2027 Iceland Summer Photo Tour
Summer Highlights & The Highlands
From breathtaking mountains, waterfalls, and glaciers to volcanic beaches, colorful wildflowers, and wildlife, Iceland is a photographer’s paradise during the summer.
Join us for an Iceland Summer Photo Tour where we will capture the natural wonders of the “Land of Ice & Fire,” from majestic landscapes lit by the endless midnight sun to the remotest areas in the Icelandic highlands, accessible only during the summer.
Our Iceland summer photography trips will take place in July when the flowers are in bloom, the highlands are accessible, and the days are the longest, so you can enjoy the real midnight sun.
July 1 - July 9, 2027
9 days and 8 nights
Easy/Moderate:
Involves short walks with an optional moderate walk (max 3 miles)
Involves short walks with an optional moderate walk (max 3 miles)
Small:
12 participants
+
2 photography guides
12 participants
+
2 photography guides
$6,890 USD
(Double ocuppancy)
Private accommodation may be available for a fee
Included
- Transportation in a private special 4WD vehicles
- Accommodation in shared rooms with private bathroom.
- Breakfast at the hotels
- Expert local driver and guide
- 3-day tour across the Icelandic Highlands
- Parking and entrance fees
- Photography instruction from two professional photographers
- Pre-tour online meeting with the instructors to prepare and set goals
- Access to the Capture the Atlas Academy (more info below)
Not Included
- Flights to/from Keflavik Airport
- Pick up & drop off at Keflavik Airport
- Private room - Extra $1,590 (*subject to availability)
- Meals except breakfast at the hotels
- Health/travel insurance
- Any other service not mentioned in the "INCLUDED" section.
Looking forward to future trips with CTA
We had a wonderful time on our Summer Iceland photo tour with Capture the Atlas. Our guides David and Unai were great and worked to show us as many beautiful sights as possible. We appreciated the photography instruction and the editing workshop. This was our third Iceland adventure with CTA and our first time seeing Iceland in the summer. The Highlands were stunning. We are looking forward to future trips with CTA.
Incredible!
Throughout the entire trip, the guides, David and Unai, were always available to assist, teach and lend their expertise. I obtained some amazing photographs, but most of them required careful processing in post. If you're considering booking this trip, by all means, pull the trigger. You won't regret it!
Superb experience!
We had a great group of photographers led by two very capable professionals who took us to exceptional sights. They were helpful and encouraging at every point. All in all, it was a superb experience with a group of dedicated people in an impressive landscape.
Highly recommend
I had a fantastic trip to Iceland in July 2026 with Capture the Atlas. The guides David and Unai were great. The trip was well organized, and the photography guidance, editing sessions and group interactions were very satisfactory. This is an excellent trip for landscape photography and to experience the midnight sun while photographing the mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. I highly recommend this trip.
I can't wait to repeat it!
My first Capture The Atlas (CTA) trip and won't be my last! Pre-trip information, CTA communication, logistics on the ground, and accommodation all great. Would recommend CTA tours to avid photographers. BIG THANKS ONCE AGAIN TO DAVID & UNAI!
Worth every penny!
The tour leaders are very knowledgeable about photography and took time to give you the best composition tips as well as locations for the best shot.
I’d book a second and third trip with Capture the Atlas in a heartbeat! Worth every penny!
WONDERFUL PEOPLE!
Our Capture the Atlas Iceland adventure was a dream of a lifetime! We were lucky to see the Northern Lights two nights in a row! Our guides, Prince and Unai, were so helpful in showing us how to compose beautiful shots and use the right camera settings.
INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE!
From the beginning, I was immediately impressed with the level of work that had gone into putting this trip together. The workshop leaders, were absolutely fantastic. Their deep knowledge of photography and Iceland itself made this trip unforgettable.
ATTENTIVE GUIDES!
Our guides were wonderful, so helpful and knowledgeable. No question was too basic or too complex. In fact, at Brúarfoss a woman from another group commented how attentive they were to us.
I learned so much
Summer Iceland and the Highlands with Capture the Atlas was a great photo workshop experience. I learned many different techniques and not being afraid to shoot in manual. I was fairly new in drone flying and Unai really helped me build up my confidence. I loved the lupines, and the Puffins was everyone’s favorite. I really enjoyed the Highlands with its many lakes and rainbows. David and Unai worked well together and I learned so much from them both.
Truly unforgettable
Experiencing Iceland in the summer with two outstanding photographer guides, David and Unai, was truly unforgettable. After nearly 40 years as primarily a people, events, and sports photographer, this workshop introduced me to an entirely new world of landscape photography. I learned a tremendous amount and came home inspired, with a fresh perspective on both photography and the beauty of Iceland. The guides' technical skills, guidance, and patience are absolutely awesome.
Excellent trip & a great experience!
Excellent trip to a lot of cool places in Iceland. The guides were both knowledgeable and resourceful in dealing with unexpected constraints and events from weather, road closures, etc. Overall a great experience!
