22-01 Iceland with Siggi - January 2022
Earlier this month we (Barry Goldsmith, Ed & Alan Sloyer) were fortunate to have the opportunity to travel to Iceland for a photo workshop.
We were fortunate to be interviewed about our adventure:
Is Winter A Good Time To Visit Iceland?
Yes if you want an incredible photo workshop with your buds and are willing to see the sites in limited daylight
Driving in Iceland really isn't scary or difficult. When driving in Iceland in winter, it is important to be careful and drive slow.
Not so much when Siggi the Viking is your photo workshop leader, guide, and driver. We came to realize he is Iceland's greatest “living” stunt driver. Having Siggi as your man, driving at the speed of light is the trick to seeing all the cool sites in the limited daylight! Experiencing Iceland in the winter is the reverse of the “Land of the Midnight Sun”
Iceland in Winter: How Dark and How Cold Does It Get?
Very dark for 18 hours. But this allows for more time to search for the Northern lights (see below)
The climate ran the gamut. We had rain, sleet, blinding snow squalls, 60-70 MPH winds, and exfoliating hail. But overall temperatures were moderate in the ’20-’30s. (warmer than NY in the same timeframe). Winter in Iceland can be pretty mild due to its location on the Gulfstream.
You guys get bonus points for traveling to Iceland in winter including the fantastic “golden hour” light that seems to be ever-present! Having sunset all day to accent the snowy landscape is pretty surreal!
In theory that would be a photographer's dream. Unfortunately, we had mostly cloudy skies which limited our ever-present golden hours to some fleeting moments.
There Is No Guarantee You Will See The Northern Lights When Visiting Iceland In Winter
We searched and waited, we consulted the apps for the KB numbers (strength of the lights) and many radar apps to give an exact location of clear/cloudy skies to the moment.
We agree with no guarantees as we experienced a total shutout.
Zero, zilch, zip, nada, nothing.
We need a reason to return to Iceland again in the winter so it worked out perfectly.
So what did you see and experience?
We were treated to Iceland's many waterfalls, geysers, and glacier lagoons (we flew drones up into the glaciers!). At Diamond Beach, we photographed the mini icebergs on the stark black sand in the shallow surf. We experienced a magnificent sunrise in otherworldly turquoise blue ice caves within the massive glaciers. We had time with those Icelandic horses. Our off-season meant a private front seat to nature's wonders!!!
Did you spend any time in Reykjavik?
On the last day, we were able to spend productive time in the capital city. Along with photographing the Opera House, we made a unanimous decision that it was best to visit to spend our remaining hours before departure at the penis museum. The Icelandic Phallological Museum houses the world's largest display of penises and penile parts. It was hard to find it but well worth the visit. We learned whales have bigger members than us (amongst others).
Sounds like it was a go-go-go adventure. Did you have time to celebrate? How was the food?
Yes, we actually celebrated 2 birthdays during our time in Iceland. Barry’s on his day and Eddies posthumously for his significant round birthday number.
The food was surprisingly tasty and we enjoyed good beer as well. However, with limited daytime, we never took time to eat while it was light out!
Through all that, did you learn anything about taking pictures? How was your workshop with Siggi the Viking?
Driving skills aside, Siggi was a hoot. We shared a lot of life experiences while traveling the scenic highways and byways of Iceland. Siggi is a very experienced and seasoned photographer. He was patient with us and we all improved despite the adverse conditions. It was helpful that we all used the same brand of camera (Sony mirrorless). By the end, we were firing away using manual settings and back button focus.
You boys have done a lot of traveling in your day. How does this trip rank amongst your other travels?
It was much fun traveling together with your buds. The weather conditions provided a lot of drama and adventure. We will never forget our time together in Iceland!!!
Read MoreWe were fortunate to be interviewed about our adventure:
Is Winter A Good Time To Visit Iceland?
Yes if you want an incredible photo workshop with your buds and are willing to see the sites in limited daylight
Driving in Iceland really isn't scary or difficult. When driving in Iceland in winter, it is important to be careful and drive slow.
Not so much when Siggi the Viking is your photo workshop leader, guide, and driver. We came to realize he is Iceland's greatest “living” stunt driver. Having Siggi as your man, driving at the speed of light is the trick to seeing all the cool sites in the limited daylight! Experiencing Iceland in the winter is the reverse of the “Land of the Midnight Sun”
Iceland in Winter: How Dark and How Cold Does It Get?
Very dark for 18 hours. But this allows for more time to search for the Northern lights (see below)
The climate ran the gamut. We had rain, sleet, blinding snow squalls, 60-70 MPH winds, and exfoliating hail. But overall temperatures were moderate in the ’20-’30s. (warmer than NY in the same timeframe). Winter in Iceland can be pretty mild due to its location on the Gulfstream.
You guys get bonus points for traveling to Iceland in winter including the fantastic “golden hour” light that seems to be ever-present! Having sunset all day to accent the snowy landscape is pretty surreal!
In theory that would be a photographer's dream. Unfortunately, we had mostly cloudy skies which limited our ever-present golden hours to some fleeting moments.
There Is No Guarantee You Will See The Northern Lights When Visiting Iceland In Winter
We searched and waited, we consulted the apps for the KB numbers (strength of the lights) and many radar apps to give an exact location of clear/cloudy skies to the moment.
We agree with no guarantees as we experienced a total shutout.
Zero, zilch, zip, nada, nothing.
We need a reason to return to Iceland again in the winter so it worked out perfectly.
So what did you see and experience?
We were treated to Iceland's many waterfalls, geysers, and glacier lagoons (we flew drones up into the glaciers!). At Diamond Beach, we photographed the mini icebergs on the stark black sand in the shallow surf. We experienced a magnificent sunrise in otherworldly turquoise blue ice caves within the massive glaciers. We had time with those Icelandic horses. Our off-season meant a private front seat to nature's wonders!!!
Did you spend any time in Reykjavik?
On the last day, we were able to spend productive time in the capital city. Along with photographing the Opera House, we made a unanimous decision that it was best to visit to spend our remaining hours before departure at the penis museum. The Icelandic Phallological Museum houses the world's largest display of penises and penile parts. It was hard to find it but well worth the visit. We learned whales have bigger members than us (amongst others).
Sounds like it was a go-go-go adventure. Did you have time to celebrate? How was the food?
Yes, we actually celebrated 2 birthdays during our time in Iceland. Barry’s on his day and Eddies posthumously for his significant round birthday number.
The food was surprisingly tasty and we enjoyed good beer as well. However, with limited daytime, we never took time to eat while it was light out!
Through all that, did you learn anything about taking pictures? How was your workshop with Siggi the Viking?
Driving skills aside, Siggi was a hoot. We shared a lot of life experiences while traveling the scenic highways and byways of Iceland. Siggi is a very experienced and seasoned photographer. He was patient with us and we all improved despite the adverse conditions. It was helpful that we all used the same brand of camera (Sony mirrorless). By the end, we were firing away using manual settings and back button focus.
You boys have done a lot of traveling in your day. How does this trip rank amongst your other travels?
It was much fun traveling together with your buds. The weather conditions provided a lot of drama and adventure. We will never forget our time together in Iceland!!!
