Travel Photography - Photo trip to Iceland?

I am thinking about future photo trips and wondered if anyone has gone to Iceland. We visited Rejkavik 35 years ago (Loftleidir was the airline of choice for students traveling to Europe) and took a tour into the country. I recall that it seemed like another world.

Any experiences and advice would be appreciated.

We went in summer several years ago. Definitely lots of picturesque waterfalls, green meadows and interesting colors (if it's sunny). But the highlight was by far, Jokulsarlon, the glacier tail lake. Google for image examples -- lots of dramatic possibilities there. Perhaps also the small towns on the northwest side of the island will be good photo material!

I was in Iceland last summer, and I agree that it is an unusual and photogenic country.

They are encouraging tourism, and a lot of companies sponsor sightseeing (the glacial lagoon, the geysers, etc.) tours and activity tours (pony treks, whale watching, cave exploring) that can be arranged through any hotel.

I was there only on a brief stopover and took the Golden Circle, South Coast, and city tours and bathed in the Blue Lagoon on my way to the airport. I'd like to go back and see more of the country.

I am planning to stay for about a week. My preference is to rent a car to go where I want, and also book a couple of photo tours that will take me to places not accessible by car. The Ring Road seems a bit long (800 miles) - I prefer to stay in 2-3 places total and take day trips.

Did the trip last year, driving the entire Ring Road across the island. I have a lot of photos on my website. Unfortunately, the weather was bad for the entire week. Seemed like I was off-season. Hope they can give you an idea of what to expect.

Golden Circle : http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland-circle.htm
This is the most touristy stretch with some historic sights and beautiful natural scenery. But if you're flying all the way to Iceland, venture beyond here!

http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111001/IMG_0057.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111001/IMG_0171.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111001/IMG_0245.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111001/IMG_0328.jpg

Vik - Akureyri stretch : http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland-hwy1.htm
Very scenic with glacier tours, glacier lagoons, and ocean views. East of Hofn, the mountains come close to the waters and you then head uphill to cross into eastern Iceland. Past Egilssatoir, the landscape turns into barren lavafields. You have landed on the moon.

http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0531.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111002/IMG_0567.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_1945.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_1970.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_2042.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_2138.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111003/IMG_2339.jpg

Akureyri - Reykjavik stretch : http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland-nw.htm
Did some detours from the Ring Road to explore the coast. The snow-laden towns and mountains were pretty and we went through a few long tunnels across mountains and under fjords.

http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111004/IMG_2781.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111004/IMG_2802.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111004/IMG_2849.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/iceland/20111004/IMG_2892.jpg

Wow, I want to go to iceland too, i think it is beautiful , much ice, cool. But there will be no grass. OOO. When can i go to there. I am expecting

I grew up in Iceland and recently took a trip back there. My best advice would be to read a few travel guides, rent your own vehicle and go to town. We did a trip around ring road (rte 1) with all the requisite touristy stops as well as some less touristy things. If you have enough time, I'd highly recommend it (probably want to spend a minimum of 7 days to do that with all the stops)

Have fun! Iceland is a blast. Oh, here are our pictures:

http://www.ryanrodd.com/media/gallery/?dir=Iceland

Did the trip last year, driving the entire Ring Road across the island. I have a lot of photos on my website. Unfortunately, the weather was bad for the entire week. Seemed like I was off-season. Hope they can give you an idea of what to expect.


Thanks for the link to your photo site. Nice work.
What time of year were you there?
When is the best time to be there for photo-op purpose, anyone?

Wow, I want to go to iceland too, i think it is beautiful , much ice, cool. But there will be no grass. OOO. When can i go to there. I am expecting

Yes, it's beautiful out there. I never been in Iceland before. Someday in the future. I'm pretty sure if I can go to Iceland for a few days. Whatever where you can go there.

Thanks for the link to your photo site. Nice work.
What time of year were you there?
When is the best time to be there for photo-op purpose, anyone?

We went in late September / early October. It was already low season as many of the hotels/B&B we stayed were deserted.

Hey! you have posted nice photos, Thanks for sharing this wonderful photos and i dont have any idea about that place but i have seen it in photos.

I am planning to stay for about a week. My preference is to rent a car to go where I want, and also book a couple of photo tours that will take me to places not accessible by car. The Ring Road seems a bit long (800 miles) - I prefer to stay in 2-3 places total and take day trips.

I have been thinking the same thing the ring road is a long trip. I have looked at googlemaps and while they don't have street view of iceland they do have lots of images to click on. You might have a look at that to get an idea which areas to visit.

I spent a long weekend in Iceland and we rented a car. We made it all the way to Hofn on the southeast coast. It was a neat little town and the drive was beautiful. I'd say we drove over 600 miles during our 3.5 days on the island. Hofn is around 1/4 of the way around the ring road.

The main roads were in good shape and the weather cooperated. We were able to drive fast, although the speed limit is much lower (around 45-55 mph IIRC). It also helped visiting in the summer when there was nearly sunlight 24 hours a day.

I was considering going on Aperture Academy's trip this year or maybe next summer. Theirs is a little different because you basically spend most of the time doing all night shooting in the extended twilight. http://www.apertureacademy.com/photography-workshop-iceland-june2012.php

We went last year and drove to wear fjords, western Iceland and northern Iceland ending up in Akureryi where TH was attending a conference. Lovely and we found a tour group to take eight of us on a foodie tour of northern Iceland. It was well worth the money and time.

Im thinking of planning a aurora trip. Those pics are definitely getting me excited!