Photo Tour Overview
During this Iceland summer photo tour, we will photograph the majestic landscapes of Southern Iceland and the highlands, where you can find the most photogenic locations Iceland has to offer.
Summer is one of the best seasons of the year to visit Iceland, as the beautiful midnight sun provides up to 6 hours of magical light and enough time to visit different locations. We will visit iconic and popular waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss, Skógafoss, and Kvernufoss; photogenic glaciers like Svínafellsjökull; huge glacial lagoons like Jökulsárlón; black sand beaches; majestic mountains such as Vestrahorn in the east; and much more.
This is also the only time of year when you can visit the remotest areas of the island in the Icelandic highlands once the roads are open. This offers an unparalleled opportunity to capture the real wilderness of Iceland away from the crowds and with plenty of hidden gems that most visitors never get to see and photograph.
Beyond the landscapes, Iceland offers other natural wonders in July, including summer visitors like puffins, green moss, and colorful wildflowers everywhere.
We will personally help you capture the best possible images and show you the best techniques to shoot any type of subject, including landscapes, aerial images, wildlife, etc.
Summer Iceland Photo Tour Highlights
- Photo tour from July 1st – July 9th, 2027
- Group size: 12 participants + 2 instructors.
- Main topics: Landscape, aerial, wildflowers, and puffins.
- Main areas: Southern Iceland and the Icelandic highlands.
- Accommodation included top hotels close to the best locations
- Transportation included a private bus specially outfitted to travel across the highlands.
Official Iceland Summer Photo Tour Brochure
2027 Iceland Summer Photography Tour Itinerary
The itinerary is indicative and subject to changes based on weather and road conditions. In particular, the section of the trip covering the Highlands may be affected, as the F-roads in the Highlands remain closed during the winter and usually open at some point in June. If the roads are still closed during the tour, an alternative plan within the Highlands will be sought, always with the goal of maximizing photographic opportunities.
Our Iceland summer photo tour itinerary will be flexible. We are experts in Iceland, which is like a second home to us, so we will decide the best locations every day according to the weather conditions. That way, you can make the most of this trip.
During this photo tour, our goal will be to take advantage of the midnight hours so you can capture your photos with the best light. Little by little, we will adapt our sleep schedule depending on the day and weather conditions.
DAY 1: Iceland Summer Photo Tour
The tour will begin before noon at our hotel near Keflavik, where we will meet to start the adventure!
After a welcome speech and meet and greet with the rest of the group, we will visit our first location: Reykjanes Lighthouse and the beautiful volcanic cliffs of Valahnúkamöl. Reykjanes Lighthouse is one of the oldest lighthouses in Iceland and it’s surrounded by beautiful volcanic scenery.
Once in the area, we will shoot some photogenic sea stacks and our first sunset over the Icelandic coastline before resting in our hotel.
DAY 2: Iceland Summer Photo Tour
On the second day of our Iceland summer photo tour, after our breakfast, we will drive east on the popular “Ring Road”, the main road that we will follow for most of the trip.
Our first stop will be Kerid, an old volcanic crater with a gorgeous display of reds, greens, and blues. This crater is famous for the lake that’s in the middle and filled with groundwater. Later, we will photograph the most iconic waterfalls in Iceland. The first will be Skógafoss, a famous Icelandic “foss” that is almost 200 feet tall. This location has been featured in popular TV shows, such as Vikings and Game of Thrones, for good reason. We’ll plan our shoot for midday when the sun illuminates the waterfall and creates spectacular rainbows.
We will then visit another photogenic waterfall called Kvernufoss, which is located in a magical canyon that looks straight out of a fairy tale. Here, we will focus on capturing the waterfall by using the stream as the perfect leading line.
After dinner, at around 10 PM, the golden hour starts, and the magical light goes on for hours. Our plan is to visit Seljalandsfoss and hopefully experience one of the highlights of the trip: photographing the midnight sun illuminating the waterfall from behind with the wildflowers.
DAY 3: Iceland Summer Photo Tour
On the third day of our Iceland summer photo adventure, we will continue driving east and make several photography stops along the way.
We’ll photograph Iceland’s most celebrated summer visitors: the Atlantic puffins! We will visit some cliffs around Dyrhólaey where the puffins nest during the summer and busy themselves looking for food for their chicks. Photographing puffins is not easy (especially when they’re flying), but we’ll show you the best techniques to capture them.
After this, our next location will be the impressive Lómagnúpur, a glacier-shaped mountain where you can shoot reflections and some wonderful drone images. The third stop will be at the first glacier of the trip: Svínafellsjökull, one of the most impressive glaciers in Iceland, where you can literally touch the ice.
Finally, we will end up at the famous Jökulsárlón lagoon, the largest glacial lagoon in Iceland, where huge chunks of icebergs fall off the famed Vatnajökull Glacier. This is an astonishing location and the most photogenic glacier in Iceland, so we’ll plan plenty of time for you to capture the lagoon from different perspectives under the ethereal light of the midnight sun.
