Words are not my strong suit but I will do my best to share this amazing experience with imagery and a few words mixed in here & there.
First We Meet
Day 1 :
After arriving in Reykjavik, I was patiently awaiting to start the First We Eat Workshop!
Soon I would be meeting Eva Kosmas Flores and Carey Nershi, the hosts of FWE and joining the rest of the group.
This was my second trip to Iceland, and I hope not my last. The magic of this place has not changed, but this journey was quite different than from my first.
I have to take a minute to share how brilliant this workshop truly was. FWE was hosted by two of the most talented young ladies along with the talented Linda Lomeli, Maggie Pate, and Ingrid Hofstra. All in which had a huge part in my experience. Together they made a wonderful team- busted their asses, showed us iceland, and fed us well!
To be photographing along side of these ladies; learning, observing, and exploring is a real gift. I thank each and every one of them!
After a full nights rest, I woke up in Mosfellsdalur with a wonderful homemade breakfast and a day full of surprise and education ahead of me. I was well rested and ready for anything!
Waterfalls are so powerful and moving. They have such a huge presence, and the ones in Iceland are no exception. Eva & Cary took the whole group to visit Seljalandsfoss along with a secret hidden waterfall ( my favorite ).
I found myself escaping the crowds and running around like a kid, exploring the hills and views behind the falls. I can just stand and watch a waterfall for hours...so captivating.
Laxnes Horse Ranch : This was one of my favorite activities during this visit to Iceland. I do not have much experience riding horses, and my little guy, kinda scared me here and there, but he kept me safe and it was an incredible ride. The area in which we rode was full of rolling hills, green mossy mounds, and lava rocks! We were not allowed to bring our cameras, but I managed to sneak a few with my phone.
What a day... Following horse back riding, picture taking, and food (of course) we headed to the Secret Lagoon! Had a little picnic outside, with light drizzle and then enjoyed the geothermal pools.
fine group of ladies
Linda Lomeli seriously makes some of the best looking, and tasting baked goods.
This bundt cake had us all over the table - shooting at all angles!
After a little lesson on how to style your own images, we were given some time, props, and a slice of cake to play around with.
Seljalandsfoss
After chasing waterfalls, we went to on dirt roads to reach Keldur (grass houses that are thousands of years old on ancient farm land).
Upon our return to our sweet little cottage (Airbnb) in Mosfellsdalur was this incredible full rainbow! It was such a nice little treat to come home to. We quickly recollected ourselves and prepped for a wonderful dinner and mini photoshoot.
breakfast hash
I loved waking up, walking outside, being surrounded with beautiful views and a table full of stunning desserts to photograph, No better way to start the day.
Then walk inside to enjoy homemade soup and a perfectly set table.
On the last full day of the FWE workshop we had some extra time to choose which activity we wished to partake in. Some ventured downtown to shop in Reykjavik, others went to geothermal pools, some needed to rest, and a few went on a hike.
Which activity do you think I choose?
Perfect rainbow over Laxnes Horse Ranch
Erla Gretarsdottir
After everyone came back together to the house, we got ready for our last meal! The weather had cleared up so we were able to eat outside, with beautiful rolling hills and mountains in the near distance.
And of course, one last pictuesque dessert.
We followed this wonderful meal with a little lesson by Maggie Pate on textiles and how to weave a loom.
As the Workshop was coming to an end, the goodbyes started going around. Though, I was saying goodbye to the group I was not saying goodbye to Iceland. Not yet!
I had planned to rent a car and drive around for two more days before flying home. Erla, a local to Iceland, helped me map out my next two days in Iceland.
I was ready for lots of driving and some solo time.
After getting my car, I stopped at Reykjavik Coffee Roasters, got a Swiss Mocha and went onward with my journey into the beautiful landscapes of Iceland.
The Snæfellsnes peninsula
After driving up and around the Snaefellsnes Peninsula , stopping in Hellnar for a nights sleep, and exploring Arnarstapi, I headed to Reykjanesbaer.
My last night in Iceland was spent at OkHotel in Reykjavik.
After a full day of driving around it was nice to be on foot and walk around the city. Jen, one of the gals that I met during the worshop was still in Iceland, so we met up at Kaffi Vinyl for some vegan food. Afterwards we wondered around some stores before I went back to my hotel...I had to get up at 4am.
I thank Erla for my detour to the Southern Peninsula of Iceland.
Reykjanesviti was stunning! Just a short drive from the city you can find yourself in geothermal fields, views of the oldest lighthouse in Iceland, and cliffs with crashing waves against black beaches.
On my last trip to Iceland, I visited Vik. I was so bummed to not be revisiting those beaches this time around, but Reykjanes Peninsula totally made up for it!
Grindavikurbaer
On the drive to the airport, in the wee hours of the morning, I enjoyed the full moon over the mountains and sun rising on the water. It was so emotionally beautiful.
Till we meet again... Iceland you will be missed!