Have you dreamed of visiting Iceland to capture its stunning landscapes and natural beauty? Summer is one of the best times to visit, with its midnight sun and blooming landscapes.

In this essential guide to photographing Iceland, I’ll walk you through how to photograph Iceland's scenic summer highlights. Whether you want to shoot thundering waterfalls, massive glaciers, or fields of lupine flowers under golden light, I've got you covered.

Packing the Right Camera Gear for Iceland

The right photography gear is essential for photographing Iceland and its stunning landscapes. Bring at least two camera bodies just in case one fails in cold or wet conditions.

Lens:

A wide-angle lens, like a 14-24mm, lets you take pictures of massive waterfalls and glaciers up close. The wider, the better for those sweeping vistas.

A mid-range zoom, such as a 24-70mm or 24-105mm, for capturing the rolling green hills and quaint farmhouses dotting the countryside.

A telephoto zoom lens, 70-200mm or longer, to get up close to puffins, arctic foxes, and reindeer you may encounter.

Consider a macro lens to photograph the delicate arctic flowers blooming in summer.

Recommended Lenses for Landscape Photography in Iceland

For stunning landscape shots in Iceland, a wide-angle lens is a must. With Iceland's sweeping vistas and massive waterfalls, you'll want a lens that can capture the breadth and depth of the scenic beauty. Here are a couple of recommended options:

Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8L III USM

This high-performance wide-angle zoom lens is ideal for landscape photography. It offers an ultra-wide 16mm to moderately wide 35mm focal range, capturing vast scenic views. The fast f/2.8 maximum aperture allows for shooting in low light and provides control over depth of field. The lens produces gorgeous sunsets, dramatic skies, and lush fields.

Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM

The 24-70mm is an excellent choice if you prefer a mid-range zoom. This focal range can capture sweeping landscapes at 24mm and isolate scenic details at 70mm. The constant f/2.8 aperture means a fixed max aperture throughout the zoom range.

This lens produces stunning results for landscapes, especially when photographing Iceland's picturesque waterfalls like Godafoss or Gulfoss.

You really can't go wrong with either of these lenses. Some other options to consider are:

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM: A more budget-friendly wide-angle zoom with excellent image quality.

Sigma 12-24mm f/4 DG HSM Art: An ultra-wide lens ideal for massive scenic vistas.

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L IS || USM: A telephoto zoom perfect for compressing scenic layers and isolating details.

For landscape photographers in Iceland, having a quality wide-angle lens is essential for capturing the vast, sweeping vistas of volcanoes, glaciers, mountains and waterfalls.

Here are some additional wide-angle lens options to consider:

Sigma 14-24mm f/2.8 DG HSM Art

This is a fantastic wide-angle zoom lens for landscape photography. The 14mm ultra-wide end allows you to capture epic landscapes with vast amounts of context and perspective. The constant f/2.8 aperture provides consistent performance throughout the zoom range and enables low-light work. Image quality is outstanding with this premium "Art" series lens. It's an excellent option for those shooting Sony or Nikon systems in addition to Canon.

Tamron 15-30mm f/2.8 VC USD Di

The stabilised 15-30mm ultra-wide zoom is an excellent choice, particularly for those holding their camera by hand. The built-in Vibration Compensation helps you shoot at slower shutter speeds, reducing camera shake. It's a versatile lens with a wide zoom range and fast constant aperture. The image quality is excellent, making it a solid budget-friendly choice. It's compatible with Canon, Nikon and Sony cameras.

Tokina AT-X 11-16mm f|2.8 Pro DX |1

If you shoot with an APS-C crop sensor camera, the Tokina 11-16mm is a compact yet high-performance ultra-wide-angle zoom. The 11mm focal length provides an expansive 16mm equivalent field of view, perfect for capturing epic landscapes. The constant f/2.8 aperture allows for working in low light and controlling depth of field. Image quality is excellent for the price, and the lens is compatible with Canon, Nikon and Pentax systems.

With the right lens and some practice, you'll be capturing Iceland's scenic beauty in no time. Frame your shots carefully, use a small aperture for maximum depth of field, and don't forget extra memory cards, batteries, lens wipes, a rain cover for your camera and a tripod for those long-exposure waterfall shots!

