Reykjavík as a Photography Base — An Honest Assessment

Evening light on a quiet street in Reykjavík's 101 district, Iceland — photographed by Marcel Strobel

The capital is not where the photographs are Most Iceland travel guides recommend Reykjavík as the natural base for a photography trip. It has the largest selection of accommodation, the best infrastructure, the most restaurants, and the easiest access from Keflavík Airport. It is also, photographically, one of the least useful places to be based … Read more

Access Closed to Reykjafoss Waterfall and Fossalaug Hot Spring

Access to Reykjafoss waterfall and the popular Fossalaug hot spring has been closed, affecting photographers and visitors who had planned to shoot these scenic locations in Iceland. Why This Matters for Photographers Both Reykjafoss waterfall and Fossalaug hot spring are well-known photography destinations in Iceland, attracting landscape and travel photographers seeking dramatic waterfall shots and … Read more

Strong Winds & Wet Weather Forecast Across Iceland

Icelandic meteorologists have issued forecasts warning of strong winds and wet weather sweeping across Iceland, conditions that photographers in the field should take seriously when planning shoots. Why this matters for photographers: Strong winds pose a direct risk to camera equipment, tripods, and personal safety — especially when shooting on exposed cliff edges, mountain ridges, … Read more

Iceland to Toughen Penalties for Off-Road Driving

Iceland’s government is moving to increase penalties for off-road driving, signalling a stricter approach to protecting the country’s fragile highland and wilderness landscapes. The proposed changes would make illegal off-road driving a more costly offence for anyone travelling in Iceland. Why this matters for photographers: Landscape photographers are sometimes tempted to drive vehicles closer to … Read more

Hot Springs Photography in Iceland: A Responsible Guide

Reykjafjarðarlaug natural hot pool with fjord and snow-capped mountains, Westfjords, Iceland — photographed by Marcel Strobel

The water is the easy part. Everything around it is where judgement matters. Iceland’s geothermal water is one of the country’s defining experiences — and one of its most photogenic subjects. Steam rising from a pool at the edge of a fjord. The contrast between warm turquoise water and snow-covered ground. A bather’s silhouette in … Read more

400 Earthquakes Recorded at Bárðarbunga Volcano

Iceland’s Bárðarbunga volcano has experienced significant seismic activity with 400 earthquakes recorded, indicating potential volcanic unrest in the region. This increased earthquake activity at Bárðarbunga is crucial information for landscape photographers planning to visit the Vatnajökull area. While earthquake swarms don’t always lead to eruptions, they can signal changes in volcanic activity that may affect … Read more

4.8 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Bárðarbunga Volcano

A significant 4.8 magnitude earthquake has occurred at Bárðarbunga, one of Iceland’s most closely monitored volcanic systems located beneath Vatnajökull glacier. This seismic activity is particularly important for landscape photographers as Bárðarbunga is situated in a prime photography region. The volcano’s location affects access to popular shooting locations around Vatnajökull National Park, and increased seismic … Read more

Rare Beluga Whale Spotted in East Iceland

A rare beluga whale has been spotted off the coast of East Iceland, presenting an extraordinary wildlife photography opportunity for visitors to the region. This sighting is particularly significant for wildlife photographers as beluga whales are extremely uncommon in Icelandic waters. The whale’s distinctive white coloration and unique features make it a once-in-a-lifetime photographic subject … Read more

Hundreds of Tremors Shake Bárðarbunga Volcano System

The Bárðarbunga volcano system is experiencing hundreds of tremors, indicating potential volcanic activity in one of Iceland’s most significant volcanic regions. This seismic activity is being closely monitored by the Icelandic Met Office. For landscape photographers, increased seismic activity at Bárðarbunga is particularly important as this volcano system encompasses parts of Vatnajökull National Park and … Read more