May 2026 ICELAND PHOTOGRAPHY and SUSTAINABILITY TOUR: Come learn how photography can change how you see the world…
Join us for a seven-day photography adventure in the Land of Fire, Ice, and Sustainability.
Who should attend? Our Iceland tour is offered for photography enthusiasts of all skill levels who would like to develop their skills with landscape and nature photography in one of the most photogenically captivating countries in the world. The key focus of this program is on your uniqueness and vision as a photographer. What do you see? How do you see yourself, the world around you? How can a photograph tell a story (a story of how you see the world)? This program will invite you to become more aware of a sense of place, the natural world around us, and how you see your (and others’) relationship with our world. During the program, you will connect with inspiringly beautiful natural areas, learn about how Iceland is leading the world on a path toward sustainability, and explore the role you can play in this movement. You will also be challenged and supported in moving beyond simply “taking pictures” to “making photographs” that reflect who you are, what you are passionate about, and how you see the world… If you would like to:
- Explore Iceland’s natural beauty, history and culture
- Learn about Iceland’s commitment to sustainable energy
- Reconnect with our amazing natural world
- Evolve your photography practice by deepening your ability to visualize a story you want to tell before you hit the shutter button, then we invite you to join us for this Icelandic adventure!
- Please contact us if you have questions or would like to discuss details of the program.
What will you do?
During this seven-day photography travel tour of Iceland, you will:
• Experience some of the world’s most alluring landscapes and natural and geological areas, and learn how to take stunning photographs that capture the beauty of this magical land;
• Participate in practical, hands-on photography mini-workshops that unlock secrets to taking stunning landscape/nature photos;
• Master the technical aspects of taking pictures in raw format using manual, aperture, and shutter priority modes;
• Learn and practice the artistic aspects of photography that enable you to create photos that tell a story, including: identifying the hero in your photography composition, and gaining skill with light and color, depth of field, layering, leading lines, etc.
• Explore one of the world’s most remote, geologically unique, and sustainable countries;
• Experience life at Solheimar Eco-village, one of the world’s unique sustainable living communities;
• Experience the Land of Fire and Ice up close and personal;
• Visit Thingvelir National Park – Iceland’s most revered scenic natural treasure and uniquely beautiful site for landscape photography;
• Get to know Hordur and Kristina, Icelandic farmers and friends of CELL, meet their animals, and join them for a traditional Icelandic meal;
• Learn about Iceland’s Viking history, and the culture, language and geography that has shaped who Icelanders are today;
Visit an authentic Icelandic turf house farm, learn about Iceland’s historically vernacular architecture, and meet Hannes and Brindis, artists and historians, who are keeping this history alive;
• Learn about what you can do to live more lightly on our planet and make a commitment to doing so…
You may also learn some post-processing strategies, develop a beginning portfolio of your Iceland images, and learn how to share your photos with others.
When will we go? May 23 to 30, 2025
What is the itinerary? The following is a tentative schedule:
Day One (Saturday, May 23, 2025): Depart BWI (or other airport of your choice) for Keflavik Iceland. Note: As Iceland Air (as well as other airlines) fly from multiple cities in the U.S., it is possible for you to fly from a different location as long as you arrive in Iceland in the early morning of May 24.
Day Two (Sunday, May 24): Arrive in Iceland (Keflavik Airport) – 6:00 a.m. Icelandic time. Meet up as a group by the Information Kiosk in the Icterminal; have quick introductions. Load up van. Light breakfast in Keflavik. Photography site visits to Sundhnúksgígar volcano crater on Reykjanes Peninsula, Hvalsneskirkja Church, Hafnarberg Sea Cliffs, Bridge Between Two Continents, and Gunnuhver Hot Springs. Visit the National Museum of Iceland. Lunch in Reykjavik. Walking tour of Reykjavik. Take photos at the Viking sculpture along the waterfront of Reykjavik. Travel to Solheimar Eco-village (also check out this video link). Settle into rooms at Veghus Guest House. Dinner at Solheimar. Mini-Photography Workshop 1: How to make your photos sing: (Nature and Landscape Composition tips). To bed early. Focus questions for the day: What is sustainability anyway? How has Iceland’s culture and geography helped to shape who Icelanders are today? What are some landscape and composition tips I can practice during this trip?
Day Three (Monday, May 25): Breakfast at Veghus Guest House. Morning meeting at Solheimar with community. Mini-photography Workshop 2: How to make your photos sing part two: (Subject and Story). Tour of Solheimar Ecovillage and photo shoot. Lunch at Solheimar. Mini-photography Workshop 3: How to make your photos sing – Landscape photography tips. Visit Thingvellir National Park with focus on the history and geology of this iconic park with individual photo shooting time. Enjoy a traditional Icelandic music presentation at Solheimar eco-village after dinner. Share photos of the day. Focus questions for the day: What is an eco-village? How is Solheimar a unique eco-village? What did you discover about Iceland’s history and culture from our visit to Thingvellir National Park? How does the subject you focus on and the story you want to tell merge to make a dynamic photograph? What most surprised or excited you today?
