Skip to main content

DISCOUNT: Drone Photography Masterclass (50USD Off!): 50+ videos, 15+ hours of content. Click here to find out more!

In the middle of June, I hosted my annual Puffins in the Midnight Sun bird photography workshop on Grímsey in Iceland. Every year, I bring together a group of photographers who are eager to learn more about bird photography and are excited to improve their skills. This year, I decided to also test myself during this workshop by bringing a lens I was absolutely not familiar with: the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM.

The Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM is an impressive piece of gear according to what I’ve read and heard about it so I really want to try it out myself. To form my own opinion about it, I wanted to use it in the best situation I could think of: photographing puffins. I purposely left my favourite lens for the job, the Canon RF 100-500mm at home, so I wouldn’t have an easy way out if things didn’t work out as planned.

As always, in my lens and camera reviews I don’t obsess about the technical specifications but I rather focus on capturing images I want to capture. I focus on how it performs in-the-field and whether or not it allowed me to do things I would otherwise not be able to do. Do not expect me to be comparing images at 400% crop to check sharpness as I do not believe that’s important at all.

So how did the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM, this magical unicorn of a lens, stack up in a real world scenario for a hybrid photographer like myself? Let’s find out!

Interested in joining the 2026 edition of Puffins in the Midnight Sun? It is now possible to sign up via the Puffins in the Midnight Sun 2026 photo workshop page.

 

Full disclosure: This is not a sponsored review. I borrowed the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 for a week from Ofar/Canon Iceland and used it during my Puffins in the Midnight Sun photo workshop. I am not being paid to write this review nor did anyone get any input or preview. All opinions are my own.

It was definitely a steep learning curve for me to go on a workshop with the Canon RF 100-300mm which I had never even held until the day before the workshop began.

For this trip, I had just upgraded my main camera body to the Canon EOS R5 Mark II.

Using The Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM In Real World Bird Photography Scenarios

For someone who usually shoots with the Canon RF 100-500mm telephoto lens, changing over to the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM was a big adjustment in many ways. I had never used such a big & heavy lens with such a wide aperture before.

For the purpose of this review, I tested the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM together with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II (the latest addition to my kit) and in combination with the 1.4x and 2x RF extenders. I divided the review in a few key aspects that are very important in my line of work.

Build Quality

Let’s start with the most eye-catching thing about the Canon RF 100-300mm: its build quality. As soon as you hold it you notice three things: it’s heavy, it’s big and it’s well-built. With a whopping 2585,5 gram (without a camera body), this is possibly the heaviest lens I have ever used. While it’s something you notice right away, you kind of stop noticing it after a while. I definitely got used to the weight. That is until I started waving it around photographing birds-in-flight. I love shooting handheld when photographing flying puffins and it was certainly a workout with this lens.

The Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM is also considerably larger than any other lens I have used. The front element is almost 12 centimeters in diameter and the lens barrel itself is almost 35 centimeters long – without the included lens hood. The included lens hood adds another 10 centimeters to that.

However, while it is a massive piece of kit to carry around, the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM is also one of the best built lenses I have ever used. It feels incredibly sturdy and premium. One of my favourite parts is the tripod collar, which doubles as a carrying handle. The way this handle has been finished, with a nice curved rubber grip on it, is clearly well thought out.

The Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 feels well-built and has a lot of customization switches on the lens barrel to control focusing distance and image stabilisation.

Probably my favourite feature is the tripod collar which doubles as a very comfortable handle. On the Canon RF 100-500mm this is not as well thought out and it’s a feature I hope they will improve on for the Mark II version of the RF 100-500mm.

The Canon RF 100-300mm is considerably bigger than any other lens I own or have used. In this image you can see the comparison with my Canon RF 100-500mm in combination with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II.

With its F2.8 aperture over the entire zoom range, the lens is massive and its front element is incredibly large.

Image Stabilisation

The Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM has excellent image stabilization and you know how I know that? Because I didn’t notice it at all. Even though I was unintentionally shaking whilst holding this heavy lens, I never noticed I was shaking because the lens stabilized really, really well. Of course, depending on what camera body you use, your mileage may vary. All I can say is that it worked great with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II.

