The PhotoPills 2026 Total Solar Eclipse Expedition to the Southwest Coast of Iceland is Sold Out
We’re going to Iceland (South)...
Are you in?
Around the Total Solar Eclipse (& New Moon)...
From August 7th to August 13th 2026, Clément Coudeyre and Felix Inden (PhotoPills Masters) will be will be traveling across the southwest coast of Iceland to photograph the Total Solar Eclipse and the magical Summer’s Golden Light along with some of the treasures hidden in this North Atlantic paradise...
Of course...
We’ll be taking photos all day long...
In Summer, the total Golden Hour time is 4 hours per day in Iceland!
But...
Can you imagine it?
To photograph the Total Solar Eclipse... Capturing every breathtaking phenomenon that comes with it:
- The Sun’s delicate Corona
- The shining Diamond Ring
- The flickering Baily’s Beads
- The glowing Chromosphere
- The gentle Earthshine on the Moon’s shadowed surface
And the mysterious Partial Phases of the Eclipse...
This expedition has been meticulously timed and planned to align with one of the most powerful celestial events of the decade... And we’re capturing it from a place that feels like the edge of the planet.
And you’ll be there, with us, camera in hand, pulse racing, right where the magic happens.
But that’s not it...
We’ll also photograph the eternal Golden Light with infinite waterfalls, deep canyons, large lava fields, immense glaciers, isolated fjords, black sand beaches, diamonds made of ice, strange rock formations, impressive mountains, iconic natural arches... and the always funny Puffins!
We’re dreaming about it!
To achieve it, we’ll use the planning power of PhotoPills and the expert knowledge of Clément Coudeyre and Felix Inden to always be at the right place at the right time.
Top secret: we have quite a few legendary photos planned already... including a super cool one of the Total Solar Eclipse ;)
The Deal (Sold Out)
We're offering you a €500 discount on the regular price!
All you have to do is to book the last spot available before Sunday March 1st.
Read carefully all the details of this unique adventure.
And when you’re ready, click here to book your spot:
Please, book as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.
The Adventure
12 PhotoPillers | 2 PhotoPills Masters | Iceland (South) | Endless legendary photos
Warning! This is not a honeymoon...
We’re recruiting 12 brave PhotoPillers (PhotoPills and photography nerds) to join us on an 7-day expedition to photograph the Total Solar Eclipse and the magical Summer’s Golden Light along with some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet.
This is your chance to capture a once-in-a-lifetime celestial event: the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026, right in the heart of the island’s golden landscapes.
But that’s just the celestial cherry on top.
For one whole week, we’ll chase epic golden light across fire-and-ice terrain: jagged cliffs, black sand beaches, towering waterfalls, mossy lava fields, and steaming geothermal valleys.
And here's the kicker: golden hour lasts up to 4 hours. That’s four times the drama. Four times the magic. Four times the chances to nail that once-in-a-lifetime shot.
From Sunset that melts into Sunrise, to rugged coastlines glowing like scenes from another planet... Iceland doesn’t just offer good light, it lives in it.
This expedition is a non-stop adventure to chase legendary photos and you are a key asset!
We’ve carefully planned the shoots to make the most of every epic moment. But we’re also staying nimble, adjusting the plan based on weather, light, and the whims of the universe.
Flexibility is key when you're chasing magic.
And then, just when you think you’ve seen it all, the Moon slides in front of the Sun, and the world pauses.
We’ll be ready, and you’ll be there with the rest of us. Camera in hand. Heart pounding. Ready to capture the impossible.
This isn’t just another photo trip.
You are about to embark on a PhotoPills’ style journey. And it’s not going to be a honeymoon precisely... :P
You’ll be a true PhotoPiller!
Are you in?
Day 1. Friday, August 7th - Welcome to Iceland
1:00 pm
It’s Friday morning...
And you land at Keflavík International Airport located 50 km (30 mi) southwest of Reykjavík... where it all begins.
Located in southwestern Iceland, on the southern shore of Faxaflói bay, Reykjavík has a population of around 140,000, which is more than half of Iceland’s total population (400,000).
There are lots of fascinating facts about the capital of Iceland.
Just to mention 2...
