Photography Destination #4 - Iceland

We have reached my 4th favourite photography destination in the world, and it's none other than the stunning ICELAND!

"The Open Road" - Iceland

It's hard to put into words the drama in the Icelandic landscape. While my preference is always locations where I can photograph people and faces, I was blown away by Iceland. It's actually quite hard to find people to photograph once you get a couple of hours away from Reykjavik as from then on it gets very remote, but the amazing landscapes more than make up for it. From black sand beaches scattered with ice diamonds, to glacier lagoons to incredible volcanic mountains, it's simply jaw dropping. The lack of people to photograph was more than compensated by the landscape, breathtakingly beautiful to unbelievably bleak and desolate. I can totally get why so many science fiction movies have been shot here, as you really do feel you have arrived onto another planet with rock formations that do not seem to belong on Earth.

Dyrholaey - Iceland

My journey on Iceland began in Reykjavik but whereas a large percentage of tourists stay here amongst the so called "Golden Triangle" of sights, I couldn't wait to get away and into the wild. Make no mistake, Iceland is a big country and driving the circumference of the island I would imagine would take a couple of weeks at least. My plan was to drive as far as I could eastward along the southern coast, so after collecting a rental Toyota Landcruiser 4x4 that was equipped for the infamous rugged "F roads" I was away from the capital as soon as I could.

I visited in the depths of winter and wanted arctic winter images so had to spend a little time making sure the vehicle was prepped and ready for the tough conditions that were forecast. I was travelling solo and didn't want calamities in dangerous weather conditions.

I was rather disappointed with Reykjavik to be honest, and found it a bit commercial and touristy. That feeling continued as I drove east. After I couple of hours driving I was a little disappointed with the views around me. If you haven't been to Iceland, I urge you to keep driving as three to four hours out of the city it starts to open up into something really incredible. The vast scale of the landscape had me frequently stopping the car in amazement.

"Wild Horses" - Iceland

One thing I also learned quickly is to keep the car fuelled. If you see a garage, fill up, even if you don't really need it, as fuel stops are few and far between. I had a few scary miles on reserves until I found somewhere to refuel and I certainly did not make that mistake again and ensured I never let the tank drop below 50% again. It's also more expensive away from the city. I guess the logistics of getting food and provisions out into the remote areas adds cost, but even so, some of the prices were eye watering. I think I paid $75 one lunch stop at a small cafe for tomato soup and a coffee!

"Desolation" - Iceland

After a few days of driving and stopping everywhere, I arrived at my base for a few days. The stunning Jokulsarlon Glacier lagoon and the nearby Diamond Beach. Ice bergs and ice chunks fill the lagoon in breathtaking fashion, before they are washed out to sea where some of them are washed up on what has become to be known as Diamond Beach. It's black volcanic sand, and the polished ice (some of them huge and the size of a bus) make an amazing contrast to the black sand. Truly photographic heaven!

Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon - Iceland

"Diamond Beach" - Iceland

"Diamonds are Forever" - Iceland

After spending a few days photographing around Jokulsarlon, I pushed on east. Every mile Iceland just became more and more dramatic as I headed for what I had planned as the decision making point, Hvalnes Lighthouse in the very far southeastern corner of the island. At that point I would either turn and head back for Reykjavik or push on and go for the full circumference of the island which would need an additional week at least.

Reynisfjara Beach. Iceland's most dangerous beach with rogue monster waves, and unsurvivable riptides.

"All the Blues" - Iceland

I decided to stay in Hofn for a few days as I loved the area. Many of the images you can see in this section of the Blog are from around Hofn. I'd really love to return to Hofn one day especially with a drone, as there are so many photographs in this area of Iceland.

Glacier - Iceland

On my third night in a lodge in Hofn, it became clear from the weather forecast that I would either have to batten down the hatches for a few days or head back to Reykjavik. A huge winter storm was forecast, and my hosts in the lodge advised onward travel would be impossible for a few days until the roads had been reopened by the snow ploughs. They said If i left immediately I would make it to Reykjavik before the storm hit the west side of Iceland. So the decision was made and I drove quickly back toward the city and made it, just.

This final shot was taken after one snow storm and before the main one hit as I was about a day from the city. At this point I had already lost the snow poles at the side of the road it was so deep, and my car left the road as I literally could not see the road. I managed to recover and get back on the actual road, but it was a relief to get back close to Reykjavik before the main storm hit. One day I will return and complete the ring road as it's an unfinished journey for me and I loved Iceland.

To be continued..........