Terrible Lighting, Amazing Nature, a photo from Snaefellsnessysla, Vesturland

Photographer's Note

I don't usually post photo's that I'm not at all happy with - but i'll post this photo because its the Nature type of scene that most people want to view when they search for Iceland.

As you can see the lighting was terrible when we found this place by complete surprise and accident. I wish we could have planed it better so that the conditions were more suitable.

You'll know exactly what i"m talking about when you look at the WS photos, the sun is directly in our faces here.

But the scene itself was just too good to pass up! the peaceful nature of the calm water, the reflections, the mountains...it was to die for! what a place this area was on the West coast of Iceland.

I hope you try to like it despite the poor lighting :)
cheers

Royaldevon, Royaldevon, SnapRJW, cornejo, Romano46, tyro, Kugart, Kofman, CLODO, krzychu30, snunney, rigoletto, marabu61, manrezaei, Robert1969, adramad, jhm, raszid62, Schnappilic, mcmtanyel, Sonata11, Cricri, ikeharel has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

UlfE (14641) 2013-05-04 10:37

Hi Craig,

I definitively like it very much. Even though the lighting was not the very best it is a wonderful shot. I love the mood and your were at least lucky that it was not windy and that you could make use of the refections in your composition. You have made an excellent job with the composition with the horizon line at 1/3 third and the your inclusion of the bending shore line on the left hand side. I am not sure that it would have been possible to take a much better photo on a day with beautiful weather. TFS and have a nice weekend!

Kind regards,

Ulf

rogerl (1632) 2013-05-04 11:07

Craig, sure, the light is difficult, but the scene more than makes up for it. This is indeed the classic Iceland photo. The reflections are wonderful (aren't they all?), and the water is so clear you can see the rocks on the bottom for quite a ways. A lovely wilderness view.

Roger

Royaldevon (85932) 2013-05-04 11:30

Hello Craig,

This is no surprise to me.
The lighting is often very difficult in Northern England, with total cloud cover.
The scene is worthy of posting, with this serenely, tranquil water and its clear reflections. The lead of shingle is the only part not symmetrical and the only part that is not monochrome.
Your composition is very well judged.

Have a great w/e,
Bev :-)
Thanks for the kind critique. I never really think about the place names as I am so accustomed to them but I suppose 'Shrewsbury' is quite quirky. The suffix 'bury' probably comes from the word 'burh' which was a fortified settlement set up by Alfred the Great. Certainly, Shrewsbury is old enough to link with the Saxon period.

Ilducabianco (940) 2013-05-04 11:36

Hi Craig,

i don't think lighting is so terrible, indeed i believe it's rather suited to express the silence and the feeling of loneliness that Iceland gives to its visitors, especially in its most remote places.Silence and feeling of loneliness well perceptible just by looking at this wonderful image.

TFS

Alessio

SnapRJW (31631) 2013-05-04 11:52

Hello Craig - I like the subdued palette very much, the soft greys are really beautiful and the shot oozes calmness and quiet beauty. I can understand how disappointed you must have been as the first WS would have been sensational if it weren't for that spot of reflected light in the water. The details in the reflections are so subtle and well captured. In a busy world full of noise and distraction this is a perfect antidote. Warm regards Rosemary

cornejo (61504) 2013-05-04 11:56

Hi Craig, despite the lack of light, is a beautiful photograph of a lovely view of a wonderful place of peace magnificent. Very well composed and captured with a great pov. Wonderful image with good sharpness, depth and quality. A nice, good job perfectly done, congratulations my friend. Thanks for sharing this beautiful work.

Good morning and happy Sunday.
Warm greetings from southern Spain.
Angel.

holmertz (102774) 2013-05-04 12:26

Hello Craig,
I don't mind at all the not so great lighting conditions. In fact I think these almost monochrome silvery tones are really beautiful. There is also a quiet vastness of this view which is really awesome. The long curve of the pebbly beach is superbly elegant and the reflections are just... well... magnificent.
You're off to South America any day now, aren't you? In that case, enjoy your trip.
Good luck,
Gert

npecanhuk (79329) 2013-05-04 13:15

Hi Craig!
Unique and beautiful natural location!
As you said, in spite of the light conditions, I also think you did such an excellent job here and the results are attractive and pleasant!
Highlights are the soft colors, the chosen pov and composition with reflections on the water surface!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