Reykjavík literally translates into “Smoky Bay”, a name inspired by the steam rising from the hot springs in the area.
Also, believe it or not, UNESCO designated Reykjavík as a City of Literature in 2011 because 1 out of every 10 Icelanders will write a book (at least once in life), becoming the people publishing more books per capita in the world.
Oh! And Reykjavík hides lots of photo opportunities.
2:40 pm
It’s time to meet Clément Coudeyre and Felix Inden (PhotoPills Masters), and the rest of the PhotoPillers on the expedition.
After picking everyone up, we hit the road.
The adventure begins!
6:00 pm
After a 2-hour drive and a pit stop along the road to get some snacks, we get to our comfortable hotel, Hótel Dyrhólaey.
Our hotel is not far away from Vik, a small town located in the southern region of Iceland, on the shore of the North Atlantic Ocean. It’s the southernmost town in the country, and is known for its rugged, windswept landscape and black sandy beaches.
It’s located on a rocky headland, and is surrounded by high cliffs, which offer stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding countryside.
6:20 pm
Expedition briefing session with Clément and Felix.
We'll be sharing some photos and PhotoPills plans of the spots we’re planning to photograph in the next few days.
And, of course, the highlight of our Expedtion... The quest to capture the total solar eclipse!
On top of that, we’ll take some time to go over tips for composition, the gear you’ll need, and the shooting techniques we’ll be using to capture these shots.
7:00 pm
So let’s have a tasty dinner at the hotel’s restaurant before heading to an exciting location...
8:30 pm
Dyrhólaey is only 15 min away from our hotel.
The peninsula is home to a number of interesting geological features, such as towering cliffs, rocky sea stacks, and natural arches. The most famous of these is a large arch, known as Dyrhólaeyjarbakki, which stands at the southernmost tip of the peninsula.
Dyrhólaey is also home to a large number of seabirds, including puffins, called "lundì" in Icelandic...
What?! Puffins?! Really?!
Yep... That’s right!
Every summer, millions of puffins make their way to Iceland, earning them the title of the country’s national symbol. These little birds aren’t big, but they’re packed with personality.
They’re nicknamed the “clown bird” for good reason. With their round bodies, bold red beaks, and black-and-white plumage, they stand out from Iceland’s other birds. Their flight is pretty easy to spot too... They flap their tiny wings super fast!
But here’s the thing: puffins only stick around for a short while, from June to August. By mid-August, they start heading south to warmer places, so if you’re planning a puffin-spotting trip, summer’s your window. Once they leave, they’re tough to find until they return for the next breeding season.
One cool thing about puffins is that they’re not super shy. You can sometimes get as close as a meter from them, especially when they’re nesting, making it a dream for photographers.
That said, catching them mid-flight? Way harder... They’re speedy little creatures...
Even though it’s tempting to get up close, it’s important to remember that puffins are endangered, so respecting them is key. Never touch or feed them, and keep your noise levels low. Puffins are sensitive to loud sounds, and startling one can set off a whole colony, which isn’t great for anyone.
Oddly enough, you’re more likely to see puffins up close on cloudy or rainy days. When it’s sunny, they’re out fishing at sea, far from shore. It’s a funny twist, but hey, rain and puffins seem to go hand in hand!
Besides the adorable puffins, you can’t miss the chance to photograph the Sunset at the stunning black sand beach.
Open PhotoPills and check this out:
The views are unreal, with the dramatic Dyrhólaey rock arch. The golden light of the Sunset makes the whole place feel like something out of a fantasy movie.
It’s one of those moments where you just stand there, camera in hand, and think, “Wow, nature really outdid itself here!”
As the Sun sets late (9:54 pm), during golden hour, we’ll be photographing the seascapes around us.
Plan & Pray!
Are you going to miss it?
This is the perfect time to also practice your PhotoPills skills in the field.
Golden hour begins at 8:41 pm, Sunset is at 9:54 pm, golden hour ends at 10:34 pm and blue hour ends at 11:04 pm.
11:20 am
After an incredible Sunset shooting session, we’re back at our hotel.
Sleep well!
Photographic pills:
- Sunset, golden hour and blue hour with the puffins at Dyrhólaey.
