ICELAND PHOTOGRAPHY WORKSHOP & 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 and what you are passionate about. 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 any questions

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 Kristin, 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 25 to 31, 2025

What is the itinerary? The following is a tentative schedule:

Day One (Sunday, May 25, 2025): Depart BWI for Keflavik Iceland – 7 p.m. flight on Iceland Air. Note: As Iceland Air flies 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 the morning of May 26.

Day Two (Monday, May 26): Arrive in Iceland (Keflavik Airport) – 6:00 a.m. Icelandic time. Meet up as a group by the Hertz Car Rental kiosk in the terminal; have quick introductions. Load up van. Light breakfast in Keflavik. Drive to Sundhnúksgígar volcano crater on Reykjanes Peninsula for photo shoot. Visit Reykjavik Museum of Photography or the National Museum of Iceland. Lunch in Reykjavik. Walking tour of Reykjavik. Take photos at the Viking sculpture. 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 (Tuesday, May 27): 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? Share photos.

Day Four (Wednesday, May 28): 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 Laugarvatn Fontana to experience the soothing properties of an Icelandic hot spring (Spoiler alert: It’s amazing)! Take photos along the way. 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 (Thursday, May 29): 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 2,000 tree saplings that will offset the carbon we emit from our travel. Note: Groups can plant 2,000 tree saplings in approximately 2.5 hours. 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 (Friday, May 30): 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 shoots. 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 (Saturday, May 31): Breakfast at Solheimar. Photography Workshop 6: When to break the rules and sharing of favorite photos from trip and why you like them (e.g. composition strategies you employed). 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 to 4 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 several miles a day 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, 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. Here’s a link to CELL’s website.

Ed Palaszynski is a master photographer with a passion for nature and fine art photography and sustainability. Rooted in science as a professional researcher, he branched out to teaching and academic administration. Along the way his photography had occupied a special place that finally blossomed in later years. He enjoys studying a scene to determine how the light will affect shapes, tones and textures. He has recently completed and exhibited a series of images for a project called “Life Forms”. Ed’s images have been accepted and placed in numerous national juried shows. He is a Gaithersburg Camera Club Grand Master and his images have been used for online and print publications. Ed is past President of the Gaithersburg Camera Club, a member of the Maryland Federation of Art, Nature First, Photographic Society of America and is a Maryland Photography Alliance Certified Judge. He has developed and taught numerous photography classes at Montgomery College and workshops for private individuals and clients of Mac Business Solutions and Capital Photography.  For more information, check out Ed’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 will 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?
$3,800 per person (which includes all in-country food, lodging, travel, and activity fees). Does not include round trip airfare (approximately $450- $600 as of 2024 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 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.

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; or Ed Palaszynski at telephone 301-906-4487 or email: edpal2@verizon.net.  Let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

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How do CELL Custom Non-Credit Programs work?

CELL works with a group, like yours, 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 hiking 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 WARNING is in order here: 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. You take care of organizing a group of people who want to have an adventure of a lifetime.

CELL Iceland Photography and Sustainability Travel Programs

We also offer tailored adult travel programs to Iceland: 1) one week-long (or longer) sustainability programs entitled “Iceland: Land of Fire, Ice, and Sustainability,” and 2) an eight-day Iceland Photography Workshop and Tour.  See below for details.

ICELAND Land of Fire, Ice, and Sustainability: An Adult Education Travel Program
Join us for a seven-day adventure exploring Iceland’s alluring landscapes, renewable energy and sustainable practices, and learn what you can do to become a part of the solution to the challenges we face…

What will you do? During this sustainability educational travel tour of Iceland, you will:
• Explore one of the world’s most remote, geologically unique, and sustainable countries;
• Experience some of the most captivatingly beautiful landscapes in the world;
• Experience life at Solheimar eco-village, one of the world’s unique sustainable living communities;
• Experience glaciers and volcanos up close and personal;
• Learn about renewable energy while visiting a geothermal power plant and hiking into a natural hot spring to bathe in its soothing waters;
• Get to know Hordur and Kristin, an Icelandic farm couple and friends of CELL, meet their animals, and partake of a traditional Icelandic meal;
• Learn about Iceland’s Viking history, and the culture, language and geography that has shaped who Icelanders are today;
• Explore Reykjavik, Iceland’s beautiful capital city, and taste some of its delicious cuisine;
• And at the completion of the program, develop an action plan for engaging sustainable practices in your own life back home.

