Home > Travel Workshops > Iceland: Kirkjufell & The Southern Coast
Iceland: Kirkjufell & The Southern Coast
September 14-19, 2025
Discover Iceland, a land of fire and ice, on this 6-day photography adventure. From dramatic waterfalls and black sand beaches to glowing glaciers and geothermal landscapes, you’ll capture the stunning contrasts of this unique island.
With expert guidance from professional instructors and the camaraderie of fellow photographers, you’ll create breathtaking images and unforgettable memories.
Table of Contents
Overview
This six-day workshop (with an optional seventh day) focuses on capturing the breathtaking landscapes of Iceland's Snæfellsnes Peninsula and its famous Southern Coast—two of the country's most photogenic and diverse regions. Taking place in September, this adventure is timed perfectly for crisp autumn air, golden light, and a chance to witness the enchanting Northern lights.
Often called “Iceland in Miniature,” the Snæfellsnes Peninsula offers a little of everything: dramatic coastlines, basalt cliffs, moss-covered lava fields, and the iconic Kirkjufell mountain. Meanwhile, the Southern coast features black sand beaches and thundering waterfalls like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss.
Two experienced photographers will guide you throughout the trip and provide personalized instruction on capturing Iceland's vast vistas, vibrant skies, and dynamic light. With a limit of 8 students, you'll enjoy unmatched one-on-one mentorship and small group discussions, ensuring a rich learning experience.
About Boston Photography Workshops:
Beginning in 2014, the Boston Photography Workshops has taught thousands of students to improve their photography skills through hands-on learning in small groups with friendly and experienced professionals. The BPW believes that to learn something best, you have to go try it—which is why we’re excited to offer our students fun, experience-based education as often as possible.
Itinerary
The workshop begins mid morning Sept 14th, 2025 and concludes the evening of the Sept 19th, 2025
Our exact itinerary will be laid out when optimal weather conditions can be determined.
Conditions can change quickly, so the itinerary below is an example of what may occur..
Why We Chose September:
September is a stunning time to explore Iceland, with comfortable daytime temperatures averaging 45–55°F and long, golden hours of light. It’s also the start of aurora season, offering the chance to photograph the mesmerizing Northern lights dancing across the sky.
Arrival:
KEF Keflavik Airport is located in the Reykjanes peninsula, about 31 miles from Reykjavik city center and where US-based flights will arrive. Participants should arrive on Sunday the 14th (early AM flights) or on flights the night before (the 13th). A private shuttle service is available for purchase providing direct transportation from KEF to the group hotel in Reykjavik.
Day 1: Reykjavik & Thingvellir National Park
After a long flight, we’ll get situated in Reykjavik, Iceland’s capital and most famous city. Checking into our centrally located hotel, we’ll be steps away from the famous “Rainbow Road.” Participants can take the morning to explore the photogenic downtown area. Around lunchtime, we’ll depart for Thingvellir National Park to photograph the edge of the continental plate and experience Iceland’s stunning landscape immediately. After this mini-day trip, we’ll head back to Reykjavik to rest and recharge.
Northern Lights: Throughout the trip, instructors will monitor the possibility of Northern lights activity. If activity is likely, we will adapt our schedule to photograph the Northern lights. Due to the unpredictable nature of the Northern lights, we cannot guarantee their appearance, but we will make all attempts to photograph them!
Day 2: Snæfellsnes Peninsula
After a good night's rest and an early breakfast, we'll head north for the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. With multiple scenic stops featuring wild ponies, ice-capped mountain ranges, and golden valleys, this will be an epic 2-hour drive to our destination. We’ll spend the afternoon photographing the famous Kirkjufell mountain. After checking into our next hotel, we'll enjoy a group dinner in the quaint seaside village just 5 miles from Kirkjufell. If the weather allows, we'll spend the night photographing the stars (or the aurora!)
Day 3: Snæfellsnes Points West & Reykjavik
We’ll savor this morning with fresh coffee and breakfast. The third day will be spent photographing the remaining locations on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula (photo walks along the rocky coast, a quiet beach with sea lions, and Búðakirkja, the famous black church). After we fill our memory cards with photos, we’ll make our way back to Reykjavik for a relaxed evening at our central hotel.
