Iceland Through the Mist: Photography Tips for Foggy Conditions
Thingvellir National Park, Iceland
When it comes to photography destinations, few places on Earth can rival the enchanting landscapes of Iceland. This Nordic island nation is a photographer's dream, with its dramatic volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, icy glaciers, and the elusive Northern Lights dancing across the night sky.
In this blog, I share my experiences, travel tips, recommended gear, and a glimpse of some shots I captured during my trip in Iceland in June when Iceland is at its greenest.
Why June?
June falls within Iceland's short summer season when the weather is generally milder and more predictable. While June is a popular time to visit Iceland, it generally sees fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months of July and August. This means less crowded attractions and more opportunities to enjoy the beauty of Iceland's landscapes without the hustle and bustle. Mainly, June meant more daylight hours for my photography:)
My Top 5 Travel Tips for Photographing in Iceland:
Time Your Visit: Iceland's beauty changes dramatically with the seasons. Summer offers the "Midnight Sun" with almost 24 hours of daylight, while winter promises the magical Northern Lights. Choose the time that aligns with your photography goals. I picked June and I will have to come back for Northern Lights!
Weather Readiness: I am a sun lover and the imagination of being cold can easily put me off. I made sure to be prepared for unpredictable weather. I packed plenty of layers and waterproof clothing, comfortable hiking boots (rather than just trainers as walking around waterfalls can be slippery).
Rent a 4x4 Car: Many of Iceland's most photogenic spots are off the beaten path, accessible only by rugged roads. A 4x4 vehicle is often necessary for reaching these locations safely.
Pack Essentials: Besides your camera and lenses, don't forget a sturdy tripod for long exposures, extra camera batteries, memory cards, and a lens cleaning kit.
Respect Nature: Iceland's pristine landscapes are fragile. Always follow Leave No Trace principles, stay on marked paths, and respect local regulations.
How to Photograph in Foggy Weather
Have you ever experienced the magic of foggy Iceland?
Iceland's weather, ever unpredictable, threw me a challenge: foggy weather. Initially disappointed, I soon learned to embrace it. Fog helped me to create an ethereal and mysterious atmosphere that's perfect for unique and moody photography. Whether you're in the midst of a thick fog or dealing with a light mist, here are some tips that helped me to make the most of photographing in foggy weather in Iceland:
1. Embrace the Mood:
Fog adds a sense of mystery and drama to the shots. As I mentioned earlier I embraced the atmospheric conditions, and used them to my advantage. It created a dreamy and surreal quality in my photographs.
2. Use a Wide-Angle Lens:
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the vastness of Iceland's landscapes, even in fog. It can exaggerate the sense of scale and depth, making images more compelling. I was changing three lenses - a wide angle lens, a telephoto lens and a mid-range zoom lens (24-70mm).
3. Focus on Foreground Elements:
When visibility is limited due to heavy fog, focus on capturing interesting foreground elements, like rocks, trees etc. These elements can als add depth and context to photos.
4. Experiment with Silhouettes:
Use the fog to create striking silhouettes. Place your subject or an interesting object in front of a light source (such as the sun breaking through the fog), and expose for the background to create a powerful silhouette.
5. Use a Tripod:
In foggy conditions, you may need longer exposures to capture enough light. A tripod will keep your camera steady and prevent blur in your shots. This is especially important in low light situations.
6. Adjust Your Exposure:
Fog can fool your camera's light meter, resulting in underexposed images. To compensate, open up your aperture, slow down your shutter speed, or increase your ISO to let in more light. I set up white balance on auto.
7. Capture Details:
Get up close to capture the intricate details that fog can highlight, like the texture of moss-covered rocks, or the way fog clings to trees and other objects.
8. Use Leading Lines:
Leading lines can guide the viewer's eye through the misty landscape. Natural lines in the environment, like paths, rivers, or fences look great in composition.
9. Post-Processing: - Post-processing software can help with enhancing the contrast and clarity in foggy photos. Adjusting the contrast and adding a touch of vignetting can make images pop. By increasing saturation and then converting image to monochrome really enhances the mood and contrast in black and white photography.
Fog can come and go quickly in Iceland so sometimes patience is the key!
What was in my camera bag?
Wide-angle Lens (14-30mm): Iceland's epic landscapes demand a wide-angle lens to capture the stunning scenery.
Telephoto Lens (100-400mm) and a mid-range Zoom Lens (24-70mm): For shooting distant subjects like waterfalls or wildlife, a telephoto lens comes in handy.
ND Filters: Neutral density filters are essential for controlling exposure and achieving dreamy long-exposure shots of waterfalls and rivers (with constant daylight in Iceland, they rightly justified their space in my bag)
A Sturdy Tripod: Iceland's strong winds can be challenging for long exposures. A sturdy tripod is a must to keep your camera steady.
My Journey Through Iceland's Photographic Wonders
In the spirit of sharing my personal experience, here's a glimpse of my journey through Iceland's photographic wonders:
Reykjavik, The Golden Circle - Thingvellir National Park; Geysir Geothermal Site, Gullfoss Waterfall; South Coast - Seljalandsfoss, Skogafoss, Black Sand Beach (Reynisfjara), Vik, Laki Crater
Photographing in foggy weather can be challenging, but it's also incredibly rewarding. It transforms Iceland's landscapes into a realm of mystery and enchantment, offering a unique perspective that sets photos apart. Through my lens, I hope I've been able to share a slice of Iceland's beauty with you.
For more images from Iceland explore my Travel Photography Collection here.
Embrace the fog and catchMYzoom!
Jitka