Julieanne Kost's Blog

As we were returning from the highlands, we crossed a vast area of mudflatsOnce again, I was reminded that everything in Iceland is intimately connected with water. I have to admit, I did have a sudden craving for chocolate.

There were an endless number of textures - as far as you could see.

It was almost impossible to decide where to start making images. I had to remind myself to slow down and think - to compose the frame and watch the light. The light moving in and out of the clouds was spectacular.

Watching you step (so as not to ruin the patterns) seemed very difficult.

In reality, there were miles of mudflats. Still, I didn't want to be the one to ruin the "perfect" image with my own footprint.

Reluctantly we had to leave each location at some point. I could have walked in the mud for days.

Every day brought new landscapes and dramatic changes in weather. We were extremely fortunate to have enough weather to add “atmosphere” to our images, but it was never significant enough to deter anyone in the group from wanting to make photographs.

Landscapes from the highlands, the south coast and near the glacial lagoon.

Additional landscapes from the south coast and Black Sand Basin (highlands).

The Dyrhólaey lighthouse and an elevated structure.

Single family and community farms.

We refused to let a little rain stop us from making photographs.

Every day we were treated to another spectacular view.

And of course I kept on photographing power and telephone poles. Perhaps it was because I missed seeing trees.

As I continue editing my photographs from Iceland, I am amazed at just how many things we were able to squeeze into every day because of the expertise of our guides at Focus on Nature. Not only were they enthusiastic about taking advantage of every waking moment, they knew the country like the back of their hands and were flexible willing to figure out how to make events happen on a moments notice.

Getting out and exploring at first light (the sun was only setting for about 5 hours a night) was rewarding as we found a group of absolutely stunning Icelandic horses on the third day in the field. Throughout the countryside we looked for new ways to see the landscape including reflections, depth of field details and textures in rocks water and ice.

Majestic Icelandic horses.

Reflections in the field.

Diverse patterns in the rocks near Fagrifoss Sida.

Beautiful details found in the glacial ice.

Details of glacial ice in b/w.

More diversity in the details of glaciers.

After our first “official” meeting and dinner together as a group, Einar and Gudmundur (along with the help of the local meteorologist), decided that our group should  head south east along the coast towards Skaftafell and the glacial lagoon at Vatnajokull. This route was brilliantly chosen to take advantage of both the weather and long hours of perfect light.

Along the way, we stopped at several waterfalls (including both Seljalandsfoss and Skogarfoss).

With perfect timing, we arrived at the Glacial lagoon as the sun was beginning to set (lasting several hours).

The icebergs supplied an endless supply of texture, tonality, color and shape to photograph.

Water - it falls, freezes, floats, melts, mists, drifts, ebbs and flows in Iceland.

I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to spend a week with a small group of highly motivated and talented photographers in Iceland. As we traveled with our delightful new friends from Focus on Nature, we were forever changed by the landscape, the people and their culture. It was a truly unique and inspiring experience and although I am not sure that I was able to capture it’s immeasurable beauty, I thought I would post some of what I observed in the next few days. I’m definitely planning on returning again next year and hope that some of you will join me.

Window Seat - photographs from the Seattle-Reykjavik flight.

Walking around Reykjavik upon arrival.

Working on the concept of "less is more" in Reykjavik.

Behind the exhibits in the National Museum of Iceland.

My fascination with the simplistic, graphic visual that power lines and telephone poles can have - begins.

I recently had the humbling opportunity to visit the New Mexico State Penitentiary with some of the most incredible photographic educators of our times. Thanks to all of you who joined us for a week of photography, technology and creative inspiration. I wanted to post a few photos to remind us of  our field trip…

© 2010 Julieanne Kost

© 2010 Julieanne Kost