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Trip Report: Iceland in Winter - February 2023
Trip Report: Iceland in Winter - February 2023
by Matt Meisenheimer
Iceland, the land of fire and ice, is a photographer's dream destination. It’s hard to believe that one country possesses so much unique beauty. It’s one of my favorite places on Earth and I was excited to return this February to lead our winter workshop.
Each season has its highlights, and in winter, the Northern Lights take center stage in Iceland.
This natural light display is caused by the interaction between the Earth's magnetic field and charged particles from the sun and can be seen from September to mid-April. We were fortunate to see aurora multiple nights, with one outstanding night. We really lucked out.
Each season has its highlights, and in winter, the Northern Lights take center stage in Iceland.
This natural light display is caused by the interaction between the Earth's magnetic field and charged particles from the sun and can be seen from September to mid-April. We were fortunate to see aurora multiple nights, with one outstanding night. We really lucked out.
But Iceland's winter photography is not just limited to the night sky. The country's stunning landscapes are also transformed by the season. During our workshop, we explored two ice caves, multiple glacier lagoons, waterfalls, and Iceland’s rugged mountains. We were treated to exceptional weather and light. This is a bucket list trip for photography, and I recommend it for anyone who’s never been to Iceland or been to Iceland in the winter.
Our workshop focuses on the southeast coast of Iceland, a land of incredible natural beauty and much diversity. During the trip, we spend two nights in the town of Vik, which puts us in close proximity to great waterfalls and seascapes, and another three nights even further east near Skaftafell National Park and its glaciers.
While in Vik, we explored iconic waterfalls such as Skógafoss, Kvernufoss, and Seljalandsfoss. We also spent time photographing the iconic black sands around Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara.
A highlight was a sunset at the Black Sand Beach of Vik, with the Reynisdrangar sea stacks towering in the background. The incoming waves were ferocious and would crash over each other, spitting up water all over. We lucked out with the light too. Pink, orange, and red pastels formed in the sky, lighting up the backdrop of the sea stacks. It was a great night.
While in Vik, we explored iconic waterfalls such as Skógafoss, Kvernufoss, and Seljalandsfoss. We also spent time photographing the iconic black sands around Dyrhólaey and Reynisfjara.
A highlight was a sunset at the Black Sand Beach of Vik, with the Reynisdrangar sea stacks towering in the background. The incoming waves were ferocious and would crash over each other, spitting up water all over. We lucked out with the light too. Pink, orange, and red pastels formed in the sky, lighting up the backdrop of the sea stacks. It was a great night.
We visited the first of two ice caves during our time in Vik. This one being underneath the Katla Glacier. The road out was rough, but no match for our lifted super truck. It’s definitely one of the luxuries of our Iceland trips – we can go anywhere, while still enjoying comfortable seating and even in-vehicle Wi-Fi!
The Katla ice cave was beautiful and offered varied scenes. One of my favorites was an arch formation that framed some nearby mountains. We also captured scenes from inside a cavern. Venturing into an ice cave is an amazing experience and produces incredible images. The colors and textures of the finished images speak for themselves, but it’s still hard to convey the experience through pictures or words.
The Katla ice cave was beautiful and offered varied scenes. One of my favorites was an arch formation that framed some nearby mountains. We also captured scenes from inside a cavern. Venturing into an ice cave is an amazing experience and produces incredible images. The colors and textures of the finished images speak for themselves, but it’s still hard to convey the experience through pictures or words.
The main portion of our winter workshop in Iceland takes place in the far southeast by Skaftafell National Park. Here, we’re at the base of Europe’s largest glacier, Vatnajökull, and one that takes up 10% of Iceland’s land mass.
There is so much to shoot in this region, from Diamond Beach, Jökulsárlón, Vestrahorn, Estryahorn, lagoons, the list goes on and on.
We were treated to some amazing conditions in this area
There is so much to shoot in this region, from Diamond Beach, Jökulsárlón, Vestrahorn, Estryahorn, lagoons, the list goes on and on.
We were treated to some amazing conditions in this area
The one that sticks out the most is our night chasing the Northern Lights. The forecast called for clear skies so we decided to shoot sunset at Vestrahorn, a beautiful mountain right on the sea. After sunset, we ate dinner nearby and monitored our Aurora apps and websites. The Aurora forecast wasn’t great, but any time there’s clear skies in Iceland, there’s a chance.
After dinner, we started to see those wispy formations in the sky, they were weak, but we high tailed it back to the mountain to get into position. Arriving just in time, we got our gear out as quickly as possible and started firing frames at the base of a reflective pool. It started slow, but eventually the sky was full of bright Auroras dancing in the sky. The show was insane. No other way to put it. The Aurora went from being quiet to Kp6 levels, which is above average for activity. We saw the Aurora dance and even saw brief bouts of red. It took up the entire sky at times and it was probably one of the best nights of my life. We shot it for hours and captured world-class imagery.