- Sunset, golden hour, and blue hour at Dyrhólaey coast.
Day 2. Saturday, August 8th - The Ice, The Canyon and The Sea Stack
3:15 am
Wake up PhotoPillers!
Get ready for our first Sunrise shooting session...
4:20 am
Our Sunrise shooting spot is only 15 minutes away and it’s located at the black sand beach of Reynisfjara.
Be very careful here, the waves are treacherous and can drag you into the ocean for never to be seen again!
Long ago, fiery volcanoes formed Reynisdrangar. Over countless seasons, the relentless wind, downpours, and ocean waves chiseled away at Reynisfjall Mountain until just the towering pillars, reaching 65 m (216 ft) tall, were left standing alone in the chilly North Atlantic waters.
Reynisfjall itself stretches up to 340 m (1,115 ft). These natural towers have been standing since the second-to-last Ice Age, which happened between 135,000 and 194,000 years ago... Reynisdrangar is an incredibly old location!
Blue hour begins at 3:40 am, golden hour begins at 4:10 am, Sunrise is at 4:50 am, and golden hour ends at 6:03 am.
6:25 am
We’re back at Hótel Dyrhólaey. It’s time for breakfast and to rest after a very early morning.
10:55 am
We check out from our hotel and load the bus with our stuff.
We’re heading to a new location... :)
12:15 pm
Our first stop of the day is a spectacular gorge... The wonderful Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.
The Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon stretches out for about 1,500 m (4,921 ft), and trust me, the moment you step out of the car at the parking area, the scenery will blow you away.
The bright green grass, which grows so vibrantly in this region, looks amazing against the deep black volcanic rock. And then there’s the river, the Fjaðrá, winding through it all in this stunning turquoise blue.
The real magic happens when you make it to the top of the canyon. From up there, the view is unreal... Towering cliffs, deep crevasses, and the river slicing its way through the middle like something out of a dream.
If you’re up for a walk, there’s a 2-kilometer (1.55 mi) trail along the canyon that lets you get up close to those jagged peaks. Some spots even have cliffs dropping nearly 100 m (330 ft), so the views (and photos!) are next level.
The idea here is to hike along the canyon looking for great compositions. The PhotoPiller with the best one wins a price... :P
2:00 pm
There’s still a bit of a route to get to our hotel, so we stop along the way to have lunch.
4:45 pm
After lunch, it takes us 1h 45min to reach Hali Country Hotel, where we check in.
5:15 pm
PhotoPills Class with Clément and Felix. Get ready to learn lots of tips and tricks that will help you plan your photos much faster.
7:00 pm
Dinner at the fantastic restaurant of our hotel.
8:15 pm
After a 15-minute drive we’re at Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon!
Jökulsárlón is one of those spots that’s nearly impossible to walk away from. It just pulls you in with its stunning scenery, the peaceful quiet, and those incredible chunks of ice lazily floating around in the cold lagoon.
The lagoon itself is fed by melted water from the Breiðamerkurjökull glacier and even connects to the ocean, where it meets the equally beautiful Diamond Beach.
It’s tucked right at the edge of Vatnajökull National Park, which, by the way, isn’t just one of Iceland’s three national parks but also home to Europe’s largest glacier. Pretty cool, right?
Words don’t really do it justice, but if I had to pick one to sum it up, it’d be “spectacular”.
Oh, and did I mention the seals? They’re out there splashing around and chilling on the icebergs like they own the place. What more could you ask for?
Golden hour begins at 8:29 pm, Sunset is at 9:44 pm, golden hour ends at 10:25 pm and blue hour ends at 10:56 pm.
11:00 pm
It’s been a long long day of photography. And many more will follow.
Sleep well!
Photographic pills:
- Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Reynisfjara beach.
- Midday photos at Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon.
- Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Jökulsárlón.
Day 3. Sunday, August 9th - Diamonds on the Beach
3:00 am
Wake up!
Diamonds await us on a black-sand beach.
4:05 am
There’s a short drive (only 15 min) to our Sunrise shooting location – Jökulsárlón’s Diamond Beach!
