Absolutely! Whether you’re accompanying a photography enthusiast or simply drawn to Iceland’s awe-inspiring landscapes and cultural richness, you are more than welcome to join us.

This photo tour is designed to be immersive and inclusive, offering much more than just photography. Over the years, we’ve had many non-photographers travel with us — spouses, partners, and curious explorers — all of whom found the journey deeply fulfilling and memorable. As long as you enjoy nature, beautiful scenery, and don’t mind the occasional early start or late outing to chase the best light, you’ll have a wonderful time.

Even if you’re not behind the lens, there’s so much to experience: witnessing Iceland’s dramatic landscapes, exploring charming villages, engaging with local culture, and soaking in the ever-changing light that makes this country so magical. On previous tours, I’ve often spent hours simply walking, observing, and connecting with the surroundings — moments that can be just as meaningful as capturing the perfect photograph.

So don’t worry — you won’t be left out. There’s truly a place for everyone on this journey.

This is especially a cold-weather trip, and your packing should reflect that. We’ll be in Iceland during October, when the weather isn’t extremely harsh-but it can change quickly as Iceland has some of the most unpredictable weather in the world. It’s wise to come prepared as if for a mountain trip. Dress in layers, like an onion: start with technical T-shirts, add a warm down jacket, and top it off with a windproof and waterproof outer shell. A reliable pair of hiking shoes or boots is essential, especially when photographing on sandy beaches or near water. Thermal base layers, gloves, and a warm hat are also strongly recommended. We might adjust the travel plan depending on weather conditions, but we’ll always do our best to follow the itinerary and make the most of each day.

The golden rules:

Pack light and layer smartly. Temperatures can vary drastically throughout the day, and it’s not uncommon to experience the equivalent of all four seasons in one. Your best strategy is to wear lightweight, breathable layers that you can easily add or remove depending on the conditions.

A down jacket, thermal base layers, waterproof outerwear, and insulated footwear are crucial. If you plan to engage in snow activities or spend time in wet conditions, waterproof shoes, gloves, a windproof scarf, and snow gear are recommended.

You’ll find below our suggested packing list. For more detailed recommendations and weather-specific guidance, please refer to the Packing List provided after booking confirmation.

Suggested Packing List

• Waterproof winter jacket with hood (for extreme cold)
• Lightweight multiple inner layers (4–7 warm, breathable layers recommended)
• Wind/waterproof heavy-duty hiking pants
• Comfortable snow boots or waterproof hiking boots
• Thermal socks and long thermal underwear (feet always get cold first, undertaking night photography)
• Warm hat, wool cap, and thermal gloves
• Backup gloves (especially if playing with snow)
• A scarf or windproof neck cover
• Sunglasses (plus a spare)
• Sunscreen and lip balm (high UV exposure at altitude)
• Thermoflask and 1L water bottle/case
• Hand and feet warmers (throw-away or electronic)
• Wet tissues and personal hygiene supplies
• Basic personal medications (headache, fever, stomach upset, etc.)
• Insurance confirmation copies and emergency contact info
• Money pouch or travel belt
• Backpack with waterproof cover
• Headlamp or flashlight: A head torch with a red light is perfect for preserving night vision. Look for one that’s USB-rechargeable.
• Optional: Mask for wind/dust protection

Tip: Don’t overpack! Focus on practical, compact clothing. We’ll have luggage transfers arranged during hotel stays, but you’ll still want to travel light to stay agile.

You should bring cameras, a laptop (for editing in free time), and a head torch. These kinds of things instantly spring to mind. Once you confirm your booking with a 30% deposit, we will send you all the information you need to fully prepare yourself for this epic journey.

This is just an idea about the suggested camera and accessories:

Camera

• DSLR / Mirrorless Camera – It’s recommended to bring along one or two DSLR or Mirrorless digital cameras. Whether you choose a full-frame or crop sensor model, your camera should ideally handle high ISO levels with low noise. If your camera struggles at a maximum ISO of 1600, it may be worth investing in a more modern option, preferably with low-light capabilities and clean high-ISO operation. Preferably weather-sealed.

Lenses

Lens choice is a deeply personal decision because we all “see” the world differently. Some photographers naturally gravitate toward wide-angle lenses, while others prefer medium or telephoto lenses, having trained their eyes to compose scenes in those focal lengths.
Here are our general recommendations for lenses to bring:

Wide Angle: A fast ultra-wide-angle lens such as a 14mm f/2.8. Faster lenses offer the advantage of letting in an extra 1-2 stops of light, meaning that you will be able to reduce your ISO and shutter speed for higher detail in your exposure. Prime wide lenses will allow you to capture as much of the sky as possible, though zoom lenses will give you more flexibility in framing. A fast wide-angle lens (14mm–24mm) is essential, especially if you plan to shoot the night sky. Look for a lens with a maximum aperture of f/2.8 or faster to handle low-light situations effectively.

