Iceland- the land of Ice and fire
Photographing Iceland provides a chance to capture diverse landscapes and natural phenomena, including glaciers, waterfalls, and volcanic terrains. Many start in Reykjavik for urban and natural photography. However I did not. My route took me to a variety of south Iceland spots in the first instance and then further afield. I have now visited three times and each time beeen lucky with the weather. eg no firece winds or heavy rain ! I have been twice in the winter and once in the Autumn for some aerial work - see my blog Iceland from the air.
The South Coast has iconic spots like Seljalandsfoss and Skógafoss waterfalls; early morning or late afternoon light enhances their beauty. Vik showcases black sand beaches and sea stacks, with Reynisfjara beach notable for its basalt columns.
Heading north, Lake Mývatn and Akureyri offer geothermal landscapes and striking contrasts between rock and greenery. Vestrahorn is of course iconic but with good reason too. The black sands and the mountain backdrop are breathtaking. Every visit reveals different views and approaches to shooting this iconic place. The big vista is of course excting but I too want to shoot the more intimate landscape such as ice details and marram grasses.
You do have to prepared for rapid weather changes, but these can create dramatic photographs. A sturdy tripod aids in low light and long exposure shots. But be prepared to shoot hand held with a higher iso when the weather sets in. With planning and exploration, Iceland's extraordinary landscapes promise captivating images. Here are some of mine.
Aerial shot from the braided rivers
