HIGHLANDS OF ICELAND
SMALL-GROUP PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
DATES
July 10 - July 17, 2027
INVESTMENT
€ 8950
GROUP SIZE
3
A note from Andrea
I fell in love with Iceland 11 years ago on my first visit. I thought I’d spend two weeks, take some nice photos, and leave. Instead, I kept coming back, returning to photograph and lead workshops across the Highlands. Over time, I’ve refined this itinerary to avoid crowds and focus on locations and conditions that truly support meaningful photography. I still get excited walking up to a crater lake I’ve photographed 50 times before, because the light is always different.
With only 3 participants, I can focus on your specific level and goals. Whether you're learning camera basics or refining advanced technique, this Iceland photography workshop adapts to where you are. We work together on composition, exposure, and field workflows while you're actually shooting, so you leave with real improvements that last beyond the trip.
If you're wondering whether this teaching approach is right for you, learn more here.
A SMALL-GROUP, 8-DAY PHOTOGRAPHY ADVENTURE IN THE HIGHLANDS OF ICELAND
This workshop is limited to 3 people and sells out every year. The 2027 edition is now full: join the waiting list below in case a spot opens through a cancellation. The next 2028 edition is being planned; join the priority list to hear before we announce publicly.
WHY PHOTOGRAPH THE HIGHLANDS OF ICELAND
Most photographers visit Iceland and shoot the same spots: Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, Diamond Beach, just to name a few. You'll see hundreds of tripods lined up at sunset, everyone capturing the exact same composition.
We're taking you where 99% of photographers never go.
The Central Highlands are Iceland's untouched interior, a volcanic wilderness so remote that roads close for nine months each year. Here, you won't fight for space. You'll have entire crater lakes, steaming geothermal mountains, and braided glacial rivers to yourself.
Here's what really matters for your photography:
This landscape forces you to see differently. Without familiar landmarks or tourist trails to guide you, you'll learn to read light, simplify complex scenes, and find compositions in raw terrain. These are the skills that separate good photographers from great ones, and they'll transform every landscape you shoot, whether it's in Iceland or your own backyard.
What makes July special: Over 20 hours of daylight means you'll experience the longest golden hours on the planet. The light never gets harsh; it simply transitions from one magic hour to the next. For landscape photographers, this is as good as it gets.
“Andrea’s Iceland workshop felt more like an adventure with friends than a tour. We discovered breathtaking places off the tourist path, and I left with stunning photos and lifelong memories.”
WHAT'S INCLUDED IN THIS ICELAND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
PACKAGE OVERVIEW
-
Expert Guidance & Mentorship
Learn in the field with a professional photographer and experienced tour leader with extensive knowledge of landscape photography and over ten years of experience photographing Iceland, plus personalized feedback through 1-to-1 editing sessions and group reviews. We don’t just capture the image in the field; we’ll also sit down together to work through my post-processing workflow, ensuring you leave not just with great files, but with portfolio-ready images.Accommodation (Private & All-Inclusive) →
All accommodations from the night of July 10th to the morning of July 17th (7 nights total). We stay in a mix of three 4-star hotels and one 3-star hotel.
To ensure your maximum comfort and privacy, single occupancy is included. You will have your own private room and en-suite bathroom every night; there are no 'single supplement' surprises or shared rooms.
I recommend all participants arrive in Reykjavík at least one day before the tour officially begins (July 9th or earlier) to settle in and account for any travel delays. This is a great chance to explore the city center on your own. To keep things simple, I’ll provide the name of our meeting-point hotel in your welcome document so you can independently book your stay for that preliminary night. Our group's included accommodation begins the following morning, July 10th.
Seamless Logistics → Local transportation to and from the locations in a converted 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser 35”. This isn't for show, it’s the only way to safely cross the deep glacial rivers and volcanic tracks that lead to the 'inner' Highlands, places 99% of other tour vans simply cannot reach.
Whale Watching Experience → A session out on the water, offering a different perspective and a memorable wildlife photography experience.
Meals → All the breakfasts.
Community & Connection → A small group size ensures you’ll have plenty of personal attention, while also sharing inspiration and creative energy with only two other like-minded photographers.
-
Travel costs to and from Iceland
Food and beverage
Travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage and equipment insurance are strongly recommended.
Tips, extras, and anything else not mentioned in “The Workshop Includes” section
PRACTICAL DETAILS
-
This workshop is limited to 3 participants, so I can give each of you personalized mentorship and guidance, tailored to your experience and goals. This isn’t a crowded tour; it’s an intimate, immersive photography experience.