Scouting Locations Before Your Trip

Some of the best photos from Iceland are captured in the summer when the midnight sun illuminates the landscape. To get shots like the pros, you'll want to plan. Research which places will provide the most stunning vistas and minimal light pollution for your night shots.

Some recommendations:

Head to Thingvellir National Park to capture the rift valley and lake under the soft glow of the midnight sun. You can get panoramic views from vantage points along the hiking trails.

Visit the picturesque Kirkjufell mountain and waterfall. This is one of the most photographed spots in Iceland, especially at night when the falls are illuminated. Get there well before sunset to stake out the best angle.

Make your way to the black sand beaches of Vik for shots of sea cliffs, basalt rock formations and the northern lights dancing over the ocean. A sturdy tripod is a must for these low-light scenes.

Don't miss the iceberg lagoon Jökulsárlón. Watch for seals swimming between the ice floes and wait for the perfect moment to snap photos of the glittering icebergs as the sun sets over the lagoon.

Head into the Icelandic highlands to catch the sunrise over colourful rhyolite mountains and lunar-like landscapes. Rivers, waterfalls and hot springs provide extra points of interest for your photos. A 4WD vehicle is needed to access most highland routes.

With some planning, you'll be ready to capture Iceland's natural beauty in the soft, dramatic lighting of the midnight sun. The Golden Circle and southern coast offer a wealth of spots for photography in Iceland's long summer days and nights.

The Best Spots for Photographing Waterfalls

Iceland is home to countless stunning waterfalls, many of which are easily accessible for photography. This would not be a guide to photographing Iceland in the summer without including three of the best spots to capture these natural wonders.

Seljalandsfoss is one of Iceland's most famous cascades and a must-see for any landscape photographer. This picturesque waterfall drops 60 meters over a cliff face, and you can even walk behind the falling water for a unique perspective. The best photos are taken at a low angle in front of the falls to capture the total height.

A hidden gem, Bruarfoss waterfall is one of the lesser-visited locations but equally breathtaking. After a short hike through a mossy lava field, you'll emerge at the blue-tinted Bruarfoss, surrounded by volcanic rock formations. The contrast of the bright blue water against the dark red and black rocks makes for stunning photos. The best time to visit is in the summer when the pathway is most accessible.

Easily reached without hiking, Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall is one of the most picturesque cascades to photograph. Near Kirkjufell mountain, Iceland's most photographed peak, Kirkjufellsfoss flows over a rocky cliff into a serene pool. Capture photos from the side for an ideal composition with the waterfall on one side and the mountain on the other. Go at sunrise or sunset for the best golden light to illuminate the scene.

With hundreds of waterfalls throughout the country, Iceland offers endless opportunities for landscape photographers. By visiting some of the most stunning and accessible locations, especially in the coveted golden hours, you'll be sure to capture magical photos of these natural wonders. Seljalandsfoss, Bruarfoss, and Kirkjufellsfoss waterfalls should be at the top of your list for a photography adventure in the land of fire and ice.

Capturing Iceland's Epic Mountain Landscapes

To capture Iceland's stunning mountain vistas, you'll want to plan and be in the right place at the perfect time. Here are some tips to help you photograph Iceland's epic mountain landscapes this summer:

Location, location, location

Some of the best spots for mountain photography are Langisjor Lake, the Reykjanes Peninsula, and the Snæfellsnes Peninsula. At Langisjor, you'll find a scenic lake reflecting the mountain Kirkjufell. The Reykjanes Peninsula offers a rugged, volcanic landscape with mountains like Helgafell. And the Snæfellsnes Peninsula is home to majestic peaks like Kirkjufell and Stór-Dimmu. Study photos of these locations and determine which inspires you most. Then, make visiting them a priority on your Iceland itinerary.

The golden hours

The soft, warm light of sunrise and sunset, known as the golden hours, is ideal for landscape photography. Wake up early to catch the first light on the mountains, around 5 am in summer. And stay out late, until 10 pm or so, to photograph the alpenglow on the peaks at dusk. During midday, the light can be pretty harsh, so use this time to scout locations, grab lunch, or take a nap to recharge for evening shooting.

