PAST WORKSHOP: ICELAND February 2023

Our Winter 2023 Workshop in Iceland began with a trip to the thermal baths — to enjoy soothing hot water, views of the ocean and a seven-step spa treatment to wash away our jet lag. We were re-energized for what was to be an exciting first night in Iceland. At the lodge that evening, the owner appeared during dinner. Tapping a wine glass with a fork he said, “Ladies and Gentlemen, we have lights!” Everyone immediately left dinner on the table and rushed outside to see the northern lights. They grew more beautiful and dramatic each night of our first three in Iceland. By the third night, we had pinpointed the perfect locations to get great shots.

So began our adventures across Southern Iceland, with nine people in our wifi-equipped Mercedes van. There was a mojo between us from the get-go. Maybe it was seeing the northern lights on the very first night. Perhaps it was that everyone was so game and positive about the discovery of great photography, amazing landscapes and new friends.

Each day brought something new and amazing to see and experience, leaving us wondering what could top the day before, from jaw-dropping waterfalls with rainbows to dramatic black-sand beaches to hiking through glacial ice caves..

On the evening before the last day, Gary’s familiar refrain was a little grizzly. “Tomorrow, we are wheels up at 3:30 am for sunrise on Diamond Beach!” Game and positivity had to step up that day. Making great pictures is not for the faint of heart. Sometimes nature will deliver and sometimes she will turn her back on you. That day she smiled. Within a few minutes of each other, we saw sunrise on Diamond Beach and a stunning moonset over Jokulsarlon glacier lagoon. (see Gary’s hero image on the homepage). Those views, a few snacks from a country store and a nap got us back to the lodge in a fine mood with some stunning photos — and time for a soak in the hot tub before dinner.

TESTIMONIALS:

Thank you to Santa and Gary for such a magical trip. You created a wonderful itinerary and then flexed it as needed. You met us each at our level of expertise and moved us forward in our study of photography. And you were relaxed when we were running low on energy. Thank you for all the beauty, adventure, friendship and laughter. It was a week we will never forget.

-K.S.

Having been fortunate enough to travel to many places in the world it's rare to say that a travel experience is 100% perfect. There always seems to be a hiccup along the way. But I can assure you that was not the case when I joined Santa and Gary for the trip of a lifetime in Iceland.

From the moment we landed and ended up in a thermal lagoon to our final hours, every experience had a 'wow' factor. They coordinated the trip perfectly with a local guide, adjusted schedules when need be, and gave us plenty of professional photography tips with their expertise.

I am left with one question: When can we go back?

-G.D.

 Iceland, the land of FIRE & ICE, is a once in a lifetime trip.
If you want to experience all of its natural beauty, days of transformational experiences, wonderful food, a boutique hotel environment in a small group setting and learn how to document all of it with photography tips on your phone or camera then travel with gracious, fun and knowledgeable hosts Gary and Santa Bogdon.

You will come back with awe and wonder in your heart and the photographic proof to share and last a lifetime!

-D.L.

Workshop participant Gallery