Image Sharpness

Just like with my Canon RF 100-500mm, the image sharpness of this lens is of course very important to me. It’s safe to say that the Canon RF 100-300mm has absolutely no issues in that regard and the image sharpness is excellent, which you would expect from such an expensive lens. I tested this lens at all kinds of apertures, ranging from F2.8 to F16 and I never felt like any of the images fell short. As mentioned before, I won’t delve into pixel-peeping comparisons but the images below definitely speak volumes.

Autofocus

The Dual Nano USM autofocus motors on the Canon RF 100-300mm work blazingly fast. At not point did I feel this lens was holding me back. Especially when combined with the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, it was almost as if I just had to point at the right bird and press the shutter. On top of that, it’s also very quiet when focusing. Even in the most intimate shooting circumstances, where I crawled really close to one puffin and I couldn’t make a sound, I didn’t even hear the lens focusing. It was THAT quiet!

Extenders

For reasons mentioned in the previous paragraph, I did use extenders in combination with the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM a lot during this trip. One thing I really liked about using them with the Canon RF 100-300mm, in comparison to my Canon RF 100-500mm is that the Canon RF 100-300mm doesn’t have any issues with the lens barrel sticking out with an extender attached as the zoom is internal. The 1,4x extender, which I also borrowed for the photo workshop, has very sharp while the 2x extender produces slightly softer images. Did that matter in the end result? No, it did not. Truth be told, I didn’t even notice it until I accidentally zoomed in to 200%. I ended up using the 2x extender a lot as it gave me a nice 600mm of range to work with while still keeping a wide aperture at F5.6.

This image was captured using the 2x RF extender at 200mm.

This image, uncropped, was taken with the 2x extender at the longest end (600mm).

What Didn’t I Like About The Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM?

While there is a lot to love about the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM, there are definitely a few shortcomings or downsides that I find worth considering. It’s good to note that these are downsides which relate to my workflow and my niche so they may not necessarily apply to you.

The first, and probably biggest, downside is the price of the Canon RF 100-300mm. Coming at over 10,000 USD, this lens is extremely expensive. Does that mean it is too expensive for what you get and for whom this is marketed for? No, I don’t think so. But it is still a big chunk of money from your budget for what ultimately may be incremental improvements over other telephoto lenses you may be considering.

A second potential downside is that the minimum focus distance of the Canon RF 100-300mm is 1.8 meters, which is considerably longer than on my Canon RF 100-500mm, I did feel I needed to reach for an extender very often. Sure, I could have cropped in a lot but then I lose too much of the resolution I desire to keep.

The Canon RF 100-300mm is a big & heavy lens which can become an issue if you have to carry it together with a lot of other photography equipment. I also found it to be quite challenging to use handheld, especially with birds-in-flight. You can, of course, use something like a gimbal head on a tripod but I find those very limiting in my workflow. I enjoy being mobile and flexible while shooting and a tripod feels limiting in that regard. Given the size of the Canon RF 100-300mm you may also need a much bigger backpack to carry it if you plan on bringing a lot of other photography gear.

Finally, I found the range of the Canon RF 100-300mm to be limiting compared to my Canon RF 100-500mm. Therefore I kept reaching for the extenders I carried as well, which then also limit you on the shorter end. Perhaps I have gotten so used to having that nice 100 to 500mm range that I am struggling to step down to something with a more limited range.

Having to use extenders all the time felt limiting and made me long for my Canon RF 100-500mm.

The size difference between my Canon RF 100-500mm and the Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM is tremendous and definitely felt limiting in terms of packing other gear.

Join A Photo Workshop!

Join me and embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey by signing up to a photo workshop in Iceland, Greenland, or another exciting destination. Immerse yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of these stunning destinations while honing your photography skills. Capture the awe-inspiring beauty of glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and more, under the guidance of experienced photographers.

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced enthusiast, these workshops offer a unique opportunity to learn and practice various techniques, including drone photography. Don’t miss out on this incredible adventure that combines exploration, education, and the art of photography.