Romano46 (18472) 2013-05-04 13:22

Ciao Craig
le tue foto che ritraggono i vari aspetti dell'Islanda sono tutte belle ed ogni giorno proponi un soggetto diverso ed un aspetto nuovo di questa terra.
Anche questa di oggi � molto particolare sia per luce che illumina il soggetto, sia per il bel gioco di riflessi che raddoppia la visione dei rilievi coperti di neve. Una foto che � quasi un'illusione ottica e nella quale colore e bianco e nero sembrano confondersi in un unico grigio quasi indistinto, esattamente quello che la natura ha dato a questa terra gelida.
Complimenti
Ciao e buona domenica
Romano

icesurfer (574) 2013-05-04 13:29

How can you not be happy of this photo? The lighting might not have been optimal, but the result is nevertheless amazing: the reflections create a beautiful symmetry, nicely broken on one side by the stony shore. The rocks visible through the water create a nice contrast with the uniform tint of the sky.

Details are sharp and the DOF nicely managed.

Great job!

lousat (139332) 2013-05-04 14:42

Hi Cragi,the light was terrible but you manage very well the exposure and the result is really beautiful,a magic atmosphere,bright reflections and a spectacular and unusual view,i like it! Have a nice Sunday and thanks,Luciano

carlo62 (81265) 2013-05-04 14:57

Ciao Craig
trovo strano che tu abbia lasciato quella striscia di spiaggia a sinistra, non riesco a capire se � pi� bella cos�, oppure senza, ma una cosa � ceeta, la foto � bellissima. Un monocromatismo eccellente, con il bellissimo riflesso ad aumentare l'effetto del panorama.
Saluti
Carlo

tyro (30513) 2013-05-04 15:31

Hi Craig,

Well, I see no reason for any apology whatsoever with this one! First of all, you can make no apology for the lighting because that was outwith your control. Secondly, there is absolutely no problem with the photography in any of your three photographs!

I can quite understand how your were totally enchanted with this view and I believe that you have captured it very well indeed. In all three pictures the reflections are simply stunning but I think my favourite image must be the workshop one taken with the longer focal length - in that one the poor light isn't evident at all and the details in the rocks, the ice and the reflections are the most stunning of all.

Fabulous!

Kind Regards,

John.

Kugart (1778) 2013-05-04 15:45

Hi Craig,
If the lighting is a little subdued it really adds to the tranquillity of the scene. The reflection of the land on the water is superb and adds great depth to the shot.Excellent capture.
Regards
Arthur.

mjw364 (1466) 2013-05-04 15:46

Hi Craig

Nice - very nice. Clear sharp reflections but the thing that grabs me is that sweeping curve up the left hand side that drags your eye through the image. Love it. Poor light seems normal to me in the UK and I can still take good shots - as you have done here - I didn't even notice the poor light - I was attracted by the good compo.

TFS

Mike

adidas5nb (5743) 2013-05-04 18:36

there is absolutely nothing terrible about the pic.i like this lonely serene mood in the pic.nice framed with the reflections and how the edge of the water body curves.the mood is enhanced due to the lck of bright light.
regards
dwaipayan

jjcordier (79299) 2013-05-04 23:09

Craig
Je trouve que le temps gris convient tr鑚 bien � ce paysage islandais dont tu as r饌lis� trois bonnes photos avec une belle palette de tons gris. J'ai m麥e une petite pr馭駻ence pour les versions des WS, en particulier pour la version plus "serr馥".
Amicalement
JJ

Ciol (216) 2013-05-04 23:23

Bonjour Craig,
Fabuleuse photo pr駸entant une belle sym騁rie du au reflet de l'eau.
Une magnifique composition.
Cordialement.

CLODO (45116) 2013-05-05 1:01

Hi Craig

A superb dim light and no wind which allows you to take this quiet landscape, almost in B&W mood. Clarity and sharpness are fantastic, and help to be zen in this nature landscape.
Sunday greetings
CLODO

krzychu30 (15512) 2013-05-05 1:04

Hi Craig,
you complain about the terrible lighting,but I think it works here on your favour.With the clear,blue sky it wouldnｴt be as spectacular as it is now.The color scheme with dominating grey shades is just amazing and creates here unique mood.I like it!Itｴs something different from what most of the people would like to see(I mean clear,blue sky),but equally captivating.
Spectacular landscape!