-
This workshop is open to beginners, professionals, and everything in between. The only criteria are that you have a passion for photography and have the motivation to be on the go every day and night.
-
MODERATE
Some of the shooting locations we will be visiting will require some hiking from our vehicle. Hiking in Iceland is a rewarding and unforgettable experience, but it requires a moderate level of fitness.You should also have a bearing on what camera equipment you bring with you, as you’ll sometimes be carrying it for a couple of hours while we make these hikes, so heavy packs should be avoided as much as possible.
During our hikes in Landmannalaugar, for example, we'll get the best views at higher elevations. For example, the hike up Bláhnjúkur has an elevation of 400m and takes around an hour to walk up.
Most of the locations are filled with stunning scenery accessible with short walks, still providing fantastic photo opportunities without the need for strenuous hikes.
-
The photo tour is partnered with a long-standing travel agency that has an exemplary record in Iceland. We use one of Iceland's most reputable travel agencies for bookings and transport, which ensures that in the highly unlikely event of things going wrong (vehicle breakdowns, unlikely emergencies, and such), there is a dedicated team to ensure that the workshop continues on track with minimal disruption.
HOW WE PLAN EACH PHOTOGRAPHY DAY IN ICELAND
Here's the truth about Iceland: The weather changes every 20 minutes. Clouds roll in, then vanish. Rain gives way to rainbows. A "ruined" morning can become the most dramatic light you've ever seen.
Most photo tours fight this. They stick to rigid schedules, dragging you to predetermined locations, whether the light is good or not. You end up shooting waterfalls in harsh midday sun because "it's waterfall day."
We do the opposite.
Our base accommodations are fixed (you'll know exactly where you're sleeping each night), but our daily shooting plan is dynamic. Each morning, we assess conditions and choose locations where the weather will create exceptional photographs, not just "okay" ones. This flexible approach allows us to work like photographers rather than tourists, responding to conditions instead of following a fixed schedule.
ICELAND HIGHLANDS WORKSHOP ITINERARY
This workshop is designed as a photographic journey, moving from vast volcanic interiors to geothermal mountains and finally toward the northern coast, where waterfalls, ocean light, and wildlife add a completely new dimension.
DAY 1 - 3 // THE SOUTHERN CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
SOUTHERN CENTRAL HIGHLANDS | 3 NIGHTS
We start our journey in the raw volcanic landscapes of the Southern Highlands, where vast spaces and dramatic terrain challenge you to simplify compositions and learn to read the landscape differently.
All participants should arrive in Reykjavík one day before the tour begins, or earlier if preferred. It's also a great opportunity to explore the city center and capture some images of the capital.
We’ll meet with the group in Reykjavík on July 10th at the meeting point specified in the welcome document you received upon registering for the workshop, and then make our way to the Highlands of Iceland.
Our first destination will be the heart of the Southern Central Highlands, where we’ll settle into our base for the workshop's first phase. This area gives us access to some of the most diverse landscapes in the Highlands, from waterfalls and volcanic craters to colorful mountains and remote lakes.
Over the course of these first days together, we’ll work with a variety of incredible landscapes that challenge different photographic skills:
One of the tallest waterfalls in Iceland, Háifoss
Rauðaskál, a stunning crater covered with red volcanic soil
Sigöldugljúfur Canyon with its wall of waterfalls
The lava fields in the Landmannalaugar area
The colorful mountains Bláhnjúkur and Brennisteinsalda
Ljótipollur and Hnausapollur crater lakes
Braided rivers
The remote Langisjór lake and its beautiful panoramas
© Malcolm Levinkind, participant in the 2025 edition.
This entire area is a photographer’s paradise, a landscape that constantly changes, where volcanic deserts, colorful mountains, and geothermal areas exist side by side. While accessing some of these locations is more challenging with some big river crossings, our modified 4x4 Toyota Land Cruiser with 35” tires will be able to get us wherever we need to go.
And that’s just a glimpse. There are plenty more hidden treasures we can’t wait to share with you. Iceland is full of beautiful places to photograph, but this part of the country is truly something special.
We’ll spend three nights here, giving us the flexibility to slow down, adapt to the light and weather, and fully immerse ourselves in the landscape before moving deeper into the Central Highlands.
DAY 4 // THE CENTRAL HIGHLANDS
CENTRAL HIGHLANDS | 1 NIGHT
As we move deeper into the Highlands, the atmosphere becomes more intimate.
After breakfast, we’ll check out and continue our journey further into the Highlands toward Kerlingarfjöll, a stunning mountain range surrounded by an expansive geothermal area. The colorful rhyolite hills, often veiled in swirling mist and steam, create a surreal and ever-changing backdrop for your photography.
