With Backcountry Journeys, the logistics disappear so the photography can take center stage. Lodging, transportation, meals, permits, and planning are handled by our experienced team, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the experience.
From the moment you arrive to the final farewell, everything is thoughtfully orchestrated so you can travel with confidence and create without distraction.
Every Backcountry Journeys experience is led by professional photographers who don’t just know how to take great images — they know how to teach.
Our guides are seasoned educators, patient mentors, and field experts who help you refine your vision, master your camera, and see the world photographically. From technical instruction to creative guidance in the moment, you’re supported by someone who is deeply invested in your growth as a photographer.
We intentionally keep our group sizes small to ensure a more personal, immersive experience. Fewer participants mean more one-on-one instruction, better access to locations, and the freedom to adapt in the field when conditions are perfect.
You’re never rushed, never lost in the crowd, and always positioned to focus on making meaningful images.
Ilulissat, Greenland / Ilulissat, Greenland
6 Days/5 Nights
Level 1 - What's This?
Up To 16 Guests
Iconic Red Sails Yachts – Work with two coordinated sailboats, designed specifically for photographers, to capture breathtaking Arctic compositions.
Photograph Some of the Largest Icebergs in the World – Disko Bay’s massive, cathedral-like ice formations are unmatched, even compared to Antarctica or Svalbard.
Expert Guidance – A second photography guide helps coordinate between both boats to ensure seamless positioning and composition.
Balanced Comfort & Adventure – Spend hours on the water shooting, then return each night to a comfortable hotel in Ilulissat with hot meals, showers, and a warm bed.
Unparalleled Arctic Scenery – Dramatic landscapes, glowing Arctic light, and ever-changing ice formations create endless photographic opportunities
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to capture the legendary red-sailed boats of Greenland against some of the most dramatic Arctic landscapes on Earth. Two sailboats—each with striking red sails—work together in perfect coordination, allowing us to set up and frame incredible compositions that simply wouldn’t be possible otherwise. Unlike standard boat tours, these sailboats are dedicated exclusively to photographers. That means we go out only when the light is at its best, and the experienced crews know exactly how to position and maneuver the boats for the most breathtaking shots. They’ll sail back and forth, adjust angles, and help us get the perfect alignment with icebergs, reflections, and the golden Arctic glow.
For this workshop, we’ll have our own private yacht, giving us the flexibility to move at our own pace and focus entirely on getting the best images. Plus, two photography guides will be on board to offer instruction and coordinate shots. With expert guidance, unmatched access, and these iconic red sailboats as our subjects, this is an extraordinary photographic opportunity unlike anything else in the world.
Why West Greenland?
This expedition takes place in Disko Bay, home to some of the largest icebergs in the world. Even after traveling to places like Svalbard and Antarctica, nothing compares to the sheer scale of the ice here. Towering, cathedral-like icebergs drift through the fjords, creating surreal, ever-changing landscapes that are an absolute dream to photograph. The ice formations here are some of the most dynamic and photogenic anywhere, and the Arctic light transforms them into glowing sculptures on the water.
One of the best parts of this trip? While we’ll spend hours out on the water capturing imagery, we won’t be sleeping on a ship. Instead, we’ll return each night to our hotel in Ilulissat, where we can enjoy warm meals, hot showers, and a comfortable bed—something that’s often a rare luxury on Arctic expeditions. It’s the best of both worlds: all the photographic advantages of a small boat expedition, but with the comfort and convenience of staying on land.
If you’ve ever dreamed of photographing Greenland’s breathtaking icebergs, vibrant Arctic landscapes, and the striking red sailboats that have become an icon of the region, this is your chance. Join us for an unforgettable adventure and return home with a portfolio of truly extraordinary images.
Important Travel Information
Strongly Recommended Arrival: Due to frequent weather-related flight delays in Greenland, we strongly encourage guests to arrive one day early in Ilulissat.
Arrival Time: We recommend arriving in Ilulissat (JAV) around 1:00 PM, but as long as you arrive before 5:00 PM, you’ll be fine. A shuttle service to/from our hotel in Ilulissat is provided.
Getting to Ilulissat from the U.S.: There are two main routes to reach Ilulissat (JAV)—via Iceland or Copenhagen. For most U.S. travelers, flying through Iceland is the best option.
Iceland Route: Fly to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) and then connect on an Icelandair flight to Ilulissat (JAV).
Copenhagen Route: Fly to Copenhagen (CPH) and connect on an Air Greenland flight to Ilulissat (JAV).
Flight Schedules: Flight schedules vary depending on the day of the week, so be sure to check availability when planning your trip.
Booking Flights:
You can book flights to Keflavík (KEF) with any airline of your choice and then purchase a separate ticket from Icelandair to Ilulissat.
Alternatively, you can book a single ticket from your U.S. departure city to Ilulissat (JAV) through Icelandair, which simplifies the connection process.
Extra Hotel Nights: If you need an extra night on either the front or back end of the trip, we can assist with booking accommodations.
All breakfast and dinners
Private red sails yacht charter
All lodging during the workshop
Airport transfers
All permits and park fees
Professional photography guiding and instruction
Gratuity for service staff
Flights to and from Ilulissat Airport, Greenland (JAV)
Meals not listed as included on the itinerary
Lodging outside workshop dates
Alcoholic beverages
Souvenirs and personal items
Gratuity for photography guide(s) & crew. Please refer to our FAQ section for more details about gratuities
Trip Insurance & Medical Evacuation Insurance - see plans here.
This is the kind of opportunity you don’t want to look back on and wish you’d taken. A Backcountry Journeys tour isn’t just a trip — it’s a rare chance to step fully into the experience, to be present in extraordinary places with expert guidance, thoughtful planning, and the time and space to create meaningful work.
The logistics are handled, the pressure is off, and what’s left is pure immersion: better light, better access, deeper learning, and memories you’ll carry long after the journey ends. These moments, locations, and conditions don’t wait — and neither should you.