Iceland feels like another planet, a place where waterfalls roar, steam rises from the earth, and the sky dances with northern lights.
From Reykjavík’s cozy charm to the dramatic south coast, every view looks like it belongs on a postcard. Here’s your guide to capturing Iceland’s raw beauty through your lens.
Reykjavík & Northern Lights Watch
The capital is small but full of character - colorful houses, street art, and the striking Hallgrímskirkja church. When night falls, step outside the city for one of nature’s most magical displays: the Northern Lights.
Pro tip: Use a tripod, long exposure, and keep ISO high. Capture a bit of the landscape in your frame for context.
Golden Circle Tour
Iceland’s most famous route combines waterfalls, geysers, and stunning landscapes all within a few hours of Reykjavík.
Thingvellir National Park
A UNESCO site where you can literally stand between two continents.
Pro tip: Capture the dramatic cliffs and fissures with a wide-angle lens.
Geysir Hot Springs Area
Boiling water erupts every few minutes, surrounded by steam and vibrant mineral tones.
Pro tip: Use burst mode to capture the geyser mid-eruption. Watch for reflections in the nearby pools.
Gullfoss Waterfall
A massive double cascade that’s breathtaking in any season.
Pro tip: Try long exposure for smooth, silky water, or wide shots to show its full power. Dress warmly - the mist gets everywhere!
Blue Lagoon
Milky-blue geothermal waters surrounded by lava fields - Iceland’s most iconic spa experience.
Pro tip: Steam rising from the water adds atmosphere. Avoid getting your camera wet - a waterproof phone case helps for close-up shots.
South Coast Highlights
The south coast is pure drama - black sand beaches, glaciers, and waterfalls that defy belief.
Seljalandsfoss Waterfall
You can walk behind this waterfall for one of Iceland’s most famous perspectives.
Pro tip: Shoot during sunset when light filters through the falling water. Protect your lens from spray!
Skógafoss Waterfall
Massive, symmetrical, and often with rainbows in front of it.
Pro tip: Use a low angle to emphasize height, or climb the nearby stairs for aerial views.
Reynisfjara Black Sand Beach
With basalt columns and powerful waves, it’s one of Iceland’s most dramatic coastlines.
Pro tip: Capture the contrast between dark sand and white surf. Keep your distance from the waves.
Quick Tips for Great Photos
- Use leading lines – Roads, rivers, and coastlines draw the eye naturally.
- Bring a tripod – Essential for waterfalls, low light, and aurora shots.
- Dress your gear for the weather – Moisture and wind can change conditions fast.
- Embrace minimalism – The open landscapes are stunning in their simplicity.
- Include people for scale – Tiny figures against vast cliffs or glaciers show Iceland’s epic proportions.
- Capture reflections – Lakes, puddles, and ice fields make for beautiful mirror images.
- Stay patient – Light, clouds, and the aurora shift constantly. Sometimes the magic is just a few minutes away.