Join US in Iceland October 2026 - Dates Releasing in January 2026
The journey of photography has opened my eyes to the exquisite wonder of magical places - like Iceland. I love the way the artistic practice of photography + travel provides an almost transcendent opportunity to be fully present. Travel unleashes our creativity. I have visited Iceland multiple times (4 times in the past 5 years) and have forged some amazing relationships amid the magical places of Iceland. In July 2024, along with my partner Chicago photographer, Lisa FitzSimons, we led a small group of females through travel adventures, photography skill development and creative endeavors experiencing the one-of-a-kind Icelandic landscape along side one another.
I am passionate about supporting photographers wherever they are on their journey as creative entrepreneurs. Whether you are a photography hobbyist or working to transition into full-time photography or a seasoned professional there is something for everyone to revitalize your creativity and advance your skills during this Icelandic experience. Amazing immersive activities...
- Opportunities to connect with Icelandic horses to capture one-of-a kind images
- Styled shoots with a beautiful local model and portraits with one another
- Storytelling focused photography lead by our team as you immerse in the beautiful the Icelandic culture.
- Capture the essence and spirit of Iceland in photos -its fire and ice. Iceland is home to abundant dramatic waterfalls, glaciers, black sand beaches, hot spring lagoons, caves, canyons and diverse rugged terrain. The beloved and friendly Icelandic horses will win your heart!
- One-on-one support
- Guided creative sessions: we will explore alternative photographic mediums
- Opportunities for adventure, socializing, soul enrichment and lots of laughter
WHAT'S INCLUDED
- 5-days, 4-nights (lodging included)
- Roundtrip Airport Transfers
- Daily Photography Workshops
- Daily Breakfasts
- Lunches on tour days
- Three Dinners
- Personal bar with drinks and snacks at country hotel
- Private use of sauna, basalt pool and other wellness amenities
- Private Guided Tour on the South Coast
- Private Guided Day Tour of Golden Circle
- A visit to a lagoon
- All Entrance Fees
- Transfers to/from airport on arrival and departure day
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
- International airfare in/out of Keflavik International Airport (KEF)
- Drinks or meals not mentioned above (1 dinner in Reykjavik on the first night)
- Gratuities for Icelandic tour guide (at your discretion)
- Souvenirs or any extras
- Extension trips or pre/post night bookings
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Experience Level
This retreat is perfect for anyone who loves travel, has a sense of adventure and creativity paired with your photography journey. All levels of photographers are welcome as everyone will elevate their skill level during this retreat.
Activity Level
Activity level will be moderate - walking - generally covering a couple miles over the course of each day exploring.
Course Curriculum
Most instruction will occur in the field as well as in the luxury accommodations
What to Expect
Flights to Iceland may surprise as you as it's closer than you might imagine. For example, from Chicago the flight duration is about 5 hours! We will stay in the city (Reykjavik) on our first night and have activities planned to hit the ground running to overcome jet lag! On the morning of the second day we will travel and visit popular Golden Circle spots like the famous locations you may be familiar with as well as secret and hidden treasures that locals love. Our second accommodation selection is an award-winning luxury resort where we will stay for 3 nights.. You will find the tranquillity and mesmerizing scenery otherworldly. It offers geothermically-heated basalt stone hot pools and horses are nearby!
We will work with filters, long exposures for waterfalls, compositions, self portraits and more. We will create a WhatsApp group for communication and have a private FaceBook group for trip planning and questions prior to our departure and to continue our friendship beyond the retreat time.
Our Background
I am a professional photographer with a unique niche: concert photography. I have been published in Milwaukee Magazine and Denver Entertainment Hub with live music imagery and have photographed live performances by Green Day, Imagine Dragons, Foo Fighters, Lord Huron, Hozier and NEEDTOBREATHE to name a few. I have also been honored to have my photographs appear on the lovely pages of Bella Grace magazine. One of my photos was on the coveted cover of the quarterly journal of black and white photography: Shots Magazine. My work has also been featured in Inspired, a magazine published by The National Association of Child Photographers.
Lisa FitzSimons is a Wilmette, Illinois based family and senior photographer. Her personalized and engaging approach with her clients creates an environment that makes the entire family at ease. Her creative style is full of light, capturing the individual personalities of all within the frame.
She is slightly obsessed with the combination of natural and studio light and the creative blending of light can do! She shoots portraits in the Northern Suburbs of Chicago throughout the year and in Harbor Springs, Michigan during the month of July.