Diamond Beach is a stretch of black sand beach by Jökulsárlón. It gets its name from the many small pieces of ice that wash up on the shore, which sparkle in the Sunlight and resemble diamonds. These pieces of ice are broken off from the nearby Vatnajökull glacier and are carried out to the sea by the ocean currents.
The beach is a fantastic spot for photography, as the contrast between the black sand and the sparkling ice creates a unique and striking visual effect.
“The ice diamonds on the beach sparkle like jewels,
Reflecting the light with a dazzling sheen.
Their frozen beauty belies their strength,
A reminder of the power of nature's reign.
These glistening gems of ice,
Washed ashore by the ocean's might,
Lie scattered upon the black sand,
A sight to behold, both rare and grand.
As the Sun beats down, they melt away,
Their fleeting presence a reminder to stay,
In awe of the world and its stunning design,
The ice diamonds on the beach, a treasure divine.”
Look! The sky is catching color. The Sun is about to rise. Let the show begin!
Blue hour begins at 3:25 am, golden hour begins at 3:56 am, Sunrise is at 4:37 am, and golden hour ends at 5:52 am.
6:20 am
We’re back at Hali Country Hotel. It’s time for breakfast and to rest after a very early morning.
10:30 am
Post-processing class with Clément and Felix.
The goal of the class is to show you the exact step by step workflow to edit your landscape images, to enhance them and make them pop!
12:15 pm
We have lunch at our hotel and relax for a bit until hitting the road again.
2:00 pm
We need 1h 45 min to reach Eystrahorn.
Eystrahorn is tucked away in Vatnajökull National Park, and let me tell you, it’s just an amazing mountain – rising 756 m (2,480 ft) high with this rugged, dramatic peak that deserves some attention.
In terms of photography, this place is pure gold.
There are countless spots to snag incredible shots of the mountain. Near the Hvalnes lighthouse, for example, you can capture Eystrahorn with waves crashing against the rocks – it’s the kind of scene that makes you want to frame your photo right then and there.
Closer to the road, you’ll find small lakes with still waters that create these jaw-dropping reflections of the mountain.
Oh, and between the lighthouse and the beach, there are vibrant swamps in shades of green and blue that look amazing against Eystrahorn’s dramatic backdrop.
6:20 pm
We spend 45 minutes on the road until we get to Höfn, where we have dinner.
Höfn is a cute fishing town situated on the edge of the Vatnajökull glacier, the largest glacier in Europe.
The town is known for its picturesque harbor, which is surrounded by mountains and offers beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
It’s also known for its seafood, particularly its lobster, which is considered to be some of the best in the world.
8:15 pm
An hour drive takes us to our next location.
Stokksnes is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including black sand beaches, dunes, and wetlands, which provide a rich and diverse range of photographic opportunities.
But the main attraction here is without a doubt the magnificent Vestrahorn mountain (454m or 1,490 ft).
The mountain rises steeply from the peninsula's shoreline and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Use PhotoPills to understand where the Sun is setting... It’s our best friend to pick the shooting spot based on the composition we want.
Look at PhotoPills, the Sun will set (9:37 pm) to the left, casting a nice sidelight on the majestic mountain in front of us. This is going to be fun.
This place literally hides hundreds of photo opportunities. Let’s find and capture them.
Golden hour begins at 8:22 pm, Sunset is at 9:37 pm, golden hour ends at 10:18 pm and blue hour ends at 10:49 pm.
11:05 pm
It’s been a very special day. Today we got to capture two of Iceland's most iconic locations. I’m sure you’ll sleep very well tonight.
Photographic pills:
- Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour at Diamond Beach.
- Afternoon photos with Eystrahorn.
- Sunset, golden hour and blue hour at Stokksnes (Vestrahorn mountain).
Day 4. Monday, August 10th - The Secret
I’ve been giving you lots of details of this amazing expedition to Iceland.
Maybe far too many...
But on August 10th we’ll do something very special...
What will that be?
Well, you'll have to be there, with us, to figure it out :P
Day 5. Tuesday, August 11th - The Rugged Coastline and the Waterfalls
3:15 am
Gooooood morning PhotoPillers!
Are you ready for another beautiful day full of incredible experiences?
Yeah?
Alright! Get your stuff ready!
