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After my first year-in-review blog about my favourite 5 camera photographs of 2024, it is time for that other “camera” I use: my drone. In this blog, I go over my favourite drone shots of this year.

Introduction

It’s that time of year again! Another year has passed and that means it’s time for my yearly overviews. It is safe to say that 2024 has again been an amazing year for my photography. I started out the year wondering how it could possibly become more exciting than the year before and somehow it did. Thinking back to this year, it feels fulfilling and fills me with gratitude.

This year has been the busiest in my photography career, possibly even in my entire life. I visited two new continents where I explored Patagonia & Antarctica, two of my bucket lists locations. I have also never guided as many photo workshops as I did this year & got to meet incredible people along the way. My work at the series of eruptions at Sundhnúksgígar in Iceland was published multiple times in international media, I helped produce a documentary, my photography received international recognition, and I developed a 12+ hour video course with a good friend. It feels like I have been going non-stop until this well-needed Christmas break.

Just like last year, I am publishing 3 different blogs: one about my favourite camera shots of the year, this one about my favourite drone shots of the year and, finally, my classic ‘Year in Review’ blog.

Disclaimer: This article is not sponsored in any way. Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you buy through them, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Aerial of the Fjallabak craters with Ljótipollur at sunset in the Icelandic Highlands.

I spent a lot of time in the Icelandic Highlands this summer and got some incredible conditions at night.

Top-down drone abstract of a dark Fjallabak crater ringed by green moss above a glacial river plain.

Inspired by a photo I saw in the same shortlist I was on for the Siena Drone Awards, I visited this spot multiple times this year to get my own unique version of this abstract.

Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove launching a DJI drone in misty grey-ash terrain in the Icelandic Highlands.

In the early summer, I ventured with one of my photo workshops into an intense sandstorm. I put up my drone and got an incredible shot despite the harsh conditions. Thanks for the image, Xabier!

Workshop group portrait in the Icelandic Highlands with Jeroen holding the drone remote, photo by Xabier.

This year, I guided no less than 13 photo workshops where I taught people my approach to drone photography, which I also share in the Drone Photography Masterclass.

My Five Favourite Drone Photographs Of 2024

Let’s continue my yearly overview with my 5 favourite drone shots! In 2024, I continued using my DJI Mavic 3 Pro with pleasure and it will probably remain to be my trusty weapon-of-choice until a significantly better drone comes along.

This year, I have used my drone much more than I have ever done in the past. One of the reasons for that, is the Drone Photography Masterclass I have been working on. It made it even harder this time to stick to a top 5 list. And as you will be able to tell, I may or may not have included many more images than five… I have been really happy with what I managed to capture with my drone this year and, to me, many photographs stood out.

1. The Moody Icelandic Highlands

The weather conditions this year have been incredibly challenging for photography. During the summer, we had quite rough weather with often poor visibility. This required me to often adjust the photo workshops I guided to fit the conditions. Sometimes, against what you’d normally expect, such weather can also be very interesting in the right locations. These two images were captured on such a day, when rain and low clouds came and went every 5 minutes. On this day, I flew in rainstorms and dense fog, looking for interesting compositions.

This image also got rewarded in the Belgian Photo Awards as well as selected for the World Photographic Cup.

Drone view of low cloud rolling over rough Icelandic Highland terrain during a summer workshop.
Moody aerial of mist drifting through Highland ridges in low summer light.

Both images are 3-shot bracketed vertical panorama – taken using the DJI Mavic 3 Pro.

2. A Galaxy of Ice

During the most incredible adventure in East Greenland, I didn’t just use my camera but also often used my drone. On one morning, we were flying around our sailboat with our drones. After getting a few shots of the sailboat moving through ice, I decided to fly back to a previous location. To my amazement, I found this incredible spiral of slush ice. It was only there very briefly before completely vanishing again.

The first image was awarded the Snow & Ice award in the International Landscape Photographer Of The Year 2024 awards.

Top-down drone view of a spiral of slush ice in an East Greenland fjord at sunrise.
Drone abstract of pack ice fanning out around a dark patch of fjord water in East Greenland.

Both images are 3-shot bracketed vertical panorama – taken using the DJI Mavic 3 Pro.

3. Revisiting A Shot From Winter

This photograph is one I have been thinking about for a long time. I first visited this location with a drone during winter, where my goal was to capture the same composition with the setting sun in the distance. However, I didn’t really feel like it fitted the mood of the scenery. By accident, because of changed plans during a Highlands workshop, I ended up in this location with much moodier weather. On my final flight, I noticed a cloud rolling down the glacier so I flew back, began scaling the glacier and as I found the ideal position, the cloud moved into the perfect position for my composition.