Day 4: The South Coast
With an early morning start, the group will enjoy breakfast on the go as we depart for the popular south coast. This 3-4 hour drive will include unbelievable vistas, more ponies, and delicious snacks at one of our favorite bakeries. Arriving in the coastal town of Vik, we’ll check into our luxurious hotel and head out to photograph the black sand beaches. Depending on the weather, we’ll explore cliffside lighthouses or nearby waterfalls.
Day 5: South Coast (continued)
It's a sunny morning this time around, so those willing will wake up to catch the sunrise over the black sand beaches. Afterward, we'll enjoy an incredible breakfast at the hotel before traveling west to photograph two waterfalls (Skógafoss & Seljalandsfoss) and the Sólheimajökull glacier! That evening, we'll return to Reykjavik and enjoy a well-earned night's rest.
Day 6: Relax in Reykjavik: Image Editing & Slideshow
After a whirlwind of motion, we'll settle down in Reykjavik and recharge. After a relaxing breakfast, students can wander around the shopping district, cafes, or local attractions. Around lunchtime, we'll meet and begin sorting through our photos and learn about editing techniques. This 2-3 hour session will be informative, casual, and fun. That evening, we'll go to a popular destination to photograph the stars (or Northern lights!) before returning to our hotel and conclude the workshop.
**Day 7: Optional Excursion (Limit 3)**
We've got a bonus excursion day for those who can't get enough Iceland. For an additional fee, three participants will explore the Reykjanes Peninsula. This lesser-traveled region offers geothermal hot springs, lava rock pools, volcano fields, two lighthouses, and a bridge that spans two continents. We'll wrap up the evening by photographing the stars along the rocky shoreline.
Our exact itinerary will be laid out when optimal weather conditions can be determined.
Conditions can change quickly, so the itinerary below exemplifies what can be expected.
What You'll Learn During the Trip
Experiencing Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes is unforgettable, but we want you to leave with more than just incredible photos. During this trip, we’ll dive into essential photography skills and techniques designed to help you grow as a photographer and create stunning images long after the adventure ends.
+ Learn how to photograph: sweeping landscapes, star filled skies and more!
+ Understand lens choices for landscape and astrophotography.
+ How to photograph the Northern Lights!
+ Best ways to improve and create dynamic compositions.
+ Creating long-exposure images of waves and waterfalls
+ When and why to use filters.
Tuition & Deposit
Total price is $6,595 with a required deposit of $1,325 to secure a spot. After the initial deposit a remaining balance of $5,270 is due. Remaining balances are due 90 days prior to the program start date. Payment plans are available and allow for payments over several months, at no additional cost. Full details can be seen during the registration process. Refunds, due dates, and cancelation information can be seen in the final section below.
Total Price: $6,595 / Deposit: $1,325
What’s Included:
+6 days / 6 nights of personal photo education.
+ Lodging for the entire trip (single occupancy)
+ Transportation throughout the workshop
+ All park entrance fees
+ Breakfasts
+ Group editing session and tutorial
+ Digital Workshop Guide to help prepare for the workshop.
+ One-on-one guidance and instruction.
What’s Not Included:
– Airfare
- Transportation to and from airport
- Travel insurance (recommended).
– Lunches and dinners.
– Tips and incidentals.
Available Add-ons
An additional day of photography (limit 3 participants)
Private transportation to and from airport (KEF)
Hotel upgrades (limited availability)
Early hotel check-in for early arrivals
1:1 virtual lessons to help get prepared
Registration and Lodging Info
An initial deposit of $1,325 is required to reserve your spot.
Payment plans are available for the remaining balance of $5,270
Full tuition is due 90 days prior to class start date.
Please the review Cancelations & Refunds policy below for further details.
Arrival airport:
Keflavík International Airport (KEF).
Our Hotels
All hotel reservations are handled by The Boston Photography Workshops.
The group will be staying at several high quality hotels. All hotels have been visited by the BPW and are comfortable, clean and offer private bathrooms with single occupancy.
Double occupancy can be provided at a discounted rate. Please contact the BPW for more information.
Transportation
During the trip, participants will enjoy a spacious mini van. All park entrance fees are included.
