Photographing Arctic Foxes With Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM

The Arctic Fox has always held a special place in my heart. I absolutely love photographing them as they make for incredibly cute photography subjects. This year, I hosted the very first edition of my Arctic Foxes in Hornstrandir photo workshop, during which I set out with a group of photographers to focus on finding and photographing arctic foxes. It was an incredible experience to be out in one of the most remote corners of Iceland, with the arctic foxes being the only other living creatures inside of the valley we stayed in. It’s a huge learning experience for the workshop participants, who got to understand the habits of the arctic fox but also learned how to improve their wildlife photography.

And also for me it was a huge learning experience because during this photo workshop, I decided to try out the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM lens, which is one of the newer additions to Canon’s superzoom line-up. While I use zoom lenses a lot, I had never used a dedicated zoom lens with such a long range. I tested the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM for the entire week during the photo workshop in combination with a range of extenders and my Canon EOS R5 Mark II. How did I get one with it? You can find out in this review on the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM!

Interested in joining me on my next Arctic Fox adventure in July 2026? I have now opened for bookings on the 2026 edition of my Arctic Foxes in Hornstrandir photography workshop!

Full disclosure: This is not a sponsored review. I borrowed the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM for a week from Ofar/Canon Iceland and used it during my Arctic Foxes in Hornstrandir photo workshop. I am not being paid to write this review nor did anyone get any input or preview. All opinions are my own.

Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM: Photographing Arctic Foxes

I almost exclusively used the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM during the entire Arctic Foxes in Hornstrandir photo workshop.

The weather wasn’t always ideal for the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM but I still kept using it to see it on all sides.

But… Before I delve into the review part of this blog, I want to share a few words about the photo workshop during which I tested the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM telephoto lens.

Photo Workshop Report: Arctic Foxes in Hornstrandir

This year, I hosted an arctic fox focused photo workshop in Hornstrandir for the very first time. While I have been to the Hornstrandir Nature Reserve on my own time, especially to photograph the arctic foxes, it was the first time I took one of my photography groups to the area. Hornstrandir is a challenging to run photography workshops as it is one of the most remote areas in Iceland, only reachable by boat. To get the best possible experience for the workshop, I organised for us to stay in a remote house in a part of the nature reserve that is not even frequented by hikers visiting the area.

Following a brief detour to focus on finding & photographing whales, we were dropped off on the beach at Kvíar, an old house, which would be our base of operations for the week. After settling in & getting familiar with the quaint house, we set out on a first reconnaissance hike. Not long after we set off, I began hearing an arctic fox calling. While the sound was initially very distant, the sound approached us slowly but surely. Sure enough, after staying put for a while, we spotted an adult fox running around an area filled with big boulders. The arctic fox wasn’t particularly interested in us as he/she seemed to be scavenging for food and ran higher & higher up the mountain doing so, giving us only a glimpse at the wildlife we were there to photograph.

But, little did we know, this was just a small taste of things to come…

A great group of workshop participants on the last day of the photo workshop. Nothing but happy faces!

Our remote accommodation in a secluded valley, away from any other people in the entire Hornstrandir Nature Reserve.

The following days, things just got better & better as the photo workshop progressed. On our first full day, we started off with finding an arctic fox scavenging for clams & other juicy seafood on the beach down from our house. The arctic fox was completely indifferent of our presence and ran past us multiple times in search of food, allowing us to capture incredible close-up images.

Later that day, we began noticing a lot of arctic fox activity near the back of the house. At first it wasn’t so obvious but sure enough, we began seeing trails formed by the arctic foxes coming & going, indicating they had dug a huge den near the house. On the second day, after having gone through the daily image critique session, we were lucky enough to spot one of the arctic fox cubs sitting outside of its den. This cute little cub had become brave enough to venture outside of the safety of its den. It was amazing to think we were probably the first humans it ever laid eyes on.

And this newfound bravery quickly spiraled out of control. The next days, we began seeing more & more cubs exit the same den but they also began running around the house, becoming more & more playful. While we had always tried to keep our distance from the den and the cubs, to give them much needed space, the cubs themselves began approaching us to satisfy their curiosity. This evidently resulted in everyone getting incredible photographs of all these beautiful encounters.

On top of all these amazing encounters, I enjoyed seeing how each participant dramatically improved their photographs & editing techniques thanks to the daily image critique sessions during this photo workshop. The whole purpose of these critique sessions, filled with helpful & constructive feedback, is to ensure everyone gets to go home with incredible images.

A dead giveaway that we are a group of photographers could be found at the charging station!

This old school stove wasn’t just used for cooking but also to keep our accommodation warm.

What I Loved About The Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM

And now, onto my thoughts of the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM telephoto lens. As mentioned before, I almost exclusively used the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM for the entire photo workshop. I used it in combination with my Canon EOS R5 Mark II, the 1.4x RF extender and the 2x RF extender.

