Join award-winning landscape photographer Brian Rueb as he leads a photography tour through the rugged beauty of Iceland.

Rugged mountains, geothermal hotspots, enormous waterfalls, lush moss-covered valleys, glacially-fed lagoons, and black sand beaches. Iceland is a landscape photographer's dream location.

Positioned at 66° north latitude, the sun never fully sets in the summer months. Here, it's possible to enjoy the beauty of a sunset as it fades right into sunrise! This can mean up to four or five consecutive hours of great light to provide more opportunity to come away with those amazing images. We'll be photographing waterfalls, fields of lupine, chunks of cool blue glacial ice, and much more!

In the summer of 2010, Brian spent over two months in Iceland photographing for a book project, and most of the time he was on foot. He has seen the country firsthand, and combined with his photographic resume, he is the perfect guide to show you everything that makes this country so special. You'll meet Brian in Reykjavik for orientation before setting out for over a week of exploring and photographing this truly unworldly landscape.

Day 1: Arrive in Reykjavik

You will arrive in Iceland's lovely capital city where Brian will meet your group for an afternoon orientation and go over what to expect for the trip. You will be given time to unpack, grab a nap and eat before meeting that evening to head out for the first night of photography, when we will take a drive and photograph the mighty Gulfoss waterfall, and the lake and waterfall in Ingvellir National Park.

Day 2 and 3

We will depart and arrive in Vik, a good city to use for a base of operations. We will spend the next two evenings photographing iconic waterfalls Skogafoss, Seljandsfoss, and the coastal areas in and around Vik with its black sand beaches and interesting basalt formations. In addition to these iconic locations, there are numerous "little" waterfalls, Icelandic horses and opportunities for possibly seeing and photographing the Atlantic puffin. Each evening we will be out photographing from 8 or 9 in the evening until 2 or 3 in the morning, making the most of the long arctic sunsets.

Day 4 and 5

We will move east across the country to Vatnajokull National Park. During the next two days we will photograph the park, its snowcapped mountains, waterfalls, birch forests and glaciers. We will also spend considerable time at Jokulsarlon, the iconic glacier lagoon. Whether we're in a secluded secret cove that Brian knows, or walking the black sand beach photographing the chunks of ice washed ashore, the evenings will be spent photographing some of the most amazing landscape Iceland has to offer.

Day 6, 7 and 8

We will head north and experience diverse and amazing scenery. Our nights will be spent photographing icons like Dettifoss, Godafoss, Selfoss, and the geothermal wonders in Lake Myvatn. Whether it's powerful waterfalls or the textures and sensory experiences provided by the steaming geothermal activity, our camera cards are going to fill fast in this section of the country.

Day 9

We're off to the west coast, to glacial mountains, rocky coastline, waterfalls and mountains! This portion of the trip will be spent photographing the gorgeous Snaefellsness peninsula. We'll see the odd volcanic coastline near Arnastapi, the axe-shaped Mt. Kirkjufell, as well as other interesting destinations like the icy blue water of Barnafossar and Hraunfossar, two very distinct and gorgeous spring fed waterfalls.

Day 10

Back to Reykjavik! We'll spend our last night in the Reykjanes peninsula photographing some of its interesting volcanic areas and coastal secrets.

Iceland is a varied and amazing landscape. We will do our best to follow the light and see and photograph as many beautiful locations as we can in our time together. Be prepared for long nights of photography. It isn't uncommon to spend 5-6 hours an evening in amazing light. Bring plenty of memory! We will use the days to rest, process images, and eat. There may be a few small optional day trips for anyone with the energy to head out. These will be discussed during the morning, and dependent on weather.

Day 11: Wrap up/FlyHome

We will arrive back to the hotel early this morning after our 10th night of shooting at the Blue Lagoon and Reykjanes Peninsula. Typically we arrive back to the hotel around 1-2am. Those who have early flights can get a few hours of sleep before heading to the airport later that morning. Those who have scheduled a later flight out, or are extending their stay on their own can come shoot some of the local sights in Reykjavik if the weather is cooperating; including the Harpa concert hall, and the Sun Voyager sculpture. Our group often meets for one last goodbye over breakfast to make sure everyone has exchanged contact information.

We will be staying in traditional European-style tourist class hotels. All hotels are very clean and provide comfortable places to sleep. Each room is equipped with a bathroom, and many have a small television. Most of our hotels will be equipped with wi-fi for free or a small fee. Expect to find clean, comfortable rooms with individual bathrooms.

http://www.icelandairhotels.com/en/hotels/vik

http://www.hotelframnes.is

http://www.skjaldarvik.is/en

Transportation

We will be driving from location to location, so be sure to keep in mind ample room for luggage, all our gear, and our comfort, as we enjoy photography each evening.

What to Expect

Our workshop is designed with the serious photographer in mind, and since the prime light in Iceland runs from 10 pm until 3-4 am, you should expect long nights. Because of the length of this quality light, we will try to hit 2-3 quality stops each night and spend as much time as it takes to get those magic moments captured on our cameras.

