Sometimes, as I’m looking at some of my older photos, a bit of nostalgia creeps in with the memories of places visited and people met. Perusing some of my images from my June 2015 short trip to Iceland, I came across a set of shots that I took as I had followed the road beyond Siglufjörður along the coastline in the direction of Haganes.
If you ever get the chance, this is a lovely drive albeit it a bit of a winding road, as you climb the hills and follow the contours. At one point, I caught this view…
The Road Above and Below the Clouds
Literally, this road takes one above and below the clouds! The low-hanging cloud banks are above the water on this side of Haganes, providing a cozy blanket in which to wrap the peaks beyond the town.
As I processed this photo, I was struck by the light conditions, as the overall light was a bit of hazy blue; rather than process this out of the image, I chose to keep it, as I felt it gave a sense of an old image from days gone by. It also reminded me that I want to go back to Iceland again and again, as there is never enough time to capture all of its beauty.
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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10 thoughts on “A View into the Past”
What a beautiful view! Thanks for sharing a part of the world I will never get to experience myself.
Iceland has been a curiosity for me for quite awhile. This is such a great shot. And while you explain that the road does indeed go above and below the clouds, I would love to be standing in your shoes for that view. Happy New Year Frank.
What a beautiful view! Thanks for sharing a part of the world I will never get to experience myself.
Thank you kindly. It’s my pleasure!
Iceland has been a curiosity for me for quite awhile. This is such a great shot. And while you explain that the road does indeed go above and below the clouds, I would love to be standing in your shoes for that view. Happy New Year Frank.
If you ever get the chance, I cannot help but recommend visiting Iceland, as it is stunning to behold.
Yes, that was a rather surprising sight to behold and I had to stop and take it in.
Thank you and a very happy New Year!
I have always loved your images and perspectives on the places you visit. It is definitely on our list.
Thank you very kindly!
Fabulous shot Frank
Thank you very much!
This is really so mesmerizing. Very lovely capture, Frank 🙂
Thank you, Hammad!