The Ultimate Guide to Winter Photography on the Reykjanes Peninsula

What makes winter special for photographers in Iceland?

• Sociable sunrise and sunset times

Perhaps the most delightful advantage of being a photographer in Iceland in winter is that you don’t have to drag yourself out of bed ridiculously early to see the sunrise. In December it can be as late as past eleven in the morning, giving you ample time to enjoy a leisurely breakfast before heading out to make the most of that rosy glow in the sky.

The downside is that sunset can also be early; on the shortest day of the year, it will be starting to get dark by half past three. You’ll need to have a plan in place to ensure you get to all the spots you wish to photograph while you have sufficient light. Distances are relatively short on the Reykjanes peninsula so this shouldn’t create too much of a problem.

Remember too, that on a dull day when there’s a lot of cloud, the light will feel gloomy and you’ll need to compensate for this as you take your photos. The good news is that things change quickly. By the end of February, though it’s still winter, there’ll be around ten hours of daylight to play with.

• An abundance of soft light – but also plenty of scope for drama

In the winter, the light is soft. You won’t need to deal with the harsh summer light that frustrates photographers in the middle of the day. Make the most of this light by choosing locations that benefit most from it, such as a still lake where the soft yellows and pinks can be reflected in the water.

On a stormy day, you can make the most of dark and menacing clouds to inject drama into your photographs. You might want to enhance this effect by creating images that work well in black and white, such as lava fields and other monochromatic landscapes. Likewise strong waves crashing over rocks can also be an exciting prospect – so long as you make sure you’re not too close.

• A good chance of snow and ice

Snow and ice adds a touch of magic to your images. Seek out spots where the built landscape is accentuated by the white and wintry terrain. Sculptures, bridges or the clean lines of modern architecture work well in this respect, but so too do landmark buildings such as lone houses, lighthouses or churches. Look for a strong contrasting colour or tones of white.

The amount of snow is also going to have an impact on the shots you take. Lava fields look extraordinary when they have a light dusting of snow, enabling the detail and patterns in the rock to stand out. Cold temperatures will also enhance the effect of steam emanating from geothermal areas and diffuse the already soft sunlight making it even more remarkable.

• An appearance from the Northern Lights

Lucky photographers will be treated to a display from the aurora if they’re in Reykjanes during the winter months. The Northern Lights are unpredictable but this season is already shaping up to be a good one. If you sign up to email alerts, follow social media groups and download apps onto your smartphone you can improve your chances of seeing them on a clear night.

Reykjanes is sparsely populated with few areas of settlement. This makes it straightforward to get away from light pollution that can wash out the colours of the aurora and lessen their impact. However as we are currently around the solar maximum when the aurora can have an increased intensity, the need to find somewhere exceptionally dark is not as important.

• Fewer travellers to clutter up your shot

If you like to photograph landscapes then it can be frustrating to take images of crowded locations as the number of people around might spoil the effect you’re hoping to achieve. Sometimes you might want the focus to be on a single person, perhaps dressed in a striking colour, and a crowd might not give you the image you’re after.

In winter, though it is home to many breathtaking locations, there are relatively few visitors to the Reykjanes peninsula and plenty of places where you won’t have to concern yourself with such matters. You’ll have a better chance of taking images without having to wait patiently for people to move out of your shot.

How should you prepare and what kind of gear should you take?

Cold temperatures – sometimes worsened by biting winds – can present a few issues but with careful preparation it doesn’t have to be a problem. Firstly, wrap up warm with hat, scarf or snood and gloves to keep your extremities warm as well as decent thermal base layers and a thick jacket for the rest. It’s possible to buy gloves that are designed to be used with a smartphone screen; fingerless gloves can also help.

A tripod is useful as you will often need to extend exposure times to compensate for the low light levels. In Reykjanes it can often be windy so make sure you have brought one that is sturdy enough to be up to the job. Bring something to wipe dry the lens if there’s mist, rain or snow in the forecast. If you plan to take your smartphone into the Blue Lagoon, invest in a waterproof sleeve for it.

Plan for the terrain. Some photography locations will have uneven ground and so make sure you have chosen footwear that can give you enough grip on icy surfaces, keep your feet warm and dry in snow and provide ankle support on hiking trails. If photographing the Northern Lights you should also consider carrying a torch so you can see where you’re walking until you get into position.

Finally, factor in how the cold can impact battery life. Make sure that the battery on your smartphone or for your camera is fully charged and in the latter case that you’re carrying a spare. A power bank is also handy. Keep your camera and batteries in a warm inside pocket until you’re ready to use them.

A few of our favourite photography locations on the Reykjanes peninsula you’ll love to visit

The Blue Lagoon

The contrasting colours at Iceland’s most iconic geothermal baths make this a must for photography. In winter, the place sees fewer visitors, so with a little patience, you should be able to capture some wider shots without impinging on the privacy of other guests. Book an evening slot for a chance to see the Northern Lights overhead.

Gunnuhver

The steam rising over Gunnuhver gives this place an ethereal quality in winter, particularly if it has snowed. Take care on the boardwalks, especially if you’re carrying expensive gear, as they can become slippery in icy conditions. However it’s worth the visit as the reward is a breathtaking image of one of Iceland’s most wonderful geothermal areas.

Reykjanesviti

Iceland’s oldest lighthouse makes a great subject for anyone interested in architecture and the country’s maritime history. Perched on a small hill, this slender, tapering column makes a pretty picture at dawn and dusk when the white structure is silhouetted against the softly-lit sky.

The Bridge between Continents

This place is a winter favourite of ours for its geological significance; the contrast between the steel of the bridge and the rocky terrain it spans makes a satisfying image. It’s also worth a visit as it provides foreground interest when aurora hunting, not only to help you focus but also to set your location in context.

Brimketill

The churning waters of Brimketill make for a dramatic picture whenever you come, but in winter the chance of rough seas increases. Snap the moment when the waves break against the jagged rock of this lava pool or extend the exposure time to soften the effect. You’ll need to be exceptionally cautious when on the viewing platform and have a plan for keeping your gear dry.

Lake Kleifarvatn

The largest lake on the Reykjanes peninsula is a hit with visiting photographers not only for its size but also for the volcanic scenery which surrounds it. Choose your vantage point carefully to ensure you have a strong foreground subject. Make use of its reflective qualities, for example, when there’s a likelihood that the Northern Lights will show up.