When will we go?
Contact us for details and to plan a program tailored to your interests and needs.

What is the itinerary?  The following is a sample schedule:
Day One (June 7, 2023): Depart Logan Airport (Boston) for Keflavik Iceland – 9 p.m. flight. Note: It is possible to fly from another airport to Iceland, but you would need to arrive in Iceland on the morning of June 3 to meet the group that arrives at 6:30 a.m.
Day Two: Arrive in Iceland (Keflavik Airport) 6:30 a.m. – Visit historic Reykjavik, visit the National Museum to learn about Icelandic history and culture, sample Icelandic food, individual time for site seeing, travel to Solheimar eco-village and settle into guest house.
Day Three: Tour Solheimar; Icelandic history, culture, language, and conservation class, visit Thingvellir National Park, enjoy a traditional Icelandic
music presentation after dinner.
Day Four: Visit Hellisheidi Geothermal Power Plant, hike to Hveragerdi hot springs, tour a farm and have a traditional Icelandic dinner with an Icelandic
farm family.
Day Five: Visit Iceland Soil and Water District education center to learn about conservation issues in Iceland; travel to Mt. Hekla, Iceland’s most historically active volcano; plant trees to counter soil erosion, as well as sequester all the carbon we will burn during our trip; take a short hike to a waterfall near Mt. Hekla, visit Burfell Hydropower Plant, visit an historic Viking settlement, spend night at Solheimar.
Day Six: Travel to Seljalandsfoss and Skogafoss waterfalls, visit Gulfoss waterfall on route to Geysir, evening talk about sustainability in Iceland
and at Solheimar, develop sustainability action plans.
Day Seven (June 13): Share sustainability action plans, visit Kerid Volcano, visit Laugarvatn or Blue Lagoon hot springs and spa, return to airport
by 3:00 p.m. for flight home. Note: Some people may choose to extend their stay in Iceland or travel on to Europe. Iceland Air has an arrangement where you can fly to Europe, stop over in Iceland for a period of time, and then continue on to Europe with no additional air fees.

What level of physical fitness is required? You should be in adequate physical condition to hike 3 to 4 miles on moderate terrain carrying a day pack. While visiting an outdoor geothermal hot spring, for example, we will hike in several miles. You should be comfortable walking several miles a day.

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 for fifteen 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, live in Hope, Maine and have over twenty years of experience leading education programs abroad.

What to know about Iceland?
• It is one of the most eco-friendly countries in the world.
• Iceland was the last place on Earth to be settled by humans (Vikings).
• It has a 99% renewable energy supply, primarily from geothermal and hydropower.
• Many Icelanders believe in elves and trolls – adding to the magic and wonder of this beautiful country.
• You can swim outdoors in hot springs all year round: something we will do.
• About 11% of Iceland is covered in glaciers, including the 3rd largest glacier in the world.
• 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.” For those who plan to attend, we will provide plenty of additional details on what to expect and what to bring on this learning adventure.

For more information or to book a reservation, contact Dave Oakes, Founder and Director of CELL: 60 Blueberry Hill Road, Hope, Maine 04847; email: dave@cellonline.org; or telephone: (207) 230-4025. Let us know if you have any questions. We look forward to hearing from you!

For more information:

If you are interested in learning more about a CELL Custom Abroad Program, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you!

Telephone: 207.230.4025
Email: info@cellonline.org