Aerial of Falljökull glacier tongue catching low cloud, revisited in summer light.

A 3-shot bracketed vertical panorama using the DJI Mavic 3 Pro.

4. A Challenging Sandstorm

On my first photo workshop in the Highlands this year, we encountered a massive sandstorm near Mælifell, a green cone-shaped mountain. The conditions were incredibly challenging, with a wall of sand blocking our path to progress further. I decided to try and fly my drone, which somewhat succeeded. I managed to fly high enough, against the strong winds, over a dune so I could get a good view of what was unfolding in the rest of the desert.

Drone shot pushed over a tall dune in a sandstorm near Mælifell in the Icelandic Highlands.

A 3-shot bracketed vertical panorama using the DJI Mavic 3 Pro.

5. An Overturning Lava Lake

This year I spent a lot of my time documenting the eruptions taking place at Sundhnúkagígar near Grindavík. On one occasion, I was there for a whole day recording footage for a news broadcast. As I flew out to the erupting crater, suddenly the lava lake south of the crater began overturning. The solidified top layer began flipping over as I managed to capture this frame. It was a tricky shot to get due to the movement of the lava but by carefully picking how I organised my vertical panorama, it all worked out well.

Aerial of the Fagradalsfjall eruption with two glowing lava pools and a smoking cone.

A 3-shot bracketed vertical panorama using the DJI Mavic 3 Pro.

6. Visiting The United Kingdom

Finally, I couldn’t not mention my first proper visit to the UK where I recorded a large portion of the Drone Photography Masterclass together with my friend Nigel Danson. Because I was there with the main goal of making drone photographs, it was interesting for me to see what I could come up with in an unfamiliar setting. The environments to photograph there are very different from what I am used to as I usually avoid human structures in my images. I ended up being very happy with these two shots.

Drone view of a Peak District farm pond with geese floating on the reflection of an autumn sunset.
Aerial of a Peak District pond at sunset, recorded during the Drone Masterclass with Nigel Danson.

Both images are 3-shot bracketed vertical panorama – taken using the DJI Mavic 3 Pro.

What’s Next?

After my favourite drone shots of 2024, it’s soon time for the final blog: my ‘normal’ Year in Review. Stay tuned!

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Discover Jeroen’s Photo Workshops in Iceland, Greenland & Beyond

Ready to take your photography to the next level? Join me, Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove, on unforgettable photo workshops in Iceland, Greenland, Antarctica and other exciting destinations. Whether your passion is wildlife photography, bird photography, landscape adventures, or mastering drone photography, each workshop is designed to give you hands-on guidance in some of the world’s most spectacular locations.

From puffins in the midnight sun to Arctic foxes in the wild, from glaciers and volcanoes to dramatic coastlines seen by drone – these journeys are more than workshops; they’re once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Group sizes are kept small, ensuring personal mentoring and plenty of shooting opportunities.

All Upcoming Photography Workshops With Jeroen

Explore all upcoming photography workshops with Jeroen and take your skills to the next level in some of the world’s most extraordinary locations. From the volcanic landscapes of Iceland to the ice-filled fjords of Greenland and the wildlife-rich polar regions such as Antarctica, each workshop is designed to help you grow creatively while experiencing unforgettable moments in the field. Browse all upcoming departures below and find your next adventure!

What Previous Participants Shared About Their Experience

Choosing the right photography workshop is about more than just visiting iconic locations. It’s about experience, safety, timing, and personal guidance. Below you’ll find honest reviews from photographers who have joined me on landscape, wildlife & drone photo workshops in Iceland, Greenland and other locations. These testimonials reflect real experiences in small groups, hands-on instruction in challenging conditions, and the level of care Jeroen aims to bring to every workshop.

5.0 from 110 Google reviews

Read all reviews on Google

I had the pleasure of being part of the West/North Iceland 2026 workshop with Jeroen and Mads Peter Iversen. I had already met them both on a workshop in Antarctica and signed up for this smaller workshop without any hesitation. The small group was perfect for continuing my photography eduction and I learned a lot more than I thought I would. Jeroen made himself available to help with settings, composition, and even drone photography techniques whenever I needed him. He’s easy to be with and makes any level photographer comfortable when in a learning situation. Our small group was fun to be with and a large part of that was due to the personalities of both Jeroen and Mads. Thanks for a wonderful week to everyone on this workshop. I highly recommend attending one of Jeroen's workshops without hesitation.