Standard Zoom: A versatile 24–70mm lens is a workhorse for most photographers. It’s the lens you could have on your camera about 90% of the time because of its flexibility.

Telephoto: A 70–200mm lens is perfect for isolating details in the landscape or capturing distant subjects with precision.

Filters

While filters aren’t essential for landscape photography, but they can unlock a world of creative possibilities, and I highly recommend bringing them. Whether it’s capturing the motion of the tide over rocks, shooting waterfalls, or going for super-long exposures to create minimalist photographs, filters can elevate your images from simple snapshots to works of art.

Important: When buying a filter system, ensure it works with all your lenses. Each lens has a thread size (e.g., 77mm, 82mm) printed on the front or inside the lens cap. To maximise compatibility, buy filters that fit your largest thread size and use step-up rings for smaller lenses. This way, you avoid needing multiple filters for different lenses.

Recommended Filters:

• CPL (Circular Polarizer): If you’re going to invest in just one filter, make it a polarizer. It removes glare from reflective surfaces like water, boosts colours in grass and foliage, and enhances the blue in skies, making clouds pop. A polarizer is versatile and should be on your camera almost all the time.
• ND Filters (Neutral Density): We highly recommend bringing a 3-stop, 6-stop, and 10-stop filter. These filters reduce the amount of light entering the lens, allowing for longer exposures. A 3-stop, 6-stop, or 10-stop ND filter is ideal for creating effects like streaky clouds or silky-smooth water in seascapes or waterfalls. If you want to push the boundaries, a 16-stop ND filter enables ultra-long exposures lasting 15 minutes or more, producing truly unique results.

Other Essential Equipment

• Memory Cards – Adequate, large-capacity, fast memory cards and a card reader. You may find yourself shooting non-stop when the Aurora arrives, out of sheer excitement! Running out of storage is not a situation you want to face!
• Batteries – Always carry 2–3 batteries, as there’s nothing worse than having your battery die when you’re out in the field and not having a spare.
• Charger – You’ll need a reliable way to recharge your batteries each evening.
• Tripod – A reliable tripod is a non-negotiable for landscape photography. By “reliable,” we mean a tripod that isn’t flimsy, won’t wobble under pressure, and won’t blow over in a gust of wind. Avoid the budget “eBay or Amazon specials” with thin aluminum legs and plastic pan-and-tilt heads; they’re simply not up to the task. Instead, invest in something sturdy and well-built.
• L-Bracket – Though this is optional but we would like to add this as an essential piece of kit. Once you’ve used an L-bracket, you’ll never go back to a standard tripod plate. Being able to switch from landscape to portrait orientation without resetting your tripod is a game-changer.
• Tripod Head – A ball head is much better for working on uneven surfaces. They’re easier and quicker to operate than conventional handle-type heads. Just make sure the tripod head you bring is something you’re comfortable using.
• Cable Release or Intervalometer – Essential for long exposures and time-lapse photography. It allows you to take a photo without touching the camera.
• Protector for your lens.
• Power Bank & Electric Socket Extension.
• Be sure to bring plenty of spare battery power for your camera and external hard drive with adequate space and a card reader.
• A Computer with photo-processing software [Lightroom, Photoshop]. (If you do not have this software, don’t worry, we’ll provide it.)
• A reliable, waterproof camera bag.
• Carry a small soft cloth or towel, which you may require to wrap your camera if it’s snowing.
• Carry a microfiber to wipe the lens if ice crystals form.

You don’t need to be an athlete — average physical fitness is perfectly sufficient to join the Iceland Photo Tour. Most of the locations we’ll visit are easily accessible and located close to the road, requiring only short walks from our vehicle to the shooting spots, except for the ice cave tour.

The ice cave tour has an estimated duration of around six hours, including the drive to and from the starting point. The total walking time during this excursion is about four to five hours, covering approximately five kilometres (three miles) with an elevation gain of around 100 metres (300 feet). Most of this walk takes place on ice, with crampons provided by the local tour company.

Please note that the tour duration, walking distance, and elevation gain are based on previous experience and may vary depending on weather conditions and the location of the ice caves, which change from year to year.

Throughout the trip, we’ll spend long hours driving, walking, and photographing — sometimes late into the night when conditions are ideal for viewing the Northern Lights. For this reason, a reasonable level of fitness and stamina will help you make the most of the experience.