After dinner, we started to see those wispy formations in the sky, they were weak, but we high tailed it back to the mountain to get into position. Arriving just in time, we got our gear out as quickly as possible and started firing frames at the base of a reflective pool. It started slow, but eventually the sky was full of bright Auroras dancing in the sky. The show was insane. No other way to put it. The Aurora went from being quiet to Kp6 levels, which is above average for activity. We saw the Aurora dance and even saw brief bouts of red. It took up the entire sky at times and it was probably one of the best nights of my life. We shot it for hours and captured world-class imagery.
There were more highlights though. Hard to believe, right! This was such a good trip.
Another was the beautiful ice cave we visited deep within a glacier near Jökulsárlón. This ice cave had the classic, perfectly shaped walls of blue, but it also has something very unique. It had a short, slot canyon section that was unlike anything I’ve ever seen in caves. It was more reminiscent of an Arizona slot canyon, than a glacially carved cave. I shot a few frames looking straight up, but the conditions were difficult, with lots of dynamic range and falling water. Thankfully, a few bracketed exposures came out clean.
Another was the beautiful ice cave we visited deep within a glacier near Jökulsárlón. This ice cave had the classic, perfectly shaped walls of blue, but it also has something very unique. It had a short, slot canyon section that was unlike anything I’ve ever seen in caves. It was more reminiscent of an Arizona slot canyon, than a glacially carved cave. I shot a few frames looking straight up, but the conditions were difficult, with lots of dynamic range and falling water. Thankfully, a few bracketed exposures came out clean.
We visited many glacial lagoons in this area, some popular and others where you won’t see anyone else. I always appreciate how much these areas change, the icebergs, the glaciers, the light. We shot one massive glacier in beautiful blue skies, and another in a layer of clouds. I think it added to the diversity of our images that we were able to capture. We also found some unique icebergs for foreground and scored on some amazing sunset light.
As we made our way back to Reykjavik on the last day, we couldn't help but reflect on the incredible experiences we had during our workshop. From the dramatic landscapes of Iceland's south coast to the hidden gems of its glaciers, we had captured images that will stay with us for a lifetime.
Photographing Iceland in winter can be challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort. With its snow-capped mountains, frozen waterfalls, and Northern Lights, Iceland offers a unique and unforgettable photographic experience.
Photographing Iceland in winter can be challenging, but the rewards are well worth the effort. With its snow-capped mountains, frozen waterfalls, and Northern Lights, Iceland offers a unique and unforgettable photographic experience.
Overall, this trip was a success and a pleasure to lead. We had a fantastic group of passionate photographers, and it always feels good to deliver a great experience. I guess I had Mother Nature to thank. We saw a lot of amazing sights and lucked out with the weather.
Iceland is near and dear to my heart, and I can’t wait to get back. I’m already looking forward to heading back for our Iceland Highlands workshop this fall.
Thanks for reading and I recommend anything Iceland if you’ve never been – it’s a photographer’s paradise.
Iceland is near and dear to my heart, and I can’t wait to get back. I’m already looking forward to heading back for our Iceland Highlands workshop this fall.
Thanks for reading and I recommend anything Iceland if you’ve never been – it’s a photographer’s paradise.
Learn more about our Ice Caves, Auroras, Seascapes & Waterfalls: Iceland in Winter photography workshop.
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AUTHOR
AUTHOR
Matt Meisenheimer is a photographer based in Wisconsin. His artistry revolves around finding unique compositions and exploring locations that few have seen. He strives to capture those brief moments of dramatic light and weather, which make our grand landscapes so special. Matt loves the process of photography – from planning trips and scouting locations, taking the shot in-field, to post-processing the final image.
Matt is an active adventurer and wildlife enthusiast as well. He graduated with a degree in wildlife ecology and worked in Denali National Park and Mount Rainier National Park as a biologist. He also spent 6 months working in the deserts of Namibia before finding his path in photography. Matt’s passion for the wilderness has taken him to many beautiful places around the world.
As a former university teaching assistant, Matt is passionate about instruction. It is his goal to give his students the technical and creative knowledge they need to achieve their own photographic vision. He truly enjoys working with photographers on a personal level and helping them reach their goals.
You can see Matt’s work and portfolio on his webpage at www.meisphotography.com
Matt is an active adventurer and wildlife enthusiast as well. He graduated with a degree in wildlife ecology and worked in Denali National Park and Mount Rainier National Park as a biologist. He also spent 6 months working in the deserts of Namibia before finding his path in photography. Matt’s passion for the wilderness has taken him to many beautiful places around the world.
As a former university teaching assistant, Matt is passionate about instruction. It is his goal to give his students the technical and creative knowledge they need to achieve their own photographic vision. He truly enjoys working with photographers on a personal level and helping them reach their goals.
You can see Matt’s work and portfolio on his webpage at www.meisphotography.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.
- Russ Nordstrand, Backcountry Journeys Founder & Director
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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.
All Images & Content are property of Backcountry Journeys Photography Tours, Workshops & Safaris LLC - Copyright 2024
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Download our Trip Catalog for detailed information on our many destinations for photography tours, workshops, and safaris.