Previous Participants Shared This About Their Experience…

Just got back from an incredible drone photography workshop in Iceland with JVN Photography, and wow—what an experience! Jeroen, our fearless leader, made the whole trip a blast with his great sense of humor and awesome teaching style. He was always checking in, making sure we were safe and confident while flying our drones (even when the wind was doing its best to carry us away!). One wild day we found ourselves in a full-on sandstorm, and I’ll admit—I was totally freaked out. But with Jeroen’s encouragement, I stepped out of the car, faced the storm, and ended up capturing some of my favorite shots of the trip. I learned so much, had tons of fun, and would 100% recommend this workshop to anyone wanting to level up their drone photography in one of the most stunning places on Earth. Thanks, Jeroen!

Carrie C.Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands Drone Photo Workshop (July 2025)

After spending a week in the magnificent Hornstrandir Nature Reserve alongside Jeroen and seven other passionate photographers, I return home with a head full of magical memories. Taking part in a workshop with Jeroen is more than just a photographic journey — it’s a deeply human experience. With his professionalism, deep knowledge, and unmistakable sense of humor, he creates a warm, welcoming, and cohesive atmosphere for everyone involved. Jeroen is also incredibly attentive and thoughtful. Always approachable and available, he takes time for everyone, offering guidance, answering questions, and encouraging without ever being overbearing. Photographing Arctic foxes in the raw and untouched beauty of Hornstrandir was an unforgettable experience. We were incredibly lucky to encounter several of them, including their cubs — a rare and precious privilege I’ll never forget. If you're passionate about photography and want to discover Iceland in a truly unique way, I wholeheartedly recommend Jeroen’s workshops. You won’t regret it.

Valentin R.Arctic Foxes in Hornstrandir Photo Workshop (June 2025)

My dad and I just returned from the BEST arctic fox adventure in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve with Jeroen. Jeroen made a comment at the beginning of our trip that stuck with me. He said that even though this is a photography workshop, the experience of everything is what it is all about, and the photos we hoped to take were the icing on the cake. That could not have been more accurate. "Living" with the foxes, the friendships we made, the moments we experienced together and alone with our furry friends, the knowledge and expertise gained, being off the grid, and some epic photo moments made this trip an incredible and memorable adventure of a lifetime. I would sign up for every upcoming workshop Jeroen has on the books if I could and I will certainly be back for more.

Megan G.Arctic Foxes in Hornstrandir Photo Workshop (June 2025)

I highly recommend Jeroen for anyone seeking a top-tier workshop or private photography tour experience. His organizational skills are exceptional—he carefully plans every detail, from tailored itineraries to seamless logistics, ensuring that each session runs smoothly and meets the unique interests of his clients. His deep knowledge of photography, local culture, and hidden locations provides participants with both technical growth and memorable adventures.
Beyond his expertise, his warm personality, sense of humor, and excellent communication skills make every workshop engaging and enjoyable. He listens to participants’ needs, remains patient and positive, and fosters a supportive learning environment. If you’re looking for a knowledgeable, personable, and highly organized photographer, you won’t find anyone better than Jeroen.

Tomas A.Puffins in the Midnight Sun Photo Workshop (June 2025)

I have just returned from a photography workshop organised by Jeroen on the Isle of Grimsey. I am very impressed by his personality - he is able to provide a great atmosphere in the team and make everyone feel at ease. The workshops are perfectly organized, from the first e-mail contacts to the farewell at the airport. Jeroen has a very individual approach to each participant, he is able to politely point out mistakes and, above all, show how to fix them. Critical sessions are real photography workshops, I learned a lot from them and all this in a very nice and friendly atmosphere. The entire week-long stay on Grimsey Island was prepared very professionally, including the optimal weather. I highly recommend workshops with Jeroen, especially if someone is looking for a great teacher, guide or friend in one person.

