A visit to Skogafoss, a stunning waterfall in any season and just purely majestic in the frozen landscape.
Another day for a visit to the stunning landscape brought to you by Iceland. I know that I have said it myself, as it seems impossible to look anywhere and not see a waterfall. Waterfalls are a key feature of the Icelandic vista and many of them are just simply stunning to behold!
Here is today’s waterfall…
Skogafoss Winter Wonderland
Skogafoss is a phenomenal waterfall in its own right, and it’s easily accessible with a short walk from ample parking. After arriving in Vik on our first day in Iceland, we went for a short afternoon exploration; given the overnight flight, a short nap had been restorative, so our energy was back.
February weather was a bit overcast, but I could see some potential sunlight, so we stopped at Skogafoss. With micro-spikes on shoes, tripods at the ready and cameras in hand we approached the waterfall. We were rewarded with some light from the sky behind us, which provided warmth across the frozen landscape.
Yes, the drawback to accessibility is that there is nearly always a crowd, so I used them to provide a sense of scale. Also, look up high on the rocks to the right of the waterfall, where there is an observation platform!
This image is certainly one of those classic captures (at least it is in my collection).
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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