More than physical strength, resilience, flexibility, and a spirit of adventure matter most. While we won’t be roughing it — each night ends in comfortable accommodation with proper rest — the days can be long, and terrain occasionally uneven.

If you’re ready to trade a little comfort for extraordinary experiences and unforgettable images, this journey is absolutely for you.

• Internet & Mobile Network: If you are coming from the UK or Ireland, your data roaming will work and be charged to your data plan at home. If you’re coming from elsewhere, you will need to check with your operator what their policies are. Connectivity may be inconsistent, particularly in remote areas. Please be prepared for limited or no internet access at times.
• Travel & Comfort: Some days will involve long drives, but we prioritize comfort and safety. All travel will be in air-conditioned vehicles. We’ve arranged stays in the best available accommodations, including first-class hotels wherever possible, to ensure your comfort after long days of exploration.

• A Luxury Holiday: While we’ve arranged the best possible accommodations and comfortable travel, this is a photographic expedition — not a leisure vacation. Be prepared for early mornings, long days, and occasionally demanding shooting conditions.
• Predictable Weather: Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable. Expect cold temperatures, strong winds, and possibly snow or ice — sometimes all in one day! Proper winter gear is essential.
• Fixed Schedules: Flexibility is key. Weather and light conditions will often dictate our shooting plans, and last-minute adjustments may be needed to make the most of each photographic opportunity.

Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable — and that’s part of its charm. The country’s mountainous terrain, location near the Arctic Circle, and exposure to marine weather systems create conditions that can change dramatically from hour to hour. Clouds, rain, and strong winds are common throughout the year.

While we’ve carefully timed our trip to take advantage of one of the best seasons for photography, weather in Iceland can never be guaranteed. Adverse conditions may occasionally affect parts of our itinerary, including certain outdoor activities such as flightseeing. Fortunately, we’ve built flexibility into our schedule. Because we travel in a small group, it’s easy to adjust plans on the go and seize the best photographic opportunities as conditions evolve. If a specific activity must be cancelled due to weather, we’ll do our utmost to replace it with an equally rewarding experience.

Expected Temperatures and Conditions (October 2026)

• Average range: 2°C to 7°C (36°F to 45°F)
• Day vs. night: Daytime highs around 6°C (43°F); nighttime lows near 1°C (34°F), marking the start of Iceland’s sub-freezing season
• Wind chill: Frequent strong winds can make it feel significantly colder than the thermometer suggests

Traveling in Iceland means spending plenty of time outdoors — hiking past waterfalls, soaking in hot springs, or braving the famously strong Icelandic winds. The country is extremely safe, with low crime rates and excellent healthcare. However, the biggest challenges usually come from the weather, rugged terrain, and geothermal activity. In some remote regions, emergency assistance can take time to arrive, so being prepared and exercising caution is essential.

Vaccinations

There are no mandatory vaccinations required for entry into Iceland, and the risk of infectious disease is very low thanks to the country’s high sanitation standards and healthcare infrastructure. However, ensuring your routine vaccinations are up to date is highly recommended before travel.

Recommended Vaccinations:

• MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella): Cases are rising globally; make sure you’re up to date.
• Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis): Get a booster if it’s been more than 10 years.
• Influenza: Recommended if you’re travelling between October and April.
• COVID-19: Ensure your vaccinations and boosters are current.

Optional Vaccinations to Consider:

• Hepatitis A & B: Low risk in Iceland but commonly advised for international travel.
• Rabies: Only necessary if you’ll spend extended time in remote wilderness areas.
• Pneumococcal: Recommended for travelers aged 65+ or those with compromised immunity.
• Chickenpox & Shingles: For those not already immune.
• Meningitis: Depending on your health history and doctor’s advice.

We recommend consulting your physician at least 4–6 weeks before departure to discuss your personal needs. For more advice on vaccinations, you can also visit: the WHO Travel Health Advisory

Travel Information

Arrival Airport: Keflavík International Airport (KEF)
Departure Airport: Keflavík International Airport (KEF)

Travel Visa & Immigration

Iceland follows the visa regulations of the Schengen Area. Depending on your nationality and duration of stay, a visa may be necessary. We will assist you with the visa application process and provide guidance. It’s essential to verify the specific visa requirements for your country of residence prior to your trip.

Visitors from most countries (such as the United States and Canada) don’t need a visa to visit Iceland for less than 90 days. Remember to consult the official embassy or consulate of Iceland for the most up-to-date and accurate visa information based on your nationality and circumstances.

