The Ultimate Guide to Photography in Iceland – Location Photography

I’ve always been drawn to the interplay between subject and environment. My recent shoot in Iceland presented a unique challenge:

FUJIFILM GFX50S Medium Format Camera –

So we found over 24 fabulous shooting locations in Iceland. We know this as I was given the task of creating 24 spectacular stand-alone images for the Lambertz Calendar and we visited these plus many more. Some of the locations we visited are listed below and if you are going to Iceland, make sure to visit

1. Sólheimasandur Plane Wreck
2. Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon
3. Skógafoss Waterfall
4.Westfjords
5. Dynjandi Waterfall
6. Rauðisandur Beach
7. Hornstrandir National Park
8. Vatnajökull National Park
9.Snæfellsjökull National Park
10. Kirkjufell and Kirkjufellsfoss Waterfall

Working on location in Iceland with the Fuji Camera for an Iceland Photoshoot was a challenge but when you have one of the best cameras for location work, it was not too much of a problem. This article is an interview by Fuji UK about my epic adventure shoot over three weeks in one of the world’s most famous Northern Polar regions

Working on location in Iceland with the Fuji Camera GFX50s for an Iceland photoshoot was a challenge but when you have one of the best cameras for location work, it was not too much of a problem.

This article is an interview by Fuji UK about my epic adventure shoot over three weeks in one of the world’s most famous Northern Polar regions

I was invited to shoot the Fine Art Calendar 2019 for the prestigious German biscuit manufacturer Lambertz in Iceland, the land of fire and ice. It was a fantastic opportunity to explore the country (something I had long wanted to do for my workshops) and it was a great honour to be invited to shoot for the brand for the second time. The high-quality, limited edition calendar entitled ‘PURE’, was Lambertz’s means to express their concerns around global warming, especially in the North Polar Regions.

24 images were required for the calendar, shot over a 14-day period with a multi-national production team of 24 people. The models were mainly Bulgarian but two key models were celebrities: Nena, who is a famous German singer, and Rurik Gislason, who is a leading Icelandic national football team player who also plays in Germany (pictured below).

FujiFilm GFX50S Medium Format Camera, 24 locations in Iceland

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For me, the Fuji Camera GFX50S system was my first camera of choice and really offered me the quality I am familiar with and needed for this challenging shoot. The files were to be enlarged for exhibition quality but also the calendar is A2 size and would need to stand up to close scrutiny not just by the fine art community in Germany but also by the German PR machine.

The quality of the images from the Fuji Camera GFX 50S, with the image size and the dynamic range, gave me the flexibility to process the final images into works of art. While I am shooting, I am always pushing the camera to its limits, capturing at very high ISO’s and in extreme weather conditions. If you would like to see more of this shot, then please read this blog post, which shows behind-the-scenes footage from the shoot

Iceland offers great landscapes and opportunities to shoot

The medium-format camera GFX50S was perfect for my style, and the controls’ ergonomics meant that I had complete control over the camera. The extreme weather conditions meant I had to quickly change the exposure. Some other systems I’ve used in the past haven’t been flexible enough for this quick way of working, with me often losing valuable time going through menus and sub-menus to change the most simple of settings. The Fuji Camera GFX 50S was so easy to use, so I felt comfortable using the camera from the get-go.

CRASHED DC3: A 2-MILE WALK BUT WORTH IT

The art of photography is about light, shape, and form, and I like to move quickly to capture the moment. I’m not keen on tripods or shooting tethered; I don’t like anything that holds the creative process back. Here, the Fuji Camera GFX50S stepped up to the plate and offered the best capture and processing but it was also quick and easy to pack away in a backpack and go.

I wasn’t hindered by the size, as it is very compact for a medium-format camera. I found the rear-screen preview awesome and rendered pretty much as I saw it at the moment of shooting. It allowed me to quickly evaluate the light reading, location, and overall balance of the images on the fly, which I could instantly relay back to the team, lighting, model, and makeup.

I’ve always been drawn to the interplay between subject and environment. My recent shoot in Iceland presented a unique challenge: how to capture the stunning landscapes while still highlighting the fashion. This experience taught me valuable lessons about adapting my technique to different locations and briefs.Typically, I favor longer lenses with shallow depth of field to make subjects stand out. However, Iceland’s breathtaking scenery demanded a different approach. I needed to ensure the backdrop wasn’t lost in a soft blur, but rather complemented and enhanced the fashion elements.My go-to lens for this shoot was the Fuji GF32-64mmF4 zoom lens, paired with the GFX50S camera body. This combination offered the flexibility I needed to quickly adjust compositions while maintaining image quality in challenging conditions. The lens’s versatility allowed me to capture both wide landscape shots and tighter fashion details without constantly switching equipment.Here are some key points to consider when shooting fashion in dramatic landscapes:

Lens selection:

• Choose lenses that offer flexibility in focal length

• Consider the balance between subject focus and background detail

• Opt for weather-sealed lenses in harsh environments

Composition:

• Use the rule of thirds to balance the model with the landscape

• Incorporate leading lines from the environment to draw attention to the subject

