Photo Marathon and Culture Night in Reykjavik

WORK/PROJECT: This is the ninth year that SEEDS organizes series of International Photo marathons! Every two weeks throughout the year volunteers from all over the world come to Iceland for an intensive Photo marathon project. SEEDS coordinators work with the participants to develop their unique photographic voice 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 gather as a group to select some of our best pictures from the trip and prepare those images for an informal group exhibition locally.  While learning more about photography the participants explore Icelandic culture by taking part in it, capturing it and also by working for the City of Reykjavik. One of our objectives is to deliver messages and draw the attention to the local population through pictures and photos made during the camp.

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

We will also be able to join the happenings of Menningarnótt (The Culture Night) on August 20th. Menningarnótt is a yearly event held in Reykjavik. It was created by the Reykjavík city council, and has now become the largest festival in Iceland, rivalling the celebration of Iceland's national day on June 17th. During Culture Night a carnival atmosphere reigns. The festival consists of a main stage in the centre and many smaller events spread over the city. The highlight is an outside concert by few of the popular musicians in Iceland followed by a glamorous fireworks show.

Please note that this project is more of a learning/sharing camp and not a regular work camp. However, volunteers will work two days with the city of Reykjavík in the cemeteries. Volunteers will help with raking leaves, beautifying the gardens, work on the recycling system among other tasks.

SEEDS also organises excursions outside of the city, which gives the chance to see more of what this beautiful country has to offer at a discounted price.

ACCOMMODATION: SEEDS participants will stay in a house in Reykjavík. The facilities are basic with a shower, washing machine, kitchen and everyone is expected to show consideration for their companions. We will sleep in shared rooms in a sleeping bag accommodation. Please bring your own sleeping bag.

We will receive food supplies and be in charge of the cooking and cleaning activities. Do not forget some traditional/typical food 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 power and glacial rivers. 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.

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 250 (Euros). Please note that these fees are to be paid to SEEDS on arrival in either Euros or Icelandic krónas.

Excursions (Blue Lagoon, Golden Circle, South Shore, Northern Lights) can be arranged at discount fares.

Weather in Iceland is unpredictable and it can be cold or rainy. Please bring warm winter clothes, overcoats, scarves, gloves and hats as part of the project takes place outside.

18+