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. The main question that drives me is as follows: does the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM telephoto lens allow me to get great images?

The first benefit of using the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM is the incredible range it offers. Having a range from 200mm to 800mm is an incredible luxury when trying to photograph wildlife that is easily startled such as small mammals and small birds. The fact you can achieve focal lengths up to 800mm without needing a teleconverter, gives you a crazy amount of flexibility in the field. Even if the subject suddenly moves closer, you can pair back to 200mm. If you then also pair up this lens with a high megapixel camera, such as the Canon EOS R5 Mark II, you have a great combination for your wildlife needs in good light.

Additionally, it is welcome how relatively lightweight it is. Coming in at 2050 gram, it is surprisingly light considering how long of a focal length you are getting. This is especially true when you compare it to more expensive lenses with wider apertures. I find this a particularly important specification as I often encounter people on workshops who are overburdened with heavy lenses and are therefore not able to hike very far, missing shots in the process.

This arctic fox was sleeping on a bed of moss near our accommodation, which allowed us to very carefully approach him. This was captured at 800mm.

This uncropped image was taken after I carefully added the 2x RF extender, giving me a focal length of a whopping 1600mm.

This arctic fox tried to cross a river, by jumping from rock to rock. By being close to the ground, I could get a decent depth of field at even F9.

The image stabilisation on the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM is great and you can expect about 5,5 stops of compensation, which together with IBIS can make a world of difference at the longest focal length. As with most Canon RF lenses, the Control Ring can double as either a focus ring or a Control Ring (configurable in the camera menu).

Finally, during my testing I have found that the image quality is good. Images are sufficiently sharp, even in combination with the 1.4x RF Extender and the 2x RF extender I used. That said, depending on how close you are to your subject, atmospheric haze can start to pose issues when you shoot into the distance with a focal length of 800mm.

Finally, to demonstrate the image quality you can expect, I prefer to let the images I captured on this photo workshop speak for themselves.

What I Wish Was Better About The Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM

Of course, no piece of photography gear is ever perfect and the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM is certainly no exception here. And that is definitely not a surprise because despite it having the appearance of an L lens (white colour), the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM is not part of Canon’s professional L series of lenses.

The biggest disappointment I had during my testing was that I experienced a pretty bad condensation problem. After having been out shooting in rather heavy rain for about an hour, I went back into our accommodation to get warm. As always, I wiped off and dried my camera gear immediately and left my camera bag open to dry. About 20 minutes later, a small little arctic fox cub appeared right outside of the house. I grabbed my camera and as I switched it on, I noticed my lens was completely fogged up. Not just on the outside but also on the inside of the lens. Not only did I miss the shot but the lens didn’t dry out until at least 3 hours later. Disappointing to say the least. While this lens does have some degree of weathersealing, it doesn’t seem to be up to par to handle extended use outdoors. Of course, I have no idea whether this was completely normal or whether the test copy I used of the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM was faulty or not but it is something that caused me some headaches during this trip. It is of course also possible that I am simply used to the brilliantly built Canon RF 100-500mm lens, with which I have never had such issues.

As you can see, I properly tested this lens in really wet conditions.

This kind of situation has never been a problem for any of my Canon lenses.

Another compromise with the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM is of course that you have a rather narrow aperture at the longest focal length. Add a 2x RF Extender to the mix and your aperture drops down to F18, which is very narrow. While I did managed to get several shots with such a narrow aperture, it is good to note that it only really worked on bright days where there is sunlight aplenty.

A minor annoyance is one with the focus ring. This may only bother a small number of people but if you tend to use manual focus, it is good to know that there is no dedicated focus ring. This means will have to get by using the thinner Control Ring, which doubles as a focus ring depending on how you configure the toggle on the side of the lens. Because it is a much thinner ring than focus rings traditionally are, it may not be super practical for you to use.

Finally, if you are like me and you are a user of the Canon RF 100-500mm, you may be a bit disappointed with two aspects of this the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM: the autofocus & sharpness. While the autofocus and sharpness aren’t bad, I did find them to be quite a large step down from the Canon RF 100-500m. Firstly, the Canon RF 100-500m focuses considerably faster thanks to its dual focusing motors. At first I thought that wouldn’t be so noticeable but, especially in Servo AF, I notice a massive difference in focusing speed when subjects are closer than usual as was the case with the arctic foxes. I suspect that when you simply want more range, for example in bird photography, you may not find it that big of an issue. In terms of sharpness, I did find the Canon RF 100-500m a bit sharper overall, which mostly presented itself in details in the fur.

But why have I repeatedly compared the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM with the Canon RF 100-500m in this review? There is a simple answer to that: price. With only a small difference in price (roughly 500USD at the time of writing), these two lenses are very comparable. For that reason, I am less forgiving about the fact that the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM is an inferior lens in some critical aspects such as weather-sealing, focusing speed & image sharpness – even though you get the extra range.