4:20 am
After a short drive (15 min) and a very short walk (5 min), we get to our first shooting spot of the day – Dyrhólaey.
Dyrhólaey offers a completely different perspective of Reynisfjara Beach, where the Reynisdrangar's pillars of lava rise out of the water.
So... Looks like we’ve got another chance to capture some epic conditions at Dyrhólaey today.
This time we switch things up, facing the promontory itself, and playing around with the way the rugged rocks and the powerful waves interact.
Moreover, you can also shoot towards the Reynisdrangar sea stacks using the shore (and the waves!) as leading lines.
It’s all about finding those striking natural elements in the landscape and including them in your composition.
Blue hour begins at 3:54 am, golden hour begins at 4:21 am, Sunrise is at 5:00 am, and golden hour ends at 6:11 am.
6:40 am
We’re back at the hotel.
Drop your bags and get ready for a well-deserved breakfast!
After breakfast, we check out from the hotel and we’re back on the road...
9:20 am
But before we get to tonight’s hotel, there are two incredible waterfalls we need to stop and photograph.
First up: Skógafoss. This one’s a showstopper.
You’ll find Skógafoss near the little town of Skógar, and it’s famous for a reason. It’s massive, it’s gorgeous, and its location makes it even more special. The waterfall is part of the Skógá River, which flows down from the glaciers of the Mýrdalsjökull ice cap. At around 60 m (200 ft) tall and 25 m (82 ft) wide, it’s a powerhouse of nature.
One of the coolest things about Skógafoss is the rainbow you can often spot in the mist – it’s like the falls have their own built-in light show. Trust me, it’s a sight you won’t forget.
11:15 am
The next waterfall we'll check out is Seljalandsfoss.
This stunning spot is part of the Seljalands River, which gets its water from the nearby Eyjafjallajökull glacier. It’s an impressive 60 m (200 ft) tall, with a gorgeous, curved cascade that tumbles dramatically over the cliff's edge.
What makes Seljalandsfoss extra special is the chance to walk behind the waterfall. It’s an incredible way to feel its power up close and take in its beauty from a totally different angle.
So be ready to get wet! ;)
But if that’s not your cup of tea, the area around it is just as picturesque, with lush green hills and a rocky riverbed, so there are plenty of cool compositions that you can work on.
1:30 pm
Lunch at a local restaurant.
4:00 pm
After an hour driving we get to our comfortable hotel in Reykjavík, Fosshótel Lind, located right at the heart of the city, a mere 5-minute walk from Laugavegur, one of the main commercial streets.
What you do next really depends on how you're feeling.
Plan A: If you're completely wiped out, it might be a good idea to get some rest, and recharge for the big Sunset shooting session at 7:30 pm.
Plan B: But if you’ve still got some energy to burn, come along for a relaxed walk around Reykjavík. We’re planning to snap some photos at a few awesome spots before golden hour... It’s going to be pretty spectacular!
During this time, we’ll be photographing the spectacular Luteran church of Hallgrímskirkja, the Sun Voyager and the Harpa Concert Hall.
8:40 pm
By now, Iceland has shown us soft light, quiet beauty, and surreal dreamscapes. But today? It’s all about raw power and drama.
We head to Valahnúkamöl, a wild volcanic coastline carved by time and thrashed by the Atlantic. Here, jagged lava cliffs, scattered boulders, and the relentless ocean meet under a sky that never sits still.
And standing just offshore like a sentinel from another world: Karlinn, a 51-meter-high basalt sea stack rising from the sea like a monolith of myth and legend.
This place doesn’t whisper...
We’ll explore both clifftop angles and the boulder-strewn shoreline below, carefully picking compositions that guide the eye straight to Karlinn. With the setting sun grazing across the landscape, side light will rake over every rough surface, igniting the textures of the lava, sharpening the edge of the cliffs, and giving depth and drama to the waves.
From higher up, we can layer surf, sea stack, and sky into minimalist perfection. Drop lower, and the lava boulders in the foreground add weight and scale, turning a wild seascape into a story of texture, time, and perspective.
And for those craving atmosphere? This is the place for long exposures.
