A Photographer’s Guide to Iceland’s Westfjords: Capturing Dramatic Landscapes

Iceland’s Westfjords are a remote and captivating destination, offering breathtaking scenery that every landscape photographer dreams of capturing. With its rugged fjords, unique geological formations, and ever-changing weather, this region provides an incredible variety of photographic opportunities. This guide explores key locations, optimal shooting times, and tips for compositions and gear to help you make the most of your photography road trip.

 

The Allure of the Westfjords

The Westfjords are characterized by their dramatic peaks, secluded beaches, and vibrant coastal features. Due to the region’s isolation and sparse population, you will likely encounter unspoiled landscapes with minimal human interference. While travelling the narrow mountain roads and winding fjords, every turn can reveal another stunning vista. However, this remoteness means careful planning is essential to ensure you capture the best region offers.

 

Essential Gear for Westfjords Photography

• Lenses: A telephoto lens is invaluable for capturing distant mountain peaks and compressing vast landscapes. Wide-angle lenses are essential for panoramic scenes and dramatic perspectives of the fjords.
• Filters: A polarizer will enhance reflections in water and reduce glare, while neutral density filters are ideal for long exposures of moving clouds or water.
• Tripod: A sturdy tripod is crucial for low-light shots and HDR compositions.
• Weather Protection: The Westfjords are known for unpredictable weather. Rain covers for your gear are a must, along with spare batteries to combat cold temperatures.

 

Iconic Locations and Tips for Photographing Them

Hot Springs: Capturing Serenity and Texture

The region’s natural hot springs offer both relaxation and photographic interest. These steaming pools often create surreal foregrounds against Iceland’s stark landscapes. To capture their textures and the rising steam, consider using a wide-angle lens and shooting during the golden hours for soft lighting. Be cautious of the steam’s effect on your lens and equipment.

Hvítserkur: The Dinosaur Rock

Hvítserkur, a dramatic rock formation jutting out from the beach, is a must-visit. It resembles a rhino or dinosaur and is ideal for creative compositions. During midday, harsh lighting can make capturing the perfect shot challenging. Use HDR techniques to balance the bright sky and dark rock and incorporate the surrounding sand patterns or water streams as leading lines.

For the best results:

• Shoot during sunrise or sunset to add warm tones and long shadows.
• Use a wide-angle lens to emphasize foreground details.
• Consider black-and-white photography to highlight the stark contrasts of the rock, sand, and water.

Mountain Panoramas and Reflective Fjords

The Westfjords’ mountain ranges offer endless opportunities for panoramic photography. Look for still water to capture the peaks’ reflections, but remember that even slight wind can disrupt these reflections. Overcast conditions create a moody atmosphere, while clear skies during sunrise or sunset can add vibrant colours.

When shooting panoramas:

• Use a telephoto lens to isolate distant peaks and create compressed compositions.
• Experiment with stitching multiple shots together for a sweeping view of the landscape.
• Incorporate foreground interest, such as rocks or vegetation, to add depth.

The Roads Less Traveled: Fjord Perspectives

As you navigate the narrow roads of the Westfjords, keep your camera ready for impromptu stops. The winding roads can become compositional elements, leading the viewer’s eye through the frame. Look for dramatic backdrops featuring fjords and mountain ranges, especially in soft, diffused light.

 

Timing Your Shots

The unique latitude of the Westfjords means sunrise and sunset times vary greatly depending on the time of year. In winter, the sun’s low angle creates extended golden hours, while summer brings the midnight sun, allowing continuous shooting opportunities.

For optimal lighting:

• Sunrise and Sunset: These are the best times for capturing warm tones and soft shadows. Plan your locations, as driving between sites can be time-consuming.
• Overcast Days: Use these conditions for moody and dramatic shots. The diffuse light works well for long exposures and monochromatic compositions.
• Midday: While harsher, midday light can be mitigated using neutral density filters or HDR techniques to balance exposure.

 

Practical Tips for Photographers

1. Adapt to Weather Changes: Iceland’s weather is famously unpredictable. Always be prepared to change plans and adapt to new opportunities as conditions shift.
2. Scout Locations Early: Arrive at key locations ahead of time to scout for compositions and plan your shots.
3. Experiment with Compositions: Don’t be afraid to try unconventional angles or include foreground elements like seaweed, sand patterns, or rocks.
4. Conserve Memory and Battery: Remote areas may not allow frequent backups, so carefully manage your memory cards and carry extra batteries.

The Photographer’s Experience

The Westfjords are more than a destination; they’re an experience that challenges and rewards photographers. From the steam of the hot springs to the windswept fjords, every scene invites exploration and creativity. Whether stitching mountain panoramas or capturing the intricate details of Hvítserkur’s unique shape, this region will leave you with a portfolio of unforgettable images.

So pack your gear, plan your route, and let the dramatic landscapes of the Westfjords inspire your photography journey.

 

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 Icelandic Landscape Photography

Thanks

Sebastien Coell Photography