Ewa S.Puffins in the Midnight Sun Photo Workshop (June 2025)

I am delighted to recommend Jeroen for his exceptional leadership and expertise in conducting photography workshops.
I recently had the privilege of participating in a photo workshop in Greenland lead by Jeroen, and I can say without reservations that he has a rare blend of photographic talent and organizational prowess. Jeroen is a master photographer, and generously shares this knowledge with workshop participants. Whether it's mastering the technical aspects of photography or exploring creative compositions, Jeroen provides invaluable insights that elevate the skills of all the participants. His meticulous planning and organizational skills are unmatched; the workshop was flawlessly executed, with every detail thoughtfully considered. He fostered a collaborative environment where participants felt free to ask questions, experiment, and learn from one another; always providing positive feedback and encouragement. I wholeheartedly recommend Jeroen for any photography workshop or related endeavor. His passion for photography, attention to detail, and outgoing personality, make him an outstanding leader.

Tomas A.West Greenland Photo Workshop (September 2024)

Jeroen’s and Mads’ West Greenland Workshop was simply the best photo workshop I’ve ever attended. The days were full from dawn to dusk and even later for nioghtime photography. Jeroen and Mads made themselves available during any free time for coaching, editing and general questions. They focused on hands on coaching for each of us in the field. Workshop logistics were seamless, transport via coaches and boats were in good condition with competent crews and were ready when scheduled, accommodations were very good. I look forward to joining Jeroen and Mads again in the future.

Kelly E.West Greenland Photo Workshop (September 2024)

I had the pleasure of being part of a Highlands workshop in August with Jeroen and Mads Peter Iversen as photo guides and professionals. I had already met them both on a workshop in Antarctica. The small group was perfect for guidance and attention. It is now sinking in how much I learned on this trip and how breathtaking Iceland is. We encountered some strong winds, rain and fog. Nevertheless, Jeroen found alternatives and safety was always paramount. He’s a conscientious guy and can be seriously funny too. Not only did our group gain knowledge, we had a lot of fun. Thanks for a memorable week to everyone on this workshop. I’d recommend Jeroen without hesitation.

Cindy B.Highlands of Iceland Photo Workshop (August 2024)

I was recently on an Iceland Highlands photo tour, my first trip with Jeroen. It will not be my last! It exceeded my expectations to the point that I've now booked a trip next year with Jeroen. My priority was to learn how to fly my new drone (Mavic 3 Classic) for quality stills photography. I started the trip with 'drone anxiety' and ended with confidence and a new set of skills in aerial photography. Jeroen's drone flying skills are impressive. But, importantly, he puts his clients first. He gives full support, both in terms of the essential skills needed to fly a drone safely, and also the skills needed to produce quality images. Jeroen's knowledge of Iceland and its hidden beauties, his organisational skills and photography expertise is second to none. I'm certainly looking forward to travelling with him again.

Milt I.Highlands of Iceland Photo Workshop (August 2024)

... Jeroen really really knows his stuff, not only about Iceland in general and the specific photo locations but he is also an absolute master with a drone. We were a pretty unexperienced group, regarding drone flying and drone photography and Jeroen helped and pushed us a lot, to really get the best out of our skills, equipment and the locations. I damaged my drone propellers on the third day, forgot the spare and there was no way to organize a replacement. I was really worried i was now missing out, but Jeroens expertise and support gave me confidence to use my drone during the rest of the workshop and there were no issues at all. Additionally his personality and his humor really made this trip and the group special. I highly recommend this workshop!

NicoHighlands of Iceland Photo Workshop (August 2024)

I highly recommend taking one of Jeroen's workshops. You can just tell that he has a great passion for leading them. He lives in Iceland and brought a wealth of knowledge and useful facts about the area, and had an answer for just about everything we asked him. He also has a great sense of humor so he made it entertaining as well. Thank you, Jeroen, for a great experience in the Highlands.

Chris G.Highlands of Iceland Photo Workshop (August 2024)

Really great trip - I learned a lot and we certainly got to photograph many places that would otherwise be very difficult for me to access. Jeroen and Mads always had answers/suggestions for my questions, and both were instrumental in forming compositions. Many times when we stopped I could not see the principal subject, but a drone would be launched and after watching one of their screens, something amazing would appear. I had never flown a drone before the trip, but Jeroen got me up and running in minutes; he made it very easy and relaxed. Also, my drone had a strange issue on one flight (it would not descend) but Jeroen got it back - flying it for over 2 minutes on no battery. He got it down just before all power was lost. It was wobbly on the way down, but it came down safely. Highly recommend these guys and their trips.

