Advent & Aurora hunting Photo marathon

PROJECT: This is the tenth year that SEEDS organizes series of International Photo marathons. Throughout the year participants from all over the world come to Iceland for an intense photography related learning camp. SEEDS coordinators help the participants to develop their unique photographic skills through workshops and feedback sessions on technical settings, compositional considerations as well as developing conceptual frameworks which progress the participants individual style.

When the workshop ends, we select some of our best pictures from the camp and prepare those images for an informal group exhibition in a local independent cinema. Participants should bring with them their own digital cameras, lenses, and laptops if possible. They should be prepared for walking and visually exploring the city streets and working within a flexible time schedule. Participants will be photographing in their free time outside of workshop hours with images to be discussed at group feedback sessions.

Please note this project is more of a learning/sharing camp and not a regular work camp; we may be able to organize some outdoor voluntary service but it depends on our partners and weather conditions. Apart from working on the photography taska, participants may join the festive atmosphere during some days by handing out hot chocolate in the city centre as a way of fundraising for non-for-profit projects of the Icelandic Red Cross.

In this project SEEDS will organize an Aurora hunting expedition. This will take place during late evening and possibly into the night. We will pick a night with the best chances given by the Aurora forecast by the Icelandic meteorological office. If we do not catch any northern lights in the first expedition, SEEDS will organise another expedition. Please note, we cannot guarantee that you will see northern lights as solar activity is irregular.

The camp combines learning, sharing, exploring Reykjavík, hunting for Aurora and having fun. Participants should also use this opportunity to share something about their own culture with the international group.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS participants will stay in an equipped house in Reykjavík, which is located about 4 kilometers from the centre of the city.   The facilities are basic with a shower, kitchen and a washing machine. The group will sleep in shared rooms and shall bring their own sleeping bag. Participants from other projects may also stay  in the house for part of the time.

Participants will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food and recipes from your home country for the international evening.

LOCATION: Reykjavik is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with beautiful nature, using renewable energy sources - geothermal- and hydropower. The world’s northernmost capital bridges the Atlantic, between Europe and North America. Reykjavík is spread across a peninsula with a panoramic view of the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean on almost all sides. Reykjavík is an International city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded with beautiful nature.

LANGUAGE: English will be the language in the camp; basic conversational skills are needed.

TERMINAL: Closest international Airport: Keflavík/Reykjavík (KEF). Bus station: Central Reykjavík (BSÍ).

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR 320 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.   The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp and back into SEEDS office (on the first and last day), as well as the Aurora hunting expedition.  

Meeting time will be 17:00 (5:00 pm) on November 28 at SEEDS Office. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later or delayed flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp.

Some excursions (eg. Golden Circle, South Shore, Snaefellsnes or Reykjanes) can be arranged at discount fares for SEEDS participants. We also offer some local  leisure activities such as the cinema and the flea market.

Weather may be cold and/or rainy, so we recommend to bring warm and/or waterproof clothes (overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats) as part of the project takes place outside.

With the Christmas season well under way it is the perfect opportunity to see the festive decorations and lights of Reykjavik. There are loads of events to get involved like ice skating and locating The Christmas Creatures.

Age: 18+