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Soaring Over Fire and Ice: Why Iceland is One of the World’s Best Destinations for Drone Photography

by Keenan Hursh

The Land of Fire and Ice is Unlike Anything Else on Earth

Few places on Earth rival the raw, untamed beauty of Iceland. Often referred to as the land of fire and ice, where volcanic landscapes meet glacial rivers and towering waterfalls crash into emerald-green canyons, Iceland is a true paradise for passionate nature photographers. When it comes to stunning landscapes unlike anything else on the planet, the diversity and wild beauty of Iceland is something that every passionate nature photographer should aim to capture!

Of course, capturing its dramatic scenery from the ground is nothing short of magnificent, but there’s an entirely new world waiting to be explored from above. Aerial and drone photography unlocks perspectives that reveal the country's breathtaking terrain in ways few ever witness. If you’re a photographer seeking to elevate your craft in more ways than one, then Iceland is the destination for you.

In today’s article we’re going to dive into the specifics that make Iceland, and especially the highlands of the country, one of the best places on earth for aerial photography. So grab your drone, bring some extra batteries, and let’s dive into all things aerial photography in the land of fire and ice

A Nature Photographer’s Playground: Why Iceland is a Must-Visit

Iceland is a dream for photographers of all skill levels and backgrounds, offering an unmatched diversity of stunning and unique landscapes in a relatively compact, accessible package. From the otherworldly black sand beaches of Vík to the jagged peaks of Vestrahorn, and vibrant colors and textures of the highlands, every corner of this Nordic island presents an opportunity for stunning compositions.

On top of that, the seasonal and environmental contrasts only add to the magic—whether it's the golden midnight sun of summer or the ethereal northern lights dancing over snow-covered mountains in winter. Whether you're chasing dramatic skies, capturing powerful waterfalls, or exploring vast glacial lagoons, Iceland delivers scenes that feel like they belong on another planet.

The Thrill of Aerial & Drone Photography in Iceland

But Iceland isn’t meant to merely be enjoyed and photographed from the ground. Drone photography allows you to step beyond the limitations of traditional methods, opening up angles and compositions that were once relatively impossible. From the air, landscapes become abstract masterpieces—rivers form intricate, vein-like patterns, lava fields stretch endlessly in jagged formations, and glaciers reveal mesmerizing blue crevasses. The joy of aerial photography lies in discovering these unseen perspectives, turning natural features into breathtaking works of art where a sense of scale and perspective is all but eliminated. With a drone in hand, you’re no longer just photographing Iceland—you’re revealing its hidden secrets from above. This is exactly why we created our Iceland Aerial Explorer: Drone Workshop.

Quite simply, Iceland is one of the absolute best if not the best places on earth for drone photography. What makes drone photography in Iceland such a treat is not just the landscapes, but the sheer variety of environments and the unique ability to access otherwise unreachable locations. And nowhere is this more evident than in the Icelandic Highlands. This vast, untouched wilderness is a labyrinth of vibrant rhyolite mountains, braided glacial rivers, bright green hillsides, and black volcanic stone formations—places that, without a drone, would remain hidden from view. Instead of hiking for miles over technical and dangerous terrain, you can simply launch a drone and discover hidden places that you’d otherwise never see.

And beyond the unparalleled accessibility, the sheer diversity of Iceland’s terrain ensures that every flight offers something new. Capture the surreal green moss-covered lava fields of Eldhraun, the thunderous power of Dettifoss, or the mirror-like reflections of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon. Every takeoff unveils a scene more dramatic than the last.

The Benefits of an All-Inclusive Guided Photography Workshop

Of course, planning your own trip can lead to a great experience but exploring Iceland on an all-inclusive guided photography workshop can take that experience to the next level. Not only do you gain access to expert guidance on operating drones and photography techniques, but you also benefit from local knowledge of the best (and legal) flying spots. A professional-led tour eliminates the stress of logistics, ensuring you focus solely on your craft while enjoying seamless transportation, accommodations, and meals. Additionally, traveling with like-minded photographers creates an inspiring environment to share creative insights and capture Iceland’s wonders together. If you want to experience the best of aerial photography in Iceland and avoid all the pains and hassles of trip planning, then you’ll want to check out our Iceland Aerial Explorer Workshop!

Ready to Take Flight? Experience Iceland for Yourself

If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the most epic landscapes on Earth from a bird’s-eye view, Iceland is calling. The country’s diverse scenery, endless photographic opportunities, and drone-friendly environments make it the ultimate aerial photography destination. Whether you’re an experienced drone pilot or new to the world of aerial imaging, there’s no better place to push your creative limits. If you’re ready to expand your portfolio and explore the skies of Iceland then Join our workshop, pack your gear, and prepare for an adventure that will take your photography to soaring new heights. Iceland awaits—are you ready to unlock its secrets from the sky?

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 AUTHOR 

Keenan Hursh is a Photographer, visual designer, and creative story teller based out of Bozeman, Montana. He draws inspiration from his frequent excursions into the natural world and always brings his camera along to capture whatever adventures he finds himself in. Keenan is passionate about documenting and sharing fleeting moments from the natural world and focuses primarily on wildlife, landscape, and adventure photography.

When it comes to gear, he primarily shoots digital with his Canon EOS R5 and EOS 6D mark ii but also has several 35mm film cameras that get out every now and then.

At a very young age, Keenan started bringing a camera along on his excursions and immediately fell in love with the art of photography. He started out with his parent’s cheap point and shoot and has continuously improved his craft and gear refining his shooting style and producing more compelling and intriguing images.

Growing up in the foothills of Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by mountains and wilderness, Keenan has developed a deep passion for many outdoor activities. When he’s not out on a shoot or using his camera, Keenan enjoys skiing, climbing, hiking, backpacking, cycling, whitewater rafting, and paragliding. If he’s outside, away from the distractions of society and civilization, he’s in his happy place.

Keenan studied Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver while minoring in Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Since earning his degree in 2019 he was worked with a wide range of clients, companies, and organizations throughout his career. Apart from photography he specializes in content creation, writing, brand development, and graphic design.

You can view Keenan’s portfolio on his website at www.keenanhurshphoto.com

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BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.

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All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2024
BACKCOUNTRY JOURNEYS
"Backcountry Journeys offers guests the unique opportunity to explore our natural world from behind their own lens. We run a selection of hand-crafted Photo Tours, Workshops & Safaris connecting passionate people to exceptional experiences. Locations worldwide.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
CONTACT US
Monday-Friday
8am to 4pm Mountain Time
928-478-1521
adventure@backcountryjourneys.com

TRIP CATALOG

Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.

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