DAY 4: Iceland Summer Photo Tour
After recharging our batteries and having a nice breakfast at our hotel, we will do a morning photo shoot at the iconic Diamond Beach. It is a unique black sand beach where you can find the ice chunks from the Jökulsárlón Lagoon that are carried here by the tides and waves. This location offers endless photographic possibilities, and we’ll show you how to capture the iconic long-exposure shots of the icy diamonds and the water streaks using lens filters.
After a short 10-minute drive from the beach, we will visit the huge Fjallsárlón glacier, another of the most stunning glaciers in the area. For the rest of the day, we’ll continue east on the Ring Road. Here, the landscape changes dramatically, and you’ll start seeing the first jagged peaks that are typical of the Iceland East Fjords.
After settling in and having dinner in the popular fishing town of Höfn, we will drive to the easternmost point of the tour, Hvalnes Lighthouse, to enjoy the midnight sun lighting up the pointed peaks of the imposing Eystrahorn mountain and the marvelous Vestrahorn (Stokksnes), probably the most photogenic mountain in Iceland.
DAY 5: Iceland Summer Photo Tour
On the fifth day of our trip, we will take back the Ring Road, stopping along the way at some spots we missed and photographing some of the previous locations under different light conditions.
Our first stop will be Fjadrárgljúfur, a beautiful canyon of glacial origin created by progressive water erosion. The vegetation is spectacular around this area, especially during the summer. We will take you to the best viewpoints to capture this fairytale-like canyon.
After that, we’ll arrive in Vík, the southernmost populated area in Iceland and one of the most photogenic towns. Here, we will visit some locations like the famous black sand beach of Iceland, Reynisfjara, where you can shoot impressive basalt rock formations, caves, and sea stacks.
After dinner, we’ll venture off the beaten path to Þakgil (Pakgil), a hidden gem nestled between steep mountains and deep ravines. This secluded valley offers a stark contrast to the coastline, with surreal landscapes, mossy cliffs, and absolute tranquility. It’s the perfect spot for a peaceful evening walk or simply to enjoy the unique silence and untouched beauty of the Icelandic highlands.
DAY 6: Iceland Summer Photo Tour
The next day, we’ll start the wildest part of our trip by visiting the dramatic Highlands of Iceland!
The Icelandic Highlands are a huge, unpopulated expanse filled with glaciers, thermal springs, and rugged peaks. For the next 3 days, we’ll head off the beaten track in Iceland to encounter some of the most remarkable and harsh terrains on the island.
This wilderness area that covers the interior of Iceland is only accessible during the summer months when there’s no snow on the roads and the water levels at the rivers are lower. Even during this time, the rugged terrain makes traveling challenging, considering the rough terrain with dirt roads and river-crossings. Fortunately, we’ll have a special 4WD bus specially designed to travel on the highlands and an experienced driver to make this a fun adventure to remember.
To start the adventure, the first stop will be Axlafoss, a stunning 26ft waterfall situated deep in the Highlands of Iceland. Later, we will take one of the wildest roads in Iceland and, after many miles of martian landscapes and river crossings we’ll get to Maelifell, A 2,595ft tall volcano covered in green vegetation that rises prominently in a desert of black sands. At this point, you’ll feel like being on anoher planet, and the best is yet to come!
From Mælifell, we continue our highland crossing toward Hvanngil, a peaceful oasis surrounded by rhyolite hills and lava fields. We’ll take a break here to stretch our legs, soak in the scenery, and perhaps have a picnic-style lunch in nature.
After this, we’ll arrive at our hotel, The Highland Center. The Highlands doesn’t offer any services apart from some distant huts, but we have the privilege of having access to the only hotel operating in this remote area of Iceland, where we’ll have the comfort of a standard hotel in the middle of nowhere.
For sunset, we’ll venture into Sigöldugljufur to capture the midnight sun and end our day. Often regarded as one of Iceland’s hidden treasures, Sigöldugljúfur is a fantastical area in the central Highlands. It’s famous for its numerous waterfalls, strikingly blue waters, lush vegetation, lava formations, and stunning scenery.
DAY 7: Iceland Summer Photo Tour
On day 7, we’ll do some editing lessons in the morning.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit possibly the most spectacular area in the entire Highlands of Iceland!
After a relatively short drive from our Highlands Hotel, we’ll arrive in Landmannalaugar; a breathtaking area in the highlands, famous for its vividly colored rhyolite mountains and geothermal hot springs.
This wild area is very popular for hiking, soaking in natural hot springs, and exploring extensive lava fields. Photographically, it’s simply paradise, with spectacular badlands full of vibrant colors and mountains that seem to be taken from a fantasy book. We’ll spend most of the day walking and photographing across the most photogenic areas of the park.
After finishing our visit, we’ll stop at the nearby Frostastaðavatn, one of Iceland’s most picturesque lakes. Nestled between rugged volcanic hills and lava fields, the lake’s deep blue waters create a stunning contrast with the surrounding black and red earth. The area offers fantastic photo opportunities and a peaceful moment in the vastness of the highlands.
