10 Iceland Travel Tips For Filmmakers & Photographers

[@thesearchforserotonin4068]

ahhh Thanks for making this video! I am currently beginning the process of planning a solo photography pilgrimage to Iceland!

[@whoismatt]

You’re gonna love it!

[@alexanderv4042]

“… You ain’t gonna have no PIN!” 🤪🤪🤪 Awesome!

[@maxxchewning]

Planning a trip here in a few months, thanks for the video dooooooooooood

[@whoismatt]

Thanks bro! You're gonna love it!!!

[@BosePhotography]

Tip 10, absolutely agree! Iceland is such a spectacular country, we absolutely loved it but it is so important we all take responsibility when visiting, respect the laws and look after it. Thanks for making this point so well! Sam.

[@nickrstic]

The most straight forward tips! Thanks

[@JeremyLabbe-un9dx]

I am so happy I found your video man.I am about to leave in march for Iceland and you are one of the few youtubers that actually made a video with useful tips.

[@naninasim7298]

Matt you're an Icelandic photography wizard and legend! Thank you for being one!

[@timmot123]

Sand and Ash - just check the weather before you go

[@TonyTipsar]

Always wanted to go to Iceland, it's like a 3 hour flight from Sweden were I live. And after seeing you videos I will now book a ticket for the spring :)

[@elisameier8940]

I've just returned from Iceland 😊 Love your video! Just two additions: we also usually have the signature credit card and just asked the credit card company for a Pin code before our trip. Because Iceland is huge. You will need a lot of gas. And you don't want to run out of gas. Also, get gas whenever the tank is half full. Because you don't want to run out of gas 🤣 My second tip, save money on water in plastic bottles. Buy one or two reusable bottles and drink tab water. Iceland has the world's second best water and it's drinkable everywhere (maybe not the pop up toilet sink). It's good, it's free. And it's the same that you would have to pay money for in a shop. You can even drink it right from the glacier when there. Also, (hot) water in some areas, especially Reykjavik, smells (from the Sulphur from volcanoes). Still the second best water in the world and the smell goes away once the water cools down. And if your curious about No. 1 - it's Sweden. Have fun!

[@whoismatt]

Have you been to Iceland yet? :)

[@stavrovictor]

It def has a hype around it! I want to go travel there soon!

Any tips for clothing?

[@SNORKYMEDIA]

yes - save yourself a ton of money and have a better experience by NOT going to the Blue lagoon - try the local swimming baths - they are geo-thermally heated and are brilliant - it cost us 6 euros each!!! and there were slides and hot tubs from "warm" to "your skin comes off" hot and you get to talk to locals not other tourists....

[@shelaghjackson9577]

Going next Friday! Great tips, thank you.

[@whoismatt]

@Renars wear lots and lots of layers! :)

[@justbemoy]

Thank you so much for the tips! I already bought the map two months ago ahah. Just have to find a date to go now! :)

[@whoismatt]

Awesome! :D

[@TaranVH]

this is fantastic! now do one for all the other countries.

[@ignarias96]

Sand and Ash is covered by the credit card. I asked and specifically mentioned sand and ash for Iceland and they said "anything that happens to the car, sand, ash, pebbles or even a bird flying into it, we cover it."

[@klamoine]

Going to Iceland in a couple of weeks and this was SUPER HELPFUL!!! Thanks Matt, you ROCK!!!

[@mwheelerq72lm]

Went for 10 days in sept 2019 and absolutely loved every second of the trip! We are going back this October for 18 days and doing a full circle around the country, staying two nights at each location! Hoping to see northern lights! Going to order that map!

[@Beantownreview]

Great video Matt. We returned from Curacao two weeks ago and wished we had a drone to bring. Instead, we climbed the highest mountain (1200') and took some beautiful panorama shots. We even ran across a family of mountain goats.

[@martindavey8742]

Frist trip planed for next year, very useful, especially the map, thank you.