IMPORTANT NOTE: 

Starting from 2025, travelers from visa-exempt countries need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization to enter most EU countries. The current list of nationalities that need to apply for an ETIAS travel authorization includes the USA and Canada.

Visit the Official EU Travel website to find more information about ETIAS.

🔗 To check visa requirements based on your nationality, visit: Visa Map

Important Notice
Please note that obtaining a visa is your sole responsibility.
EXPOSURE cannot be held liable for denied entry or failure to acquire the required documents. No refunds will be issued if you are unable to join the tour due to visa issues.

Some Recommendations:

You can choose any flight on Day -1, arriving before 9:00 AM, but it’s recommended to arrive a day or two earlier to rest and ensure you don’t develop jet lag. We can arrange extra occupancy with a very small amount in the same hotel and room if needed, so you won’t have to change rooms later.

Mandatory Insurance

We highly recommend that you get a travel and medical insurance. Your own domestic medical insurance and private health scheme will not cover you whilst you are overseas.

Our tour leaders are experienced drone pilots and can help you with your drone photography. However, we are not responsible for accidental damage or fines if you fly it in restricted areas.

Registration is open from 1st November 2025 till 30th July 2026 or till the seat reservations end.

• This photo tour requires a minimum of 4 participants to proceed. If the minimum number is not met, the trip may be postponed or cancelled, and any deposits will be fully refunded.
• The Northern Lights are very much heavily dependent on weather conditions; we reserve the right to cancel any of our preplanned Northern Lights shoots on the day of the tour.
• Ice caves change constantly. Their appearance depends on the season, light, weather, and other environmental factors. Photos may not reflect current conditions, and views may vary from visit to visit. No two caves are alike, and the one you visit will depend on the conditions at the time of your tour. Whether it’s the popular Crystal Ice Cave or another naturally formed gem, you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with one of nature’s most spectacular creations.
• The tour is always dependent on the weather, as the Icelandic weather can indeed be highly unpredictable. Likewise, visits to ice caves are dependent on favourable conditions, and indeed, the ice caves themselves are not permanent. When it comes to the Northern Lights, while they are most likely to be seen between September and April, there is no guarantee that they will appear on a given day.
• In Iceland, especially in remote areas, it’s logistically difficult to plan and book full meal services in advance. Restaurants can be limited, distances are long, and flexibility is essential, especially for a photography tour where timing often depends on light and weather conditions. Normally, all our photo tours include all meals, but in Iceland, this would reduce flexibility and spontaneity. That’s why meals are not included, except for one group dinner offered as a bonus. We’ll do our best to stop at good places, when possible, but there will also be days when lunch means grabbing something quick from a gas station or supermarket along the way.

Participants will be granted the expedition based on email confirmation on a first-come, first-served basis. Feel free to call +91 8509333385 or +918900702900 for any further assistance.

To reserve your spot, a 30% deposit of the full tour amount is required at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid 90 days before the tour. You can pay via the online payment link on our website, or request our account details or PayPal information for the transfer. Your reservation may be cancelled if full payment is not received by the specified deadline. After making the payment, please send us a copy or screenshot of the bank receipt. Upon confirmation, we will email you the Rules and Regulations of the tour, securing your spot on the photo tour.

All cancellations must be made in writing (email is acceptable) and will take effect on the date of receipt (by standard mail or electronically). Once the tour begins, there can be no refunds for any unused portions, including rooms, meals, flights, tour days, events, or services. Please note that the cancellation penalties outlined below are based on costs incurred by EXPOSURE on your behalf, including non-refundable deposits or payments to agents, hotels, airlines, etc.

In the event of a cancellation or modification of your confirmed booking, EXPOSURE’s Cancellation and Refund Policy will apply, and you must fully agree to be bound by it. Any refunds will be processed within 15 working days from the date of written confirmation of cancellation, via the same method used for payment.

Cancellation fees are as follows:

• 40% of the total fee if cancelled 90 days or more before the start of the trip.
• 100% of the total fee if cancelled 59 days or less before the start of the trip.

Please carefully read all details on this page and the Detailed Terms and Conditions, as well as the Disclaimer/Undertaking in the Registration cum Booking Form.

Trip cancellation by EXPOSURE:

• In the unlikely event that EXPOSURE must cancel a tour or workshop due to a lack of participants or any other reason, a full refund, including the deposit, will be issued.
• We will notify you in advance if a cancellation is being considered. If a photo tour is cancelled, 100% of your deposit and payments will be refunded.
• However, EXPOSURE is not liable for any expenses incurred, such as airfare, accommodations, or equipment costs. For this reason, we strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance with trip cancellation coverage.