Summer Solstice & Photography Reykjavik

Age: 16 - 20

PROJECT: This is the twelfth year -since 2008- that SEEDS organizes series of International Photo marathons, while we started organising camps open for teenagers in the year 2010.

Throughout the year participants from all over the world come to Iceland for an immersive 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 stay and prepare those images for an informal group exhibition locally. While learning about photography the participants explore Icelandic culture by taking part in it, capturing it and also by displaying their work during the camps. . One of our objectives is to deliver messages and draw the attention to the locals through pictures made in the camp.

Participants 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. Participants should arrive ready to shoot and should bring with them their own digital cameras, lenses, laptops and tripodes if possible. 

Note this project is a learning/sharing camp and not a regular work camp; we may be able to organize some outdoor voluntary work but it depends on our partners and the weather. Participants should use the opportunity to share about their own culture or country, such as food, music, games or films with the international group.

This camp is open for 16 to 20 years old participants, during their stay SEEDS organises a programme that combines learning, sharing, getting to know Iceland, its culture, having fun, as exploring the capital city and some of the most stunning nature attractions in the Golden Circle and the South Shore excursions.

The camp happens around the summer solstice, when the sun hardly sets and the nights are almost as bright as the days. The bright nights are magical and staying awake enjoying the beautiful surroundings is unique.

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 showers, washing machine, kitchen and everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. The group will sleep in shared rooms and participants shall bring their own sleeping bags. Participants from other projects may also stay in the house.

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

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

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 600 (Euros), which needs to be transferred to SEEDS the latest one month before the camp starts to confirm the placement of the participant/s.

The fee includes transportation from the meeting point to the camp and back (on the first and last day), as the Golden Circle and South Shore excursions (1 full day-trip each), we will visit spectacular waterfalls, geysers, impressive coastline, a volcano crater, the National Park of Thingvellir and much more.

Meeting time will be 18:00 (6:00 pm) in the afternoon of June 20 at the BSÍ bus station or at SEEDS office. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later flights) will be sent information on how to reach the camp.

Additional excursions (eg. Snaefellsnes, Hot River hike or Reykjanes Peninsula) can be arranged at discount fares in case there is additional free time after the workshops and sessions of the camp.

Weather may be cold or rainy, so we recommend to bring warm and/or waterproof clothes.