Day Four (Tuesday, May 26): Morning Meeting at Solheimar. Mini-Photography Workshop 4: How to make you photos sing: (It’s all about light). Visit Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant, hike to Hveragerdi hot springs or visit – Raufarhólshellir Lava Tunnel to take unique photos below ground. Tour an authentic Icelandic farm and have a traditional Icelandic dinner with an Icelandic farm family and friends of CELL. Focus questions for the day: Is geothermal power a sustainable energy source in Iceland , in the U.S., and beyond? In what ways is Iceland leading the world on a path toward sustainable energy? What differences did you notice about the Icelandic farm we visited from farms in the U.S.? What are you discovering about light and its relationship to making photos that sing? Share photos.
Day Five (Wednesday, May 27): Mini-Photography Workshop 5: Putting it all together (a good photo has five ingredients: light, composition, story, perspective, and mood). Meet up with the Hekluskogar reforestation project near Mt. Hekla to plant tree saplings that will offset the carbon we emit from our travel. Note: Planting trees enables us to help remediate Iceland’s number one environmental issue – soil erosion, while also reducing our carbon footprint through carbon these trees will sequester over their lifetime. Have a bag lunch at the tree planting site near Mt. Hekla. Visit Hjálparfoss waterfall near Mt. Hekla for photo shoot. Visit Burfell Hydropower station and the Viking Longhouse. Focus questions for the day: How do trees sequester carbon and how does the tree planting we did today reduce our carbon footprint from our travel? How else can we individually and collectively reduce our carbon footprint at home? What inspired you today? What did you discover about integrating the five components of making dynamic photos (i.e. light, composition, subject/story, perspective, and mood)? Share photos from today.
Day Six (Thursday, May 28): Morning Meeting at Solheimar. Mini-Photography Workshop 6: Put together a thematic set of photos related to a topic of your choice (e.g. sustainability, energy, inspiring landscapes, beauty of nature, etc.). Visit Gulfoss and Geyser for photo shoot. Tour of Islenski baerinn turf house with a talk by Hannes (artist and historian) on traditional Icelandic vernacular architecture seen through the eyes if a passionate artist. Focus questions for the day: What is the role of vernacular architecture in sustainability? How were traditional Viking turf houses sustainable? How can photography be a tool for inspiring people to live sustainably and protect our environment? How is the celebration of natural beauty an act of activism? How are we a part of nature and nature a part of us? What inspires you and how do you share this inspiration with others? Celebration dinner. Share photos of the day with group.
Day Seven (Friday, May 29): Trip to Heimaey Westman Islands for Puffins, Volcano, Landscape, and Seascape photography. Note: We will take a ferry out to Heimaey and explore this beautiful remote island. Focus questions for the day: How can photography be a tool for inspiring people to live sustainably and protect our environment? How are we a part of nature and nature a part of us? What inspires you, and how do you share this inspiration with others? What is your favorite photo of the day?
Day Eight (Saturday, May 30): Breakfast at Solheimar. Photography Workshop 6: When to break the rules. Sharing of favorite photos from trip and why you like them (e.g. what you creatively saw, composition strategies you employed, etc.). Visit Geysir and Gulfoss. Visit Kerid Volcano. Return to airport by 3:00 p.m. for flight(s) home.
What camera equipment should you bring? We recommend bringing the following: a digital SLR or mirrorless camera (a phone camera is also an option); a sturdy, portable tripod; a day pack to carry your camera equipment, layers of clothes, rain gear, lunch, water bottle, etc.; several SD cards; extra batteries and charger; camera manual; and a wide-angle lens (e.g. in the 15 to 35mm focal length range). A workhorse lens, like a 24mm to 120mm, or similar, could also be an option. Additional equipment to consider bringing: ND filters, a remote shutter release if your camera doesn’t have an auto-timer, and additional lenses (zoom, macro, for example). We also strongly encourage you to bring a laptop computer with post-processing software, such as Lightroom. We will provide a detailed equipment list of what to bring for personal gear.
What level of physical fitness is required? You will get the most out of this experience if you are in adequate physical condition (e.g. able to walk 2 miles on moderate terrain carrying a day pack with your camera, rain gear, and water bottle). We will not be taking long, rigorous hikes; however, you should be comfortable walking a mile or more to get the most out of this experience.
