Wildlife & Bird Photo Workshops & Photo Tours

Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove runs wildlife and bird photo workshops focused on three Icelandic species and one Antarctic expedition: Atlantic puffins on Grímsey in the midnight sun, Arctic foxes in Hornstrandir Nature Reserve, seabird colonies across north Iceland, and an Antarctica & South Georgia photo voyage in 2028. Groups stay at 4-8 photographers so each participant gets real coaching in the field. These workshops are timed around peak species behaviour: puffin colonies at nesting peak in late June and early July, and Arctic foxes during summer den activity in Hornstrandir.

Compared to a self-guided trip to Grímsey, joining a guided workshop means dawn-to-dusk access to the cliffs without scheduling around the ferry.

Compared to most wildlife workshops abroad, an Iceland-based wildlife trip combines short travel distances, long daylight in summer, and species you cannot reliably photograph anywhere else.

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.

Photographing Puffins Using The Canon RF 100-300mm F2.8 L IS USM

Blue morph Arctic fox cub among yellow buttercups in Hornstrandir, the colour form that never turns white.

Which Wildlife & Bird Photography Workshops Does Jeroen Run?

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Blue morph Arctic fox in thick winter fur, Iceland

Arctic Foxes in Winter 2027 Photo Workshop

19/02/2027 - 26/02/2027

OPEN FOR BOOKINGS

This unique photography workshop is centred entirely around wildlife. We will travel to the remote area of Hornstrandir in the Icelandic West Fjords where our primary focus is to photograph the Arctic Fox in its winter coat.

Antarctica & South Georgia Photo Expedition 2028

27/02/2028 - 17/03/2028

OPEN FOR BOOKINGS

On this photography expedition we will visit some of the most famous historical sites of Antarctica & South Georgia, experience grand & epic landscapes filled with glaciers, icebergs, mountains, snow and cliffs, not to mention all the incredible & fascinating wildlife such as penguins, seals & whales. Expert photography guidance during the trip will be provided by Nigel Danson, James Popsys, Mads Peter Iversen and Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove.

A puffin banking in flight above turquoise breaking surf.

Puffins in the Midnight Sun 2028 Photo Workshop

20/06/2028 - 26/06/2028

LAST SPOTS

Join Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove to photograph puffins under the midnight sun on a remote island in the Greenland Sea. Every year millions of seabirds come to Grímsey for nesting and houses one of Iceland’s biggest puffin colonies. Together with 24 hours of daylight, there are endless possibilities! Grímsey is a true heaven for photographers that enjoy photographing birds. Because the island is small, everything is easily accessible on foot during this bird photo workshop. This allows you to slow down and focus on getting the best shots without having to worry about travelling or getting on time to our hotel.

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

Puffins in the Midnight Sun 2027 Photo Workshop

22/06/2027 - 28/06/2027

WAITLIST

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Should You Join Jeroen’s Puffin Workshop Or His Arctic Fox Workshop?

Both are Iceland-based, but the two experiences differ sharply. The puffin workshop runs May through August on Grímsey, working nesting colonies in long summer daylight, with birds on the cliffs in their thousands at the height of the season. The Arctic fox workshop heads into remote Hornstrandir in the Westfjords, where terrain is harder going and fox sightings are never guaranteed, though trips are timed and routed around known fox activity, covering both playful summer cubs and the fox’s striking white winter coat. Want reliable subjects, coastal scenery, and a lighter physical trip? The puffin workshop is built for that. Want a wilder, less predictable trip, and are prepared for remote, demanding terrain in exchange for a genuinely elusive animal? That’s the Arctic fox workshop.

Where Does Jeroen Photograph Seabird Colonies in North Iceland?

Grímsey, the small island that straddles the Arctic Circle off north Iceland, is where Jeroen photographs seabird colonies in depth. Puffins are the headline act on Jeroen’s dedicated puffin workshop, but the same cliffs hold a wider spread of nesting seabirds beyond the puffin burrows, and the midnight sun keeps the colonies lit and workable well past a normal shooting day. Timing follows the birds: cliff activity peaks during the nesting season in early summer, when the island’s seabird population is at its busiest.