Then we’ll stop to photograph the oval-shaped lake of Bláhylur, and the Ljótipollur crater lake. These two lakes and area in general are a paradise not only for wide-angle and telephoto lenses, but also for aerial photography with drones. We’ll take some time to capture the stunning vistas both from the ground and from the air.
DAY 8: Iceland Summer Photo Tour
On day 8, we’ll return to civilization but first, we’ll visit some of the last hidden gems of the Icelandic Highlands!
Our first photo shoot of the day will be at Haifoss, an impressive waterfall in Iceland that plunges down into a deep gorge, creating a stunning visual contrast against the surrounding rugged landscape.
The next stop will be at Hjalparfoss, a stunning double waterfall located in the Þjórsárdalur Valley. It is formed where two rivers, the Þjórsá and the Fossá, converge in a basaltic lava field.
After this, we’ll visit and photograph Þjófafoss, one of the hidden gems of South Iceland. Set on the Þjórsá River, Iceland’s longest, Þjófafoss (meaning “Thieves’ Waterfall”) cascades powerfully beneath the brooding presence of Mount Búrfell. The raw, almost lunar surroundings make this an unforgettable stop and a dramatic farewell to the highland wilderness.
We will continue driving back where everything started in Keflavik.
DAY 9: Iceland Summer Photo Tour
Our photo tour to Iceland ends at the hotel where we started our trip. From here, you can book a free shuttle to the airport.
Price: $6,590 USD
Deposit: $3,000 USD
A $3,000 USD deposit is required to reserve your spot for this workshop. You can also pay in full at any time. The remaining balance is due 120 days before the start date of the tour. If the remaining balance is not paid in full by the due date, you will lose your spot.
What does the price include?
Included
- Transportation during the trip in a special 4WD bus
- Accommodation in shared rooms with private bathroom. (*single rooms available for an extra)
- Breakfast at the hotels
- Photo guide services from two professional landscape, nature, and travel photographers
- Local certified driver and guide
- 3-day tour across the Icelandic Highlands
- Parking and entrance fees to different attractions such as Stokksnes, Landmannalaugar, etc.
- Pre-tour online meeting with the instructors to prepare and set goals
*Bonus
- Access to Dan Zafra’s full Capture the Milky Way & Benro Polaris Course (valued at $349).
- Access to the recorded material during the tour.
- Access to David Aguilar’s Moody Landscapes course.
Not Included
- Flights to/from Keflavik Airport
- Pick up & drop off at Keflavik Airport
- Single room supplement ($1,590 USD)
- Meals except breakfast at the hotels
- Health/travel insurance (We can help you purchase the best travel insurance according to your needs)
- Telephone, personal expenses, tips etc. and any other service not mentioned in the “INCLUDED” section
Below, you can watch a video that we filmed in most of the locations that we will visit on the trip.
Upcoming Iceland Summer Photo Tour dates
Looking forward to future trips with CTA
We had a wonderful time on our Summer Iceland photo tour with Capture the Atlas. Our guides David and Unai were great and worked to show us as many beautiful sights as possible. We appreciated the photography instruction and the editing workshop. This was our third Iceland adventure with CTA and our first time seeing Iceland in the summer. The Highlands were stunning. We are looking forward to future trips with CTA.
Incredible!
Throughout the entire trip, the guides, David and Unai, were always available to assist, teach and lend their expertise. I obtained some amazing photographs, but most of them required careful processing in post. If you're considering booking this trip, by all means, pull the trigger. You won't regret it!
Superb experience!
We had a great group of photographers led by two very capable professionals who took us to exceptional sights. They were helpful and encouraging at every point. All in all, it was a superb experience with a group of dedicated people in an impressive landscape.
Highly recommend
I had a fantastic trip to Iceland in July 2026 with Capture the Atlas. The guides David and Unai were great. The trip was well organized, and the photography guidance, editing sessions and group interactions were very satisfactory. This is an excellent trip for landscape photography and to experience the midnight sun while photographing the mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. I highly recommend this trip.
I can't wait to repeat it!
My first Capture The Atlas (CTA) trip and won't be my last! Pre-trip information, CTA communication, logistics on the ground, and accommodation all great. Would recommend CTA tours to avid photographers. BIG THANKS ONCE AGAIN TO DAVID & UNAI!
Worth every penny!
The tour leaders are very knowledgeable about photography and took time to give you the best composition tips as well as locations for the best shot.
I’d book a second and third trip with Capture the Atlas in a heartbeat! Worth every penny!
WELL PLANNED!
We had a wonderful trip to Iceland in September to view the northern lights. Our trip was very well planned. We saw wonderful landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, mountains, reflections, and the northern lights 3 nights.
WONDERFUL PEOPLE!
Our Capture the Atlas Iceland adventure was a dream of a lifetime! We were lucky to see the Northern Lights two nights in a row! Our guides, Prince and Unai, were so helpful in showing us how to compose beautiful shots and use the right camera settings.
INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE!
From the beginning, I was immediately impressed with the level of work that had gone into putting this trip together. The workshop leaders, were absolutely fantastic. Their deep knowledge of photography and Iceland itself made this trip unforgettable.
ATTENTIVE GUIDES!
Our guides were wonderful, so helpful and knowledgeable. No question was too basic or too complex. In fact, at Brúarfoss a woman from another group commented how attentive they were to us.
I learned so much
Summer Iceland and the Highlands with Capture the Atlas was a great photo workshop experience. I learned many different techniques and not being afraid to shoot in manual. I was fairly new in drone flying and Unai really helped me build up my confidence. I loved the lupines, and the Puffins was everyone’s favorite. I really enjoyed the Highlands with its many lakes and rainbows. David and Unai worked well together and I learned so much from them both.
Truly unforgettable
Experiencing Iceland in the summer with two outstanding photographer guides, David and Unai, was truly unforgettable. After nearly 40 years as primarily a people, events, and sports photographer, this workshop introduced me to an entirely new world of landscape photography. I learned a tremendous amount and came home inspired, with a fresh perspective on both photography and the beauty of Iceland. The guides' technical skills, guidance, and patience are absolutely awesome.
Excellent trip & a great experience!
Excellent trip to a lot of cool places in Iceland. The guides were both knowledgeable and resourceful in dealing with unexpected constraints and events from weather, road closures, etc. Overall a great experience!
What will I learn during this Summer Iceland Photo Tour?
This workshop is mainly focused on landscape photography with possibilities for wildlife and aerial photography.
What you learn during the workshop will vary according to your goals and skills. Your instructors are professional photographers with extensive experience who will help you take your photography to the next level.
During the tour you’ll have the opportunity to learn:
Photography basics
Some of the photography basics you can learn during the workshop are:
- Getting comfortable shooting different types of landscapes and wildlife in manual mode.
- Adjusting to the best camera settings in each situation.
- Planning your sunset and landscape images
- Shooting long exposures using ND filters.
- Enhancing your composition with the best techniques.
- Designing your own shooting workflow to be more efficient in the field.
- Basics of drone photography.
Advanced photography techniques
- Creating powerful compositions that tell a story and engage the viewer.
- Building a connection between your photography and your vision.
- Becoming a master of light: learn how to enhance it and keep it under control.
- Advanced landscape techniques like bracketing, focus stacking, or focal length blending.
- Advanced wildlife settings and shooting techniques
- Advanced drone photography like aerial panoramas, vertoramas, and bracketing.
Post-processing techniques
Some of the post-processing techniques that you can learn with the included tutorials are:
- Basics of Lightroom and Photoshop
- Preparing your images in Lightroom/Adobe Camera Raw.
- Stitching of panoramas using different software like Lightroom or PTGui Pro.
- Reducing noise in your images using AI-powered denoising software
- Enhancing image sharpness with AI-based sharpening tools.
- All types of Blendings (exposure, focal length, focus, etc.).
- Light shaping and Dodge & Burn in your landscape & wildlife images.
Your instructors on this Iceland Photo Tour
David Aguilar will be the tour leader throughout this Iceland photography workshop, and he will make sure that you get the best photography results and experience out of this tour. He will help you with your photography, technique, and composition in all your landscape, wildlife, and aerial images.
David is a real expert on Iceland after countless trips all around the island over the last decade. He has led many Iceland photo tours before, and he’s very knowledgeable about the most photogenic locations, the weather patterns, and the best techniques to capture breathtaking landscape images. He’s also a master drone pilot and can help you with your aerial photography on this trip.
David’s main passion is traveling and helping others with their craft. He’s traveled extensively, not only in Nordic countries like Iceland and Norway but also across vast areas in European Alps and South America. He currently lead photo tours in many different regions of Europe and South America.
He’s also a skilled post-processing editor and has helped countless photographers over the last few years with his online landscape editing courses.
Unai Larraya will be the tour coleader on this summer Iceland photo tour. He is an expert landscape photographer who will make sure you end up with the best possible images.
Unai is an experienced landscape and wildlife photographer based in the north of Spain. He has refined his photography skills while traveling around the world over the past few years and has taught many other photographers along the way.
Since Unai started his photography journey, he has won multiple awards in recognition of his outstanding photography and editing skills.
With Unai you’ll learn about composition, shaping light, color theory, focus stacking, and more. He will also show you how to implement all these techniques into your workflow to take your photography to the next level!
What to bring on this Iceland Photo Tour
We will send you a complete list of everything that we recommend for this tour upon sign-up. Below, you can find a summary of things you might need:
Photography gear
- DSLR/mirrorless camera and a sturdy tripod
- A wide-angle lens, such as a 14-24 mm lens.
- A medium zoom lens, such as a 24-70 mm lens.
- A telephoto lens, like a 100-400 mm lens.
- Neutral density (ND) and circular polarizer (CPL) filters.