Paul K.Highlands of Iceland Photo Workshop (August 2024)

Going to the Icelandic Highlands means you have to know what you’re doing, and you have to be flexible with the ever changing weather. I was so fortunate to attend a workshop with Jeroen, as his expertise and knowledge of the numerous highland locations was critical to knowing where we could go based on the weather, road conditions, and time it would take to get everywhere. Our trip was filled with incredible locations I’ve only dreamed of going to, and many others that I had no idea existed. I’d highly recommend going on a workshop or even a private tour with Jeroen!

Mark S.Highlands of Iceland Photo Workshop (August 2024)

The trip I took with Jeroen to the Icelandic Highlands is the most memorable trip I’ve taken since I became serious about photography. It was incredible! Jeroen took us to the places I only dreamed about and never expected to see with my own eyes. Everything was well planned and executed – all we needed to do was concentrating on our photography. Thank you, Jeroen, for such a treat and good luck on all your endeavors!

Svetlana G.Highlands of Iceland Photo Workshop (July 2024)

I had a wonderful time at the workshop with Jeroen. Jeroen is a wonderful, very inspiring photographer, an excellent teacher, very sensitive to the beauty of Nature and empathetic, with a refined sense of humor. I felt very taken care of during the workshops and I will definitely come back next year

Doris M.Puffins in the Midnight Sun Photo Workshop (June 2024)

I took a 3 day photography workshop with Jeroen to the Snæfellsnes Peninsula and had a wonderful experience. Jeroen has an infectious enthusiasm for photography and it really shows in his love of these Icelandic locations and the way he provides instruction on the best perspectives and techniques to get the shots. I appreciate that Jeroen is fully licensed to guide these workshop. This gives me peace of mind knowing that he’s prepared to handle most scenarios that may occur out in the field. Time to save up for my next workshop with Jeroen! Thanks so much, Jeroen!

Jarrick L.Private Workshop in October 2023

Well organised workshop with multiple stunning locations providing plenty of opportunities to capture great photos. When the opportunity arose to capture the Northern Lights, Jeroen’s knowledge made sure we were in the right locations to capture the lights at their best. Jeroen was always willing to help and pass on his knowledge to be able to have the best possible composition to capture stunning photos. I can’t thank Jeroen and Mads enough for a great workshop and creating memories that will last a lifetime. I look forward to doing more workshops in the future with Jeroen and highly recommended anyone interested in a photography workshop to do it and learn from the best.

Jordan G.Iceland in Winter Workshop in November 2023

Worked with Jeroen during a photo tour of Iceland and had a fantastic experience. Jeroen is a great photographer, a great instructor, an organized and conscientious tour guide, and is a lot of fun to spend time with. I very much appreciate his love of Iceland and its geology and nature. Highly recommended.

Art J.Iceland in Winter Photo Workshop (March 2025)

I had the privilege of going on the Puffins in the midnight sun workshop which was an amazing experience. Anja and Jeroen were both absolutely amazing hosts and the workshop exceeded my expectations. Both were very approachable with any questions and provided the appropriate level of advice, allowing me to improve my photography.

Jeff M.Puffins in the Midnight Sun Workshop in June 2023

Somehow five stars doesn’t seem sufficient! What an amazing week with Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove and Mads Peter Iversen in one of the most photogenic locations I have ever visited. Nothing challenges an organiser’s ability like a cancelled flight, but even though we were delayed by a day in Reykjavik, Jeroen managed to pack in all the planned activities in to the remaining 5 days, starting with a six hour sunset boat trip through the magnificent bergs of the ice fjord. And that was just the start, every day there were new adventures and new locations. With so much to photograph, we all called on the expert guidance by Jeroen and Mads - from finding pleasing compositions in the chaos of the ice or life in the tiny settlements, to aerial HDR panoramas with the drones - the boys were always on hand to offer advice and suggestions (and to rescue my drone as I tried to land it where our boat had been 20 minutes earlier)!

