This Airline Wants to Send You to Iceland and Pay You $50k to Be Terrible at Photography

The Contest That Sounds Too Good to Be True (It's Real)

The premise is brilliantly simple: Iceland is so beautiful that even an amateur can’t mess it up. To prove it, Icelandair wants to fly one very unskilled individual to Iceland for a 10-day adventure through this contest. No professional photography skills or equipment required: you just have to be comfortable using your phone or a basic camera.

If you’re selected as the official Worst Photographer, you’re getting:

• A 10-day all-expenses-paid trip through Iceland in June 2026.

• A payment of $50,000 USD (yes, you read that right) for your content, participation, and the rights to your "masterpieces."

• Potential international Fame: Your photos will be used in a global campaign.

Who Can Apply

Before you start practicing your photography, stop. They don’t want talent. They're genuinely after amatuers with a history of photography fails. Here's what they’re looking for:

• Zero professional experience.

• No ambition: They want people with no particular interest in learning photography.

• Genuine disappointment: You should be someone who is frequently disappointed by their own camera roll but occasionally surprised when a photo is actually recognizable.

• Adventure-ready: You need to be 21+, have a valid passport, and be able to handle some hiking (you have to be able to get to the scenery to ruin the photo of it, after all).

How to Apply

The application is live right now on the Icelandair website. You’ll need to answer a few questions and, if you’re feeling brave, upload a 60-second video explaining why your photography skills are truly bottom-tier.

Applications close April 30, 2026, so don’t wait. This is quite literally the only time in your life that being the person who "just can't get the lighting right" will pay off.

Go forth, be a mediocre photgrapher, and explore Iceland!

Frequently Asked Questions: Icelandair "Wanted: A Bad Photographer" contest

What is the "Wanted: A Bad Photographer" contest?

Icelandair is looking for the world’s least-skilled amateur photographer to prove that Iceland is so beautiful, even bad photos look great. The winner will embark on a 10-day adventure to capture Iceland's landscapes.

What is the grand prize?

The winner receives a fully-funded 10-day trip to Iceland in June 2026, plus a $50,000 USD payment for their content and participation in a global marketing campaign.

Do I need to be a "bad" photographer to win?

Yes! Icelandair is specifically seeking amateurs with no professional background, no interest in learning technical photography, and a history of being disappointed by their own photos.

What are the age and legal requirements?

Applicants must be 21 years or older, hold a valid passport, have a clean criminal record, and be legally allowed to travel between Iceland, the UK, and the USA.

Is the trip physically demanding?

Yes, it could be. You must be physically capable of hiking and navigating uneven terrain, as the itinerary involves outdoor adventures in spectacular (and sometimes rugged) landscapes.

When does the trip take place?

The winner must be available to travel for up to 10 days in June 2026.

Will I be on camera?

Absolutely. You must be comfortable being filmed and photographed, as your journey and your "unique" photography style will be featured in a worldwide Icelandair campaign.

Do I need my own equipment?

No professional gear is required. Icelandair wants you to be comfortable using a phone or a basic "point-and-shoot" camera without overthinking the settings.

Are there any hidden costs?

No. Icelandair covers flights, accommodation, and transportation. The $50,000 fee is intended to cover any additional expenses not explicitly provided by the organisers.

Is travel insurance included?

No. The winner is required to hold their own adequate travel insurance and must sign a Contractor Agreement to officially accept the prize.