Deposits, Cancellations & Refunds
We understand that attending our workshops requires advance commitment and that unforeseen events can happen that may require you to cancel a workshop. However, international (outside the United States) workshops typically require more planning and expense and longer periods to fill openings due to cancellations. The following cancellation and refund policies apply for international trips, based on the date that The Boston Photography Workshops receive notice of cancellation. Cancellations must be received in writing (e.g., by email).
151 days or more prior to the workshop start date: A full refund of all registration fees paid, including the deposit is available, minus a $200 administrative fee.
150 to 121 days prior to the program start date: 50% of all registration fees paid are forfeited, including the deposit.
120 to 91 days prior to the program start date: 75% of all registration fees paid are forfeited.
90 days or less prior to the start date of the workshop, no refunds will be issued. Your registration and deposit can be used towards other workshops within 2 years time.
In extreme situations, cancellations can be considered on a case-by-case basis. Refunds will be issued as credit for a future classes used within 2 years.
For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Recommended Equipment
During the trip, the group will visit many locations and be presented with various photo opportunities. Amazing images can be made with almost any camera and lens—as photographers often say: “The best camera is the one that you have with you.” To help narrow down your choices, here are some general gear guidelines we recommended.
Digital SLR, or mirrorless camera
Sturdy tripod
Headlamp
Wide angle lens (~10-20mm f2.8 or wider)
Standard zoom lens (~24-70mm)
Telephoto zoom lens (100-400mm)
Neutral Denisty filters
3-5 camera batteries
3-5 memory cards
Laptop computer with editing software
Heavy weight jacket, sturdy shoes, gloves and a winter hat
After registration, students will receive an informational packet with detailed equipment suggestions. At an additional cost, students may also schedule online meetings with our instructors prior to the trip.
Meet the Instructors
Chris Sanchez: Founder of the BPW, Chris has spent more than 12 years taking photographs around the world for work and fun. A lover of all things food-related and astrophotography, Chris usually has more snacks in his bag than lenses but still manages to get great photos. During the trip, if you need a snack... you know who to ask.
Andrew Dion: A Massachusetts native, Andrew discovered his passion for photography during his extensive visits to numerous National Parks across the United States. His love for the outdoors and nature seamlessly aligned with his interest in landscape photography. His love for coffee and espresso are key players in making sure he gets to those early morning sunrises or late night astrophotography sessions
FAQs
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Yes of course. We welcome all students and would gladly have you on board. Please note that any visa or passport fees are your responsibility.
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Most of the destinations we’ve selected require low to moderate physical effort. Being able to carry your own equipment and navigating some rocky ground may be necessary. Very few locations are wheelchair accessible, and most locations DO NOT meet contemporary ADA requirements. We would be happy to discuss your options in detail if you are concerned.
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There are multiple ways to get from the airport to the group hotel, including taxis and buses. The easiest method is purchasing our private shuttle service, which will transfer registered participants from the airport and to the hotel on the first day, as well as vice versa on the last day.”
Flight information MUST be provided in writing no less than 90 days prior to the start of the workshop.
Detailed information including alternative options will be included in the digital packet participants receive after registration.
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During the trip we will be staying at three different hotels. While in Reykjavik the group will enjoy an elegant hotel located in the heart of Reykjavik. While in the north we will stay in a small fishing city with more modest accommodations that are slightly smaller, but still impeccably clean, comfortable, and offer private bathrooms. While in the south we will stay at a premier hotel centrally located in Vik, just minutes away from the black sand beaches.
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Nope! Unlike other photo workshops, the BPW offers single occupancy as our standard booking type. Double occupancy can be made available upon request at an adjusted rate.
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Tuition covers one participant for the workshop. Accompanying persons are welcome but will require full tuition registration
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Although we suggest driving with the group, participants may rent their own vehicle. Please note that students who choose to rent a car are responsible for the respective rates and insurance and park entrance fees. Workshop tuition will not be adjusted.
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A valid and up to date passport is required to enter Iceland. Passports and pertinent travel documents are required at the time of booking. Failure to have required documents will prohibit entry into Iceland and result in failure to participate in the workshop. All required documents are the responsibility of the participants and refunds will not be issued if required documents are not obtained by participants.