We will arrive back to our hotels early morning. To keep on a schedule, it might be a good idea to stay up, process some images and take advantage of the breakfast that is included with our hotel stays. We will have the afternoons off to rest, look through images, write in journals, or explore the nearby surroundings of our current location. Some days may offer short trips to nearby attractions if people are feeling up for the journey. (If at any point in the trip your body needs rest, you are welcome to stay back at the hotel and process images, or catch up on sleep.)

We will assemble between 7-8 pm every night to go over the evening's shooting, answer questions and depart for our nightly spots. Every effort will be made to follow the light and keep our driving times to a minimum. Our hotels are located as close to our selected spots as possible, with locations dispersed between the driving, which will minimize our drive times to an hour or two at the maximum.

Group Size

Our group size is limited to ten students to maximize our instructor's ability to work with students as needed to help provide the best experience at each location. Brian has spent many hours in these locations scouting and photographing them and knows each spot well, so he can offer you suggestions on how to make your images the best possible.

Price Per Person

Photographer cost: $6,995 (Double Occupancy)

Price includes: Hotel accommodation for ten nights, breakfast at the hotels, and instruction.

Price does NOT include: International airfare to/from Reykjavik, Transportation, optional activities such as the blue lagoon, lunch, and dinner (due to weather conditions and changing photography times, planning community dinners and lunches isn't feasible), excursions, alcoholic beverages, guide gratuities, additional days beyond trip dates, trip insurance.

Non-Photographer Spots: Due to the capacity of vehicles, the price is the same for non-photographic passengers.

Payment Schedule: To secure your spot, a non-refundable deposit is required.

Getting to Iceland

A wide variety of national and international airlines are available that regularly fly into Reykjavik. Iceland Air flies routinely out of New York, Boston, Minneapolis, Orlando and Seattle. Most flights require layover on the way to Reykjavik, so plan accordingly to ensure you arrive on Friday at a decent hour.

Timing

The summer has the longest periods of time for photographing, and typically the mildest and most pleasant weather. Being close to the arctic circle can mean dramatic weather patterns that deliver wind, rain, and even snow. Your clothing should have layers that plan for high temperatures in the low 70s, and low temperatures in the 40s. You should include layers that protect against wind and rain, as well.

Visa Requirements

Currently U.S. citizens are able to travel in and out of Iceland with only a valid US passport. If you are arriving from other countries, please check your local government office to find out the current requirements for travel from your country of origin.

Vaccination and Medical Recommendations

We recommend you contact your travel physician or health care provider for the most up-to-date recommendations.

Meet our master instructors and learn what qualifies them to give you a great experience during your workshops! While you're joining us, you will receive comprehensive digital photography instruction and tutoring by our team of award-winning photographers.

Brian Rueb has been photographing for the better part of 21 years. Combining a degree in photography and a degree in art, he has worked the two together to create powerful and dynamic landscape images. His love and passion for photography is evident in each and every image he shoots. In addition to his passion for art,Brian has a passion for education and has spent almost 21 years teaching art and photography in the public high school system. During that time he has developed an art and photography program that has seen numerous students win awards and go on to major in the profession. His goal is not only to be great himself, but to instill that knowledge and passion into his students.

In addition to being an internationally recognized photographer, Brian also writes for several websites sharing his interesting often comical adventures into the wilderness in search of new images, and has released a book depicting his two month adventure around the country of Iceland titled Me, Myself, and Iceland. Brian is a volunteer in Lassen Volcanic National Park and working on a five year project compiling images for a book on the park and its changes throughout the seasons.

Rueb's work has appeared in numerous magazines including Shutterbug and Photographers Forum. His work has won numerous awards and merit at the Local, State, National, and International levels.

Brian currently resides in Northern California with his wife, two boys, and two dogs.

2024 Trip:

The workshop fee is $6,995. A $1500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your space. On Jan 1st, 2024, 50% of the remaining balance will be due.

The remaining balance is due in full on, or before, March 1st, 2024. Due to the exclusivity of this trip, and the limited number of seats available, refunds are as follows:

• 100% refundable: 150 days (five months) or greater (not including deposit)
• 50% refundable: 149-121 days (not including deposit)
• No refund within 120 days or less of the start date
• Seats are transferrable

Please Note: Returning student discounts are not applicable to Sojourn Series workshops.

The workshop/tour price includes:

• Lodging (double occupancy; please note: all rooms are based on double occupancy so, but if you will be traveling with someone and want to share a room, please contact us so we can organize the special arrangement for you)
• Park fees
• Transportation
• Post-processing session
• Professional photography instruction

The workshop/tour price DOES NOT include:

• Meals & snacks
• Alcoholic beverages
• Travel insurance
• Flights to/ from Reykjavik

• Iceland Workshop 6/2023
• Iceland Workshop 6/2019
• Iceland Workshop 6/2018
• Iceland Workshop 7/11/2017
• Iceland Workshop 6/28/2017
• Iceland Workshop 2016
• Iceland Workshop 2015
• Iceland Workshop 7/2/2014
• Iceland Workshop 6/19/2014
• Iceland Workshop 6/9/2014
• Iceland Workshop 2013
• Iceland Workshop 2012