The only place in the world were you can witness such marvels and mysteries of nature as a huge iceberg and endless glaciers, towering volcanoes and powerful geysers, raging rivers, magnificent waterfalls, jagged fjyords and experience the barren Highlands. Yes, Iceland is a photographers dream.
Iceland is the home of Ásmundur E. Þorkelsson, a painter and photographer who lives on the small south coast island of Vestmannaeyjar (the Westmen Isles). His images may look unreal to “orthodox” photographers, but that’s exactly what he wants, the avoidance of kitsch. All the images below are his, and they speak for themselves.
A Rift (Álfagjá (Elves rift))
“I didn’t notice any elves on my way through. Just as well, according to Icelandic folklore you are most likely to notice them if you disturb their peace.”
Chimneys
December Sun((Thingvellir National Park)
“This is river Öxará and the image was taken in early December when the sun just manages to lift itself above the horizon.”
High Noon
“Snow, warm water and sun. Just to clarify. This is not a sunset, it’s taken just before noon at 12:18 (24h format). “
Hólmaberg
“I sat down one autumn day on the edge of Hólmaberg to make an image about the strong waves breaking on the rocks down below. Just to give you some idea on the proportions in this frame I would guess that the lighthouse is a at least 10m high.”
Ice and Fire ((The Blue Lagoon SPA)
“The apparent fire is just illuminated steam rising from the outdoor spa.”
Kaldakvísl
“The name means “Cold river”.
Lifering and Three Whaleboats
“The entire Icelandic whaling fleet in Reykjavik harbour where it has been for the last two decades, collecting rust.”
Needs Fixin’ (Hvassahraun)
Remains of the Day (Nauthólsvík in Reykjavík)
Remains of Winter (Straumsvík)
River of Dreams (Elliðaárdalur Valley)
“This is river Elliðaá in the Elliðaárdalur valley. It’s a beautiful park located in the geographical center of Reykjavík. The river has wild salmon and fishing there costs a small fortune. But it’s free to walk around and take photos.”
Steaming Pond (Öskjuhlíð)
Summer Night (Húsafell)
Summer Night in Reykjavík (Elliðaárdalur Valley)
Sunset at the Beach
“This is the geothermal beach in Reykjavík. Swimming in the cold sea is a hot trend now and most day’s you could find a few people taking a brief swim in the freezing north Atlantic ocean.”
The Perilous Bridge (Svartsengi)
“The place is Svartsengi, home to a geothermal powerplant and the Blue lagoon.”
Misty Mountain (Mt. Thorbjorn)
Shattered Dreams
Sigurhæðir
“Sigurhæðir might be translated to “Victory heights”. This house was built by Matthías Jochumsson in 1903. Matthías was a priest and a poet and the author of the poem “Lofsöngur” a.k.a. “Ó guð vors lands”, Iceland’s national anthem
