Photography in Iceland: A guide to capturing the country

Iceland is a professional photographer’s dream, but it’s equally as generous with shots taken on a smartphone. Nowadays, modern phones produce stunning results in good light, and Iceland has plenty of that.

One top planning tip for stellar Iceland photography is to make the most of the different modes available on your device. Portrait mode works beautifully for wildlife and close-up waterfall shots. Wide-angle mode (or the ultra-wide lens if your phone has one) is ideal for vast landscapes and panoramic scenes. Experiment with different features to get the shot you want.

For drone enthusiasts, we know Iceland’s landscapes are magnificent from the air, but it’s important to note that drones are banned in national parks, near airports, and in many other areas. Always check the Icelandic Transport Authority’s rules before taking off.

In summer, the midnight sun means you can shoot in gorgeous light long after everyone else has gone to bed. Because the sun rises earlier and sets much later, opting for earlier or later shoots will mean you can find popular locations noticeably quieter. So arriving at Reynisfjara black beach or Kirkjufell mountain at 6am is a very different experience from arriving at midday.

In winter, the sun rises late and sets early, so planning around daylight is essential. The upside: sunrise and sunset happen at civilised hours, and the low winter light creates beautiful long shadows and golden tones.

When it comes to nailing Iceland’s landscape photography hotspots, don’t write off a day if it starts overcast or drizzly. Conditions change quickly, and a gray morning can become extraordinary within the hour.

If the gray sticks around, be sure to lean into it. Waterfalls look spectacular in misty conditions and moody skies add to the atmosphere of the shot. Plus, if the sun breaks through after a shower, you may well catch a rainbow – which is just Iceland showing off for you.

Before you shoot, take a moment to think about what you want in the frame of the picture. Iceland is full of natural lines like roads, rivers, shorelines, and lava formations, which all draw the eye through an image. Look for these lines and use them to your advantage.

If you want to convey the sheer scale of Iceland’s open spaces, include something small in the foreground, which could be anything, such as a person, a horse, or a lone building.

For an easy technique, try the rule of thirds: imagine a 3x3 grid over your frame and place your main subject at one of the intersection points rather than dead centre. Most smartphone cameras can display this grid as an overlay to help guide you.

No matter what camera or device you use, a little preparation goes a long way, especially when you’re spending time outdoors in Icelandic conditions.

Coastal winds carry salt and sand, so one top Icelandic photography tip is to keep a lens cloth handy and put your camera away when you’re not shooting. Plus, the same cloth will earn its keep near waterfalls, where spray appears from unexpected directions.

Cold temperatures drain batteries faster than you’d expect, and using the camera function on your phone drains them faster. So, carry a powerbank and keep it warm inside your jacket. This will help ensure you’ve got enough battery when the light turns perfect.