Some places feel like they belong in another world.
Iceland has long captivated photographers with its dramatic landscapes, powerful waterfalls, volcanic terrain, and ever-changing light. But while many travelers experience the country's most famous locations during the busier seasons, summer reveals a completely different side of Iceland; one filled with endless daylight, vibrant landscapes, abundant wildlife, and opportunities to photograph the country at its most alive.
We're excited to introduce our newest photography adventure: Iceland: Puffins, Snæfellsnes & the Westfjords Photo Tour.
Our only summer Iceland adventure, this eight-day photography workshop is designed for photographers who want to experience Iceland beyond the familiar postcard locations. From photographing Atlantic puffins along rugged coastal cliffs to exploring the remote beauty of the Westfjords and the iconic landscapes of the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, this journey offers a rare opportunity to experience Iceland's wildest season through your lens.
Summer completely transforms Iceland - moreso than it does perhaps anywhere else in the world.
With waterfalls flowing at their strongest, landscapes covered in vibrant color, and remote regions like the highlands becoming accessible, the season provides photographers with incredible variety and flexibility. Add in nearly endless daylight and extended golden hours, and you'll have more time than ever to explore, compose, and create unforgettable images.
Rather than racing from one location to another, this itinerary is built around photography. The long summer days allow us to take advantage of the best light, revisit locations when conditions are ideal, and spend more time focused on the moments that make Iceland so extraordinary.
From dramatic coastal scenes to intimate wildlife encounters, summer provides the perfect backdrop for one of Iceland's most rewarding photography experiences!
One of the highlights that makes this workshop truly unique is access to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, a region explored exclusively on this Backcountry Journeys Iceland departure!
Often called "Iceland in Miniature," the Snæfellsnes Peninsula showcases nearly every landscape that has made Iceland famous. Within a relatively compact region, photographers will discover dramatic coastlines, black sand beaches, towering sea stacks, moss-covered lava fields, cascading waterfalls, charming fishing villages, and one of Iceland's most recognizable landmarks: Kirkjufell Mountain.
The iconic silhouette of Kirkjufell has become one of the most photographed mountains in the world, but the surrounding landscape offers just as many creative opportunities. From the famous Búðir Black Church to rugged coastal viewpoints and quiet village scenes, every stop provides another chance to capture the character and beauty of this remarkable peninsula.
For photographers looking to experience a side of Iceland that goes beyond the typical itinerary, Snæfellsnes offers an unforgettable combination of variety, accessibility, and photographic potential.
Beyond Snæfellsnes lies one of Iceland's most spectacular and least-visited regions: the Westfjords.
Few travelers ever make it to this remote corner of the country, where towering cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, winding fjords stretch deep into the landscape, and vast wilderness creates a sense of solitude that is becoming increasingly rare.
The Westfjords offer the kind of untouched scenery photographers dream about; dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, hidden waterfalls, remote beaches, and landscapes that feel worlds away from Iceland's more crowded destinations.
This is Iceland at its wildest!
Away from the busy tourist routes, you'll have the opportunity to slow down, immerse yourself in the landscape, and photograph scenes that few visitors ever experience.
For many photographers, the highlight of this adventure will be the opportunity to photograph one of Iceland's most beloved residents: the Atlantic puffin.
During nesting season, puffins gather along Iceland's coastal cliffs, creating incredible opportunities for wildlife photography. Unlike many wildlife encounters where photographers are limited to distant views, puffins in their nesting areas can become surprisingly approachable.
This means photographers have the chance to create more than just traditional wildlife images. You'll have opportunities for intimate portraits showcasing their colorful bills and expressive personalities, as well as environmental wide-angle images that capture puffins within the dramatic landscapes they call home.
Watching these charismatic seabirds return from the ocean, interact with their colonies, and move between land and sea creates a constantly changing photography experience.
With expert guidance from your Backcountry Journeys instructor, you'll have the opportunity to refine your wildlife photography skills while learning how to anticipate behavior, compose stronger images, and tell a more complete visual story!
As with every Backcountry Journeys adventure, this workshop is about much more than simply visiting beautiful places.
Our experienced photography guides handle the logistics so you can focus entirely on creating images. From helping you find compelling compositions to offering personalized instruction in the field, they'll help photographers of all experience levels make the most of every opportunity.
With a small group setting, you'll enjoy more time with your guide, more flexibility in the field, and the chance to share the experience with fellow photographers who share your passion for exploration and storytelling.
Some destinations are unforgettable because of their beauty.
Others become unforgettable because of the way you experience them!
Iceland: Puffins, Snæfellsnes & the Westfjords Photo Tour brings together everything photographers love about Iceland: incredible summer light, dramatic landscapes, remote wilderness, and unforgettable wildlife encounters.
As our only summer Iceland departure, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to photograph the country during one of its most dynamic seasons; when waterfalls roar, puffins nest, and nearly endless daylight creates limitless creative possibilities.
Join us as we explore Iceland beyond the ordinary, from the iconic landscapes of Snæfellsnes to the remote beauty of the Westfjords.
Come discover a wilder side of Iceland and create photographs you'll be proud of for years to come!