- Drone (optional, we recommend it because we can be taken a good aerial photos in some locations)
You may be interested in this guide where you can dive deeper into photography equipment for traveling.
Clothing
The average temperature in Iceland in July is 48ºF (9ºC) but the weather is very variable, going from warm and sunny to windy and rainy in a matter of hours. You should be prepared for all seasons and bring warm clothing. Some of the things that we recommend bringing on this Iceland photography tour are:
- A system of layers to wear (base layer, fleece, windproof layer, shell).
- A good pair of breathable boots to keep your feet warm and protect your ankles while walking over rocks and uneven terrain.
- A wool hat and gloves in case it gets cold.
You will find more items and details in the official list of recommendations that we provide upon registration.
Money
The currency in Iceland is the Icelandic Krona (ISK). We recommend getting ISK from in your home country, although, if that is not possible, you can purchase some at Keflavík Airport.
In almost 100% of places in Iceland, you can pay by credit or debit card, no matter how small the amount is, so you won’t need much cash for the trip.
Additional information about this Iceland photo tour
Accomodations
The accommodation on this Summer Iceland Photo Tour is double occupancy in shared bedrooms with two individual beds and a private bathroom. We also offer single occupancy rooms in all hotels on the trip for an extra $1,590. If you are interested in having your own room, please let us know on the signup form below since the single occupancy rooms are subject to availability.
During the trip, we are staying in top-rated hotels close to the best locations, where you can see marvelous views of the Icelandic landscapes.
We’ll also have the unique opportunity to stay in the only hotel in all the Icelandic Highlands, the Highland Center Hrauneyjar, for two nights.
Transportation
All transportation and fuel are included during the tour. We’ll be traveling in a private 4WD bus for the duration of the trip. This bus looks like a rugged bus on the outside, but it’s fully equipped inside with all the amenities of a normal bus like reclining seats, Fridge, USB ports, etc.
This bus will take us not only to the classics of Iceland, but also off the beaten track into the heart of the Highlands. From bumpy roads to river crossings, the bus and our expert drivers will ensure a safe and fun ride across the stunning Iceland scenery.
Hiking
Most of the locations on this tour require a short walk from the parking lot.
However, we’ll sometimes be walking on flat to moderately uphill paths to find the best compositions. These paths are mainly gravel and rocks.
For this reason, we recommend being in good physical shape in order to enjoy this tour to the fullest.
Local Guides and Tours
During this tour, we’ll have the assistance of local bus drivers and guides certified by the Icelandic Tourist Board (“Ferdamálastofa”).
Documentation
Iceland follows the visa regulations of the Schengen Area. Depending on your nationality and duration of stay, a visa may be necessary. We are here to assist you with the visa application process and provide guidance. It’s essential to verify the specific visa requirements for your country of residence prior to your trip.
Visitors from most countries (such as the United States and Canada) don’t need a visa to visit Iceland for less than 90 days. Remember to consult the official embassy or consulate of Iceland for the most up-to-date and accurate visa information based on your nationality and circumstances.
Update on ETIAS:
A new travel authorization system called ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) is expected to launch in the last quarter of 2026. Once implemented, travelers from many countries — including those who currently do not require a visa, such as the United States and Canada — will need to apply for ETIAS before entering the EU.
We encourage you to stay informed about future travel requirements for upcoming trips. You can find more details on the official ETIAS website.
What expenses should you consider for this Iceland photo tour?
Flights
You should book your flight to Keflavik International Airport.
The price of round-trip flights to Iceland from Europe and the US is approximately $300-600 USD. We recommend this article to find the best flights to Keflavik from your current location.
Meals
Meals are not included except for breakfast at the hotels. We will have breakfast in our accommodation and have a big meal at dinner in one of the local restaurants (We also know where to find the tastiest local Icelandic food 😉
During the day, we will eat snacks/picnic to speed up and maximize the time for photography.
Neither supermarkets nor restaurants are cheap in Iceland, so we recommend preparing to spend about $60-$80 USD on food per day.
Entrance fees
All the parking/entrance fees, such as for Stokksnes, are included in the price of the tour.
What makes this Iceland Photo Tour unique?
Our workshops are completely centered on photography: finding the best lighting conditions during the trip and creating an intensive experience that is conducive to learning and taking the best images.
Our workshops are limited to small groups with a ratio of no more than six students per instructor. This is also an important factor for providing the attentive instruction you need during the tour.
During this workshop, we will photograph the famous locations in this destination as well as some hidden gems that we have discovered while exploring in the past that are rarely visited or photographed.
We will discuss your goals before the tour so we can create a dedicated instruction plan for you. It doesn’t matter what your age is or your skills are; we will design your plan and provide you with materials before, during, and after the workshop so the learning process is not limited to just the tour.
We have spent years designing national and international photo tours with successful results, helping photographers with everything from the simple task of getting off Auto to the ambitious goal of capturing complex images.