David W.★★★★★Autumn in West/North Iceland Photo Workshop (October 2026)Google review

Great trip for aspiring and seasoned photographers alike. Kind and honest hosts, great food, and best of all fantastic photo opportunities. Highly recommend.

Victor C.★★★★★Autumn in West/North Iceland Photo Workshop (October 2026)Google review

It was a fantastic experience, I learned a lot and the engagement with the workshop leaders and other attendees was excellent. I would highly encourage anyone to book a workshop on Jeroen's website. I am planning to rebook with him in the future to explore the highlands.

Ramon J.★★★★★Autumn in West/North Iceland Photo Workshop (October 2026)Google review

It was a fantastic, intensive, and highly varied week. Anyone who loves Iceland and wants to delve deeper into drone photography simply has to take part in a workshop like this. Jeroen is a true professional with excellent equipment. His 4x4 took us everywhere, his large DJI battery kept our drones in the air, and his Starlink kept us connected even in the most remote locations.

Siegfried S.★★★★★Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands Photo Workshop (August 2026)Google review

I've attended many photography workshops over the years, but Jeroen's aerials workshop stands out as one of the most rewarding experiences I've ever had. Jeroen is not only an exceptional drone photographer but also an outstanding instructor, and his ability to combine technical expertise with artistic vision made every session inspiring. Every day was filled with breathtaking locations, valuable insights and a genuine passion for helping each participant improve. I arrived in Iceland with almost no experience flying drones, and in just one week my confidence grew from 1 to 100. I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone who wants to take their drone photography to the next level.

Norberto S.★★★★★Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands Photo Workshop (August 2026)Google review

Jeroen is an amazing guide, teacher and importantly a wonderful person with a great sense of humor. The small group made it the best workshop I have ever been on! The 6 days were packed with so many amazing location it felts like 2 weeks. I will book another workshop with Jeroen on the future.

Shane J.★★★★★Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands Photo Workshop (August 2026)Google review

I attended Jeroen´s Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands Workshop in August ´26 which was well organised and a great experience. Being a small group of only 3 participants, Jeroen was able to provide individual attention. I gained confidence in flying my drone beyond my comfort zone.

Gavin K.★★★★★Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands Photo Workshop (August 2026)Google review

I recently completed a photography workshop in the Highlands with Jeroen, and it exceeded all my expectations. Jeroen's knowledge of Iceland's interior is amazing, from navigating rough F-roads and tricky weather conditions to putting us in the exact right spot at the right time for incredible light. Going into the trip, my drone skills were fairly beginner-level, but Jeroen was fantastic at giving me hands-on guidance, composition advice and technical tips, while also giving me the space I needed to practice on my own. Over the course of the week, my flying and aerial photography improved by leaps and bounds. We had a small, nimble and lighthearted group and Jeroen was the perfect leader!

David★★★★★Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands Photo Workshop (August 2026)Google review

I have admired Jeroen's work for a long time, so I joined the Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands workshop with very high expectations. His knowledge of the Highlands is exceptional, and his flexibility in adapting the workshop to the weather meant we were always in the right place at the right time. Driving through remote highland tracks, crossing rivers and reaching places that very few people ever see was an unforgettable experience. My biggest personal takeaway was the confidence I gained as a drone pilot, flying distances I would never have thought possible and in conditions I would previously never have considered taking off in. I returned home with images I'm genuinely proud of.

Beemer B.★★★★★Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands Photo Workshop (August 2026)Google review

This was the second workshop with Jeroen. Same three customers from last year expressed the desire to do another aerial drone workshop in the Icelandic Highlands. Jeroen managed to fit in an extra custom made workshop for us this July. Jeroen took us to locations we didn’t manage to visit last year. Although many of the highland roads were still unusually closed, Jeroen was very flexible in checking roads and weather, and discussing all options with us. This was again a highly successful workshop. Jeroen was always very helpful giving us drone operating tips and showing us the locations and possible compositions prior to launching our own drones. En route we also had the opportunity to stop briefly at some of the iconic Icelandic waterfalls. Jeroen is very knowledgeable and a very skilled 4X4 driver on the highland roads and river crossings. It was great having everything planned for us in advance. Another highly successful workshop and we all want to go again next year.