[@andyfink4419]

I'm always smiling when I see Matt's face on a thumbnail

[@pupaktube2825]

Matt, your B-ROLL in this video is insane. I love your videos and your personality because when I am listening to you talking I am feeling like i am listening some friend who i know for years. Cheers from Serbia :)

[@whoismatt]

😁 thanks!

[@pupaktube2825]

Don't thank me, better save some money and come to Serbia to be my guest and record some videos about awesome places, delicious food :D :P cheers mate

[@videosbyfremark8195]

I really like your enthusiast in your videos! Great tips and great information!

[@MarekRebandel]

Flying there in 2 weeks. Thank god I found this video! Thanks for the tips Matt!!!

[@imruimiguel]

Amazing video Matt. Thank you! Loved the 10 tip, really important!

[@NewYorkF150stx]

Thank you very much for sharing!!! My wife and I planing to go to Iceland this coming April.

[@Kirbywinson]

I'm going to Iceland in May! Perfect!

[@Skyline-Imaging]

Just got my Mavic Pro Platinum, I checked out your profile settings video (awesome thank you!) and several of your other behind the scenes videos. I think I have a new favorite subscription on KZbin. Matt you have a great personality and have enjoyed everything I have seen so far, thank you.

[@whoismatt]

Thanks John! :)

[@LUMETRY]

all time a pleasure to watch your great videos! keep going on

[@Atacama87103]

Great video !

[@austinprojects8092]

Awesome vid! thanks for the tips. I leave to Iceland in a few days. Rented a campervan to travel the country and photograph! Cheers from Texas

[@devanand2121]

Thanks Matt!! for your tips!! appreciate and really helpful

[@nickfarley4668]

Awesome video Matt! Thanks for posting

[@introvertedfilmmaker4224]

Best Iceland what to do video ever!

[@SaraPista]

I loved your vibe! you sound so positive and friendly! You just got a new subscriber :) I'm going to Iceland tomorrow, and I can't be more excited about it! arghhhh!!!!

[@whoismatt]

Have fun Sara!

[@BottomLineUpFront]

Used some of your tips in our video (even though it was before you published). Good stuff.

[@cwaddell171]

Thinking about going back once it's safe to do so. Been 3 times on photo tours, but want to just go and explore the whole island in a camper van. Had seen that map a lot during research - it is on the expensive side for a map, but finally gave in and ordered it the other night. But good to see it's actually useful (and hopefully the latest edition will have a few more lesser known spots).

[@MrKevindkennedy]

Your videos inspired me to travel to Iceland last month and take my drone. It was fantastic! I am planning another trip next year with my brother. Unfortunately, I didn't use the 'proper' settings (no ND filter, auto white balance) and some of my footage was either too dark or too white. Watching your videos, however, I have corrected the error of my ways and am now shooting more like a pro. I have learned a great deal from you. thanks!

[@thiagoarnese4342]

Hi. Another tip: You don't have to buy water at grocery stores. Actually in Iceland you can save money bringing your own bottle. All water in rivers and fountains are drinkable.

[@UnrealOcean]

nice trip tips!

[@caitanyaballabhadas7707]

Nicely done thank you kindly Matt!

[@ModestReaction]

So timely I am going in 2 weeks and I am also a Wedding film maker too!

[@soamjena]

Skogafoss I see many drone footages. I guess if we take off from far should be legal. Of course not taking off from skogafoss parking

[@TwoScotsAbroadGemma]

Hey Matt, I've watched a few of your 'how to videos' and they've been very helpful. I stumbled across this video while looking for Iceland inspo and saw the beard - that's brand recognition working right! Knew it was you so watched instantly. Cheers!

[@whoismatt]

Haha awesome! Glad to help!

[@marquixHD]

had you had red hair, you would easily pass for a mad Viking here! This is one of the greatest thumbnails I've ever seen on KZbin, with everything visualized in one gesture. Nice job!

[@whoismatt]

Hahaha thanks!