Adrian V.West Greenland Photo Workshop (September 2024)

Absolutely top notch workshop. The thought and effort that went into the schedule and the accommodations made the trip, the shots and the experience simply amazing. Jeroen and Mads were great Pro Guides, sharing their expertise and offering guidance whenever asked making sure that we had the best opportunity to capture great photographs. They were fun, personable, and such great teammates, it made for such a wonderful week. Highly recommend!

Denise B.Winter in Iceland Photo Workshop (December 2024)

Value & Safety. If you are wanting to tour Iceland, Jeroen is your guy! Knowledgeable, capable, and kind, this guy has your best experience in mind. I spent a week visiting some EPIC locations under his guidance and it is well worth the money!

Robert W.Winter in Iceland Photo Workshop (December 2024)

I recommend this wonderful photography workshop. In just a few days I understood how to improve my skills and where to point the lens. Jaroen is an excellent, patient and attentive teacher who shares his knowledge, adapting it to each participant individually.

Elzbieta G.Puffins in the Midnight Sun Photo Workshop (June 2025)

In July 2023 I decided to book a 5 days private tour with Jeroen to the highlands. This was a complete different experience. We visited remote and amazing locations, I could not find this locations without Jeroens guidance. Jeroen has a incredible local knowledge, a great enthusiasm, a perfect planning and also very important, a lot of patience. I enjoyed the 5 days with Jeroen very much, he is a very accommodating person with agreat sense of humor. During our tour we had a lot of fun and with his assistance I made my best Iceland shots ever, most of them with my Mavic 3 Pro drone. Thank you very much Jeroen for this unique experience, I hope we will plan the next tour in 2024 together.

Wolfgang S.Private Highlands Workshop in July 2023

I really enjoyed guided hike with Jeroen. He knows a lot about the volcanos so you won't have only amazing experience but you can also learn a lot from him. Perfect and easy communication. Thank you again for this "stillcantbelievethatitwasreal" experience!

Veronika S.Private Eruption Hike in August 2023

… The itinerary was well thought out, but allowed for flexibility of weather conditions and the eruption of Meradalir! Jeroen is knowledgeable, helpful, thoughtful & has a great sense of humour. He regularly checked-in with us to all make sure we were happy and offered assistance in our photography, especially for drones. I felt safe, entertained & learned so much during the workshop. The accommodation & food during the trip were also amazing. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend or attend another workshop.

Rhiannon L.Highlands Photo Workshop in August 2022

Greenland 2023 was an incredible experience, in a truly epic location with an amazing group of people. Andy and Jeroen are true professionals in every sense, with a passion for photography that is infectious to the group. I felt challenged to explore styles of photography that pushed the boundaries of my comfort zone, and having their guidance as well as the group to share ideas with helped me grow as a photographer. Andy seems to have a knack for creating an inclusive environment around him that brings the group together, inspires, builds friendships, and elevates the experience to an enjoyable and unforgettable one. Jeroen is very knowledgeable, easy going, and talented photographer and it was a pleasure spending the week with him. I truly cannot recommend highly enough.

Chris D.Greenland Photo Workshop in March 2023

… It was one of the most wonderful trips of adventure, exhilaration mixed with wonder and awe of the surrounding beauty. None of that would have been possible without the expert guidance, local knowledge, sense of enthusiasm and detailed planning by Jeroen. We were lucky to him as an expert driver while we wondered over terrain that is unfamiliar to most people, but Jeroen made us feel confidant that we were in safe hands. Moreover his love for photography, landscape and culture of Iceland is contagious and made the trip all the more special. Whether you call him the “Volcano man” or the “drone man” his photography is extraordinary. I would go back in a heartbeat to spend time exploring more of Iceland with him.

Sarfraz D.Highlands Photo Workshop in August 2022

… Everything about it was excellent – it is clear that Jeroen puts huge effort into ensuring he provides a first class experience for his participants – the itinerary was thorough, but flexible to get the best out of the weather and volcanic eruption conditions. Jeroen ensures that everybody is safe (important in such an environment) as well as maintaining a pace that works for all. On top of this, his knowledge about Iceland is broad and deep making him an excellent tour guide as well as an accomplished photographer. I can highly recommend a workshop or tour with Jeroen and I do hope that I get to enjoy another workshop with him in the future.

