Project Description
Location: Iceland
Duration: 4 nights / 5 days
Group Size: Max 7
Level of fitness required: Easy
Iceland is not only famous for its wild and beautiful landscape, but also for its spectacular wildlife.
During this workshop we will be venturing out into the West of Iceland to photograph Orcas from a private boat. At this time of year the Killer whales head into the fjord feeding on millions of herring. We will have two days out on the private boat for opportunities to photograph these impressive creatures from close quarters – all within spectacular mountain landscape. You will also get the chance of photographing Gannets and Fulmars from the boat.
We will also be visiting several areas of coastline to capture images of birds that inhabit Iceland’s dramatic sea cliffs. Images of soaring fulmars against a mountain backdrop and waterfalls as well as opportunities to photograph other bird species such as kittiwakes, Eider ducks, Great Northern Diver and Red Throated Diver.
Guidance and tuition on how to get the best from each situation will be available throughout the workshop from our professional photographer Ben Hall.
We’ve also made this adventure easy to enjoy with an inclusive package that includes your flights, transfers and accommodation. In all, five days of truly spectacular wildlife photography adventure.
Recommended equipment
The distance of the Orcas from the boat can vary but it is possible to get within several meters, in which case a wide-angle can be used to good effect to show the animals in context. Most bird species are fairly approachable so we would recommend a focal length of between 300mm and 500mm.
Also during this trip we will have the opportunity to venture out in the evening and photograph the Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights as its most commonly know. The Aurora Borealis are discharged particles from the sun that pass through the magnetic shield of earth and create light when they mix with atoms and molecules such as nitrogen and oxygen gases on entering into the earth’s atmosphere. These particles travel 152 million kms or 96 million miles through space towards planet earth being drawn towards the earth’s magnetic north and south polar regions.
During periods of strong solar flares the light becomes extremely dynamic producing swirls and flash patterns throughout the sky. The colours merge and flash from greens, reds, yellows and violets. The sight is awe inspiring. The Aurora Borealis is one of the most incredible natural phenomenon’s you will ever witness and we will be with you every step of the way to capture it all.
Your tutor for this workshop is Ben Hall. Ben is one of Britain’s foremost wildlife photographers. His personal approach to nature photography lies in the creative art of ‘seeing’. His aim is to use his pictures to communicate his personal vision, to generate an emotional response and to excite the viewer’s aesthetic sensitivity. He is described by “Living Edge” magazine as ‘a passionate and experienced wildlife photographer, with a perfectionist’s eye for detail’. Ben’s work is represented by Getty images, RSPB Images and Naturepl and is sold worldwide.
Ben specialises in bird and mammal photography and has won numerous international awards including category wins in the British Wildlife Photography Awards and the Windland Smith Rice International Awards. In 2009 he was named ‘Geographical’ Photographer of the Year. He is a regular contributor to clients as diverse as BBC Wildlife, PhotoPlus magazine, Digital SLR User, Photography Monthly and many more. He has appeared on numerous radio and television programmes including BBC’s Walk on The Wild Side and is a member of the 2020VISION photo team. Ben has just finished writing his first book, Wildlife Photography Workshop, which he co-authored with Ross Hoddinott.
Accommodation
During our Wildlife Iceland photography tour we will be staying at Hotel Framnes situated by the seaside with impressive views of the fjord and Icelandic mountains with the Snæfellsjökull Glacier only a short drive away.
Hotel Framnes offers spacious en-suite rooms with free Wi-Fi and seating area with TV. All rooms at Framnes Hotel have tea and coffee facilities. Each room boasts views of either the mountains or the sea.
The fully-licensed restaurant and bar seats up to 60 guests and serves home baked bread, fresh seafood delicacies and Icelandic lamb dishes and a good selection of vegetarian options.
For relaxation guests can make the use of the sauna, hot tub and massage chair.
All m
onies paid by you for the air holiday package shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is ATOL 6404. For more information see our booking terms and conditions.
