A Photographer’s Guide to Iceland’s Iconic Locations: Haifoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

A Photographer’s Guide to Iceland’s Iconic Locations: Haifoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck

Iceland’s rugged beauty has long been a beacon for landscape photographers, offering a treasure trove of dramatic waterfalls, black sand beaches, and otherworldly sights. For those planning to explore this photogenic paradise, this guide will provide detailed insights into capturing four iconic locations: Haifoss, Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, and the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck. Let’s dive in from gear recommendations to ideal shooting times and compositions.

Haifoss: Navigating the Elements for a Rewarding Shot

Perched high in Iceland’s highlands, Haifoss is a remote and powerful icelandic waterfall that demands patience and preparation. The journey to Haifoss involves navigating challenging roads dotted with potholes, rocks, and steep inclines. A sturdy four-wheel-drive vehicle is essential to reach the location safely, especially during inclement weather.

Photographic Tips:

• Lens Choices: A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) is ideal for capturing the entirety of the waterfall and the surrounding canyon.
• Composition: Position yourself to include the layers of rock that frame the waterfall. Leading lines created by the river can add depth to your shots.
• Timing: Weather can be unpredictable here. Sunrise or sunset often yields dramatic lighting, but overcast skies can also emphasize the moody atmosphere.
• Challenges: High winds and rain may make it difficult to use filters. If conditions allow, a polarizer can reduce glare and enhance colours, while an ND filter enables long exposures to smooth out the water.

Seljalandsfoss: Behind the Curtain of Water

Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland’s most famous waterfalls, thanks to its unique feature: a pathway that allows you to walk behind the cascading water. However, the popularity of this site means you’ll need to navigate crowds and deal with constant mist.

Photographic Tips:

• Lens Choices: A wide-angle lens is a must to capture the entirety of the falls from behind. For close-up details, a 24-70mm lens works well.
• Composition: From behind the waterfall, frame the scene with the water curtain on either side. If shooting from the front, use the surrounding cliffs as natural borders.
• Timing: Early morning or late evening light provides the best opportunities to avoid crowds and harsh lighting.
• Challenges: Mist is unavoidable, so keep a microfiber cloth handy to clean your lens frequently. Set up your shot with a polarizer or protective filter in place, then remove it quickly to capture the image without water spots.

Skogafoss: The Perfect Canvas for Long Exposures

Just a short drive from Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss waterfall offers a completely different but equally mesmerizing experience. Its immense size and power create a blank canvas for experimenting with long exposures and creative compositions.

Photographic Tips:

• Lens Choices: A standard zoom lens (24-70mm) or a telephoto (70-200mm) allows you to explore a range of compositions, from wide shots to isolating details.
• Composition: Play with foreground elements like rocks or reflective water to lead the viewer’s eye toward the waterfall. Long exposures can blur out crowds, creating a serene, uninterrupted scene.
• Timing: Midday light can be harsh, but a cloudy day softens shadows and enhances textures. Golden hour provides warm tones and ethereal lighting.
• Challenges: Spray from the falls can be heavy. Use long exposure techniques to blur the water and remove people from your shots, especially during busy times. A 10-stop ND filter is ideal for achieving exposure times of several minutes.

Solheimasandur Plane Wreck: A Surreal Landscape

The Solheimasandur Plane Wreck is a haunting yet fascinating location that tells a story of resilience. This 1973 DC-3 crash site sits starkly against the black sand, creating an unforgettable contrast for photographers. Reaching the site requires a 4 km hike along a gravel path, so wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for Iceland’s unpredictable weather.

Photographic Tips:

• Lens Choices: A wide-angle lens captures the dramatic surroundings, while a standard zoom can highlight details of the wreckage.
• Composition: Center the plane for a symmetrical shot or experiment with off-centre angles to show the expanse of the black sand. Long exposures to the sky can create a dynamic background with streaking clouds.
• Timing: Overcast days often work best, as the muted lighting enhances the eerie atmosphere. Golden hour can add a touch of warmth to the cold metal against the dark sands.
• Challenges: The plane is a popular attraction, so arrive early or late to avoid crowds. Long exposure techniques can also help blur out people.

General Tips for Photographing Iceland

• Essential Gear: Bring a sturdy tripod for long exposures, weather-sealed camera equipment, and multiple microfiber cloths to dry your lens.
• Clothing: Layer up with waterproof gear to stay comfortable in Iceland’s volatile weather.
• Safety: Always check road and weather conditions before heading out, especially to remote locations like Haifoss.
• Ethics: Respect roped-off areas and tread lightly to preserve the natural beauty of Iceland’s fragile ecosystems.

 

 

Local map of Skogafoss

Conclusion

Iceland’s landscapes offer endless opportunities for creativity and exploration. Whether shooting the thunderous waterfalls of Haifoss, Seljalandsfoss, and Skogafoss or capturing the surreal beauty of the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck, each location has unique challenges and rewards. With the proper preparation and techniques, you’ll walk away with images that tell a story as captivating as the land.

 

Meet the Author:

I am a Devon based photographer, who enjoys travel, hiking, rugby and photographing the beautiful world in which we live in, I see photography as a creative expression upon visiting beautiful places. Each picture often tells a story.

Thank you for reading this article, please feel to share it with your friends and please check out all my photography - Wall Art and Framed Prints and our Iceland Landscape Photography

Thanks

Sebastien Coell Photography