Peter S.★★★★★Private Photo Workshop (July 2026)Google review

I signed up for the puffin workshop after a disappointing experience in Ireland, where the puffins were always too far away to photograph well. That definitely isn’t the case on Grímsey. A great location is only half the equation. The other half is knowing how to photograph it, and that’s where Jeroen truly excels. The highlight for me was the daily image review sessions, discussing editing, cropping, and selecting the strongest frame from a burst. Jeroen has an exceptional eye for the things that matter. I arrived in Iceland hoping to come home with at least a single portrait of a puffin carrying fish in its bill. Instead, I came home with what feels like an entire puffin portfolio.

Myriam F.★★★★★Puffins in the Midnight Sun Photo Workshop (June 2026)Google review

I can highly recommend the Winter in Iceland photo workshop; it was a great experience. The trip was run very professionally by Jeroen and Mads, and the other participants were interesting and great fun, which made for a great group. Apart from advice on getting the best compositions and techniques at each location, there was also some important safety information given out. I thought that was very good bearing in mind how dangerous Iceland can be (Black Sand Beach in particular). Two things which I found particularly useful on this trip were Wellington Boots and micro spike type crampons-essential in many places. I took my drone and had many fantastic opportunities to fly in some amazing locations, so I would definitely recommend bringing one. All in all a fantastic week!

Matt W.★★★★★Iceland in Winter Photo Workshop (November 2025)Google review

I can highly recommend Jeroen's photography workshops! I recently had the pleasure of joining his winter tour through Iceland and it was wonderful. The tour was very well organised (a helpful booklet ahead of the tour, great hotels, a clean and new car, enough space for luggage, clear communication on what to expect of each day). Jeroen is a careful and good driver, which I appreciated in winter conditions. He and Mads planned all our days with the optimised photo spots for each day's weather, realistic driving times on the road and sufficient coffee breaks. Both Jeroen and Mads are fun to travel with and wonderful coaches, always making sure to explain the possibilities of each location, what to watch out for and giving suggestions for improvement, while at the same time allowing for enough creative freedom for each of their clients. All in all, I had an amazing time, and look forward to joining further tours in the future.

Barbara★★★★★Iceland in Winter Photo Workshop (November 2025)Google review

Iceland Winter 2025 workshop An amazing experience all around. The workshop was well organized, the accommodations were top notch and the food was outstanding! Jeroen and Mads were extremely helpful and genuinely invested in making sure the participants were setup to achieve their photography goals. Jeroen's and Mad's expertise and local knowledge is paramount in providing a truly magical experience. JVN Photo will be my first stop for any future workshops.

Paul F.★★★★★Iceland in Winter Photo Workshop (November 2025)Google review

I brought my drone to Iceland for the winter workshop and had no confidence flying it. By the end of the trip I was flying it by myself and capturing amazing photos and videos. Grateful to Jeroen for his patience and instruction to make both my photography and my trip a success!

Maura C.★★★★★Iceland in Winter Photo Workshop (November 2025)Google review

Just returned from Winter in Iceland 2025. The trip was fantastic. Great group of people. Very nice accommodations and meals and most importantly excellent photographic locations. Well thought out and planned. Excellent packing list provided (yes, you do need wellies). Jeroen is an amazing host with a great sense of humour. He was extremely helpful with my photography in addition to navigating us safely from the various locations. He kept a watchful eye over my shoulder to provide valuable tips and suggestions. Jeroen is a 5 star host. Highly recommend him.

Stephen P.★★★★★Iceland in Winter Photo Workshop (November 2025)Google review

What an amazing workshop in Southern Iceland. Fantastic scenery, a great group of people but most importantly, superb support from Jeroen and Mads. They knew precisely where to take us for the best photographic opportunities and when we were on location they provided really useful help and guidance. The banter in the evenings was also great fun - what else can you ask for! I wouldn't hesitate to recommend going on a workshop with Jeroen and Mads.

Josh C.★★★★★Iceland in Winter Photo Workshop (November 2025)Google review

JVN provided an amazing experience full of useful skills, tips, guidance and knowledge. This workshop helped me level up my photography capabilities whilst immersing myself in an amazing landscape, one that will leave you in awe. The adventure started the first night of the workshop and did not end until leaving the hotel for the plane ride home. At every step of the way, Jeroen was there to offer friendly and compassionate guidance about how to take my own photography, videography and drone skills to the next level. I would highly recommend JVN for anyone at any stage in your photography aspirations, novice to expert. The investment is well worth the value received; new skills, widened perspective, new friends, and capturing life in such an amazing landscape!