• Experiment with different perspectives to find unique angles

Lighting:

• Be prepared for rapidly changing natural light conditions

• Use reflectors or portable lighting to enhance the model’s features

• Consider the direction of light and how it interacts with both the subject and landscape

Weather considerations:

• Always have weather-appropriate gear for both yourself and your equipment

• Be prepared to adapt your shooting style to accommodate sudden weather changes

• Use adverse weather conditions creatively to add mood to your images

Model direction:

• Guide your model to interact with the environment naturally

• Encourage poses that complement the landscape’s lines and forms

• Be mindful of the model’s comfort in challenging outdoor conditions

Technical settings:

• Use a slightly narrower aperture to maintain background detail

• Adjust ISO as needed to maintain fast shutter speeds in changing light

• Consider using graduated ND filters to balance bright skies with darker foregrounds

Post-processing:

• Aim for a balance in editing that enhances both the fashion and the landscape

• Use local adjustments to draw attention to key areas of the image

• Consider the overall color palette to ensure cohesion between subject and environment

The Icelandic shoot reinforced the importance of adaptability in fashion photography. By embracing the unique challenges of the location, I was able to create images that not only showcased the fashion but also captured the raw beauty of Iceland. This approach resulted in a series of photographs that told a compelling story, blending high fashion with the rugged allure of the Icelandic landscape.

Every location offered a new set of challenges, and I am pretty hands-on when working with the models, so editorially, we would shoot an idea and then run with it. However, with this shoot, many of the images were static, so much more crafting with light, shape, and form was required. The direction was very important to get the idea from the initial concept to the capture. Most ideas really changed on the fly as we worked the location and composition into the shot.

My Ultimate Shooting Guide for Iceland

I have created this detailed guide to assist you in getting ready for your own Icelandic vacation. Photographers visiting Iceland face enormous potential and formidable obstacles posed by the country’s distinctive topography and unpredictable weather.
Conditions in Iceland may change drastically during the day, and the weather is infamously fickle. The lighting conditions are also very variable. With summer’s long days and prolonged “golden hours,” and winter’s short days and low-light conditions, you may plan your outdoor activities accordingly. If you want your shoot in Iceland to go well, you need to be ready for these extremes.

Scouting for potential locations is an essential part of filming in Iceland. Make sure you don’t miss out on the chance to uncover hidden gems among the famous Vestrahorn, Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, and Skógafoss Waterfall. Unannounced pit stops have yielded some of my best photos. Find off-the-beaten-path locations with the help of apps and local guides; for a fresh viewpoint, think about using aerial photography.
Cameras and lenses that are weatherproof are must-haves for any equipment list. It is important to safeguard gear from the harsh Icelandic climate. When shooting with long exposures especially in windy circumstances, a strong tripod is an absolute must. To accommodate the wide range of lighting situations you could face, be sure to bring along extra memory cards, batteries, and filters (both neutral density and polarising).

Your personal gear and attire should be of equal importance to your photography equipment. Adapting to fluctuating temperatures requires layering. To keep dry and windproof, it’s important to get high-quality outer layers. Additionally, robust, waterproof footwear with good grip should be included. To keep your hands warm and yet be able to comfortably handle your camera, photographer-friendly gloves are an absolute need.
When planning your trip to Iceland, keep transportation in mind. For many out-of-the-way places, a rental 4×4 is your best bet. Keep yourself updated on road closures and conditions, particularly in the winter. Think of where you will stay and where you will stop for petrol before you go out on your journey.
There is an infinite number of compositional options in Iceland. Bring focus to your subject by utilising the landscape’s inherent leading lines. For a more realistic effect, try include reflections on moist sand and glacial lakes. Experiment with long exposures to get dramatic effects with clouds and waterfalls, and play around with size to highlight the enormity of the Icelandic countryside.

Select garments that either accentuate or contrast with the Icelandic scenery for the purpose of fashion photos. For a genuine touch, think about include traditional Icelandic design features or local fashion companies, and make sure your models are ready for cold and damp circumstances.
Consider the legal and ethical implications at all times. Be mindful of limitations in protected areas, get the appropriate licences for commercial shooting, and practise “leave no trace” practices to respect the environment. Another important thing to remember is to respect private property and local customs.
Strive to establish a consistent editing approach in post-processing that brings forth the distinct Icelandic light without going overboard. The objective should be to preserve the landscape’s inherent beauty while striking a balance between exposure and difficult lighting circumstances.

Last but not least, meticulous preparation of logistics is required. Be sure to reserve your lodgings in advance, particularly during the busiest season. Be flexible with your plan in case weather-related adjustments arise, and keep in mind that daylight hours are shorter in winter. When shooting in a tricky area, it’s a good idea to bring in a local guide or fixer for assistance.
Keep in mind that filming in Iceland presents both extraordinary possibilities and one-of-a-kind obstacles. The trick is to be adaptable, well-organized, and prepared to take pictures of this wonderful nation. Iceland offers a breathtaking setting that may take your photography to the next level, whether you’re capturing landscapes, fashion, or a mix of the two.