Beyond the photography, our photography workshops help build strong bonds that last forever. After our trip, you’ll feel like you have been with a group of friends rather than on a standard tour. We are thankful to have plenty of repeat clients who keep traveling and learning with us.
Frequent asked questions about our Iceland photo tour
What level of photography knowledge should I have to attend this photo tour to Iceland?
Whether you are experienced or just starting out in photography, you are welcome, and I am convinced that you will progress very fast. Together, we will get you back home with a greater and deeper knowledge of many photography topics.
Once you sign up for the workshop, we will discuss your skills and goals for this tour, and I’ll organize a teaching plan so you can make the most of this experience.
What physical shape do I need to be in?
Most of the locations on this tour require a short walk from the parking lot. However, we’ll sometimes be walking on flat to moderately uphill paths to find the best compositions. These paths are mainly gravel and rocks. For this reason, we recommend being in good physical shape in order to enjoy this tour to the fullest.
Am I too young/old for this Iceland Summer Photo Tour?
There is no age limit. This trip is perfect for anyone over 18 years old who wants to photograph Iceland with us.
Can my non-photographer companion join us on the tour?
Non-photographer companions are welcome to join the tour, and they need to book a spot under the same price and conditions as any other participant. (We don’t allow non-participant companions tagging along with the group). We have had plenty of non-photographer companions over the years and all of them enjoyed an amazing experience. As long as they enjoy nature, beautiful landscapes, and are a bit patient with the schedules of a photo tour, joining the trip can be a great experience regardless of the shooting.
Can I use my drone?
Capture the Atlas is drone-friendly. Both guides are experienced drone pilots and can help you with your drone photography.
We will advise you on the areas where you are allowed to fly and show you the best aerial photography techniques.
Our Happy Students!
We have had the opportunity to work with and help countless photographers in Iceland over the last years:
Summer Iceland with the Highlands and traveling with Capture the Atlas was a great photo workshop experience. I learned many different techniques and not being afraid to shoot in manual. I was fairly new in drone flying and Unai really helped me build up my confidence and I got some great shots. I loved the lupine they added so much color to the landscape. The Puffins was everyone’s favorite day and fun share photos of them. I really enjoyed the highlands with its many lakes and rainbows. David and Unai worked well together and I learned so much from them both.
Jeanne Ballard
2026 Summer Iceland Photo Tour
Experiencing Iceland in the summer with two outstanding photographer guides, David Aguilar and Unai Pano, was truly unforgettable. After nearly 40 years as primarily a people, events, and sports photographer, this workshop introduced me to an entirely new world of landscape photography. I learned a tremendous amount and came home inspired, with a fresh perspective on both photography and the beauty of Iceland.
Brian Masserman
2026 Summer Iceland Photo Tour
Excellent trip to a lot of cool places in Iceland. The guides were both knowledgeable and resourceful in dealing with unexpected constraints and events from weather, road closures, etc. Overall a great experience!
Joao Damas
2026 Summer Iceland Photo Tour
We had a wonderful time on our Summer Iceland photo tour with Capture the Atlas. Our guides David and Unai were great and worked to show us as many beautiful sights as possible. We appreciated the photography instruction and the editing workshop. This was our third Iceland adventure with CTA and our first time seeing Iceland in the summer. The Highlands were stunning. We are looking forward to future trips with CTA.
Lauren Greider
2026 Summer Iceland Photo Tour
I had a fantastic trip to Iceland in July 2026 with Capture the Atlas. The guides David and Unai were great. The trip was well organized, and the photography guidance, editing sessions and group interactions were very satisfactory. This is an excellent trip for landscape photography and to experience the midnight sun while photographing the mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. I highly recommend this trip.
Nawras Baban
2026 Summer Iceland Photo Tour
Both of the guides were very knowledgeable and had had previous experiences in the area. We professional drivers. The daily itineraries were well planned and formatted in order to maximize as many high quality photography experiences as possible per day. Throughout the entire trip, David and Unai were always available to assist, teach and lend their expertise. I hope to travel with them again in the future. I obtained some amazing photographs.
Terry Forrest
2025 Summer Iceland Photo Tour
We had a great group of photographers led by two very capable professionals who took us to exceptional sights. They were helpful and encouraging at every point. We had brief presentations on editing at the end of our time. I would have found it helpful to have some pointers given before we got started on techniques like focus stacking and bracketing. That would give me better insight into what I might look for in a composition or how I might use those techniques to enhance my skills. All in all, it was a superb experience with a group of dedicated people in an impressive landscape.
Lander Bethel
2025 Summer Iceland Photo Tour
My first Capture The Atlas (CTA) trip and won't be my last! A great landscape photography tour to Iceland - what a special place! Learnt a lot from both David & Unai, our fantastic CTA guides, and shared many a laugh. Enjoyed the company of the small diverse group of photography & travel enthusiasts on the tour. Pre-trip information, CTA communication, logistics on the ground, and accommodation all great. Would recommend CTA tours to avid photographers. BIG THANKS ONCE AGAIN TO DAVID & UNAI!