[@pimmeelhuysen]

So Matt, great video... too bad I didn't see this video earlier, because last week we were in Iceland for 4 days (had a blast), but we could have benefitted from your tips. 1. We didn't rent a 4WD and it sucked. Even if you stay on the yellow roads (the good roads) you often find yourself driving on gravel, since some roads are relatively new and not finished. 2. We didn't take the extra insurance package, because we thought we were covered already (stupid thought). So after returning the rental car there was a scratch on the window, we hadn't noticed before. They told us they had to replace the entire window due to cold weather in Iceland... what was a bit of a swindle. It only costed 800 euros (yes you read it right). 7. I didn't bring a drone (I wanted to, but I don't have one). I did make a video, but some drone footage would have completed it. If you have a moment I would really like you to see what I've made. I posted it this morning (I'm from The Netherlands), so it's the first video in my list. Oh and btw your A7sii menu/custom/function buttons really helped me out, huge thanks for that! Keep up your channel and enthusiasm.

[@whoismatt]

Thanks so much Pim!

[@ThaimachineFilms]

Nice shot Thank you for your opinion

[@soamjena]

You said - highlands. How would you know which to drive ? I mean if it's regular road we know but yes we as a filmmaker who want to drive the exotic areas which are mostly not driven.

[@whoismatt]

You’ll know because the highlands roads aren’t paved. 😜

[@ryanschneebaum1297]

Hey I was wondering if you had any tips about seeing the puffins there? I’m going early-mid august and really want to see them

[@itsyouitsme5939]

We watched this video like 3 times!!

[@HafthorGudmundsson]

Hi Im from Iceland and your 4 tip is wrong. We actually export a lot of food and import very little. The food is just expensive :)

[@soamjena]

Hafþór Guðmundsson should be cheap then

[@OutdoorVisuals]

Great video Matt, thanks for sharing 👍 Do they make those maps for other places in the world as well?

[@whoismatt]

Yes! If you check their site they have other countries too!

[@AquidneckFilm]

great video

[@jta999]

Matt, what was the location / city of your Air BNB? Great tips

[@EverydayRoadster]

Renting a 4x4 is of no point as you are still not allowed on highland roads. Yes there are lots of gravel roads but none of those is an issue with 2 wheel drive. Only point for 4x4 is in winter. If you intend to dine out outside of Reykjavik, it’s a good idea to place a reservation. Because of limited availability. Saying that, there are plenty of gas stations and nearly each of those has a decent burger shop at least. Also it’s a good idea to check out camping grounds for pizzerias :D

[@sudharshanam3413]

Hi MrCore, do you think a motorhome could access these gravel roads? We're going there in June 2019 and we have a 10 month old infant with us, so we thought a motorhome would make life much easier..

[@johansakr7893]

hey matt ! thanks for the tips, what time of the year would you recommend going though ?

[@whoismatt]

Thanks Johan! I went in April and it was right in between winter and summer. The weather wasn't too cold and we still saw the northern lights. If you want more sun, go in the summer as it will be warmer and more green. It's darker for longer in the winter but there is a much better chance of seeing the Northern Lights.

[@PioneerCinema1]

Love.

[@gheorghefalcaru]

Bravo!!!!!!!!

[@pukatekapo-oj9vq]

Thank You Matt, especially the Pre-Paid gas card, is that available in the main gas station in the Reykjavik? I mean in the working hrs. we will be in Iceland for like 12-15days in total, by this July, but we thought to skip the drone, too expensive for just 1 single tour, and we are not professional like you, the drone video we made is going to be like a phone attached to a flying thing.... But Thanks anyway,

[@whoismatt]

Yes all gas stations sell them

[@jimsim3]

Can I ask what the budget was, can you camp or caravan,were do you get the best exchange rate at home or there , and did you fish there? did you try that Hákarl? and Brennivín ? o and sorry Matt but Moss you speak of is really a lichen. It,s looks little like moss but it not and grows around northern hemisphere, vary slow growing. But every thing is up north.

[@whoismatt]

Hey! Yes you can camp nearly anywhere, and use an RV at any official campground. I just used a credit card when I was there, no exchanging of funds. No fishing lol, I wanted to though!

[@dennismaida4188]

Matt - I've been looking for a map of rv campgrounds so that I can plan ahead but no joy thus far. Any thoughts? Much thanks!