As the ocean churns, you’ll slow things down... transforming chaotic waves into silky mist, and letting Karlinn stand firm and silent, alone in the blur.
Golden hour begins at 8:46 pm, Sunset is at 9:58 pm, Moonset (0.9%) is at 10:03 pm, golden hour ends at 10:36 pm and blue hour ends at 11:05 pm.
11:50 pm
Back at the hotel.
Rest well my friends because tomorrow, we’ll chase the eclipse! :O
Photographic pills:
- Sunrise, golden hour and blue hour Golden hour at Dyrhólaey and at Reynisfjara Beach viewpoint.
- Skógafoss waterfall.
- Seljalandsfoss waterfall.
- Afternoon shots with Hallgrímskirkja Church, Sólfar (Sun Voyager) and the Harpa Concert Hall.
- Sunset, golden hour, and blue hour at Valahnúkamöl sea stacks.
Day 6. Wednesday, August 12th - The Eclipse
8:00 am
Today is going to be an unforgettable day... One of those you’ll remember every time you look back at your best images.
But first, breakfast!
10:00 am
Classroom session: How to Photograph the Eclipse.
Clément and Felix will walk you through composition tips, exposure strategies, and gear prep so you’re 100% ready when the Moon meets the Sun later this evening.
11:30 am
We grab food for later. Today we’ll have lunch in the field. The idea is to make the most out of our time in the beautiful and mysterious Icelandic coastline while shooting the total solar eclipse!
12:00 pm
This is the moment we’ve all been waiting for...
The total solar eclipse is only a few hours away!
But this isn’t your average landscape shoot.
Today, the Sun and Moon are in charge, and we’re going full PhotoPills-mode: chasing light, reading forecasts, adapting on the fly, and doing whatever it takes to get under clear skies when the magic happens.
Our goal?
To be in the perfect spot for totality, and that means maximum flexibility.
By Sunrise, we’ll be scanning weather maps, reading sky reports, and ready to roll out toward wherever the skies open up. With a 3-hour driving radius, we have access to Snaefellsnes, the Westfjords, or even areas near Reykjavík, each offering visibility of the eclipse. And we’ll go where the sky says “go”.
Food? We’ll grab what we can. A lunch box at our accommodation, gas station sandwiches, trail snacks... whatever it takes. Because on a day like this, there’s only one thing on the menu: Totality.
If conditions line up just right, we might land somewhere near Snaefellsnes, pulled off beside a quiet road, with Iceland’s legendary Kirkjufell rising in the distance and the eclipse unfolding high above it. A surreal moment where Earth’s raw beauty meets a cosmic phenomenon in perfect harmony.
But wherever we end up, the focus is the same:
- The Moon sliding across the face of the Sun.
- The light dimming into an eerie midday dusk.
- The sudden burst of the Diamond Ring.
- The delicate Corona streaming into the sky.
- The stunned silence of totality.
No foregrounds needed. No distractions.
Just you, your camera, the sky, and the universe putting on its most powerful show.
This isn’t a typical photo session. It’s a celestial hunt, a high-stakes dance with time, weather, and light. And when we nail it – when the Sun disappears and everything goes still – you’ll know why you came.
You’ll be part of a moment only a handful of people on Earth will ever capture this way.
This is why we plan. This is why we chase. This is why we shoot.
9:45 pm
Wow! That was... AWESOME!
We’ve just witnessed the universe realign in real time. And while most people would call it a day, we’re not done yet...
Not if the weather’s on our side. Not if the light still has one more gift to give.
Depending on where we landed for the eclipse, we’ll decide on the spot whether to push a little further... and chase one final golden hour.
Maybe we find ourselves on a wind-whipped coastline with lava cliffs plunging into the sea. Maybe it’s a quiet cove, where mountains mirror themselves in still water. Maybe it’s just a lonely road bathed in warm light, leading into the wide Icelandic silence.
Whatever the setting, we’ll read the sky, read the group, and move with the rhythm of the day.
If we’ve got energy left, and the light promises magic, we’ll stretch the moment and head to a nearby sunset spot worthy of closing a day like no other.
If the clouds have moved in or the crew is ready to rest, we’ll roll back toward Reykjavík with memory cards full and minds blown.
