It has been a couple of weeks since I returned from a very successful photographic workshop in Iceland. I’m happy to report everyone in the group had a wonderful time and from the images I have seen so far they have some great images to go with their memories of the place. Landing back in the UK was a bit of a culture shock it has to be said, from the 320,000 or so population of Iceland to over 8 million(!) of London one has to make quite a sudden adjustment. By my guess there were more people at the airport than the whole of Iceland! There has been little time to rest or process many of the images from the trip though due to other project deadlines taking precedence…such is the glamorous lifestyle of the professional photographer!

For the duration of the workshop the island was in the midst of its vivid autumnal display. It’s hard to put a finger on the most spectacular of the locations because of this but certainly seeing the swath of colour stretching out across the continental divide (between European and American plates) at Þingvellir (Thingvellir) with mountains shrouded in clouds in the distance has to be up there near the top of the list.

Autumn colours across the continental divide at Thingvellir

Another favourite moment was thanks to Iceland’s location in the North Atlantic a direct result of which is the changeable and sometimes turbulent weather, “if you don’t like the weather just wait 5 minutes” never held so much truth. Whilst most heavy showers occurred when driving to or from a location, only once did we all beat a hasty retreat seeking the shelter of the minibus. Well, nearly all of us. A quick stop off at the famed Jokulsarlon Iceberg Lagoon in overcast conditions resulted in the monolithic icebergs glowing incredible vivid blues against the dull grey background, undoubtedly more interesting than in the full glare of direct sunlight. Just as the rain started one group member remained steadfast in photographing this colourful transformation despite such inclement conditions. In my roll as workshop leader I stayed to help fine tune her composition and shield the front of the lens as it started to hammer down – my workshop co-leader in the meantime had taken the initiative and discovered the electric seat warmers in the minibus. All can say is it was lovely to find pre-warmed seats when we climbed in, if a little wet!

Glowing icebergs at Jokulsarlon in a heavy downpour

Highlights of the week were the autumn colours, the ooh’s and aah’s (and the occasional scream!) of delight as possibly one of the strongest northern lights displays I have ever seen danced overhead and the excellent and enlightening company of all the members of the group that made our job as leaders enjoyable.

I am very much looking forwards to our next trip to Iceland in March 2013 as well as a few new locations currently being researched.