July Photo Marathon in Reykjavík

PROJECT: This is the fifteenth year (since 2008) that SEEDS organises a 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 to create conceptual frameworks highlighting the participants’ individual style. 

Participants will have time to put the theory about photography into practice, walking around and exploring the city. At the end of the camp, the best photographs from each participant are selected for an online exhibition on SEEDS' social media. Participants should bring their own digital cameras, lenses, tripods and laptops if possible.

While learning about photography the participants explore Icelandic culture by taking part in it, capturing it and also by displaying their work during the camp. One of our objectives is to deliver environmental as well as cultural messages and draw attention through pictures taken in the camp.

Participants should be ready to spend time outdoors walking medium distances during activities 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.

This camp is open to participants aged 16 to 20. During their stay SEEDS organises a programme that combines learning, sharing, getting to know Iceland and its culture, and having fun while exploring the city and some of the most stunning natural attractions in the Golden Circle and South Shore excursions. 

Note that this project is a learning/sharing camp and not a regular workcamp; it has a smaller work part and puts more emphasis on the personal learning process than on the community impact. We may be able to organise some outdoor voluntary work, but it depends on our partners and the weather conditions. The camp happens around the summer solstice, when the sun hardly sets and the nights are almost as bright as the days. The nights are magical and staying awake enjoying the surroundings is a unique experience.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS’ participants will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with a kitchen, showers, and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Participants will sleep in shared rooms. They need to bring their own sleeping bags. Participants from other camps may also stay in the house. 

Participants will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Participants should bring food, music, games or films and such from their own culture to share at the international evening.

LOCATION: Reykjavík is a dynamic, modern city which lives in harmony with nature, using renewable energy sources. 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. It is an international city with a lively cosmopolitan cultural scene surrounded by 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 550 (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 (on the first day), the Golden Circle and South Shore excursions (1 full day trip each). We will visit spectacular waterfalls, geysers, a glacier, impressive coastline, a volcano crater, the Thingvellir National Park and much more.

Meeting time will be 18:00 (6:00 pm) in the afternoon of July 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 location.

Additional excursions (eg. Hot River Hike, Snæfellsnes 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 bringing warm and/or waterproof clothes.