Which Antarctica & South Georgia Wildlife Photography Trip Does Jeroen Run?

Jeroen’s Antarctica & South Georgia photo voyage runs in 2028 and covers both the Antarctic Peninsula and the island of South Georgia on a single trip. Unlike the Iceland-based workshops, wildlife and landscape photography aren’t split into separate trips here: photographers work penguin colonies, whale sightings, and seal haul-outs on the same voyage as the ice and mountain scenery the region is known for. It’s the one workshop in Jeroen’s lineup built around species Iceland simply doesn’t have: penguins, whales, and seals, not puffins and Arctic foxes.

Two Adélie penguins on a small floating iceberg with snowy Antarctic peaks behind.

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.

Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove, landscape and wildlife photographer in Iceland, holding a Canon camera at Gunnuhver.

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.

Drone photography workshop group posing with controllers in front of a hillside in Iceland.

Reviews From Previous Photo Workshops & Photo Tours

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.

“

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!
DavidAerials of the Icelandic Highlands (August 2026)

“

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 (August 2026)

“

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 Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands (July 2026)

“

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 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)

“

Going the Extra Mile... This was the second of Jeroen’s drone workshops I have attended. That in itself should tell you how good he is. This workshop was held under the most difficult conditions, with the aftermath of hurricane Erin sweeping across Iceland, resulting in very high winds, rain and road closures. Despite that, not a minute of our time in Iceland was wasted, as Jeroen took us from one superb location to another, flexing plans around the weather. Flying drones in high winds and rain can be difficult, but Jeroen’s expertise made us all feel calm and able to fly anywhere. If it wasn’t enough to find suitable locations in the worst of conditions, Jeroen also drove a 7-hour round trip to get a replacement drone when mine fell out of the sky. The only way Jeroen can now improve is to reach god status, so he can control the weather too. What an experience. Thank you Jeroen.
Paul G.Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands (August 2025)

“

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)

“

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 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)

“

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)

These reviews are verifiable on Jeroen’s public Google Business profile.

Showing 10 of 57 — Read all 57 reviews.

Group of photographers silhouetted on a snowy headland watching icebergs at sunset in Greenland.

Workshop group photographing Hraunfossar in the rain on Iceland's west coast.

Selfie of Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove leading a winter workshop on a frozen glacial lagoon in Iceland.

Photographers with tripods on a ridge above sunlit icebergs at the Ilulissat Icefjord.

Four workshop guests beside a white Land Cruiser on a black sand plain below a highland waterfall.

Workshop guests reviewing images on a laptop at a blue-panelled guesthouse table in Hornstrandir.

Hands holding a DJI drone remote controller showing the live feed of a glacier in Iceland.

Four workshop guests in soaked rain jackets on the green sea cliffs of Grímsey, north Iceland.

Group of photographers on a hillside photographing distant peaks in the Icelandic Highlands.

Photographer using a tripod in the surf at sunrise on Diamond Beach, south Iceland.

Workshop group posing on the deck of a sailboat in Scoresbysund fjord, East Greenland.

Workshop group crouched around a drone controller before take-off in the Icelandic Highlands.

Two workshop guests on a black sand plain at sunset, one pointing up at a hovering drone, the other holding the controller.

Photographer on a boardwalk next to a docked boat with icebergs at sunset in Greenland.

Workshop group reviewing a puffin photo on a TV during an editing session at an Iceland lodge.

Jeroen handing a drone to a workshop guest below the rhyolite slopes of Kerlingarfjöll, Iceland.

Workshop group on the bow of a small Greenland boat with a large iceberg in the background.

Workshop group celebrating in front of a guesthouse in Hornstrandir, Iceland.

Jeroen helping a workshop guest review images on the back of their camera aboard a polar ship.

Four workshop guests flying drones on a mossy highland plateau with a Land Cruiser parked behind.

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 Wildlife & Bird Photo Workshop?