Most visitors pass through this area quickly, but we stay overnight so we can experience it properly and photograph it without rushing. That’s why we’ve chosen a base located right in the heart of the Central Highlands, just a short 10-minute drive from our main shooting area. This means less time on the road and more time focusing on photography.
We selected this location not only for its convenience, but also to offer you a more relaxed and immersive Icelandic experience.
After a full day outdoors, you’ll have the chance to unwind in natural geothermal baths, free to use and surrounded by the peaceful beauty of the landscape. It’s a perfect way to enjoy a local tradition and recharge for the next day’s adventure.
© Christopher Guess, participant in the 2025 edition.
DAY 5 - 6 // THE NORTHERN HIGHLANDS
NORTHERN HIGHLANDS | 2 NIGHTS
After days immersed in the Southern and Central Highlands, we continue into the Northern Highlands, where waterfalls and a different landscape bring a new dimension to the experience. This part of the journey often encourages a slightly different way of working with composition, timing, and light.
For the next two nights, we’ll base ourselves in this area, known for its powerful waterfalls and rugged geological formations, while still remaining fully within the Highlands environment.
From here, we’ll work with a variety of environments that challenge different photographic approaches:
Iconic northern waterfalls framed by basalt formations and volcanic terrain
Remote viewpoints with wide open perspectives and unique light conditions
As a special addition to this part of the journey, we’ll also head out on the water for a whale-watching experience.
We’ll be on a traditional wooden boat in the late evening, when the light is softer and often more interesting for photography.
Being out on the water gives you a completely different perspective compared to shooting from land. As we slowly move through the bay, we’ll be looking for whales surfacing around the boat, sometimes at a distance, sometimes surprisingly close. You’ll have the chance to photograph wildlife in a real and unpredictable environment, working with movement, changing light, and quick reactions.
Even if wildlife photography isn’t your main focus, the experience itself is memorable: the open sea, the quiet pace of the boat, and the feeling of being surrounded by Iceland’s northern landscape. On the way back to the harbor, after our shooting session, we’ll warm up with a tasty hot chocolate, a simple but welcome moment to relax, chat together, and enjoy the atmosphere before returning to land.
This part of the journey often becomes a highlight not only for the photographs, but for the experience itself; a moment that adds a different layer of storytelling to the workshop.
DAY 7 - 8 // REYKJAVÍK & DEPARTURE
REYKJAVÍK | 1 NIGHT
The trip back to Reykjavik is quite long, so we'll have breakfast at the hotel and check out. We'll pack up our gear and board the 4x4 to drive back to Reykjavik with a stop along the way for lunch.
Depending on where we’ve been on previous days and if we’ve got time we might be able to stop at a couple of locations on our way back.
We'll arrive back in Reykjavik in the late afternoon, where we'll check into our hotel and freshen up. We'll then have a group dinner together to celebrate the end of our photography workshop.
The following morning, we’ll enjoy our last breakfast together before saying our goodbyes.
DRONE PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE HIGHLANDS OF ICELAND
EXPANDING YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY: CAMERAS & DRONES
The Icelandic Highlands offer exceptional conditions for aerial photography. With wide-open landscapes, dramatic glacial veins, and volcanic craters, this terrain invites us to explore perspectives that simply aren't possible from the ground.
Whether you’re new to drones or an experienced pilot, this workshop is designed to help you integrate the drone as a powerful compositional tool. We’ll focus on how height, perspective, and movement can help you simplify compositions and discover new ways of seeing the landscape.
EXPERT GUIDANCE IN THE SKY
With over a decade of experience flying drones in Iceland, we’ll guide you through both the technical and creative aspects of aerial storytelling. We don’t just "fly"; we look for the same sophisticated compositions in the air that we seek on the ground, focusing on shapes, texture, and light.
PERMITS & SAFETY
To ensure a smooth and stress-free experience, we take care of all the necessary permits for the areas we visit. We strictly follow local regulations and safety guidelines, so you can focus fully on the experience, knowing everything is handled responsibly and with respect for the environment.
Drones are entirely optional, but they offer a unique way to complement your traditional portfolio with perspectives that few ever get to see.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN ON THIS ICELAND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP
On our workshops, we don’t just give you information; we give you the tools and frameworks to put your camera to work. While endless theory can be found online, our approach is designed to help you make real progress in the field.
You'll get hands-on experience and clear methodologies in a small, dedicated group. This intimate setting ensures you receive personalized guidance and direct feedback to truly apply what you learn and master your craft.
