Trip Report: Iceland Aerial Explorer

I've been fortunate to travel the world in pursuit of landscapes and light. Yet, something keeps bringing me back to Iceland, especially the Highlands. The sheer diversity of landscapes, true wilderness, and the absence of crowds make it a top 5 location in the world for landscapes. It’s raw, it’s remote, and the conditions can be dynamic, but that’s what makes it so rewarding.

For some time, I’ve been working to make a trip to the Highlands possible for us at Backcountry Journeys. Last winter, I met with our Icelandic partner and close friend to draft an itinerary. Together, we mapped out locations and planned a drone-focused workshop in the Highlands. This region isn’t just one of my top locations, it’s also, in my opinion, the best place in the world for drone photography. Iceland’s Highlands offer vast, open spaces with relatively few restrictions for recreational drone pilots. 

Fast forward to August, and the time had come to finally run our first drone workshop, Iceland Aerial Explorer. All I can say is, "Wow." This was not only one of the most productive trips of the year, but it might also be my favorite Backcountry Journeys trip that I’ve ever led. The Highlands delivered. The landscapes took our breath away, with each location offering something unique. Of course, we had to navigate the classic Icelandic weather, but those moments of challenge often led to the most incredible conditions for photography.

For those who’ve never flown a drone, I get that it might seem intimidating, but it’s actually quite easy to get the hang of. By the end of the trip, everyone was confident with their drone. The key challenge isn’t so much flying but learning to see and compose landscapes from the air. Once you master that, the drone becomes an extension of your creative vision, a tool that opens up a world of possibilities. What makes drones so revolutionary for landscape photography is the unique perspective they offer. With drones, you can capture the intricate details of Iceland’s braided rivers, glacial lagoons, and glacial lakes from above, revealing the true scale and complexity of the terrain. These views aren’t just something new—they’re creative gold for photographers.

Our group met in Reykjavík and from there the adventure was on. We traveled into the Highlands for the next week, capturing everything the light through at us. The trip was made even more special by our super jeep with 45 in tires, our trusty companion. This beast of a vehicle took us across rivers, over lava fields, and through the rugged terrain of the Highlands, allowing us to reach some of the most remote, jaw-dropping locations imaginable. Of course, the weather kept us on our toes—there were times when high winds altered our planes, but we pivoted and found some windless areas with amazing glacier views. But the beauty of Iceland is that such conditions often lead to the most magical light, and we found ourselves rewarded one evening with light that were nothing short of extraordinary.

There were days when we found ourselves by serene lakes, surrounded by green mountains and intricate river systems. Other days, we ventured into the stark, surreal landscapes of volcanic-shaped Highlands—places that felt like stepping onto another planet. One particularly memorable moment was photographing a waterfall from above as our super jeep drove right over the top, giving us a unique opportunity to capture the action with our drones. Another, witnessing the solitary green mountain Maelifel, singled out in light with a glacier in the background. Of course, no trip to Iceland would be complete without focusing on the iconic braided rivers, especially along the coast. These rivers, varying in color due to the sediment they carry, create the most incredible abstract patterns you can imagine. What might seem unremarkable from the ground transforms into world-class photography when viewed from the sky.

This trip truly stands out as one of my all-time favorites in one of my absolute favorite locations. We still have spaces available for 2025 and 2026, and I encourage you to join me, no matter your experience with drones. Whether you’ve never touched a drone or you’re a seasoned flyer, this trip will open your eyes to the incredible creative possibilities drones offer. The technology has advanced so much, making them easier to use and more capable than ever before. They allow you to expand your creative vision and explore perspectives that are impossible to capture from the ground. And, there is no better place for drone photography than the Highlands of Iceland.

I’m already counting down the days until next year’s adventure. I hope you’ll join me! See our Iceland Aerial Explorer trip here.