Photography Guide - Capturing the beauty of East Iceland
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or an enthusiastic amateur, photographing Iceland’s incredible landscapes is a must for any traveller. That’s most certainly true of Austurland, which boasts some of the most stunning views in the country. In this introductory photography guide, we’ll look at what to snap and when, the kind of gear you might bring and what to wear as you pursue your hobby in East Iceland.
What to photograph in East Iceland
East Iceland has some of the most dramatic scenery in the country, from accessible highland regions to tucked away valleys concealing breathtaking waterfalls. Wildlife sightings are the icing on the cake, whether that be herds of reindeer, shy Arctic foxes, seals or colonies of birds such as that comical crowd pleaser, the puffin. Every twist and turn of the coastline seems to throw up a scene more photogenic than the last. And then there are the villages, with plenty of historic homes and pretty churches to keep you pressing that shutter – the list really is endless...
Photographer: Ragnhildur Aðalsteinsdóttir
When to come
There’s no bad time to come to East Iceland for photography, though in winter you may need a little patience if your plans are thrown out of whack by unexpected weather conditions. The coastal fjords are a dream to photograph at any time of year, but especially when they have had a dusting of snow as autumn fades away. Other landmarks dazzle in early summer, such as fabulous Stuðlagil Canyon whose vivid blue water contrasts beautifully with the rust tones of the basalt columns that flank this now popular gorge. Aurora photographers should time their visit between late August and late April; statistically you have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights around the spring and autumn equinoxes.
Can I get by with just my smartphone?
The answer to this question really depends on how serious you are about photography. Smartphone technology has come a long way in recent years. This could be enough if your main driver for taking photos is to upload them to your social media accounts or share them with friends and family when you get back home. However you may wish to have more control over the technical aspects of your pictures in which case a DSLR may be more suitable. Nevertheless, even if you plan to photograph the Northern Lights it’s possible to get a decent image with a modern smartphone – but make sure you are familiar with night mode before you come.
Photographer: Þráinn Kolbeinsson
What camera gear will be useful in East Iceland?
If you have opted to go beyond your smartphone then alongside the camera itself there are a number of items you might find useful on a photography-focused holiday in this region. A sturdy tripod will be worth its weight in gold in exposed spots, as will a cable release enabling you to work the shutter remotely and avoid camera shake on long exposures. Plenty of spare memory cards and of course batteries are a must; the latter is especially important in winter when the cold temperatures reduce battery life considerably.
What to wear when photographing East Iceland
This does depend a lot on where you are taking pictures but as a general rule, you’re likely to be outside a lot and often on uneven ground. Layers of clothing that can be added or taken off as conditions change will help keep you comfortable. Be sure to factor in wardrobe items which are wind and waterproof as well as a decent pair of hiking boots so that you can venture off the beaten track when required. Even in summer, bring a hat and gloves to keep your extremities warm. Make sure pockets are accessible; carry a day pack too that’s comfortable, roomy and well-made.