DATES:
2017:  January 30 – February 6

PRICE:  $3,495
Cost includes 5 nights lodging ( first and last night or workshop) / breakfast & dinner / transportation / field instruction. All other costs ( i.e. snacks, gifts erc) are not included.

We will furnish vouchers for transportation to and from the airport.

 

Please consider joining us on our annual Icelandic Winter Adventure. The workshop dates take into account the moon phases, assuring the best time for aurora photography. Iceland is like nowhere else. . . a place of contrasts and a photographer’s paradise.

We have no doubt you’ll come away with lots of new information and photographic tips which will improve your photography as well as some wonderful images of this amazing location.

Please contact us at Info@UltimatePhotoWorkshops.com if you have any questions.

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORMS

WORKSHOP OVERVIEW

We have all seen images of the amazing landscape of Iceland. Capturing this location in winter is even more special. A truly unique and exciting workshop is now a reality. Yes, we are going on an Icelandic Winter Adventure for the winter landscape and aurora!

This workshop will be led by world-class, award winning photographer and Icelandic resident Orvar Thorgeirsson,  and myself (jackgrahamphoto.com), professional photography co-leaders offering you 5 full days of personal attention in this pristine bucolic wilderness.

Not many photographers venture to Iceland during the winter months. We will experience locations rarely photographed during this time. In addition to the amazing landscapes, this is the best time to look for the famous aurora borealis. The backdrop of the Icelandic landscape makes the aurora even more breathtaking. We will photograph ice caves, frozen lakes, bucolic villages, wild horses; the natural wonders of Icelandic winter. Few photographers experience this land during these conditions.

We will only be taking five participants on this workshop due to the logistics and challenges of winter photography. This means that you will have the maximum amount of time, tips and guidance from the three of us, thereby helping you to make many memorable images and grow as a photographer. With three leaders for five participants, you will have access to our input 100% of the time.

WHY DO WE GO TO ICELAND DURING THE WINTER?

Other than for the experience of the subject matter and locations not normally photographed, we go for the long period of great light. The best light for photography during the day lasts for 6-7 hours (this is really something to experience!) most of which will produce an extremely soft, low angle light.

If conditions are good we will be shooting the auroras for a few hours, beginning around 8-­9 pm. Örvar is an expert on photographing the Aurora … and you will be too after this workshop!

IS IT DANGEROUS TO BE IN ICELAND IN THE WINTER?
In a word: NO!  Yes, it will be cold and can be stormy, but we will be well taken care of. You will be supplied with information on clothing and special needs to keep warm while in the field.

Most of our shooting locations are within no more than 15 minutes from the car and we will not be doing any long winter hikes. Access to some locations, such as the ice caves, are a short walk which might include rough terrain. We will be assisted by a professional mountain guide who supplies complete safety equipment (helmets, etc.) Slippery surfaces can be expected throughout the trip but we will send you recommendations regarding footwear.

WEATHER CONSIDERATIONS
Winter in Iceland requires that you move with the light and conditions more so than the summer. We will visit specific locations according to the conditions. The January winter season can be stormy in Iceland. This makes for great imagery and is part of the allure and adventure of this trip. Temperatures are usually not as low as one may expect considering the latitude. Average temperatures are just below freezing. Some days thaw and rain can be expected as well. The absolute minimum temperature will be -15°C (-5° f) but a typical clear winter day is about 5°C (25° f). The wind however, can make the temperature feel colder. Being dressed with wind protection is important. We will suggest the proper clothing to bring along.

LOCATION INFORMATION
The following lists some of the locations we will visit depending on weather and light conditions. We may skip some of these locations and add others in order to make the most of our environment.

• Seljalandsfoss
• Skógarfoss: nice in winter- the low midday sun will light up the waterfall
•  Pinnacles of Vík : both in the afternoon and morning from different sides.
•  Fjaðurárglúfur river gorge: Nice winter location, the river may be frozen and the walls can be nicely lit in soft midday sun
•  Lómagnúpur: if conditions are good, small ponds offer nice reflections
• Old snowed-in farm villages
• Skaftafell, Svartifoss: frozen waterfall,  20 min hike
•  Svínafellsjökull: possible ice caves and a frozen lagoon
•  Hof: nice little snowed-in church
•  Breiðarmerkurjökull: ice caves, if there is little snow
•  Fjallsárjölull glacier lagoon: nice background and offers possible walks on the ice amongst icebergs
•  Jökulsárlón and the beach: especially nice in the soft winter light as it will light up the icebergs on the beach. Also the sun will set into the sea behind the icebergs
•  Jökulsárlón in the morning: alpine glow on the Öræfajökull volcano in the background
• Hoffelsjökull glacier lagoon: possible to walk amongst the icebergs

TRAVEL INFORMATION

TO ICELAND from the UNITED STATES: winter is off-season. Flights are far less expensive than in the summer. Direct flights from Seattle, New York, Washington D.C and Boston are available on Icelandic Air as well as other carriers. You will be picked up at Reykjavik Airport (KEF).

I would recommend flying in the day before the workshop begins, if at all possible. We will return to Reykjavik in the late evening on the last day of the workshop, so you may want to stay over another night before departing. (Lodging before/after the workshop is not included in the price.)

While in Iceland, you will be transported from location to location in well-equipped 4 wheel drive vehicles. We will be very safe.

Specific details will be provided upon completion of your registration.

LODGING & ITINERARY
Specific details will be provided upon completion of your registration. The itinerary will be set just prior to the beginning of the workshop and may be adjusted according to weather and light for the best photographic opportunities.

Included
·   Accommodation for 5 nights
·   Airport pick up and return
·   Full room & board
·   4×4 transportation
·   Expert photographer guidance (Örvar Thorgeirsson/Jack Graham)
·   Professional mountain guide assistance and safety equipment for the ice caves

Not included:
·   Airfares to/from Iceland
·   Alcoholic beverages
·   Tips
·   Other incidentals not mentioned as included

SKILL LEVEL
We recommend this workshop for intermediate and advanced photographers. Having the proper equipment and skills are important for this type of photography.

Attendees should have a good understanding of technique and their equipment. We’ll be working on both the creative aspects of photography as well as the techniques used to create outstanding images. In order to attain the best possible images in these conditions, it is recommended that you have equipment (both cameras and lenses) that functions well in low light and adverse conditions.

CLICK HERE FOR REGISTRATION FORMS

FOR MORE DETAILS AND WORKSHOP FAQs PLEASE VISIT THE WORKSHOP PAGES ON MY WEBSITE:  www.JackGrahamPhoto.com