Composition

Look for ways to compose your shots that highlight the grandeur of the mountains. Shoot from a low angle to make the peaks appear more imposing. Use a telephoto lens to zoom in on mountain details. Frame your shot with an interesting foreground element like a lone tree, winding road, or rushing stream. And don't forget to capture wide establishing shots to convey the immense scale of Iceland's landscapes.

Be prepared

Iceland's summer weather is unpredictable, so pack for all conditions. Bring layers, a waterproof jacket, hiking boots, gloves, and a hat. And don't forget the extra camera batteries - the cold can deplete them quickly. A lightweight travel tripod will allow you to capture mountain vistas at sunrise, sunset, and night when light is low. With some planning and the right gear, you'll return from Iceland with memory cards full of stunning mountain photos.

Tips for Photographing the Midnight Sun

The midnight sun offers unique opportunities for stunning photographs in Iceland's summer. These tips will help you capture the magic:

Use the correct aperture and shutter speed

Set the aperture to f/11 - f/16 for landscape shots to ensure sharp focus throughout. Adjust the shutter speed to expose the image properly. Extended daylight gives you more flexibility to experiment with longer exposures to create a dreamy effect.

Position the sun behind your subject

Place the bright sun behind mountains, glaciers or other landscape features. This will create a hazy, romantic glow around your subject and illuminate the scene. The golden light during the late and early hours of the day will enhance this effect.

Include people in your photos

Add a human subject to help demonstrate the vast, grand scope of the landscape. Have the person do an activity like hiking, camping or riding a horse. Shoot from a distance using a longer focal length and a wide aperture to blur the background. The person will appear small against the expansive scenery.

Scout out the best locations

Some of the most stunning spots for midnight sun photos are glacier lagoons, massive waterfalls, volcanic landscapes and mountain vistas. Do some research on locations that capture the essence of an Icelandic summer. Head there around 11 pm or later when the golden light is most dramatic.

Use a variety of focal lengths

Pack a range of lenses so you can capture the scene differently. A wide angle, like 16-35mm, is great for panoramic shots. A mid-range zoom, around 24-105mm, allows flexibility. A telephoto, 70-200mm or longer, helps compress the scene and highlights details.

Consider using filters

Neutral density filters reduce the light entering the lens so you can achieve longer exposures, even in bright conditions. A graduated neutral density filter transitions from dark to clear and can balance exposures when the sky is much brighter than the foreground. Circular polarizing filters reduce glare and saturate colours.

With these tips, you'll be ready to photograph the illuminating Icelandic summer nights and come away with stunning images of this special time. Experiment, explore and enjoy the magic of the midnight sun!

Getting Creative With Leading Lines and Foreground Interest

To get creative with your Iceland summer photography, use leading lines and interesting foregrounds to lead your viewer into the image and highlight key subjects.

Leading Lines

Leading lines guide the viewer's eye to the main focal point of your photo. Look for paths, roads, fences or any strong lines in the landscape that point to your subject. Position yourself so the lines run diagonally or curve through the frame toward your focal point.

The winding road in the highlands is a perfect example. Photograph the road from an angle as it curves into the distance. The viewer's eye will naturally follow the road path straight to your subject.

Rivers and streams also make excellent leading lines. Get down low and shoot along the water's flow—the current's movement and direction lead the viewer downstream.

Foreground Interest

An interesting foreground is like a visual welcome mat, inviting the viewer into your photo.

It could be a textured surface like rocks, gravel or grass in the bottom portion of your frame. Or try holding a branch, leaf or flower in front of the lens, slightly out of focus.

At the black sand beach, capture the crashing waves up close in the foreground. The detailed shapes and swirling waters entice the viewer to explore the rest of the seascape.

At the geothermal area, focus on the bubbling mud pots and colourful minerals in the foreground with the steamy landscape in the distance.

The intricate patterns and shapes in the foreground act as a visual pathway, encouraging the viewer to wander deeper into the scene. Get creative with different angles, focal lengths and subjects in the foreground to produce dramatic landscape shots that will leave a lasting impression.

