West Greenland Disko Bay Photography Workshop

Big Landscapes and Charming Villages in West Greenland

July 23 – 30, 2027

  • In fall, the bay's lofty icebergs glow pink and gold under the low sun
  • Humpback whales and seabirds are still active, preparing for migration
  • Drone-friendly, and plenty of instruction on landscape photography

Ilulissat in Western Greenland is home to the most productive glacier in the Arctic—the Jakobshavn Glacier—which calves enormous icebergs into Disko Bay. The icebergs can tower over 300 feet out of the water and produce fantastic and surreal shapes. The surrounding fjords are part of a rich ecosystem that is home to many species of whale, seal and sea bird, as well as the Inuit people.

Each day we will depart from the port in Ilulissat to explore different areas of Disko Bay including the charming small village of Oqaatsut and the breathtaking Eqi Glacier. We will be traveling on a comfortable Targa boat featuring plenty of deck space as well as a heated indoor space for you to warm up in. During the evening we will stay at a fabulous centrally located hotel with sweeping balcony views, all the modern amenities, and a fantastic restaurant featuring a variety of exciting Greenlandic cuisine.

This is a drone-friendly adventure, so feel free to bring yours for stunning aerial shots of the icebergs and maybe even some friendly humpback whales. Expect to be shooting during the late afternoon and evening hours when the light is the most stunning.

Itinerary

This itinerary is subject to change due to weather, local conditions, and other factors.

July 23, 2027: Fly from Keflavik to Ilulissat, Sunset Iceberg Photography in Disko Bay

Morning flight from Keflavik (KEF) to Ilulissat (JAV), where you’ll be picked up and shuttled to our hotel. After a quick orientation meeting, we will head straight into our adventure and set out for four hours of sunset sailing around Disko Bay to get our first up-close views of the massive icebergs.


July 24–25, 2027: Explore Disko Bay, Whale and Iceberg Photography

We are exploring Disko Bay, a place where humpback whales feed in the rich summer waters, where colossal icebergs calve from the Ilulissat Icefjord, and where the Arctic sun casts an ever-changing palette of gold, blue, and rose across the frozen seascape. We have timed our boat tour at the optimal hours of the day to take advantage of the low arctic light in the evenings. This provides a time to hold image reviews during the brighter part of the day. You’ll have time to learn about camera techniques, composition, and some post-processing, in particular, how to color balance for the arctic light. Also, you will have plenty of time to fly your drone from shore here in the village. It’s also possible to fly your drone from the boat and capture incredible angles of the large icebergs. 


July 26, 2027: Travel to Eqi Glacier, Witness Iceberg Calving, Scenic Ice Views

This day we head north of Ilulissat to the Eqi glacier where we will hopefully witness the powerful calving events in which the giant icebergs are born. The journey to this glacier is stunning, featuring icebergs along the way and mountain views.This boat ride will be a great opportunity to fly your drone. You will have times when the boat remains stationary allowing you to take off and land from the deck. 


July 27, 2027: Visit UNESCO Site, Panoramic Glacier Views, Evening Ice Exploration

During the early afternoon we will shuttle over to the nearby UNESCO World Heritage Site for a different perspective of this unique environment. From the hillside you have a sweeping view of the massive amount of ice produced by this glacier and you can often hear the thunder of the ice as it shifts and cracks before you. As evening approaches, we will again take our private boat into Disko Bay to explore the constantly changing icescape.


July 28, 2027: Discover Oqaatsut, Experience Traditional Greenlandic Life, Iceberg Passages

On this day we will head just north of Ilulissat to visit the small Inuit village of Oqaatsut to have a peek into the traditional Greenlandic way of life. This is one of the smallest villages in Greenland and features traditional huts, Greenlandic sled dogs, and a small fishing community. All along the way there and back we will pass many icebergs and have continuous shooting opportunities


July 29, 2027: Enjoy a Free Day in Ilulissat, Participate in a Photo Post-Processing Workshop

This will be a free day in Ilulissat, plus an intensive post-processing session. You’ll have some time today to fly your drone and revisit a scene you found or discover new ones. 


July 30, 2027: Depart Ilulissat for Return Flight to Reykjavik

Mid morning flight back to Reykjavik (KEF).


