Spacious Passenger Van
3. Accommodations For 8 Days and 7 Nights (Double Occupancy)
4. Daily Breakfast
5. Pro Photographer Mentoring & Guiding by Nathaniel Smalley
6. Great Memories & Images
7. Drop off to Keflavik International Airport

.

.

.

.

1. Airline Flights
2. Water, Snacks, Beverages or Alcohol
3. Mid-day and Evening Meals
4. Travel, Equipment or Health Insurance
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.

* All participants must review the list of recommended apparel by clicking here.
1. Camera with manual mode capability
2. Cable release or remote control for your camera (Mirror Up and Exposure Delay will also work)
3. Lens filters of your choice (ND, CPL, GRAD, etc.)
4. Extra batteries for your camera & charger
5. Sturdy tripod
6. Warm clothes (down jacket, softshell jacket, polartec jacket, long underwear)
7. Waterproof / Windproof Clothes (GoreTex jacket + pants)
8. Waterproof Insulated Boots
9. Ice crampons for your boots
10. Headlamp with extra batteries
11. Snow Pants (Winter Tour Only)
12. Gloves
13. Wool and silk socks
14. Thermos for warm beverages

This is an outdoor nature photography tour, so being fit and in good health will allow you to enjoy the workshop more comfortably. However, our planned activities should be within the ability of most people in moderate to good shape. Conditions can be cold and wet rocks can sometimes be unstable and slippery, so please pack appropriate clothing for the conditions. * All participants must review the list of recommended apparel by clicking here.

† All participants are required to sign a standard medical and waiver of liability form. Every effort is made to keep participants safe during all stages of the tour, but each person is solely responsible for avoiding personal injury or damaging their equipment during the tour.

.

.

.

.

..

A deposit of $500 is required to secure your spot for this tour. The remaining payment is due no later than 60 days prior to the beginning of the tour’s start date. Full refund minus a $275 processing fee is available if you cancel more than 60 days before the tour starts. Under 60 days and you will only receive a refund if we fill your spot based on the schedule outlined below. You will be promptly notified and provided a full refund should the tour be cancelled by the operator. At his discretion Nathaniel will lead the tour even if it does not meet the minimum number of participants required to depart.

If you cancel and the Workshop is otherwise filled, we will refund you the full amount you have paid towards the tuition, minus a $150 service charge. If you cancel and the Workshop does not fill, then you will be refunded according to the following schedule, based on the full fee of the Workshop:

60 days or more from the start date of the Workshop: Full refund minus a processing fee $275 fee.
45 days: 75% Refund
30 days: 50% Refund
Less than 30 days: No refund

Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made and be processed within 72 hours of the time that the request is approved.

..

.

.

My wife and I had a great time in Iceland and we definitely made the right choice to go with Nathaniel, not only for his insights and photographic knowledge, but also for his kindness and caring about his participants. I will forever treasure the photographs and life experiences from this Iceland tour!!!

~ Gene N. | U.S.A.

“Wow, what a place!! I was delighted to be able to join one of Nathaniel’s tours for my first trip to Iceland. We got to photograph a variety of incredible places, including glaciers, waterfalls, geysers and the coastline, in the amazing Arctic light. Nathaniel is a well-organized, fun, creative and professional tour leader whose tours I highly recommend. Thanks Nathaniel!”

~ Arwen D. | Tasmania

“Despite challenging weather conditions we had many chances to create beautiful landscape photo during winter tour. It was really good tour, I felt lucky to meet all other lovely members. Nathaniel was really good to us. Thank you again.”

~ Keiko S. | Japan

.

.

..

.

.

We recognize that when planning your international travel for photography that there are many options available to you. To that end we’d like to share what we believe sets us apart from the crowd. Our events are organized with nature photography in mind and catered to you, our guests. We provide superior nature photography workshops, tours and safaris for every skill level, to every corner of the world. We strive to incorporate a diverse cultural experience for all our clients, specific to each destination. Extra care is invested into all stages of planning the itinerary to ensure an experience that is second to none. Every effort is made to plan exceptional meals and reserve accommodations you’ll be excited to return to after a long day in the field.

A lot more goes into properly planning a photo tour or safari than meets the eye. For example, if you’re shooting the Northern Lights in Norway, you have to plan the itinerary according to rhythm of the tides, because a full moon will ruin the vibrance of the Aurora Borealis. Likewise if you’re photographing a splashing Hippo calf on the Chobe River at dawn, your ideal camera settings might not be what you think. These days the number of Iceland summer photo tours options are as numerous as the horse population in that beautiful country. However, what many of these companies don’t realize is that under the midnight sun the best photography happens just before and just after midnight. If you visit Iceland and are shooting at mid-day, in full sun, then you are missing out on the best opportunities. This kind of information is what distinguish the very best photo tour operators from the rest, and ensures you get the very best images possible during your trip.

If you are traveling with Nature Odyssey Worldwide you don’t have to worry about it, we excel in our knowledge of these critical details. Our promise to you is that we will meticulously attend to everything that concerns an international traveler, as well as the more subtle requirements of a nature photographer. Our all-inclusive packages take the worry and hassle out of your international travel plans. All tours and safaris are planned to flow seamlessly, limiting time lost in travel or transfers and maximizing every photographic opportunity. Itineraries are intentionally flexible so that we can take advantage of unplanned photographic opportunities as they arise. Expert pro photographers that guide you on our trips aren’t just along for the ride. Regardless of your skill level we’re at your side every step and during each waking hour with the sole focus of maximizing your results and ensuring a magical experience. You’ll be provided professional advice both in the field and the digital darkroom, resulting in a stunning portfolio upon completion of your trip with us.

Together we’ll capture the world. Where do you want to go?

Still have questions? Inquire via the Contact Page

NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOPS, TOURS and SAFARIS