-
Work with light. Understand how different types of light can affect the mood and the essence of an image. You’ll discover how to recognize a distinctive quality of light and work with it.
Composition and how to frame a scene in order to balance and arrange visual elements effectively.
Lens choice. From the wide-angle vista to shooting landscape abstracts with a telephoto lens. With a different focal length, you can manipulate how the viewer perceives space and thus the relationship between objects.
Develop aerial compositions with confidence
Shooting multiple image panoramas
Controlling light in scenes with a wide dynamic range using graduated filters and/or multiple exposures
-
Using Lightroom or Capture One for RAW conversion, and how to transform your raw files straight out of the camera to finished images ready to be shared.
Using Photoshop layers to build up image adjustments
Using luminosity masks in Photoshop
Different techniques for blending multiple exposures of the same image
Using Nik Color Efex Pro, Silver Efex, and Adobe Camera RAW on Photoshop layers
Stitching multiple panoramas together
Sharpening images
Light sculpturing with advanced Dodge & Burn techniques
-
Over the course of the workshop, we will take you to beautiful locations and give you every chance to get great shots while improving your technique. We limit the number of participants on our workshop to just three, which gives us plenty of time with everyone in the field, and from the beginning of your time with us, we’ll aim to identify your photographic level and what you’d like to focus on.
We'll tailor the workshop to meet your exact needs and provide plenty of one-to-one tuition both in the field and post-processing sessions, and having two shooting sessions a day means that you’ll get plenty of time in the field, so you can quickly get into a shooting rhythm where you can put new skills into practice.
With over 10 years of experience exploring the incredible landscapes of Iceland, we have developed a strong understanding of the region’s weather patterns and light conditions. This expertise allows us to time our visits perfectly for amazing photography opportunities. Our knowledge of local conditions guarantees we can explore safely, even in unpredictable weather.
Finally, we want to share with you our passion for nature and landscape photography in this incredible place. Traveling in such small groups means we can quickly build a great learning environment where people feel comfortable together and at ease with asking questions and making the absolute most of the trip. We aim to make your experience here in the beautiful landscape of Iceland a memorable one and a trip from which, as well as getting some great images from amazing locations, you’ll also go home having had a true adventure with great company in a very special place.
-
You can expect the atmosphere to be a perfect blend of excitement, camaraderie, and tranquility. There will be plenty of cheerful chats and belly laughs, balanced with quiet moments of awe as we connect deeply with the natural landscape around us.
You'll be sharing all of this with a group of people who are just as passionate about photography as you are, and who will quickly become your friends.
I've seen it happen every single time. Every workshop I've led has created bonds that last way beyond our time together. People arrive as strangers and leave as buddies. There's something magical about how a shared love for nature and photography brings us all together.
WHAT PAST WORKSHOP PARTICIPANTS SAY
“Their attention to detail and commitment to quality truly stood out. We’ve already recommended them to others.” - ★★★★★
— Christopher Guess, USA“With only three participants, the workshop felt more like an adventure with friends than a formal tour. Andrea and Sabrina were warm, organised, and passionate, leading us to places most visitors never see. I left with some of my best images to date.” - ★★★★★
— Malcolm Levinkind, UK“The Highlands felt like a whole different world — remote, wild, and full of incredible photographic opportunities. Andrea and Sabrina’s guidance helped us make the most of every location, from early-morning light to unforgettable mountain-top views.” - ★★★★★
— David ManfieldACCOMMODATIONS DURING THE ICELAND WORKSHOP
While summer brings milder weather, after long days of exploring the Highlands, we want to ensure you’re as comfortable as possible when we return to our accommodations. For our Iceland photo tour, we’ve carefully selected accommodations that combine comfort and convenience to make your workshop experience truly special.
Speaking of meals, one of Iceland’s best-kept secrets is how great the food is. Since I first visited the country more than 10 years ago, the quality and variety of Icelandic cuisine have improved massively, and we’ve found in previous workshops that meals are always a highlight and a memorable part of the trip. There’s nothing better than a great meal after a day spent shooting.
Every accommodation we’ll be staying at has its own restaurant, offering a wide variety of delicious food options, so you’ll always have something to look forward to. We love the food in Iceland, and we’re sure you will, too.
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
-
All visitors, regardless of visa requirements, must have a valid passport. Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your travel date and obtain any necessary visas.
-
If you are a citizen of an EU or Schengen Area country, you do not need a visa to enter Iceland. You can stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period for tourism, business, or family visits without a visa.
Visa-Exempt Countries: Citizens of several countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the United Kingdom, and many others, can enter Iceland for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa for tourism, business, or family visits.