Participants join immersive photography tours in Iceland, Greenland, and beyond, focusing on capturing wildlife and birdlife such as seabirds, puffins, and Arctic foxes. Throughout each workshop, you will receive guidance on camera settings, behavior timing, composition, and storytelling while being in prime locations for wildlife photography.

Do I Need Experience Photographing Wildlife Or Birds?

No! These workshops welcome all skill levels. Beginners and experienced shooters alike will receive personalized support. The small group format ensures individual feedback so you can grow your skills, regardless of your starting point.

What Gear Should I Bring For Bird & Wildlife Workshops?

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! For lens recommendations, see my reviews of the Canon RF 100-300mm f/2.8 L IS USM (puffins) and the Canon RF 200-800mm f/6.3-9 IS USM (arctic foxes).

How Close Will We Get to Wildlife And Birds?

These workshops emphasize ethically respectful, non-intrusive wildlife photography. Locations are chosen for safe access to colonies and animals, and you will be coached on how to approach subjects without disturbance.

Why Join A Guided Wildlife & Bird Photo Tour Rather Than Going Solo?

You will gain access to prime wildlife areas, timing knowledge (when birds are active), and support in challenging light or conditions. You benefit from local insights, better chances at rare subjects, and more time to shoot instead of scouting.

Wildlife & Birds In Photographs

These images come from Jeroen’s wildlife and bird photography workshops and trips, from puffins and Arctic foxes in Iceland to the Antarctic.

A puffin on a grassy clifftop with a beakful of sand eels, the sea blurred behind.

A puffin with sand eels sitting between flowers

Why This Is The Best Location To Photograph Puffins in Iceland

Atlantic puffin flying with sand eels in its beak and a stream of droppings behind.

A puffin raising its wings, backlit by warm golden light.

Atlantic puffin silhouetted mid-flight against a vivid orange midnight-sun sky in Iceland.

Two Atlantic puffins on a rocky cliff edge with one carrying a beakful of sand eels.

Puffins flying around the island of Grímsey in North Iceland.

A flock of puffins sitting in the grass near the cliff edges of the island of Grímsey in North Iceland.

A puffin sitting on a rock at the cliffside of the island of Grímsey in North Iceland.

Grímsey - a Puffin Paradise on the Arctic Circle

Atlantic puffin silhouetted on a clifftop against the setting sun, Grímsey, Iceland.

Arctic Foxes in Winter 2026 Photo Workshop

Arctic fox cub in a meadow of purple and yellow summer flowers in Hornstrandir.

Two puffins flying side by side above a green clifftop.

Two Arctic fox cubs cuddled together on moss in Hornstrandir, Iceland.

Selfie of Jeroen Van Nieuwenhove surrounded by hovering arctic terns on Grímsey, Iceland.

Photo Workshop Report: Puffins In The Midnight Sun 2024

Field-testing the Canon R6 Mark III mirrorless body with the RF 100-500mm on a rocky Antarctic shore.

Gentoo penguin preening, head tucked back to its breast, orange beak against dark plumage.

Gentoo penguins porpoising in formation past a towering blue iceberg in Antarctic waters.

Leopard seal asleep on a sun-lit ice floe near the Yalour Islands in Antarctica.

Crabeater seal lying belly-up on an ice floe, head tilted toward the camera in soft Antarctic light.

Leopard seal resting on an iceberg in Paradise Harbour, snowy Antarctic peaks behind.

Two orcas surfacing through choppy water in the Antarctic Peninsula.

Humpback whale fluke rising in front of an iceberg in the calm waters of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Elephant seal yawning wide on a Half Moon Island beach, pink mouth open against dark fur.

Harbour seal hauled out on a rock at Ytri-Tunga while a common eider duck flies past in Iceland.

A grey seal lying in sea weed in Iceland.

Top-down aerial of four northern bottlenose whales swimming together in calm dark water.

Interesting Blogs On Wildlife & Bird Photography

Discover stories & reports from previous Wildlife & Bird photography workshops or explore some of the handy tips Jeroen shared about photography & his workshops.

All Wildlife