The Sun Voyager sculpture in Reykjavik has been photography many times.
Iceland has become one of the most popular photo destinations on the planet. In fact, I’ve seen articles recently pondering whether Iceland is “shot out,” whether there is still a unique image to be found. I’m not sure that is possible anywhere, and it seems even less possible in Iceland where photographic opportunities abound.
Certainly there are places in Iceland, as well as other parts of the world, that have become overcrowded with tourists. And, yes, there are places where so many photos have been made and shared that it is difficult to get around the cliche and find a new angle. In the US, I would say Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend fall into that category. In Iceland, it might be a few sites around Reykjavik and along the southern coast. Waterfalls in particular — oh — and how could I forget the falls in front of Kirkjufell?
Still, Iceland is a big enough place with enough wonders that I would happily go back to shoot there again and again. I’ve been twice, and on my second trip I participated in a Photo Shootout that was held prior to an SATW convention.
The shootout took place over five days in 2014. Each of the participating photographers got a rental car and three nights at the Icelandair Hotels of our choice (I think we all spent the first night in Reykjavik before picking up our cars). The hotels had to be arranged ahead of time so you had to make some gambles on weather, etc. at a time of year — mid-September — when conditions can be quite changeable.
In Iceland, unpredictable conditions include things like ashy skies from volcanic eruptions.
I decided to take on a good amount of driving in order to shoot the eastern side of the island (Reykjavik is on the southwestern side). I shot some of the popular spots along the southern short, but spent most of my time beyond the glacier lagoon — the spot from which most tourists on day trips turn back.
All of the images in this post came from those five days, although they aren’t necessarily the images that I included in my shootout portfolio (and, by the way, I didn’t win the portfolio, but I did okay getting two golds, one silver, and one bronze in the categories).
I find that, with time, I now prefer different shots. Some of the ones I was most proud of at the time are less exciting to me now and others that were initially overlooked are now quite interesting. I think that part of that comes from the connection that you have with that moment. Maybe you were in love with the moment — that view — but didn’t really nail the capture. The photo still reminds you of the moment, though, so it still speaks to you. Maybe more that it would speak to others. Later, when you go back through your images, you are more detached from the moment and can see your images more the way others would.
I’ll always have images that mean more to me than anyone else, and that’s fine. I’m just glad I can go back through images years later and find things that I may have missed before. That’s one of the real joys of travel photography for me.
Seljalandsfoss is an often-photographed waterfall, but I don't know if I've ever seen it shot from a distance like this.
So would I recommend Iceland as a destination? You bet I would. Even if you only visit Reykjavik and the Golden Circle, you can put your own spin on images — or set the camera down and just enjoy yourself. There is a lot to see beyond the tour bus routes, however. Just be kind to the land and remember that you’re in someone else’s home. There have been enough stories of obnoxious photographers reported already.