If the stars align again, we’ll end the day the way it began: with cameras in hand, golden light on our faces, and the feeling that we were exactly where we needed to be.
Golden hour begins at 8:49 pm, Sunset is at 10:04 pm, golden hour ends at 10:46 pm and blue hour ends at 11:17 pm.
1:15 am
Back at the hotel.
This is our last night's sleep in Iceland. Tomorrow we’ll start our journey back home.
Photographic pills:
- Total solar eclipse.
- Sunset, golden hour, and blue hour at a secret location.
Day 7. Thursday, August 13th - The Farewell
3:00 am
Final wake up call!
Today is our last day in Iceland... and we’re going to make the most out of it by going to an amazing Sunrise location!
4:30 am
It’s our final shoot. And we’re going out with a roar - literally.
Before the world wakes up, we head to Gunnuhver Hot Springs, Iceland’s most powerful and surreal geothermal area.
We’re in a steaming, sulfur-stained landscape straight out of a sci-fi film. The ground breathes. The vents hiss. The mud bubbles. And in the early morning calm, the Earth speaks in vapor and thunder.
Wooden boardwalks wind through this chaotic beauty, guiding us across a canvas painted in burnt reds, pale whites, and iron-stained yellows. And as the first light breaks over the Reykjanes Peninsula, something magical happens...
The steam columns catch fire with color glowing in soft pinks, warm golds, and lavender hues as the low northeastern sun backlights the entire scene.
The air is thick with texture. The silence is haunting.
We’ll use the curves of the walkways to carve out bold compositions, drawing the eye deep into the steamy heart of the terrain. Shooting slightly into the light, we’ll capture dramatic silhouettes of vents and fences layered against pastel skies and volcanic chaos.
And if we’re lucky with the temperature, the steam will hang low and thick giving our images weight, volume, and atmosphere you can almost feel.
This is not your typical Sunrise shoot...
It’s raw. It’s wild. It’s Iceland unplugged.
The perfect final chapter to a week of chasing the extraordinary.
Blue hour begins at 4:11 am, golden hour begins at 4:39 am, Sunrise is at 5:18 am and golden hour ends at 6:28 am.
9:00 am
Before we part ways, there’s time for a last breakfast together.
10:00 am
We pack our bags and we check out from the Fosshótel Lind.
11:00 am
As we drive to Keflavik Airport and bid farewell to this incredible country, we can't help but feel grateful for the memories we have made and the adventures we have shared.
Iceland has truly stolen our hearts, with its breathtaking landscapes and unique culture. We have hiked to the tops of mountains, explored hidden arches and waterfalls, and captured countless breathtaking shots along the way...
Including, of course, a once-in-a-lifetime event like the total solar eclipse!
But most of all, we are grateful for the bond we have formed with one another. Sharing this adventure with our new friends has been a truly special experience, and we will cherish these memories for years to come.
Thank you, Iceland, for showing us the beauty of your land and for reminding us of the power of friendship. We can't wait to come back and explore even more of your wondrous country.
Until next time, farewell!
Book Now and Save €500 (Sold Out)
To book your spot to join the Total Solar Eclipse Expedition to Iceland at a reduced price of €5,900 (the official price is €6,400), a €1,000 deposit is required by Sunday March 1st.
Price summary:
- Booking Deposit: €1,000
- Total Price: €5,900
The balance payment will be made via two payments due on the following dates:
- March 29th, 2026
- April 26th, 2026
Please, finalize your booking as soon as possible. The seats are sold on a first come, first served basis.
What’s included in the price
- PhotoPills Welcome kit.
- A 7-day expedition photographing Iceland’s most iconic features along with Total Solar Eclipse and the magical Summer’s Golden Light.
- 7 days of learning, fun and adventure with Clément Coudeyre, Felix Inden and the funniest geek community – the PhotoPillers.
- Full immersion in the PhotoPills method (Imagine.Plan.Shoot!).
- Private transportation in a 19-seater vehicle during the expedition.
- All lodging sharing with another PhotoPiller (optional €1,250 single supplement upon availability):
- 2 nights at Hótel Dyrhólaey (bed and breakfast).
- 2 nights at Hali Country Hotel (bed and breakfast).