Testimonials

Vicki S.
West Greenland Disko Bay '23
I'm an advanced wildlife photographer and lead trips on a free lance basis. Even with my skill set I learned a lot from Talor as it relates especially to filter usage for landscape photography. She had several power point presentations that were excellent.
John Y.
West Greenland Disko Bay '23
I'm not sure what I expected, but as we roamed among the icebergs in ethereal light, I felt at times that I must be dreaming. I will remember my experiences of Disko Bay as vividly as my best photographs.
Judith H.
West Greenland Disko Bay '23
This workshop exceeded my expectations! Talor is always available to answer questions and help. I do not have as sophisticated a camera as most of the other members but she did not let that deter her from helping me and giving me feedback. She is so very supportive of everyone in the group regardless of skill level.
Sue D.
Svalbard '25
This was the best experience of my life so far - that's saying a lot after going to Antarctica! Having Ceci and Talor, and Jonas and Martin guide and teach us, get us where we needed to be, and take care of us constantly, contributed significantly to making this an astounding trip. They all had great attitudes, patience, and generosity. I loved this trip!
Gallery

Behind the Scenes

Drone Photography

This itinerary is designed for drone photography. The instructor will teach you how to take off and land your drone from the deck of the ship. You will be responsible for bringing enough drone batteries to fly a few times each day. Typical drones fly for 30–40 minutes on each battery.

You should be capable of taking off, landing your drone manually, and flying simple flight plans to reach a designated location from the air. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced drone photographer, you will find the instructions tailored to your specific needs and desires.

We will follow all drone-specific regulations and laws based on European regulations. We will be visiting regions that permit the use of drones.

Fitness

Moderate: You must be able to withstand cold weather, 6 to 8 hours each day on our expedition ship, and walking on uneven ground.

Flights

Arrive at Ilulissat Airport (JAV), Ilulissat, Greenland before 1:00 PM on July 23, 2027. Flights out can be made anytime on July 30, 2027. Air travel delays are common. Please arrive early, possibly even the day prior, so you don’t miss any of the workshop.

What to Bring

Please see our page How To Prepare For Your Workshop. We will send you a detailed information document 90 days before your workshop. This document will include specifics of where and when to meet, gear and clothing recommendations, and more.

What’s Included

  • Double occupancy lodging. Single available for $2,500 supplement.
  • All meals, soft drinks, and snacks during the workshop.
  • All permits and park fees.
  • All transportation during the workshop.
  • Tips for crew, drivers, and local guides.
  • Photographic guiding and instruction from 2 pros.
  • Image reviews and post-processing instruction.
  • Adventure, fun, inspiration, and a great time!

Not Included

  • Travel to and from Ilulissat, Greenland.
  • Unscheduled airport transfers.
  • Passport and visa fees (if applicable).
  • Any meals or accommodations before or after the workshop dates.
  • Items of a personal nature.
  • Alcoholic Beverages.
  • Medical Evacuation Insurance (required).
  • Travel Medical (required).
  • Travel Medical and Trip Cancellation Insurance (optional, but recommended).
  • Anything else specifically not listed as included.
  • Single rooming available for $2,500 supplement.

Payment Terms

  • Your non-refundable deposit of $5,995 will hold your space in this workshop.
  • Further non-refundable payment of $4,000 is due by November 1, 2026.
  • The non-refundable balance is due not later than March 1, 2027.
  • In addition to our standard Terms and Conditions, for this workshop all payments are non-refundable, and this is why we recommend comprehensive travel insurance including trip cancelation.
  • Need special payment arrangements? No problem, just ask us.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, all payments for this workshop are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance that includes trip cancellation coverage.

You'll learn how to capture stunning images of icebergs and wildlife using techniques like working in low light. Additionally, you'll receive instruction on drone photography, including taking off and landing from a boat and flying simple flight plans.

No, you don't need a separate drone permit for this workshop. We will be visiting regions that permit the use of drones, and we'll follow all applicable European regulations.

The workshop is limited to a maximum of 8 participants, ensuring personalized attention and ample opportunities for one-on-one instruction from the two professional photographers leading the trip.

A moderate fitness level is required. You should be able to withstand cold weather, spend 6 to 8 hours each day on the expedition ship, and walk on uneven ground.

Pack warm, layered clothing suitable for cold weather, including a waterproof jacket, thermal layers, and sturdy boots for walking on uneven ground. Don't forget extra batteries for your camera and drone, as cold temperatures can drain them quickly.

Yes, medical evacuation insurance is required for this workshop. It's important to ensure you have coverage in case of emergencies in remote areas.

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