Iceland Drone Photo Tour
August 24 to September 2, 2026
The 2024 photo drone tour of Iceland was very successful -- everyone took outstanding images and were thrilled with the experience of photographing this beautiful land from the air. The landscapes of Iceland were created by fire and ice -- hundreds of volcanoes and scores of glaciers have shaped this island nation's character. The result is a spectacular palette of color, texture, form, and sheer beauty.
And seen from an elevated perspective, it is beyond amazing. Just 50 to 100 feet above the ground and the natural world becomes an artist's canvas -- bold graphic design, an incredible interplay of color, breathtaking abstractions, and S-curves galore. Having said that, you don't have to own a drone to participate in this trip because Iceland is stunning from the ground, too.
However, if you have always wanted to learn to fly a drone and to get into this remarkable aspect of photography, you are more than welcome to join the group and learn. Our local guide is a drone expert, and he and Jim will help you return home with outstanding landscapes you never thought possible except from a very expensive helicopter. But even helicopters can't legally fly as low as a drone.
We photograph some of the most beautiful areas of Iceland during the day, and at night we may see the aurora borealis in all its glory. This is a photo tour that shouldn't be missed!
Newbies to drones are welcome on this tour. Even if you don't own a drone now, contact Jim for a recommendation of one that suits you. Iceland is a great place to practice flying a drone because the photographic rewards are so amazing. No special license or permit is required to fly a drone in Iceland at this time.
What you will learn on this photo tour:
How to fly a drone
Shooting HDR from a drone as well as on the ground
The best way to handle contrasty lighting situations
How to use the drone software
A shortcut for the hyperfocal distance formula
The best camera settings for the aurora borealis
How to shoot vertical panos from a drone
How to change the sky in post-processing
Using neutral density filters for moving water
ITINERARY
Day 1, August 24, Monday
You arrive in Iceland on this day and are met by a local representative and transferred about 45 minutes to our hotel in Reykjavik. Most flights arrive very early in the morning, and if you want to gain immediate access to your hotel room you might consider booking a room for the night before. That will guarantee you can check in upon arrival instead of waiting until noon or even later. Overnight Fosshotel, Reykjavik.
Day 2, August 25, Tuesday
We begin today's photography adventure with drama. Almost due east of Reykjavik is the Fjallabak Nature Reserve in Iceland's Highlands. It is at the edge of
the Laugahraun lava field, and it's known as a natural geothermal hot springs area. Visually compelling landscapes are everywhere including several volcanic craters. If you have a drone, the aerial photography is simply overwhelming, but you'll want to photograph it from the ground as well. We will also photograph two amazing waterfalls -- Sigoldufoss and Haifoss -- that will simply take your breath away both on land and from the air. Overnight Highland Center of Hrauneyjar, Hella.
Day 3, August 26, Wednesday
After breakfast we visit more beautiful locations in the Icelandic Highlands. One of the most dramatic subjects for a drone is the Tungna River Delta. The dendritic and serpentine patterns of the waterways are simply stunning. You'll definitely want to print and frame some of these pictures for your home. We
also photograph various fishing lakes and more amazing craters. Overnight Highland Center of Hrauneyjar, Hella.
Day 4, August 27, Thursday
We travel across the Highlands today with wonderful stops at the Eldgja waterfall and the remarkable Langisjor Lakes. Both of these locations are incredibly photogenic, and from a drone the graphic shapes, the colors, and the rich textures are magnificent. Langisjor is a series mountains, inlets, and islands surrounding crystal blue water, and often low clouds embellish the magical scene beautifully. Even during the middle of the day, because Iceland is so far north, the sun is low in the sky creating long shadows and pronounced texture. Overnight Hrifunes Guesthouse in the Highlands.
Day 5, August 28, Friday
Drones are so stable now that you can do long exposures of waterfalls to create that stunning look of artistically softened water. Axlafoss waterfall today is perfect for that. Framed by magnificent green hills, you'll be enthralled by its beauty from both an elevated vantage as well as from the ground. A two-second exposure is ideal. We also drive to remote locations such as Maelifell, Maelifellssandur, and the Holmsa River. These areas offer spectacular landscapes that few tourists to Iceland ever see. At left is our monster vehicle (which looks small from a drone) at Blafjallafoss waterfall. Overnight Hrifunes Guesthouse in the Highlands.
Day 6, August 29, Saturday
Along the south and southeast coast of Iceland there are fantastic landscapes that offer ultra dramatic
imagery. Mulagljufur Canyon could be called the Grand Canyon of Iceland. Covered in green flora, its sheer cliffs, deep gorge, and cascading waterfalls are stunning from both the ground and the air. We also visit the Ice Beach which has large chunks of blue glacial ice on black sand. It's a great place to use ultra wide angle lenses as well as experiment with long exposures to blur the surf swirling around the ice. Nearby we also visit two Glacier Lagoons with outstanding photogenic opportunities to capture artistic abstracts in blue ice. Overnight Hotel Smyrlabjorg, Thjoovegur.
Day 7, August 30, Sunday
We have more great photography today starting with Vestrahorn mountain, a striking landform that can be composed with black lava sand in the foreground. From a drone, you can include the entire curvature
of the black beach with the mountain range in the background. Nearby is Eystrahorn, and the peninsula from which we shoot offers a particularly awesome vantage from a drone. The rugged coastline plus a lone lighthouse make a great foreground. We also have time to photograph Icelandic horses today. Capturing both portraits and action shots is thrilling. Overnight Hotel Smyrlabjorg, Thjoovegur.
Day 8, August 31, Monday
On the beautiful southeast coast, we visit two powerful waterfalls today -- Skogafoss and Seljalandsfoss. From the ground they appear huge and dynamic. From an aerial vantage you can include some of the surrounding area for a great panorama. We also visit Vik and photograph the eerie off-shore rock formation, Reynisdrangar, composed of volcanic basalt. Overnight Hotel Stracta, Vik.
Day 9, September 1, Tuesday
This will be a great day. Some of the best drone photography in the world is in a place is called Braided Rivers. Glacial water runs to the coast in soft mud forming spectacular patterns that are nothing less than works of natural art. The colors and design will keep you engaged for hours; each image will indeed be worthy of wall art. We also visit Thingvellir National Park where we'll photograph deep blue glacial pools, canyons, rock formations, and waterfalls. Later on in the evening we enjoy our farewell dinner. Overnight Fosshotel, Reykjavik.
Day 10, September 2, Wednesday
This morning we transfer to the airport for our return flight home, knowing we've taken perhaps the best nature pictures of our lives.
Tour cost: $9250. Includes 9 nights lodging based on double occupancy, all meals, all ground transportation, airport transfers, entrance fees, photo instruction, and critiques on demand. All our hotels have Wifi, and we also have Wifi in our vehicle.
Single room supplement: $825
Not included: International airfare to and from Iceland, trip cancellation insurance (highly recommended), medical evacuation insurance, items of a personal nature, and alcohol.