Kate Goodman
2025 Summer Iceland Photo Tour
"Our Capture the Atlas Iceland adventure was a dream of a lifetime! We were lucky to see the Northern Lights two nights in a row! Our guides, Prince and Unai, were so helpful in showing us how to compose beautiful shots and use the right camera settings. We met really wonderful people, stayed at comfortable locations, and had good food too. This is definitely not our last trip was Capture the Atlas."
Denise Parker
2023 Iceland Photo Tour
"Our trip to Iceland lead by David Aguilar and Francesco Dall'Olmo was amazing. They took time to stay in touch with our group weeks before the trip and answered every question leading to our tour. They are both very knowledgeable about photography and took time to give you the best composition tips as well as locations for the best shot.
I’d book a second and third trip with Capture the Atlas in a heartbeat! Worth every penny!"
Edith Donno
2023 Iceland Photo Tour
"Our guides, Prince and Unai were wonderful, so helpful and knowledgeable. No question was too basic or too complex. In fact, at Brúarfoss a woman from another group commented how attentive they were to us -- her guides just drove them to locations and left them on their own.
This Iceland trip has been tremendous. Great locations, great guides, great company, great aurora borealis(!), and thankfully great weather when it mattered. This certainly won't be our last trip with Capture The Atlas."
Eric Parker
2023 Iceland Photo Tour
I attended the September 2023 Iceland workshop. First Iceland is a magical place that everyone should experience.
We had Unai and Prince as our guides for 8 awesome days. They had us at the locations at the perfect time for the best shots .They have taken the time to pre scout the locations and timing saving you the worries of where to be. Besides being great photographers they were fun and engaging truly enjoying sharing their experience and patiently helping with camera settings and filter selection. I look forward to attending another workshop with these guys and would highly recommend them.
John Cole
2023 Iceland Photo Tour
The September 2023 Iceland tour covered several of the scenic hotspots in southern Iceland. Our guides David and Francesco had very good knowledge about our locations. We had the opportunity to capture sunrises, sunsets and aurora activity. Came away with some great memories and photos. Thanks.
Lester Taylor
2023 Iceland Photo Tour
"Great tour! Dan was great with helpful information while arranging the trip on what was going to happen, and what to bring to have a good experience. David and Jose were excellent tour guides. They went out of their way to accommodate everyone's requests, and to do as many things on the itinerary as time allowed. They were great with both technical coaching and participant management, and knew all the great spots to get the best shots. Would highly recommend this company for future tours!
Michael Singer
2022 Iceland Photo Tour
This trip is truly the best photography tour I have ever been on.
Dan and Prince did make learning photography so much fun. Their technical skills, guidance, and patience are absolutely awesome. Their efforts are much appreciated and I am already looking forward to the trip to Lofoten in February 2023.
Cindy Mok
2022 Iceland Photo Tour
"I can't say enough about the experience with Capture the Atlas; It was fun, educational, inspiring, adventurous, and life-changing!
The knowledge the tour leaders David and JL had of the area, and the planning that goes into each day is self-evident and perfectly organized. In their commonly used words, this trip is INCREDIBLE, INSANE, and GORGEOUS 🙂
I would absolutely love to return on a trip with this great team to some other location. I’m sure it would undoubtedly be a fantastic experience!!
Praveena Bhairraju
2022 Iceland Photo Tour
Excellent trip. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a "different" vacation and photography learning experience. The views of waterfalls, volcanos, geysers, glaciers, etc. are superb. Dan helped me get my images to another level. Iceland should be on your bucket list, especially with Capture the Atlas. The guys are very knowledgeable about photography and how to organize the trip.
Jay Gorecki
2021 South & North Iceland Tours
I had the great pleasure of touring Iceland with Dan and Capture the Atlas in September 2021, and it far surpassed all of my expectations. The trip was extremely well organized, and I didn’t realize just how much I would be learning about landscape composition and astrophotography. For me, capturing the Aurora was a bucket list item. I so enjoyed the wonderful people I met on the trip that I’ve signed on to the Death Valley & Alabama Hills workshop this spring to learn more about astrophotography!
Liz de Marco
2021 South & North Iceland Tours
Active volcanoes, endless glaciers, wildflowers, black sand beaches, mountains & fjords, puffins, skies colored by the midnight sun… Iceland is a paradise for photographers for good reason. It’s very easy to feel like you’re in a fantasy world when you see and shoot in all these breathtaking locations, and this trip will help you discover all the spectacular things that Iceland has to offer.
Expect excitement like on no other trip when you visit the highlands! It requires a higher dose of adventure but offers some of the most isolated and stunning views that you’ll ever see. Traveling in special vehicles across this rough terrain will make you feel the real wilderness of Iceland!
Iceland is one of the first places I started shooting when I first picked up a camera many years ago. I fell so profoundly in love with everything on the island that I’ve traveled there every year since that initial trip. Iceland is our signature photo tour for many reasons, and on this trip, you’ll discover the magic of Iceland at its best!
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