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Puffin Photo Workshops & Photo Tours in Iceland

Iceland is home to some of the largest puffin colonies in the world, making it the perfect destination for bird photographers or aspiring wildlife photographers seeking intimate encounters with these charismatic seabirds. Jeroen’s Puffin photo workshops are designed to give you rare access to Iceland’s most vibrant colonies on a remote island in North Iceland, alive with thousands of nesting puffins. Guided by an expert photographer with a passion for wildlife photography, you’ll learn how to capture everything from wide-angle environmental portraits to close-up shots of puffins in flight. With small groups, personalized tuition, and spectacular coastal scenery, these workshops are an unmissable opportunity to create stunning images of Iceland’s most iconic bird.

For several years, Jeroen has been organising photography workshops to seek out the best places to enjoy wildlife & birdlife in their natural habitat. Below you can also find testimonies & reviews of previous photo workshop experiences or you can read about previous photo workshops on Jeroen’s blog.

Do you want to get notified as soon as a new photo workshop is announced, or when a spot unexpectedly opens up? Make sure you are signed up to my photo workshop waitlist mailing.

A puffin resting with its head tucked into its shoulder feathers.

Upcoming Puffin Photo Workshops

Why Book A Photo Workshop With a Professional, Award-Winning Photo Tour Leader?

Booking a photo workshop with Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove means learning in-the-field from a professional photographer and experienced photo tour leader with years of hands-on expertise in landscape, wildlife, and remote-location photography. His workshops are built around light, timing, weather, and real-world conditions, helping photographers improve composition and technical skills while creating strong, portfolio-ready images. Jeroen’s work has received international recognition and awards, and his photography has been published and featured across multiple platforms, reflecting a high level of professional consistency.

Rather than following a fixed itinerary, each workshop is adapted to seasonal conditions, subject behavior, and changing weather, ensuring participants are in the right place at the right time. Workshops are kept small and personal, allowing for individual guidance in-the-field, practical shooting advice tailored to different experience levels, and optional workflow or post-processing insights that continue to add value after the workshop ends.

Every workshop led by Jeroen places a strong emphasis on professional tour leadership, safety, and responsible travel. He holds the required local licenses and permits where applicable and is Wilderness First Aid certified, providing an added layer of preparedness when working in remote regions, unpredictable environments, and demanding natural conditions. Locations, routes, and daily plans are carefully assessed to balance photographic potential with safety, access, and environmental responsibility, allowing participants to focus fully on photography with confidence.

From logistics and location scouting to group management and risk awareness, all practical details are handled professionally. Participants are guided by someone who understands both the creative demands of photography and the real-world responsibilities of leading high-quality photo workshops.

Small-Group Photo Workshops Designed for Photographers

Photography workshops led by Jeroen are intentionally designed around small group sizes, allowing every photo workshop participant to receive meaningful guidance and personal feedback throughout the experience. Rather than guiding large groups through busy locations, these workshops focus on creating an environment where photographers can truly learn, experiment, and develop their skills in the field. Smaller groups also make it easier to adapt to changing conditions, reposition quickly for wildlife encounters, and work together respectfully in fragile environments.

Participants benefit from hands-on instruction in real shooting conditions, whether photographing wildlife, dramatic volcanic landscapes, or iceberg-filled fjords. Jeroen works closely with each photographer to refine composition, improve technical settings, and help them understand how to work with light, weather, and timing in challenging environments.

Small groups also allow the workshop itinerary to remain flexible and photography-driven. Instead of rushing between locations, time can be spent waiting for the right light, returning to locations when conditions improve, or following unexpected opportunities that nature presents.

The result is a far more immersive experience where participants can focus fully on developing their photography while exploring some of the most extraordinary landscapes on Earth.

Reviews From Previous Puffin Photo Workshops

“

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 Workshop in June 2026
“

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 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)
“

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 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

Myriam F. also wrote a day-by-day account of her week on Grímsey on her own blog. These reviews can be verified on Jeroen’s public Google Business profile.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are a few of the most commonly asked questions people have before considering to join a photo workshop.

What Can I Expect From a Puffin Photo Workshop?

You will spend time in Iceland’s puffin colonies photographing nesting birds, in-air flight, and seabird behavior. You will get coaching on timing, composition, light, and motion techniques. These workshops are ideal for those who are trying to get the best images of puffins or want to deep-dive into bird photography.

Do I Need Bird Photography Experience?

No. Photographers of all levels are welcome. You will learn how to do bird photography, track motion, and compose shots, all within a supportive small-group environment.

What Gear Should I Bring For A Puffin Workshop?

Bring a telephoto or zoom lens (300mm+), plenty of memory cards, extra batteries, and weatherproof clothing. A detailed gear checklist is shared before the trip to help you prepare. If you want to get into the nitty gritty of what outdoor & photography gear to bring, make sure to read this detailed blog on what gear you need to join a photo workshop!

When Is The Best Time For A Puffin Photo Workshop?

The prime time is May through August, when puffins return and nest. The plateau of lighting is exceptional, especially during long summer daylight hours.

Why Join A Guided Puffin Workshop Rather Than Visiting Independently?

Guided workshops bring you to less-trafficked colonies, accompany you during peak activity times, and offer coaching to help capture dynamic behaviors and flattering compositions – not easy to manage alone.

Puffins In Photographs

These images come from Jeroen’s puffin photo workshops on Grímsey and beyond, from birds in flight and carrying sand eels to close portraits in the summer grass.