- 2 nights at Fosshótel Lind (bed and breakfast).
- All activities on the Secret day.
- Airport transfers:
- Day 1: One pick up at the airport, and pick-up at hotels in Reykjavik (not individual).
- Day 7: One group drop off at the airport (not individual).
What’s not included
- Flights/transport to Reykjavík, Iceland.
- Tourist visa (if necessary).
- International medical and travel insurance coverage (strongly recommended).
- Lunch & dinner.
- Snacks, alcohol and beverages.
- Anything not mentioned in the “included” list.
Do you want an example of how huge this will be?
This is a glimpse to what happened in the PhotoPills Expedition to Iceland in 2016. We had so many adventures and so much fun... We can’t wait for the Total Solar Eclipse in 2026!
But you don’t have to take our word for granted. Here’s what some PhotoPillers say about the PhotoPills adventures:
“I went to Iceland expecting to have the opportunity to photograph the marvelous landscape and master nightscapes. What I encountered was so much more – 14 kindred souls from across the globe who share a passion for photography. Together we expanded our creative boundaries, learned from one another and had an insane amount of fun in the process. I am confident that everyone came away from the experience a better photographer.”
“From the very moment the guys from PhotoPills announced the expedition to Iceland... I didn’t think it twice! I was using PhotoPills but not at its full capacity, so I had no better chance to learn from the creators of this amazing app. The experience was even more amazing than anything I could have imagined. In Iceland, I discovered a bunch of folks as crazy about photography as I am. I had a blast!
Photography is a continuous learning process, you always find something new that motivates you to improve. And this adventure made me improve more than I could imagine.”
"The PhotoPills guys know how to create a fantastic experience. They bring an infectiously fun energy and are always willing to drop some handy photography knowledge on you that you will take with you. You take their trip and you'll for sure have a good time, get some amazing pics and leave a better photographer."
“During my experience in Iceland I lived wonderful moments and had surprises that were beyond the expected. It completely exceeded my initial expectations! Sharing knowledge, experiences and ways of working and living photography with such a great group has been one of the most enriching life experiences I have ever had.
Who he said that learning and knowledge sharing can not be wonderfully fun?”
“I can't say enough about what a fantastic time I had during the PhotoPills Iceland photo tour! The guys from PhotoPills and Donal Boyd were so knowledgeable, accommodating, and especially lots of fun. Never a dull moment – nonstop action and shooting of amazing landscapes for 10 days. I came away with enough images and memories to last a lifetime!”
FAQs
What’s the temperature in Iceland in August?
In August, daytime temperatures typically range from 10ºC to 15ºC (50ºF to 59ºF), though it can occasionally reach up to 20ºC (68ºF) on warm days. Nighttime temperatures are cooler, usually dipping to 5ºC to 10ºC (41ºF to 50ºF).
Having said that, the weather is unpredictable, so we suggest you wear layers.
What do you recommend I bring along for the expedition?
Your sense of adventure and fun, your camera and of course your sense of humor.
Besides that? Once you book your spot, we’ll send you further details and suggestions about what to bring (gear, clothing, etc.).
Is travel insurance included in the price of the expedition?
No. Participants are suggested to purchase national or international medical and travel insurance coverage.
Also, we recommend you to choose a travel insurance that:
- Covers trip cancellation costs.
- Covers Covid-19 health, travel and cancellation costs.
What is the cancellation policy?
We hope you don’t need to cancel your spot, but if a situation arises where you don’t have a choice, our cancellation policy is the following.
If you choose not to join the Expedition, a cancellation fee may apply. This fee will be equivalent to the cost of the Expedition, minus any savings or additional income we generate if we’re able to fill your spot with another participant.
If we’re able to fill your spot, we’ll refund the payments you’ve made, deducting a €300 administrative fee and any non-refundable costs retained by our travel partners.
However, if there are unavoidable and extraordinary circumstances at the destination or nearby that significantly affect the execution of the Expedition or the transportation of passengers to the destination, no penalty will be applied, and we will refund all payments you have made toward the Expedition.
Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made.
Credits: Images by Clément Coudeyre, Marco Grassi, Felix Inden and Antoni Cladera.