[@dean_to2878]

I am planning my second trip to Iceland and wanted to head out to the western parts. Do you have nay good recommendations on where to stay out there?

[@whoismatt]

Hey! Not a ton of towns in the West once you get north of Reykjavik. Lots of campsites and I’m betting there are Airbnb’s in smaller towns. That’s where I would look

[@prodrd3948]

When you were in Iceland ? Try to find out the best month for traveling there next year ! Best regards from Germany, Keep it up !

[@whoismatt]

I went in April and loved it! Really depends on what you want. If you want to drive up into the highlands go in the Summer, but if you want more chances to see the Northern Lights, go in the winter.

[@prodrd3948]

Thank you for your lightning fast answer! I will travel than in Summer, because i am more interested in the highlands. I will use your airbnb link! Keep it up i love your videos!

[@whoismatt]

Thanks! I went in April and loved it!

[@jamesscarborough8655]

I went 3/17 for 2 weeks, There was snow everywhere, For the best colors and photography July or August is best. I will return to Iceland July 2018. This time WITH a drone.

[@MacGuffinSC]

Mavic still running fine after that snow storm?

[@whoismatt]

Haha yup!

[@jeffta1979]

hi how do you go about putting your final work on a dvd disk for your client,the program you use and settings please?

[@whoismatt]

Hey! I use Adobe Encore CS6 :)

[@FarazAliSikander]

Hey Matt asking an irrelevant question but hope you will help, could you plz guide, how to shoot in bright sunlight without using ND filters or anything like that, and without cranking up the shutter or compromising shallow depth of field by aperture manipulation?with lowest ISO....Would appreciate your reply. Thanks !

[@AustinHartt]

just use magic.

[@PHILMMedia]

Use an aperture that's darker like f16 or f22. But really just use a ND

[@whoismatt]

Hey Fraz! You'll need to invest in ND filters if you want to shoot with a shallow depth of field and low shutter speed.

[@FarazAliSikander]

Thanks for your concern and reply, Now its stamped from an EXPERT that ND filters are must for mentioned settings.Thanks a lot..... i consider, YOU , devin graham, peter Mckinnon and casey n'stat, like an authority on videography and cinematography

[@amatomariano]

hey matt! what dron were u using in the video? thanks.

[@whoismatt]

Hey! DJI Mavic Pro

[@jamesscarborough8655]

I have the spark, I used it in Hawaii but think I may dump it and get the Mavic, 15 minute battery just doesn't cut it. :(

[@CourtneyFagras]

always buy gas station hotdogs :P and lemon skyr yogurt snax is important

[@IIGStewII]

Just call the number on the back of your credit card to set a pin.

[@JaaksFilm]

Great tips! We went earlier this month and done the 'tourist' things but we had 3 kids. It's an amazing place. For winter travellers hiring a 4x4 it is compulsory to have snow tires on so double check as our's didn't at first but was soon sorted. Check out my short film in Iceland on my channel ;-)

[@jibba0202]

And a big middle finger to all the so called pros that say mavic footage wont make the cut!

[@bruceaisher]

Good video Matt, but respectfully disagree with you saying Icelanders are friendly. Icelandic people are some of the most unfriendly people I have ever met. The farmers do not want you on their land droning and a lot of them are very miserable. The air bnbers were friendly because they didn't want you to give them a bad review and you were paying them. We were incredibly respectful whilst we were there and had various farmers say 'No.' and shut the door on us. To be fair, we were a lot further out of the Golden circle and they definitely don't want non locals round there.

[@jamesscarborough8655]

That's kinda strange because their economy would be TOTALLY in the toilet without the tourist!

[@SNORKYMEDIA]

hmm my first air bnb experience was an apartment with the curtains NAILED to the wall - never again

[@drexplordinaire]

texans are friendly?! ha!

[@AndrzejZalewskiYT]

these are tips for turists, not for photographers :(

[@MW-wq1ex]

Dude I wanna travel with you...full homosapien

[@pasapucha]

Get rid of wollies bro , will suits you clean shaved