Jon A.Highlands Photo Workshop in August 2022

I was fortunate to accompany both Andy Mumford and Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove to Ilulissat, Greenland. I've done guided photography tours before, but this was without a doubt the most enjoyable experience. The comradery of the group combined with the positive attitude and humor of both Andy and Jeroen was fabulous. Lodging + food were a step above what I was expecting and were memorable experiences in and of themselves. Zero regrets and while in Greenland, I discussed what other tours I could add my name onto the waitlist for. Recommended without hesitation.

Michael M.Greenland Photo Workshop in March 2023

It became clear that Jeroen is very familiar with the beauty of Iceland, but also with the possible dangers of its natural elements. He took us to the highlights, but also guided us to a number of hidden marvels. And always he knew something interesting to tell about the location. On the creativity side, Jeroen did not intervene at all on location – unless requested for. So we all could explore our own creativity. This definitely tastes for more. And I will definitely call Jeroen again.

Koen D.Private Photography Tour in March 2016

It was a pleasure to have a look behind the scences on how Jeroen works. His photos look so natural as he knows where to be in the right place at the right time. I’ve received a lot of professional advice and feedback on how to create stunning landscape images. You did an amazing job and I can’t thank you enough!

Adında M.Private Photography Tour in November 2017

... Jeroen has great ability as a teacher as well as a photographer. His priority is the participant, not taking his own pictures. Jeroen is good at checking in with the introvert photographer to make sure they are getting the most from the scene, but without looking over your shoulder. Knowing that group dynamics impacts everyone’s experience, he also builds a camaraderie with his humour and manner.

Stewart L.Iceland in Winter Photo Workshop (March 2024)

… Imagine being taken to locations so amazing that the erupting volcano wasn’t even one of the top 5. This was an EPIC adventure through a place traversed by few people. We had the guidance and support needed to capture amazing photos and learn to use our drones effectively, incredible food and accommodations, and access to Jeroen’s incredible wealth of knowledge to keep us safe in face of unstable cliffs, weird weather, and other craziness. I can’t wait to join another tour with Jeroen.

Richard S.Highlands Photo Workshop in August 2022

If you want to explore Iceland with your camera you’re blessed with a guide like Jeroen. He knows and understands the country so well. He really makes an effort to visit every location at the best possible moment of the day. He knows so many beautiful locations so that he’s also able to improvise when the weather conditions are not that great. He will bring you to lots of beautiful places that are less touristic and where you can take the time to fully explore your camera trying to capture this unique landscape.

Stefaan M.Private Photography Tour in March 2016

… And my expectations of his guided tour were indeed the highlight of my short vacation. Not only the sights where breathtaking but also Jeroen’s personal anecdotes and explanation in an easy way over this ever changing landscape building itself was a great surplus to my hiking experience. He is not only passionate about telling you the story behind the views that unfolds before your eyes during the hike, but he lets you also walk at your own pace without looking to his watch as on many other organised larger tours. So folks if you look for an unique guided personal tour, I would really recommend this great guide. From me personally he earns withouth doubt 5* !

John V.Private Guided Eruption Hike in October 2021

Jeroen was a huge part of what made this trip so successful. His local knowledge, adaptability to changing weather conditions (gale force winds and blizzards to warm, springlike days) and relationships with local providers made the trip an absolute pleasure. From the first evening meeting in Reykjavik to the final dinner everything proceeded without a noticeable hitch. The privilege of spending almost five hours exploring ice caves, coming face to face with Arctic Foxes and experiencing an amazing aurora display made the trip one for the record books. Such a smooth operation does not happen without a significant amount of pre-planning and the selection of hotels, shooting locations and restaurant stops showed that all eventualities had been considered. We were so engrossed in shooting that a scheduled critique session had to be postponed to a post trip online meeting - again showing Jeroen's commitment to the satisfaction of his clients. In short - I can highly recommend a workshop with Jeroen and hope to be a part of many future trips.

John M.Iceland in Winter Photo Workshop (March 2025)

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, prints or calendars.

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!

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.


Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.