Why Every Photographer Needs to Visit Iceland
Image Credit: ApertureXplorer
Iceland is a magical place to visit and to photograph with a variety of landscapes that is unparalleled in the world.
For that reason, my guess is that if you ask a group of landscape photographers that the vast majority of them would say Iceland is on the top of their list of places to visit.
I know it's at the top of my list!
If you've ever wondered if Iceland is the place for you to explore your landscape photography abilities, check out the reasons below why photography in Iceland should be a priority for you.
Iceland is Home to More Than 10,000 Waterfalls
Image Credit: ApertureXplorer
Iceland might be a tiny island, but it has its fair share of waterfalls, like Skogafoss, the nearly 200-foot-high waterfall in the image above.
Iceland doesn't have run-of-the-mill waterfalls, either...
The climate in Iceland is ideally suited for waterfalls because of the frequent rain and snow the island receives throughout the year.
Add to that the fact that there are 269 named glaciers on the island that add melt water to rivers, and you have a recipe for some of the most breathtaking waterfalls on the planet.
Image Credit: estivillml via iStock
One of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Iceland is Ofaerufoss (shown above), a multi-level waterfall that's located in the Canyon of Fire in the Icelandic Highland.
The canyon is nearly 25 miles long and was formed by a volcanic eruption around the year 930.
The waterfall emerges from the canyon in an area in which the canyon is over 650 feet high and nearly 2,000 feet wide.
Editor's Tip: Don't have much time to explore Iceland? Make plans to see these 5 Top Photography Hot Spots.
Sunsets in Stokksnes Can't Be Missed
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If you're a fan of sunsets (who isn't?!), then the Stokksnes peninsula in the southeastern portion of Iceland is a place you have to see and photograph.
Stokksnes is home to Vestrahorn, one of Iceland's most impressive and beautiful mountains.
Its peak rises nearly 1,500 feet above the sea, with steep cliffs dipping down to the black sand beaches below.
As if that's not tantalizing enough, the setting sun perfectly illuminates the jagged rock formations, leaving you with a scene with gorgeous light and contrast across the stark landscape.
Reykjavik is a Center of Culture and History
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Though Iceland's landscapes are its claim to fame, it would be a shame to dismiss the beauty and history offered by its capital city, Reykjavik.
From Hallgrimskirkja Church (shown above) to quaint streets filled with brightly colored buildings, there's no shortage of cityscapes and architecture for you to capture with your lens.
If that's not up your alley, the city is a vibrant cultural center with museums and historical areas that can occupy your time for days and days.
Reykjavik has an incredible culinary scene as well, and local delicacies are not to be missed - nor is the city's nightlife!
As if that's not enough, the city has tons of parks and green spaces that allow you to soak up the sun and enjoy the temperate climate in the winter, or grab a few friends for a snowball fight in the winter.
Reykjavik is also a fantastic place to see the Northern Lights, and if you have your camera, you can capture dazzling shots of the auroras dancing above the city.
Editor's Tip: Ready to take the plunge and tour Iceland? Do it in style in a photography tour like no other.
How to See Iceland
Image Credit: ApertureXplorer
The problem - if you can call it that - with visiting Iceland is that there is just so much to see, do, and photograph that it can be almost crippling trying to decide where to go once you get there.
Rather than wringing your hands with indecision and worrying about things like ground transportation and lodging, it makes sense to explore Iceland as part of a photography tour.
And man, do I have a photography tour to recommend...
ApertureXplorer has an incredible 9-day Iceland adventure coming up in October 2019 that will make you wonder why you ever considered exploring this gorgeous country on your own.
Image Credit: ApertureXplorer
For starters, the itinerary for this trip is chock full of incredible locations, from well-known areas like Reykjavik, Haifoss, and the Solheimasandur Plane Wreck, as well as off-the-beaten-path locations where you can get away from the crowds and enjoy the beauty of Iceland with your fellow tour mates.
Additionally, this photography adventure takes you all over the island, so you can experience all the best that Iceland has to offer from coast to coast.
ApertureXplorers specializes in small group tours as well.
That means that you get more one-on-one time with the group leaders, getting advice on how to improve your photography. It's also a great way to get to know your travel partners better because there's so few of you!
Image Credit: ApertureXplorer
Perhaps best of all, for the majority of your time in Iceland, you'll be traveling and staying in awesome camper vans.
Each van has sleeping accommodations for two adults and allows the group to spend less time traveling from hotels to shoot locations and more time actually out taking photos of all the breathtaking scenery that Iceland offers.
The flexibility that these mobile accommodations gives you means you'll be more likely to see the Northern Lights in addition to being able to make quick adjustments for weather conditions.
In other words, this photography tour is the ultimate way to see Iceland!
Get more details about ApertureXplorer's Iceland Adventure, scheduled for October 15-23, 2019.
