Trekking, Glaciers & Photography in Iceland
Iceland is a true oasis for people who love unique, dramatic landscapes. The island is a breathtaking mix of fascinating land forms, ice and geological phenomena. Located between the North Atlantic and Arctic Oceans only slightly south of the Arctic Circle, on the tectonic border between Europe and North American plates, the island is truly alive. Indeed almost all of Iceland’s energy requirements come from renewable energy such a geothermal sources. For mountain walkers and landscape photographers alike, Iceland is a destination to be visited and treasured. I am certainly looking forward to my next visit. I hope this page with a selection of my photographs wakes your appetite for a visit, and I will be happy to arrange a tailored walking holiday, trek, summit ascents or photography trip.
Above and below, an beautiful autumn day walking with Svartifoss and the majestic Kristínartindar (1126m) in the Skaftafjell National Park on the south coast.
Above, two contrasting images that show the wonderful variation of experiences on Iceland. Left a rype or rock ptarmigan and right, a dusk view over the hills near Laugar. Below, warm air and steam escapes from the underground and creates a microclimate for mosses to grow in the barren landscape, with Brennisteinsalda behind.
Above, a night shot of the cabin at Landmannalaugar in the interior of Iceland. In mid October there is a good chance of snow and the smaller gravel tracks only being open to four-wheel drive vehicles as it was on this visit. The Laugahraun wall of lava that was produced by an eruption in 1477 can clearly be seen behind the hut. The area here is both exotic and rugged and is a very popular walking destination in-season with trails to other huts. Below, enjoying the hot spring close to the hut.
Below, sunset over a very small part of the 20km long front of the Skeidarárjökull. Volcanic eruptions have deposited black dust on the ice throughout its history making it a very eerie location, especially when the light is fading. Glacier treks are an amazing way to see these features up close and learn about these living and moving monsters.
Above, a cold affair photographing the blocks of ice that have washed up on the jet black beach on the Atlantic coast near the glacial lake Jökulsárlón where icebergs calve and later drift into the sea. Below, long exposure shots taken before dawn of the Jökulsárlón and on the beach. A polarisation filter was used, and tripod of course.
Finally, two self portraits. Above, not many metres from the main highway on Breidamerkursandur looking towards the mountains by Reynivellir west of Höfn with the snow capped Snæfjell (1383m) visible in the centre. Below, on the summit of Brennisteinsalda (880m) after the sun has set and the temperature has plummeted.
