The Best of Iceland trip is one of BCJ’s most popular landscape photography workshops that we offer, and for good reason. It’s a journey around Iceland that certainly feels like stepping into a storybook, where every landscape, every waterfall, every jagged peak carries the weight of legends, and tremendous photographic potential.

Our trip began with a misty and windy day as we departed Reykjavik and headed to our first stop at Seljalandsfoss, one of the island’s most famous waterfalls. Walking behind its roaring cascade, is a popular activity on most days, however our rainy and blustery day did not make this conducive for this visit.

From there, Skógafoss awaited, thundering down with such force from all the recent rains, its spray created giant plums of water that almost looked like smoke.  Climbing the steps to the top rewarded those that braved the elements with sweeping views of the surrounding valleys, and an introduction to the wild, untamed beauty that defines Iceland.

As we headed south, towards the town of Vik, the windswept cliffs of the Dyrhólaey Peninsula loomed large, and a location we visited and photographed the next day. Standing at the edge of this volcanic promontory, we marveled at the dramatic rock formations and the endless stretches of black sand. Later in the day we visited Reynisfjara Beach. Here,


the legendary Reynisdrangar sea stacks rise from the churning Atlantic like ancient sentinels, shrouded in mystery and folklore. Many in the group ventured out on to the jetty to capture these crashing waves that added drama to the scene. Continuing along the coast, we found the solitary Arnarstakkur Sea Stack, a lone, weather-beaten rock formation defying the relentless ocean.

But it wasn’t just the land that captivated us—the glaciers, too, held their own enchantment. The surreal blue expanse of Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon was a sight to behold, where icebergs floated serenely, their jagged edges glowing in the soft light, shrouded by the mist and fog and offering us some uncanny image opportunities.

Across the road, Fellsfjara Beach, or most famously known as Diamond Beach, awaited us for the next morning’s Sunrise shoot. We had a bit of a break from the storm, so we seized the moment when we could. This beach provides photographers with images of striking contrast, where chunks of ice glisten against the volcanic black sand, creating a scene straight out of a dream.  We experimented with longer shutter speeds to soften the water’s movement and create more contrast against the dark sand.  This beach, and these scenes, were certainly a highlight of the trip for many in the group.

Our exploration of glaciers continued at the tranquil Heimabergslón Glacier Lagoon, a quieter but equally mesmerizing spot where we could hear the soft groan of the shifting ice, and capture scenes of isolating shapes and colors of the icebergs and glacier.

In the shadow of Mount Vestrahorn, Stokksnes Beach was our next stop. This is one of the most photographed areas in Iceland, and it’s easy to understand why. The mountain’s sharp peaks played peekaboo with the fast-moving clouds as our subject and the black sand dunes and tallgrasses affording us unique foregrounds, for our evening shoot.

Many guests were excited to revisit Diamond Beach the following morning. We were able to practice more with our shutter speeds and creating the dreamy look we were so enamored with the glistening ice. Then it was off to, Skútafoss, a hidden waterfall, which offered moments of solitude, its misty embrace a welcome pause in our adventure. The rugged beauty of the Eastfjords unfolded before us next. At Eystrahorn/Hvalnes, jagged cliffs met the sea in a stunning display of nature’s raw power, and we were able to use a small pond as a reflection pool as the sun slowly dipped below the horizon.

While the graceful falls of Nykurhylsfoss cascaded into a gorge surrounded by what seemed like electric green moss. Even the smaller, quieter Folaldafoss had its charm—a waterfall nestled between basalt columns, where the water flowed like liquid silver.

Our journey then took us inland to the towering basalt columns of Litlanesfoss, and some guests even ventured onward to the majestic Hengifoss, where red clay stripes across the cliffs tell stories of ancient volcanic activity. Every step felt like peeling back the layers of Iceland’s geological history, a reminder that this land is ever-changing, shaped by fire and ice.

As we traveled further north, the pseudo craters of Skútstaǒagígar near Lake Mývatn brought us into a surreal, almost alien landscape. Viti Crater, with its turquoise waters nestled in the remnants of a volcanic explosion, was a sharp contrast to the barren surroundings. Then we had a stop at Dimmuborgir, a labyrinth of lava formations, twisted and eerie, evoking tales of trolls and hidden creatures. We half-expected to see an elf or two darting among the lava pillars.

The waterfalls continued to dazzle us, with Goǒafoss, the Waterfall of the Gods, living up to its divine name. Its horseshoe-shaped cascade was a breathtaking reminder of Iceland’s ties to Norse mythology, as if the gods themselves had carved this natural marvel. It is here


we also experienced some of the best light of the trip with the Norse Gods put on a dazzling sunset show.

The next morning offered almost the same light show at the nearby Námaskarǒ Geothermal Area. Here the earth seemed to sizzle and bubble with activity, its sulfuric steam vents and mud pools creating a landscape painted in hues of yellow, orange, and gray—another testament to the volcanic forces at play beneath Iceland’s surface.

Our trip took a quieter, more introspective turn at Grenjaǒarstaǒur, a traditional turf farm where Iceland’s history was preserved in earthen walls and moss-covered roofs.

Then, in Húsavík, the small fishing village on the northern coast, we found peace in its quaint harbor, watching the boats sway gently in the water, and feeling the ever-present chill of the North Atlantic. This village, known for its whale-watching excursions, reminded us of Iceland’s deep connection to the sea. But the land continued to surprise. Ásbyrgi Canyon, with its towering cliffs forming a horseshoe-shaped valley, felt like walking in a place touched by gods. Legend has it that this canyon was formed by Odin’s eight-legged horse, and standing there, dwarfed by the massive rock walls, it was easy to believe the myth.

The next morning, we headed to the waterfall, Aldeyjarfoss, and it was a fitting end to this leg of the journey. Surrounded by basalt columns, the falls plummet into a deep gorge, the water churning violently below—nature in its most raw, untamed form. We were able to capture a rainbow that danced in the mist of these massive and impressive falls.

For our final sunset shoot, we visited the striking Hvítsekur Sea Stack. This impressive formation greeted us with its haunting presence off the coast and again we were lucky enough to get some beautiful, soft color in the sky and clouds as the sun dipped below the ridge behind us.

Our final morning had us visiting Koluglijúfur Gorge. This gorge, carved deep into the earth, the river creating the dramatic Kolufossar waterfall. Finally, we were spellbound by Hraunfossar, a series of waterfalls flowing from beneath a lava field into the Hvítá River, its crystalline waters forming a perfect end to our journey through Iceland’s wild and captivating landscapes. However, Chris, our local guide, had one more surprise up his sleeve.

On our way back to Reykjavik, we stopped to photograph his Icelandic Horses. A great end to our trip, as we were able to photograph some of these unique and special horses along the way, but not nearly as intimate as we could with Chris’s horses.

Our group was faced with a variety of challenges throughout the trip, which everyone seemed to take on with a positive and “can do” attitude. From wacky weather of wind and rain (and more wind!) to a blown tire out in the middle of nowhere, the group stayed positive and worked together to problem solve. Mother Nature also graced us with some beautiful weather as well and afforded us some great photography opportunities. It is in these moments that the group shared, both positive and trying that made this experience so special, and with it built bonds and relationships that are real, as they know they can pass the test of adversity. And that is, indeed, a very special thing. A very big thank you to all the guests!

From waterfalls to glaciers, black sands to craters, Iceland is a land that breathes legends into its landscapes. It is a place where every corner tells a story, every cliff and cascade speak of time and power, and every moment leaves you in awe. Iceland is not just a destination, but a journey into the heart of the earth itself.