Ao Thor is a versatile artist. Having been in the industry for more than 20 years with extensive experience as a freelance photographer on advertising and fashion, he found his passion in landscape photography. When he is leading photography tours and workshops in Iceland, where he calls home, he takes pride in being able to share his passion and expertise with people. As his homeland becomes increasingly popular amongst tourists and photographers, he is focusing more on tailor-making photography tours and workshops for both professionals and amateurs, and he is also taking an important role in bespoke private tour company Arctic Advanced (www.arcticadvanced.is). His solid experience in production and in-depth local knowledge of the elements in Iceland makes him one of the best hybrids for the job.

Ao has been involved in numerous productions in both Iceland and abroad. He has worked with the most notable production companies in Iceland, collaborating with directors and production teams from all over the world.

Prior to moving back to Iceland in 2010, Ao studied photography at the renowned Art Institute of Ft. Lauderdale. With dedication Ao graduated with The Highest Honor in 2002, specialising in product advertising. While he was still in school Ao already started working with the top photographers in Florida, shooting fashion, portraiture, wedding, architecture and advertising photography. After graduation, Ao has worked for various magazines and newspapers in the US and Europe. Ao’s passion for the art of photography has also led him to hold shows in the US and Iceland. One of them being the Crystals of Ice, which was shown during Art Basel Miami Beach. It was one of the most important art shows in the US.