Who are we? Dave Oakes and his wife, Sue, are co-founders of the Center for Ecological Living and Learning (CELL), a nonprofit inspiring vision and action for sustainable living. Dave has a doctorate in environmental education, is a former Professor of Environmental Education at Unity College in Maine and Principia College in Illinois, has been offering educational learning adventures in Iceland for seventeen years, and is passionate about stewarding our beautiful green and blue planet. He loves landscape and wildlife photography and has a passion for Iceland: its culture, history and commitment to sustainability. Dave was the 2025 Gaithersburg Camera Club Digital Photographer of the year. Here’s a link to CELL’s website.
What to know about Iceland?
•It is one of the most eco-friendly and photographically interesting countries in the world.
•Iceland was the last place on Earth to be settled by humans.
•It has a 99% renewable energy supply, utilizing, primarily, geothermal and hydropower.
• Many Icelanders believe in elves and trolls – adding to the magic and wonder of this mystical country and culture.
• You can swim outdoors in hot springs all year round: something we may experience.
• About 11% of Iceland is covered in glaciers, including the 3rd largest glacier in the world – Vatnajokull.
• Iceland has over 600 hot springs and volcanoes.
• Iceland’s weather is unpredictable and can change suddenly. Icelanders, like New Englanders, say: “If you don’t like the weather, wait five minutes.” They also say: “There is no bad weather, just bad clothing.” If you are interested in attending, we will provide plenty of additional details on what to expect and what to bring on this learning adventure.
What are the Costs?
$3,900 per person (which includes all in-country food, lodging, travel, and activity fees). Does not include round trip airfare (approximately $500- $600 as of 2025 prices). This price also includes 2 people per room. Contact us if you would like a private room.
How big is the group? The program is limited to 12 participants. This group size enables us to have a close-knit relationship and to give individual attention to each participant.
How and When should I apply? Iceland is an increasingly popular travel destination, and we anticipate that this program will be popular as well. As we are limiting our group size to 12 participants, we recommend that you apply early so as to reserve a spot. To apply, please drop us an e-mail or text us or give us a call at the number below, and we will set a time to have an informal interview to ensure that the program is a right fit for you. Once accepted into the program, we require a $500 deposit to reserve your spot. The deposit is applied to the overall cost of the program.
Past Participant Testimonials:
“I highly recommend the CELL program and its energetic, knowledgeable leader for an enriching experience way beyond that of a typical tourist agenda. I cannot believe how much we learned and how much we saw in that one week!” – Judy
“I started this trip somewhat hesitantly, not really knowing what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed the other-than-photography events focused on awareness and sustainability. Highlights for me were, of course, the photographic opportunities. But more so the tree planting event, and the interactions, including memorable dinners, with a local farmer and a collector of antiques and restorer of Icelandic history.” – Sabine
“I highly recommend this wholesome Icelandic experience – ecological features, sustainability efforts, visiting Icelandic families and plenty of photographic opportunities at iconic and exclusive places including photoshooting puffins.” – Anis
For more information or to book a reservation, contact Dave Oakes, Founder and Director of CELL: 16320 Decker Place, Derwood, MD 20855; email: dave@cellonline.org; or telephone: (207) 230-4025. Let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
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How do CELL Custom Programs work?
CELL works with individuals, or a group, to offer unique, domestic and international learning adventures to inspiringly beautiful locations. Our programs are more than sight-seeing travel excursions. During a CELL program, you will have an adventure of a lifetime while becoming immersed in local cultures, learning about the history that has helped to shape your host country, learn about ecology while exploring a tropical rainforest, learn about geology while visiting a volcano or glacier, learn about conservation while helping tag endangered sea turtles, learn about the principles of sustainability while living in an eco-village, learn how one life, your life, can make a BIG difference in the world through committing to taking action when you return home. A CELL program will transform how you view yourself and your relationship with others and your natural world. Regarding logistics, CELL takes care of logistical and travel arrangements, in-country lodging and food, teaching and guiding, etc. This enables you to focus on having an adventure of a lifetime.
CELL Iceland Photography and Sustainability Travel Programs
We also offer tailored adult travel programs to Iceland, within the U.S., and to other countries.
If you are interested in a sustainability, photography, or unique cultural and environmental adventure in the United States or internationally, contact us and we’d be happy to have a conversation and design a program tailored to your needs and interests.
For more information or to explore possibilities, contact Dave Oakes, Founder and Director of CELL: 16320 Decker Place, Derwood, MD 20855; email: dave@cellonline.org; or telephone: (207) 230-4025. Let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!
Who are we?
The Center for Ecological Living and Learning’s (CELL’s) mission is to inspire a vision and action for sustainable living. We have been bringing groups on educational learning adventures to Iceland and other countries for twenty years – focusing on a theme of sustainability through community. In addition to offering an adventure of a lifetime, a CELL program will inspire you to return home and employ what you have learned through implementing sustainability initiatives in your home and community. Here’s a link to CELL’s website. The founders of CELL, Dave and Sue Oakes, have over twenty years of experience leading education programs abroad.