Conclusion: Should You Get The Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM?

While the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM is a solid lens, it isn’t exceptional to me. If this would have been a lens with Canon’s L-level of quality, it could have been a slam dunk – even if it came in at a higher price point. My main gripe is that I can’t rid myself of the feeling that there is a better option available within the range of Canon lenses – while only being slightly more expensive: the Canon RF 100-500mm. To me, it all boils down to how important that extra 300mm of range is without needing a teleconverter. If that is the key factor to you: the Canon RF 200-800mm F6.3-9 IS USM is the lens to get.

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.

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What Previous Participants Shared About Their Experience

“

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 (October 2025)

“

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.
John H.Autumn in West/North Iceland (October 2025)

“

I can't say enough about the fantastic time my son and I had with Jeroen! I had taken his Masterclass on drone photography and then booked a personal tour/class while visiting Iceland. I learned so much between the Masterclass and the tour. Especially regarding the capabilities of my drone and how to handle it when flying in adverse conditions! If you can't make it to Iceland check out his drone Masterclass! You won't be sorry!
Larry R.Private Photography Day Tour (September 2025)

“

Fantastic workshop in West Greenland! Very well organized and planned to make the most of an epic photography journey in this unbelievable polar enviroment. All was great, from accommodation, to food, and to all the locations we visited, between icebergs, glaciers, and small local village and settlements. I have to thank Jeroen and Mads for their great work. Apart from being exceptional photographers and share their knowledge to us, they really made their best to give us a truly enjoyable and amazing experience. As a group, it was really great fun to expend time with other committed and passionate photographers, and, above all, very nice people.
Ivan S.West Greenland Photo Workshop (September 2025)

“

Ten Stars. OK, Twenty Stars. A phenomenal journey and experience. Jeroen was beyond my expectations. Way beyond. His knowledge of the area Western Greenland) and photography (drones and camera) was superb. I highly recommend any trip with Jeroen. Seriously. Just go. You won't regret it.
Robert M.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)

“

The 'Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands' (22-29 Aug '25) was my second drone trip with Jeroen. Despite the very challenging weather conditions, caused by the remnants of Hurricane Erin over Iceland, it was a superb week. Jeroen is a first-class tour leader who not only gets you to the 'right place at the right time' but he also provides excellent guidance and gives you a great deal of confidence for drone flying. He's raised my skill set substantially. On arriving at a location, Jeroen will fly his drone to highlight the possible landscape opportunities (most of which cannot be seen at ground level). He then supports you during flights and is always on hand in case of any difficulties. Jeroen really goes the extra mile to make sure that everyone in the group gets the best experience possible. I enjoyed this second trip with Jeroen so much that I will be booking another.
Milt I.Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands (August 2025)

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Jeroen is a top-notch pro photographer and will be my go-to for any future photo workshops I do in Iceland/Greenland. Don't hesitate to sign up for any of his workshops. He's legit. I've been with him on 2 photo trips now, and I'm sure I'll be on more in the future!
Paul O.East Greenland Sailboat Photo Expedition (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)

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Just finished my third workshop with Jeroen on a sail boat in East Greenland. Again a fantastic experience. These workshops aren't only about improving my drone and photography skills, but I also learn about exciting parts of the world. Since my last two workshops, I have continued to explore the places that Jeroen first showed me. This might not be so easy in East Greenland! Again, I highly recommend Jeroen's workshops - they are probably some of the best available.
Jon A.East Greenland Sailboat Photo Expedition (August 2025)

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Just returned from back to back workshops with Jeroen (Aerials and East Greenland) and can highly recommend his workshops! I appreciate how he provides highlights of each photo location and is consistently asking “how are you doing”. Staff and food on the Greenland sailboat was outstanding! Finally, he makes the trips fun! I will attend more!
Alan B.Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands Drone Photo Workshop (August 2025)

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I've been on a couple of workshop with Jeroen before, and I keep doing more and will continue to do more. Simply put: my favorite photos I've ever taken have been on workshops with him. His knowledge of the weather and environmental conditions, various compositions to try, and the area we are shooting help ensure that you are taking photos you can be proud of when you get back home. He is always helpful and goes out of his way to check in with you to make sure you're getting the shot. Also, as a bonus, he is incredibly funny and there are always lots of laughs on these workshops. Can't wait for our next one!
Heather H.Aerials of the Icelandic Highlands Drone Photo Workshop (August 2025)

“

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)

“

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)

“

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)

“

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

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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

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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)

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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

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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)

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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

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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

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… 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

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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

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… 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

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… 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

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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

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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

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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

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... 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)

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… 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

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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

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… 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

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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.

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