Iceland in Black and White
Iceland is often called a photographer’s dream — a land of glaciers, volcanoes, waterfalls, and rugged coastlines. Most travelers capture it in vivid color, but for this series I wanted something different: a look at Iceland in black and white. The stark tones felt right for the mood of the trip, where stormy skies and windswept landscapes brought out the raw power of nature more than bright colors ever could.
A Seven-Day Iceland Photography Journey
Over the course of a week, we drove Iceland’s famous Ring Road, circling the island and stopping at both iconic and lesser-known locations. From the towering waterfalls of Skógafoss and Seljalandsfoss to the otherworldly Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, each stop revealed another side of Iceland’s dramatic terrain.
Early May proved to be a challenging time for photography. Storms rolled in almost daily, making hiking difficult and forcing us to constantly adapt. At one point, the wind was so strong that we watched a waterfall reverse course, blowing upward instead of down. While the conditions weren’t easy, they added an unforgettable drama to the trip — and to the photographs themselves.
Why Black and White
I chose to process this series in black and white to highlight the textures, contrasts, and moodiness of Iceland in spring. Without the lush greens of summer or the golden light of autumn, the landscape felt stripped down to its essentials. Black and white photography gave me a way to focus on the shapes of glaciers, the movement of water, and the play of light and shadow across volcanic rock.
Instead of color, what comes through is Iceland’s timeless character: raw, untamed, and deeply atmospheric. These images are less about postcard-perfect scenery and more about the feeling of standing in a place where nature is always bigger than you.
Reflections on Photographing Iceland
Photographing Iceland requires patience, preparation, and flexibility. The weather changes fast — one moment blue skies, the next moment sideways rain. For photographers, that means carrying gear protection, dressing for the elements, and being willing to wait for those fleeting moments of clarity when the landscape shows its true face.
If you’re planning an Iceland photography trip, especially along the Ring Road, be ready for long drives and spontaneous stops. Some of the best images came not from the major destinations, but from smaller, unmarked places along the way — cliffs, black sand beaches, and quiet valleys that revealed themselves when the storm clouds broke.