To find out if you need a visa, you can check the official website of the Directorate of Immigration of Iceland or the embassy/consulate of Iceland in your country. The requirements are regularly updated, so it is best to check the latest information.
-
You will fly into the Keflavík International Airport (KEF), located about 50 kilometers (31 miles) southwest of Reykjavik, the capital city.
-
To get from Keflavik Airport to your Reykjavik hotel, the best option is to book a FlyBus+ ticket (flybus.is). This service provides a convenient bus ride from the airport to a central terminal in Reykjavik. From there, you’ll transfer to a smaller bus that will take you directly to your hotel. When booking your FlyBus+ ticket, you can select your hotel from a list of options to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.
-
Travel insurance is not mandatory for travel to Iceland, but we highly recommend it. So, consider it for unexpected medical emergencies, flight cancellations, or lost luggage.
-
On our workshop, all accommodations are provided on a single-room occupancy basis to ensure your comfort and privacy throughout the trip.
-
This workshop is open to beginners, professionals, and everything in between. The only criteria are that you have a passion for photography and have the motivation to be on the go every day and night.
-
Iceland has famously changeable weather, with temperatures and conditions often varying throughout the day. The average daily temperature in Reykjavik in July is 13°C, while in the Highlands the average is a little lower. Bear in mind though that winds from the surrounding glaciers can make the temperate feel cooler than that, so bring cool weather clothing. There’s an average of 10 days rain in July. Despite its rainy tendencies, though, July is one of the sunniest periods in Iceland, with comparatively little rainfall versus other times of the year. So be prepared. The best place to get forecasts and weather information for Iceland is through the Iceland Meteorological Office site http://en.vedur.is
-
One of the challenging aspects of traveling to Icelandic Highland is the fact that it is a pretty big area, often times with good distances between major destinations. While we will try to limit the amount of time we see in a vehicle, we might find ourselves driving for up to 1.5 hours to get from location to location. That being said, we will provide enough breaks for everyone to stretch their legs and go to the bathroom as needed.
-
You can find all the details about cancellations in our Terms and Conditions. This includes deadlines, fees, and everything you need to know if your plans change.
-
More details on the meeting point, gear, weather conditions, and more will be included in the welcome document we send upon registration. If you have any questions or anything you’re unsure about, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@andrealivieriphoto.com.
PLANNING AHEAD FOR 2028?
The next edition is being planned for 2028. Join the priority list if you would like early access to future dates, availability and registration details before the workshop is announced publicly.
YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP LEADERS
-
ANDREA LIVIERI
Photographer and Workshop Leader
Andrea is a Padua-based, professional photographer, educator, musician, and spirited adventurer. He started exploring the photography medium by capturing images of fellow musicians, their families, and other friends and acquaintances in the music industry. As he continued honing his craft, he merged his love for photography and exploring the outdoors, amassing a body of photographic work featuring exhilarating landscapes and rugged mountain capes from around the globe.
He also leads photography courses, and workshops to teach other photographers his method and help them to bring out their own vision. His work has been published in Landscape Photography Magazine, Outdoor Photographer, Photo Plus Magazine, Digital Camera, Popular Photography and Fuji X Passion Magazine, among others. He also partners with brands like Capture One, DxO, FLM Tripods, Maven Filtes, Nya-Evo Camera Backpacks and Vallerret Gloves.
-
SABRINA TOSATO
Photographer, Operations and Content Manager
Sabrina is a photographer and travel writer based in Padua, Italy. Her average day is a mix of weird combinations and her greatest ambition is to make people dream, inspiring them through words and photographs. She manages a travel blog named The Tomato Soup where she offers advice on travel destinations and wild but high-end hospitality.
She has 10 years of experience in travel organization, focused on exclusive and tailor-made itineraries but eventually ended up as a digital marketing specialist. Passionate about the intersection of adventure travels, sustainability, and design, with inspiration and creativity at heart, she has a knack for capturing memorable moments of everyday life. Her work has been published via Afar Media, SuitCase Magazine, Inspired by Iceland, and Feel Slovenia.
TEN YEARS IN THE HIGHLANDS OF ICELAND
I've been photographing Iceland and leading workshops across the Highlands since 2015.
Always in small groups, by design, not by circumstance.
You'll never be the fifth tripod in someone else's frame.
Still deciding? Here's everything I've learned along the way.
OUR PARTNERS
We partner with FLM Tripods, Maven Filters, DxO software, Nya-Evo Camera Bags, and Vallerret Photography Gloves & Clothing, leaders in their respective fields, and they can offer discounts on their products to attendees of our workshops.
