Are You a Bad Photographer? IcelandAir Pays You $50,000 to Prove It While Exploring Iceland

On a scale from 1 to 10, how good a photographer would you say you are? Now give a new answer, this time knowing that the worse your self-rating, the greater your chances of being gifted a free trip to beautiful Iceland, on top of a hefty $50,000 check. 

Photo: Shutterstock

Yes, you've read that right. A new global campaign is turning the idea of “perfect photography” on its head, by actively searching for someone who’s bad at it. IcelandAir, the Icelandic airline that provides services to, from, via and within the Nordic island country between the Arctic Ocean and the North Atlantic Ocean, invites anyone interested to answer six simple questions and, optionally, upload a short video showcasing their most memorable photo fails. The more awkward, blurry, or poorly framed, the better.

Icelandair Boeing 767-319ER. Photo: Airlinephoto / Shutterstock

In turn, those bad photos could actually pay off.

Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

The selected candidate will receive a fully funded, approximately 10-day trip to Iceland, scheduled for June 2026. All travel expenses will be covered by the airline, and the winner will also earn a $50,000 fee for their photos, content creation, and overall participation.

Even more appealing, their images may be featured in a global marketing campaign, along with potential appearances in publications and exhibitions, offering a shot at unexpected international recognition.

Wanted: Everyday People with Zero Experience

This unusual opportunity is designed for everyday people and not professionals. In fact, having photography skills could work against you.

Ideal candidates:

-Have no professional photography experience

-Aren’t particularly interested in learning photography

-Use a phone or basic camera casually

-Often feel disappointed with their photos

-Occasionally get a surprisingly good shot

-Are comfortable appearing in photos and videos

-Enjoy traveling and meeting people

To qualify, applicants must be at least 21, have a valid passport and no criminal record, and be physically able to hike or navigate uneven terrain. Ideal candidates should also be eligible to travel to Iceland, the UK, and the US.

Submissions are open until April 30, 2026, giving hopeful “bad photographers” a limited window to apply.