2024 Travelers' Choice
About Backcountry Journeys
Why Choose Backcountry Journeys
If you're considering a photography tour, hear why Backcountry Journeys delivers the best experience in the industry.Frequently Asked Questions
If you're new to photography tours, or new to BCJ, you can find our common travel questions here.Fitness Levels
Our trips vary on physical intensity, and by reviewing our fitness levels, you can find out which trips may be more challenging, or aligned more closely with your comfort level.Meet The Crew
We've built an amazing team of experienced guides, and dedicated office staff that elevate your travel experience. Get to know their backgrounds, and hear their stories.Travel Desk
You can review our various payment, and travel policies here, along with resources regarding international travel.Gift Certificates
Give the gift of photo adventure! We offer gift certificates that can be applied to any of our upcoming tours.Loyalty Program
We reward our frequent photo adventurers with exclusive discounts on amazing photography tours.Contact Us
If you need to get in touch with our office staff, or have additional business inquiries, you can find our information here.Stay Up To Date On All Things
Backcountry Journeys
Backcountry Journeys
Our Photography Community
Our Webinars
Our regularly hosted webinars provide photography instruction from our own guides on a wide range of topics.Our Education Portal
Explore our library of articles that cover everything from common questions, to in-depth guides on how to achieve that perfect shot.Community Testimonials
We're proud to foster an amazing group of photo travelers, and here you can find their stories from their past adventures.Resources For Photographers
About Our Company
Resources For Photographers
About Our Company
Soaring Over Fire and Ice: Why Iceland is One of the World’s Best Destinations for Drone Photography
Published March 14, 2025
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?
We offer world-class travel photography
experiences around the world.
Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.
experiences around the world.
Each tour is bundled with lodging, meals, and transportation between workshops included, allowing you to focus on photography instead of the stress of traveling.
Get Our Trip Catalog
Receive a trip catalog that highlights all of our upcoming photo tours and workshops.Schedule a Trip Consultation
Meet with a photo experience coordinator, and experience a personal touch to your booking experience.Trip Calendar
View our trip calendar and filter upcoming departures by interest or seasonality.Webinars
Our regularly hosted webinars provide photography instruction from our own guides on a wide range of topics.Education Portal
Explore our library of articles that cover everything from common questions, to in-depth guides on how to achieve that perfect shot.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.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLCs - Copyright 2025
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 2025
TRIP CATALOG
Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.