SEEDS 034. Photography & Midnight Sun in Reykjavík

PROJECT: This is the eighteenth year (since 2008) that SEEDS organises a series of International Photography projects and we started organising these camps 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 have the opportunity to 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 empower young people to use photography to draw attention to environmental and cultural subjects and issues.

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 Reykjanes Peninsula excursions. 

Note that this is a learning/sharing camp and not a regular workcamp; this project has a smaller volunteer work part and emphasises the personal learning process over the community impact. We may be able to organise some outdoor voluntary work, but it depends on our partners and the weather conditions. 

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS participants stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with an equipped kitchen, dining and living room, bathrooms, showers and a washing machine. Everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. Participants sleep in shared rooms of up to 6 people. Bring your own towel. 

Participants will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Please note the food SEEDS provides will be vegetarian. Do not forget to bring some traditional/typical food, drinks, recipes, music or games from your country for the intercultural evening. Please be aware some items or ingredients may be expensive in Iceland and you will need to buy them yourselves or bring them from your country.

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; intermediate conversational skills are needed.

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

EXTRAS / SPECIAL REMARKS: Participation fee EUR €650 (Euros), which needs to be transferred to SEEDS the latest one month before the camp starts to confirm the placement. It includes food, accommodation, transportation from the meeting point to the camp (on the first day), the Golden Circle and Reykjanes excursions. We will visit spectacular waterfalls, geysers, 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 June 23 at the SEEDS office. Participants that cannot arrive on time (later flights) will receive instructions on how to reach the camp location. Those arriving earlier the same day are welcome from 10:00 am in the office to drop their bags/luggage and wait for the meeting time. 

Additional excursions (eg. Hot River Hike or the South Shore) can be arranged at discount fares depending on time availability, weather conditions, and the number of participants interested in joining them. 

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