An impromptu iPhone image at the Vatnajökull glacier, highlighting a striking contrast of colors against a muddy meltwater pond.
This week I am going for an image that I shot during a 2022 photography trip to Iceland. We were shooting in somewhat challenging conditions, due to wind and rain; also the light wasn’t great, but the scenery was still stunning! As we had been photographing the Vatnajökull glacier for a while, I packed up my camera and tripod before the trek back to the van.
Taking back a different route, I looked back and saw this scene…
Vatnajökull View
As I didn’t feel like setting up for another shot, I took a couple of snaps with my iPhone, the last of which resulted in the above image. There is just enough color to provide some contrast with the murky, muddy meltwater pond.
It just goes to show that sometimes, we just have to get lucky!
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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Fantastic!
Fabulous picture Frank.
Thank you, Di! Just one of those that worked out pretty well.