Photographer’s Guide to Iceland: Dyrhólaey, Fjaðrárgljúfur, and The Diamond Beach

Iceland’s south coast is a paradise for photographers, offering dramatic landscapes, unique geological formations, and the ever-changing beauty of its skies and weather. In this guide, we’ll explore three must-visit locations: Dyrhólaey, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon, and The Diamond Beach. With tips on lenses, compositions, and the best times to shoot, this guide will help you make the most of your photography journey.

 

Dyrhólaey: The Lighthouse and Beyond

Dyrhólaey, with its iconic lighthouse and dramatic coastal views, is a prime location for landscape photographers. From here, you can capture the famed rock arch and the sprawling black sand beaches stretching toward Vík.

• Best Time to Visit: Early morning or late afternoon, when the sun is lower in the sky, provides softer light and dramatic shadows across the landscape. On a clear day, the golden hour can create a beautiful contrast between the dark sands and the shimmering ocean.
• Lens Recommendations: A wide-angle lens (16-35mm) is perfect for capturing expansive views, while a telephoto lens (70-200mm or longer) can isolate details like the arch or the waves crashing against the cliffs.
• Composition Tips: Use leading lines to guide the viewer’s eye through the frame, such as the curve of the beach or the edge of the cliffs. Aim to capture the dynamic interplay of black sand, white surf, and blue ocean from higher vantage points.

Pro Tip: Be mindful of strong winds. They can make setting up a tripod challenging, and gusts can damage your gear if you’re not careful.

 

Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon: Nature’s Masterpiece

Often described as something out of a fantasy world, Fjaðrárgljúfur Canyon is a breathtaking location with towering walls and a winding river below. The rugged terrain is perfect for creating images that evoke scale and drama.

• Best Time to Visit: Mid-morning or late afternoon offers the best light for this location. Arriving a few hours after sunrise ensures the light is angled into the canyon, illuminating the valley and creating depth in your shots.
• Lens Recommendations: A standard zoom lens (24-70mm) is versatile for this location, allowing you to capture wide views and closer details of the rocks and river. A wide-angle lens can also emphasize the vastness of the canyon.
• Composition Tips: The viewing platform offers a prime spot for panoramic shots. Using the river as a leading line draws the viewer’s eye through the image. If the light is flat, consider using filters to add drama; a soft grad filter (0.9) can help balance the exposure between the sky and the darker canyon floor.

Pro Tip: Stick to designated paths and platforms to protect the fragile environment and ensure safety. The edges of the canyon are steep and can be dangerous in wet or windy conditions.

 

The Diamond Beach: Icebergs and Black Sands

The Diamond Beach is an extraordinary location where icebergs from the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon wash up on the black sand shore. The juxtaposition of the crystal-clear ice against the dark sand creates stunning photographic opportunities.

• Best Time to Visit: Both sunrise and sunset provide magical lighting conditions. The low-angle light enhances the textures of the ice and adds warmth to the otherwise cold scene.
• Lens Recommendations: A wide-angle lens is essential for capturing the icebergs in their environment. A macro or telephoto lens can be useful for isolating individual ice chunks or details. A polarizer will help reduce glare on the ice and water, enhancing clarity and contrast.
• Composition Tips: Focus on individual ice chunks as foreground elements to anchor your composition. Long exposures (0.3 to 1 second) are used to capture the motion of waves around the ice. Experiment with panoramic shots to include more of the beach and sky.

Pro Tip: Wear waterproof boots and stay vigilant; the tide can come in quickly, and waves can be unpredictable. Always secure your tripod and camera when shooting near the water.

 

General Photography Tips for Iceland

1. Weather and Gear Protection: Iceland’s weather is notoriously unpredictable. Bring weather-sealed equipment, lens wipes, and a rain cover for your camera. Wind can carry fine sand and water droplets, so keeping your gear clean is essential.
2. Filters for Enhanced Shots: Neutral density and graduated filters are invaluable for balancing exposure and capturing long exposures. A polarizer is especially useful for managing reflections on water and ice.
3. Plan and Be Flexible: While having a plan is good, weather conditions may require last-minute changes. Keep an eye on the sky and adapt your schedule to make the most of the light.
4. Respect Nature: Iceland’s beauty is fragile. Stick to marked paths and respect all signage to protect the environment and ensure your safety and that of others.

 

 

 

Local map of Diamond Beach

Conclusion

From the dramatic cliffs of Dyrhólaey to the icy wonders of Diamond Beach, Iceland’s south coast is a photographer’s dream. You can capture the essence of this incredible landscape by choosing the correct times, lenses, and compositions. With some preparation and respect for the environment, your journey through these iconic locations will leave you with stunning images and unforgettable memories.

 

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