A Photographer’s Guide to Iceland’s Westfjords: Puffins, Shipwrecks, and Dramatic Landscapes

The Westfjords of Iceland is a treasure trove for photographers, offering rugged peaks, serene fjords, abundant wildlife, and intriguing cultural landmarks. This guide will take you on a journey to some of the best locations, including Látrabjarg cliffs, remote fjords, and a historic shipwreck, highlighting the techniques, lenses, and compositions to elevate your photography.

 

Moody Fjords and Panoramic Landscapes

The day begins at the dramatic fjords near Slateyureyri, where moody atmospheres reign supreme. The best time to photograph here is early morning, as the soft, diffused light highlights the snow-capped peaks and contrasts with the deep blue of the fjords. Hazy conditions often occur during sunrise, and a polarizing filter is essential for reducing glare and enhancing the contrast between the sky and the mountains.

Recommended Lens & Settings:

• Use a wide-angle lens, such as a 16-35mm, to capture expansive panoramas.
• Handheld HDR techniques work well here. Shoot multiple exposures (e.g., -2, 0, +2 stops) and blend them later to retain details in shadows and highlights.
• For sharpness, aim for an aperture of f/8 to f/11 and adjust ISO to maintain a fast shutter speed if handheld.

Compositional Tips:

• Look for natural leading lines, such as ridges or the curves of the fjord, to draw the viewer’s eye into the frame.
• Consider a black-and-white edit to emphasize textures and contrasts, particularly if the colours feel muted.

 

Látrabjarg Cliffs: Puffin Paradise

Látrabjarg, the westernmost point of Iceland, is renowned for its birdlife, especially puffins. These charming creatures are surprisingly approachable, allowing for intimate wildlife photography. Visit during the breeding season (late spring to early summer) for the best chance to see them in abundance. Overcast weather is ideal here, as it creates soft, diffused light that enhances the natural colours of the puffins without harsh shadows.

Recommended Lens & Settings:

• A telephoto lens, such as a 70-200mm, is ideal for isolating puffins and capturing detail without disturbing them. Adding a 1.4x extender provides extra reach while maintaining sharpness.
• Use AI Servo (continuous autofocus) mode to track puffins in flight.
• Shutter speeds of at least 1/1200s are recommended for freezing motion, paired with an aperture of f/5.6 to f/8 for sharpness.

Compositional Tips:

• Puffins are often seen perched on cliff edges or flying into land. Focus on their expressive faces or capture their dynamic flight patterns.
• Include elements of the dramatic cliffs and ocean in the background for environmental portraits.
• Experiment with angles by leaning slightly over the cliff (safely!) to frame the puffins against the contrasting sea below.

 

The Shipwreck at Patreksfjörður

A short drive from Látrabjarg brings you to a haunting relic of Icelandic history: an old steel whaling ship built in Norway in 1912 and beached in Patreksfjörður. The rusting hull, surrounded by mountains and fjords, offers a compelling subject for landscape and abstract photography. Arriving 1-2 hours before sunset provides the best lighting conditions, as the warm tones of golden hour complement the rust and textures of the ship.

Recommended Lens & Settings:

• A standard zoom lens, like a 24-70mm, provides versatility for wide shots of the landscape and tighter compositions of the ship’s details.
• Incorporate long exposures (e.g., 10-30 seconds) to smooth out cloud movement and water reflections, adding a sense of ethereal calm.
• A polariser controls reflections on the ship’s surface and enhances colours.

Compositional Tips:

• Look for unique angles showcasing the ship’s decay, such as close-ups of rusted textures or silhouettes against the fjord.
• Incorporate leading lines from the ship’s mast or hull to guide the viewer’s eye through the frame.
• Consider the surrounding landscape as context, framing the ship against the dramatic peaks for a sense of scale.

 

General Tips for the Westfjords

• Time of Day: Early mornings and late afternoons are ideal for soft light and long shadows, enhancing texture and depth in your images. Avoid midday when the light is harsh and less flattering.
• Weather Conditions: Overcast days are a blessing for wildlife photography, while clear skies are perfect for capturing the vibrant colours of Icelandic sunsets.
• Essential Gear: Always carry a polarizer and a set of ND filters for managing reflections and achieving long exposures. A sturdy tripod is invaluable for panoramic stitching and HDR captures.
• Clothing: The Westfjords can be chilly and windy, even in summer. Dress in layers and bring gloves to keep your hands steady for shooting.

The Journey Back

On your return journey, watch for unexpected photographic opportunities, such as lava fields or panoramic views of the fjords. The Westfjords’ ever-changing weather creates dramatic lighting conditions that can transform familiar landscapes into entirely new scenes. Be prepared to stop frequently and capture these fleeting moments.

The Westfjords are a haven for photographers seeking solitude and inspiration. From the friendly puffins of Látrabjarg to the eerie beauty of a century-old shipwreck, this remote corner of Iceland offers endless opportunities to create striking images. With the right gear, timing, and a bit of patience, you’ll leave with a portfolio full of unforgettable shots and memories to match.

 

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