Editing Tips for Enhancing Iceland Images

Once you've captured the stunning landscapes of Iceland, it's time to enhance your photos through editing. Here are some tips to make your Iceland summer scenes pop:

Apply a Vignette

A vignette darkens the photo's edges to draw the viewer's eye to the centre. This works great for Iceland's sweeping vistas. In Lightroom, use the Post-Crop Vignetting tool. Start with a subtle vignette (around -10 to -20) and adjust it to your liking. For the best results, mask any sky areas so the vignette only affects the landscape.

Boost the Sky

Iceland's skies are breathtaking, so make them a focal point. Use the Gradient Filter tool to increase the exposure and vibrance of just the sky area. You can also adjust the white balance to make the sky bluer. Be careful not to over-edit the sky, as it can look unnatural.

Freshen Your Perspective

It's easy to get editing fatigue, so take a break and return to your photos with fresh eyes. You'll notice new ways to improve the picture that you didn't see before. Try flipping the photo horizontally—this tricks your brain into thinking it's a new image. Zoom in and out of the photo as you edit to pinpoint areas needing tweaking.

Add Clarity for Crispness

The Clarity slider in Lightroom adds mid-tone contrast and sharpness for a crisp, clean look. Increase the clarity, especially for Iceland's geological features like lava fields, craters and mountains. But go slowly; too much clarity can create an unrealistic, over-sharpene effect.

Enhance Golden Hours

Iceland's long summer days mean you can catch the golden hours at sunrise and sunset. Enhance these warm, glowing scenes by increasing the yellow and orange tones. Use the Color Mixer in Lightroom to boost the yellow and orange luminance and saturation. You can also apply a warm colour lookup table (LUT) for a stylised golden edit.

Experiment with different adjustments and see which enhancements you like best. Most importantly, have fun with the editing process!

Iceland Photography FAQs: Answering Common Questions

Iceland's stunning landscapes and natural wonders make it a paradise for photographers. However, the midnight sun and extreme weather conditions can also pose challenges. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you prepare for photographing Iceland's summer scenery.

What photography gear should I take to Photograph Iceland?

A sturdy tripod is a must for Iceland's windy conditions. You'll also want a DSLR or mirrorless camera that can capture high-quality landscape photos and lenses that cover a range of focal lengths, from wide-angle to telephoto. Don't forget extra batteries, memory cards, lens wipes, and a camera rain cover.

When is the best time to visit Iceland for photography?

Iceland's summer season is from June to August and offers the longest days and warmest weather. During this time, the sun remains above the horizon for up to 21 hours daily, creating stunning golden light for photography. You'll have ample opportunities to photograph attractions when the lighting is ideal. During the winter, you can capture the aurora borealis (northern lights), frozen waterfalls, and different wildlife, but you also risk snow storms, which will prevent you from being able to go out and take pictures.

What are the best locations in Iceland to photograph?

Some of the top spots for photography in Iceland include:

Waterfalls like Gullfoss, Dettifoss and Goafoss. Capture the power and beauty of Iceland's many waterfalls.

Glaciers such as Vatnajökull and Langjökull. The blue ice caves and massive glacial landscapes are a photographer's dream.

Highlands like Landmannalaugar. Trek through Iceland's scenic highlands and volcanic landscapes.

Coastlines such as Reynisfjara black sand beach. Photograph the dramatic cliffs, basalt columns and puffin colonies along Iceland's coast.

How can I capture the midnight sun in Iceland?

To photograph the midnight sun, use a long exposure to capture the golden light and any movement like flowing water or clouds. Shoot in RAW image format and low ISO for the best quality. Use a wide-angle lens to capture the expansive, colourful sky. A strong neutral-density filter can also help reduce the amount of light entering your camera.

With the proper knowledge and preparation, you'll be on your way to capturing Iceland's natural beauty. Have a great trip and happy shooting!

Conclusion - The Essential Guide to Photographing Iceland In The Summer

So, by following this essential guide to photographing Iceland during the summer, you have everything you need to know to capture Iceland's stunning summer scenery. Most importantly, take your time and allow the beauty of the Icelandic landscape to inspire you. If you do, you'll come home with photographs you'll cherish for years.

You can join me on my next Iceland landscape photography tour from June 3rd - 9th, 2024. Click the link to find out more.