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Where the Earth Breathes - Northern Iceland Photography Tour

  • 03rd - 10th October, 2026

  • £4,649.00 / £650.00 Deposit

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Our Northern Iceland photography tour - away from the crowds with curious lava formations, geothermal activity, tundra autumn colours and mighty waterfalls - will take place in October 2026 and will be led by Niall Benvie.

Northern Iceland is a world away from the crowds and noise of the southern beaches and lagoons. Its charm is quieter, yet all around, there is evidence of a landscape that is anything but placid. The forces that have shaped - and continue to shape - the south are no less potent here. During 25 Iceland tours, I have seen much of the country, yet the area around Lake Mývatn remains one of my absolute favourites. From the Höfði peninsula’s dwarf woodland to the great pseudo-craters by the lake, this region offers an ever-shifting palette of textures and moods for photography.

Tags: Northern Iceland Photography Tour | Iceland Travel Photography Holiday | Northern Iceland Landscape Photography

Where the Earth Breathes - Northern Iceland Photography Tour

Where the Earth Breathes - Northern Iceland Photography Tour
The lake itself is shallow - on average just 2.5m deep - and is fed mostly from beneath by glacial meltwater, with additional geothermal input from the nearby Krafla volcanic area. In summer, this combination fuels a rich ecosystem that draws waterfowl from across the Arctic. In colder seasons, geothermal activity transforms the land into a steaming, surreal world of frozen ground and drifting mist. These elemental forces are revealed in the Hverfjall tephra crater, the sulphur springs and bubbling mud pools of Hverir, and the surreal lava formations of Dimmuborgir, just a short walk from where we stay. Here, arches and spires of rock shelter scattered birch and willow, and we’ll be looking for rock ptarmigan amongst the undergrowth. Visiting on the cusp of winter, we may just as easily encounter the first snowfall as we might a mosaic of lingering autumn colour.

Iceland Photography Tour
Northern Iceland Landscape Photography Tour
Northern Iceland Landscape Photography

With Mývatn close by, we can quickly nip out when the aurora appears, using the lake’s still surface for stunning reflections. Weather permitting, we’ll make day-long sorties into the Highlands, where experience has taught us how to offer guests a real taste of the interior - without the risks of staying overnight. Among the highlights is the breathtaking Dettifoss, one of Europe’s most powerful waterfalls. Yet we’re equally drawn to quieter, lesser-known cascades like Hrafnabjargafoss and Aldeyjarfoss, each offering extraordinary visual drama. Alongside these, we’ll explore the Krafla geothermal power station and its nearby volcanic crater with its vivid turquoise lake - reminders that Iceland is still being shaped in real time.

This is not just a land of fire and ice, but also of human resilience and adaptation. Across the region, we'll find old farmsteads and cultural landmarks that offer context and contrast to the wild terrain. For a sweeping perspective, we’ll head up Hlíðarfjall, from where the full drama of this remarkable landscape unfolds. This tour combines grand spectacle with atmospheric detail - ideal for photographers who want to go beyond the expected and experience Iceland at its most compelling.

Tour includes hotel accommodation in Reykjavik on 2 October.

Places on this tour are limited to 6.

  • Included

    • Accommodation - single occupancy

    • Breakfasts

    • Airport transfers from recommended flights

    • Transport during the tour

    • Tuition from Niall Benvie

  • Excluded

    • Flights

    • Meals not mentioned

    • Insurance

Tutored By

Tutored by Niall Benvie

Niall Benvie
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Luxury Editions

Essentially, a Luxury Editions tour is an exclusive micro learning group with five star tuition and treatment in all aspects of the tour. Each year a small number of ‘Luxury Editions’ tours will run where the group numbers no more than four photographers per tutor. Here the learning approach is more intensive where the leader is able to offer constant ‘hands-on guidance’ allowing them an opportunity to work in depth with each individual photographer in addition to working with the group on a collective basis. In addition to this, the accommodation will be of a high standard and special extras will be included. These tours are only taught by our long standing leaders who have years of experience and are highly sought after. If you would like to join a Luxury Edition tour, then the requirement would simply be a complete understanding of the workings of the camera and the desire and commitment needed to attend the workshop.

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Off the Beaten Track

Our 'Off the Beaten Track' tours cater for those more adventurous photographers who would like to get off the beaten track and explore roads untrodden or delve into the culture of a place. Groups are small and you can be assured that although the tour leader will have an in-depth knowledge of the location, you may veer off track if an unplanned photography opportunity presents itself! The tuition is five star on these tours. The accommodation varies on these tours from mid range hotels, shared cabins on a ship to basic and clean camps. Our priority is to get you to the best locations in time for the best shot and if this means camping half way up a mountain then so be it! Our 'Off the Beaten Track' tutors will have experience and knowledge of the area, so you can be assured that you will be completely taken care off to allow you to concentrate on that award winning image. If you would like to join an ‘Off the Beaten Track’ tour, then a good knowledge of your camera would be an advantage, but not essential, and the desire and commitment needed to attend the workshop. We do also ask that you have a good level of fitness as these tours could involve a large amount of walking. Check each tours description for requirements.

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Classic

Our Classic tours are aimed at those who wish to discover unique locations, but at a more leisurely pace than the Off the Beaten Track tours. There will be ample time to immerse yourself in the location and spend time on your photography. Classic tours also focus on sunrise and sunset (which are optional for those who like to sleep in!) and have a slightly larger group size (max 8 per tutor) to allow the social side of photography to be appreciated. Tuition is five star and hotels are mid-high range depending on the tour. Every classic tour is different so do refer to the tour description for details of accommodation and locations visited. If you would like to join a ‘Classic’ tour, then a good knowledge of your camera would be an advantage, but not essential, and the desire and commitment needed to attend the workshop. Fitness levels required vary depending on the tour so do check the exertion level under the description tab.

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City Tours

Interested in architectural photography or street photography? Do you get a buzz from photographing city life? Then a city tour is for you. We have a range of tours catering to various styles of photography including People/Street, Intentional Camera Movement, Iphoneography or Architectural photography. Tours range in length from weekend breaks, ideal for those who don’t have may days holiday left, or longer tours to allow yourself to truly explore the city. Our tutors have an in-depth knowledge of the location and will take you to undiscovered spots to ensure you come away with a varied selection of images that you are proud of. If you would like to join a ‘City’ tour, the requirement would simply be a complete understanding of the workings of the camera and the desire and commitment needed to attend the workshop. Fitness levels required vary depending on the tour so do check the exertion level under the description tab.

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In a Day

Only got one day to spare or have already used up your ‘holiday’ budget? Join one of our ‘In a Day’ photography workshops and we will provide you with the knowledge, the views and the techniques for making the most of the light. You will go away not only having met some like minded people but most importantly having learnt something new and exciting about photography. You only need to bring a camera and an open mind! Our photography workshops are ideal for all levels of photographer from beginner to advanced. Please note these one day workshops are exclusive of VAT, this will be applied at the rate of 20% at the checkout.

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Easy - most locations are arrived at by vehicle, and most subjects and viewpoints are within easy reach. No particular level of fitness is required.

Moderate - these tours involve some walking, perhaps sometimes in towns, or on well developed trails. There may be a limited amount of uphill walking. Please advise if you have any fitness concerns.

Strenuous - these are tours which may include demanding levels of walking, including some prolonged or steep ascents and descents. Rough terrain (off the beaten track) may well be encountered. A reasonable level of fitness is required for these trips.

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