Photography in Iceland during winter offers advantages. One of these is that dramatic sunsets and sunrises are more easily available.
A possible advantage of photography in Iceland during winter is that you don’t have to stay up late to catch a sunset. Similarly, there was no need to get up early for a spectacular sunrise! Shooting days in February are a lot shorter than those in July or August! With the Sun a bit lower in the sky, the hours in the day are all amazing.
Here’s a shot that I captured as sunset was getting closer…
Snaefellsnes Sunset
We had been doing some photography around the black church in Budir, and it didn’t quite satisfy my inner eye. There were definitely some good shots among those, but nothing that pulled together the sense of drama that I wanted. So I went exploring across the snowfield to the west of the church.
This is one of the landscapes that I found. The light raking across the snow-covered field and already long shadows piqued my interest. This image stimulates not only the visual cortex, but also works its magic on my limbic system. There’s something with a bit of mystery here. That includes the footprints in the snow…
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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5 thoughts on “Snaefellsnes Sunset”
What amazing and beautiful sunset time… Thank you, Love, nia
What amazing and beautiful sunset time… Thank you, Love, nia
The Snaefellsnes peninsula is an amazing area to visit. All of Iceland is extremely photogenic.
Such a mesmerizing sunset 🙂
Thank you!