Reykjanes recognized by World Nature Photography awards
A photograph from the Reykjanes Peninsula has been selected as one of the world's best nature photographs of the past year. The award recognizes outstanding images in the nature photography category. The photos are selected by World Nature Photographer of the Year is one of the world’s leading nature and wildlife photography competitions
The photograph depicts flowing lava tongues covering the Grindavíkurvegur road during winter. Photographer Ael Kermarec captured the image and won gold in the nature category of news photography.
"This winter morning, Iceland experienced its 6th volcanic eruption in less than 3 years on the Reykjanes peninsula. The exceptional speed of the lava flows left little hope for the few infrastructures affected. This drone flight illustrates in a rather brutal and dramatic way this powerful act of nature reclaiming its rights. Little did I know that this event was only the first of a yet-to-be-over series of similar episodes spreading even further out each time. More episodes took place in the very same area in 2024, showing that, after 800 years of calm on the Reykjanes peninsula, we have now definitely entered a challenging period of volcanic unrest."
- Photographer Ael Kermarec