Mr R.★★★★★Iceland in Winter Photo Workshop (November 2025)Google review

I spent 8 days on a workshop led by Jeroen to Western Greenland. My experience was absolutely delightful from end to end. Given the limited infrastructure in Greenland, Jeroen as a planner had anticipated so many ``what ifs`` that he always had an alternative plan if/when something came up. His attention to all the details for our trip was amazing. The accommodations, food, transportation, and activities were all superb. As a teacher he was patient and supportive. He also worked hard to create unique photographic opportunities for us - both landscape and wildlife. His passion and enthusiasm is infectious, as is his sense of humor. As a woman in my 60's, I always felt so safe with him as our leader. I also spent a day with him up in the highlands of Iceland where he worked tirelessly to put us in the best position(s) and in the best light and helped me capture the most insane landscape shots with my new drone. Jeroen is a wonderful human being and great fun to be with. I definitely plan to go on another of his fabulous workshops in the near future!

Miranda D.★★★★★West Greenland Photo Workshop (September 2025)Google review

Just been on a workshop with Jeroen and Mads to West and North Iceland. Amazing trip made all the better by JVN's organisational skills, photographic vision and sense of humour. We were a group of nine with mixed abilities and he always had time for those both at the start of their photographic journey and the more experienced. This was my second time in Iceland and the epic scenery needs to be seen with your own eyes to be believed. If you are even thinking about it, just do it and I recommend JVN.

Scott F.★★★★★Autumn in West/North Iceland Photo Workshop (October 2025)Google review

Jeroen puts on a first class workshop. His drone coaching alone brings tremendous value. Unlike the saturated and competitive land based photography market, great drone/aerial photography instruction is hard to come by. In just a few days I learned new skills, pushed my personal envelope and gained a new level of confidence. That said, the land based opportunity was available all day, every day. The full agenda hit amazing waterfalls and iconic locations. Both Jeroen and Mads were readily available to assist at any level catering to both the professional and those with less experience. Most importantly, the trip was fun, upbeat and positive , even on those few days the weather didn't cooperate. The hotels were super comfortable and the food was great. If looking for a workshop from a local pro with local knowledge, I highly recommend taking one with Jeroen.

David R.★★★★★Autumn in West/North Iceland Photo Workshop (October 2025)Google review

We just returned from North/West Iceland. What an amazing adventure! Jeroen was an amazing host and guide (and driver) and truly went out of his way to make sure everyone on the trip was not only taken care of from the point of view of comfort with their accommodations and daily needs, but also made sure to help each participant elevate their photography and drone skills. He was accompanied on this trip by Mads Peter Iverson who complemented Jeroen’s skills as well. Both Jeroen and Mads went out of their way to take care of even the most difficult participants, never acting demeaning and always teaching. I can’t think of a better way to see Iceland and learn photography in an immersive and nourishing environment. I highly recommend this adventure!

Craig B.★★★★★Autumn in West/North Iceland Photo Workshop (October 2025)Google review

I attended Jeroen's Autumn in West/North Iceland Photo Workshop and couldn't be more pleased. In addition to being a world class camera and drone photographer, Jeroen excels at guiding a group tour. He did an excellent job in managing the logistics of the workshop and had the perfect balance of offering photo suggestions without being condescending. I look forward to attending another of his workshops in the near future.

J H.★★★★★Autumn in West/North Iceland Photo Workshop (October 2025)Google review

Jeroen really cares about the experience that you have on his workshops. He has impeccable organisation and communication prior to and during the workshop. Jeroen actively sought feedback afterwards, which demonstrates to me that he is constantly working towards providing the best experience for participants. He handled one difficult situation that came up unexpectedly on this trip with grace and made sure the impact of this on the group was minimal. The photographic opportunities we had in East Greenland were incredible. As a total newbie to drone flying, I felt supported and encouraged to venture out of my comfort zone and as a result, I learned so much and captured some amazing photos that I am really proud of. The crew of the boat was fantastic, making sure we were safe and comfortable at all times. The food was excellent. All of these little touches curated by Jeroen made this workshop an incredible experience beyond taking photos.

Michele M.★★★★★East Greenland Photo Expedition (August 2025)Google review

Support Jeroen’s Work

As an independent photographer, Jeroen partially relies on your support to keep producing worthwhile content such as blogs, photographs, books and much more. If you want to support his work, it is possible to do so by buying his e-books & books.

You can also sign up to the newsletter to stay up to date on new blog posts, projects, workshops and other interesting information.

Thank you for considering!

Written by Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove

Jeroen is an award-winning Belgian photographer based in Iceland. The past years, he dedicated his photography to the Central Highlands & volcanic eruptions. Most recently, he received international attention for his work at the Fagradalsfjall volcano.


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