© 2011 Andy Long.  All rights reserved.

Blue Lagoon
 
By its stunning color, it's not hard to determine how Blue Lagoon got its name.

Compiling a top 10 photo list for any location can become a daunting task and such was the case when I sat down to put one together for Iceland, The Land of Fire and Ice.  It is a photographer’s mecca, so whittling the list down to just 10 became a challenge.  My list unfolded after making several photographic adventures to this beautiful country.  Not all who know the area may agree with me, but every list you see is going to be subjective and be based on each person’s own interests and experiences.  I’m a nature, wildlife and bird photographer, so obviously my top 10 list will include all of these. 

My goal is to either make it easier for the first time visitor to plan their upcoming photo trip or let people enjoy reminiscing about a previous journey.  One thing is for sure, Iceland is a place every photographer should try to visit at least once. 

Because many of my locations and subjects are comparably the best, the list has been set up in alphabetic order. 

Blue Lagoon (above lead photo)

Location: between the airport in Keflavik and the main city of Reykjavik

This is a perfect first stop when on a photo adventure in Iceland.  While the Blue Lagoon is a very famous hot springs spa, the photo possibilities here are unmatched by most areas because of the incredible color of the water and the in water and surrounding lava rocks.  You’ll find many photo prospects available on the road leading to the spa, so your best choice is to pull off to the side of the road and spend some time working those rocks and the stunning, pale blue water from a variety of vantage points.

Churches 
Location: all through the country

There are so many quaint country churches dotting the landscape of the country that you just won’t want to let them pass by as a top photo subject.  Most are white with red roofs and of similar architecture, but what sets them apart from each other is the variety of spectacular setting.  Some are surrounded by trees, some with sparkling water in the foreground or background, and others boast beautiful mountain backdrops.  You may not think a location with only a half-dozen homes would be enough to make you stop the car, but on a drive from one main shooting spot to another, these unique churches will pull you towards them.

Floi Bird Reserve 

Location: south out of Selfoss near Eyrarbakki

While best visited during the spring and fall migrations, numerous birds use this fairly new reclaimed area as their breeding grounds.  It’s one of only two wetland reclamation projects in Iceland.  In 2010 a blind was built on one of the many ponds.  With free access to walk throughout the wetlands, many of the ponds can be reached and you’ll have the chance to photograph some of the nearly 70 species of birds recorded here.  One of the prizes of the area is the nesting Red-throated Diver, which is referred to as a Loon in America.  Whooper Swans are also common on these waters.  These are the two main residents if you are traveling during the peak of summer, but getting the opportunity to photograph these birds is well worth putting this location on the list. 

© 2011 Andy Long.  All rights reserved.

This Red-throated Diver gave me a show at Floi Bird Reserve.

Hraunfoss (Lava Falls) 

Location:  about an hour northeast of Reykjavik

It would have been easy to lump all of the waterfalls into one category, but by far, amidst the thousands of waterfalls in Iceland, these falls are my favorite spot in the country.  While not one of the bigger waterfalls in Iceland by volume, height or width, Hraunfoss (foss means falls) is the prettiest in terms of color and flow.  Not too often do you see a waterfall with the water coming out of the ground instead of from a river flowing downstream.  The water has made its way to this point underground from a nearby volcano and comes out of the lava fields along the edge of a river.  Lush green surroundings and incredibly blue water combine to make this a must see spot.  Be sure to have both a wide angle and a mid-range zoom lens to capture both the full area as well as coming in tight on sections of the falls.  While there is a good viewing area next to the parking lot, take a walk down to the rivers’ edge by way of a path to the left of the viewing area.  Here you can acquire much better photos by shooting straight across to the cascading falls. 

© 2011 Andy Long.  All rights reserved.

It's spectacular, it's fascinating, it's unexpected and it's beautiful! 
The colorful waters that flow at  Hraunfoss.

Icelandic Horses
Location: all through the country
 

Like the churches, there are horses everywhere in the country.  In fact, there is about one horse for every two people.  Since the majority of people live in Reykjavik, driving the islands lesser populated areas makes the ratio seem higher.  Icelandic horses are unto themselves.  They come from pure breeding stock, as no other horses are allowed into the country.  They are truly unique, with shorter legs, very long manes and tails, and beautiful colorations.  Now add to the mix an attractive setting, such as fields of lupine or yellow flowers or maybe a waterfall, and you’ll have the makings for outstanding photo subjects.  And when you find a group to photograph and walk up to the fence, more often than not they will come right up to you for a head scratch or a handout.

 
© 2011 Andy Long.  All rights reserved.

It didn't appear to be a skirmish, but just two horses give a helping mouth to scratch each other's neck.

Ingólfshöfdi 

Location: between Skaftafell and the Glacial Lagoon

This is the rookery to visit on the eastern coastline of Iceland.  Because it is on private property, access is limited to their tour schedule.  While there are public tours during the day, special photographer tours are available early in the morning or at night.  Since it does not get dark during the summer nesting season, night shooting is irrelevant and you could still be taking photos at 11 p.m.  The biggest draw is the Atlantic Puffin, so take advantage their daylight feeding times on those photographer tours.  The easiest nesting birds to photograph are the Skua.  They nest on the ground and are in abundance in an area on the cliffs.  Other nesters at this rookery include Black Backed Gulls, Kittiwake and Razorbills.  To reach the nesting cliffs you’ll take a short ride on the tour operators tractor pulled trailer and then hike up a sand hill.  The biggest problem with this location is that once you make a reservation for a specific time, you’re at the mercy of the weather, which can turn grey and rainy very quickly.