Have a good sunday
Krzysztof

Silvio1953 (221729) 2013-05-05 2:55

Ciao Craig, fashinating landscapev with fantastic reflections, very well done, my friend, have a good Sunday, ciao Silvio

snunney (130967) 2013-05-05 3:51

Hello Craig,
What is not to like here? The light and the limited range of tones suit the scene perfectly. Excellent point of view with the dip between the two range of hills nicely placed just off-centre. The reflections are quite stunning and the clarity superb.

rigoletto (34279) 2013-05-05 4:05

C'mon man!
Who is so lucky to find a blue sky always at his service? And further, these grey tones go very well together with the frozen hils. The image is so sharp that i can almost count the small pebbles on the shore and in water. 1/250 with tripod, you again made me bow in respect :)
Cheers,
Deniz

No_One (4) 2013-05-05 6:41

Hi Craig,
Maybe its just me, but I really like the light in this, it creates a beautiful silver tone throughout the shot, and makes the place seem unearthly. I know Iceland can look so anyway, but I think this dull glow suits this place perfectly. Amasing that the water is so clear, you can follow the stones right into the deep.

Love the workshops too, the one that includes the sun is IMO a really cool shot!
All the best
Noel

parvatibb (1387) 2013-05-05 7:24

Hello Craig,
Every thing is amazing! one can easily loose the track of time in this place. Excellent reflections. A very calm mood
regards
bb

marabu61 (11587) 2013-05-05 8:36

Hello Craig
I don't think that this picture would have been any better with a blue sky. It is a beauty as it is. I even think the almost monochrome appeal to this is very attractive. The landscape in itself is stunning and the reflections just the cherry on the cake.
have a good weekend
Daniel

manrezaei (1749) 2013-05-05 10:26

Hello Craig,

An interesting photo. Superb symmetry you captured here. Great colors, superb lights and composition. Very well done.

Regards.

Mansour

Robert1969 (7160) 2013-05-05 10:38

Hello Craig,

Personal I think the "terrible" lighting
fits very well with the surrounding: the
viewer can feel, hear and smell the silence
an important point that few photos have.
Point of view and composition are excellent.
Nice option (not an improvement) to cut up
and down some pieces, than you have a nice
panorama picture.

In short: beautiful surrounding and photo.

Friendly regards,
Robert

rychem (72187) 2013-05-05 11:21

Superb! Fantastic shot with calm atmosphere, unique colors and great reflection, great work
regards
Ryszard

chrisvek (7003) 2013-05-05 14:40

Hello Craig

Who cares for the lightning on this magical and psysical artwork of nature?Splendid composition and magnificent atmosphere and POV.Great framing on this splendid result.

Very very well done.
All the best
Chris

adramad (73006) 2013-05-06 12:36

Hi Craig.
Very well resolved the adverse weather conditions, it has achieved a very beautiful composition, in fact there are three .... because the other two images in the WS are equally fantastic.
It is an unusual landscape with this grandiose spaces, serene beauty of these waters as still providing superb reflexes.
It's a great job, I love it.
I wish you a good day.
Best regards.
Luis.

jhm (211736) 2013-05-07 4:41

Hello Craig,

I find your "Altered Image #1" the most beautiful picture of the three, splendid reflection without wind.
Also the other picture are very well.
What a lovely picture with the nice colours of the area
Lovely presentation, perfectly of colours, sharpness and clarity make these picture attractive.
Very well done, TFS.

Best regards,
John.

raszid62 (18457) 2013-05-07 6:36

Hello
Great, winter, arctic fjord views, situated in the magnificent wilderness of Iceland. I would love to go there sometime. Soft colors and sensational quality of this wonderful composition.
Yours
Joseph

Schnappilic (9692) 2013-05-11 2:51

Hello Craig,

Huge composition with artic atmosphere. This is a masterpiece! Congratulations!

Best regards,

Ovidiu

fabbs99 (17179) 2013-05-11 20:42

Hi Craig

Its truly an amazing shot from Iceland.The sharpness and light are perfect
The lighting is also amazing as well as perfect POV too.Excellent composition, good presentation too. Very well done, TFS.

Best Regards
Farhat

Rafer (0) 2013-05-13 9:55

Impresionante, original, bella...muy buena....Greetings Craig!!!!!

mkamionka (74535) 2013-05-16 3:11

Hi Craig,
you are completely right. Similar was the case for Ireland where I lived before and UK where I live now, but I guess it is even more pronounced in Iceland: the landscapes are much more spectacular and the weather must be respectively worse. That is why being relatively close I am not that attracted to this wonderful country as I miss the sun so much.
Beautiful capture in spite of the challenging light conditions here.
The reflection enhances the composition very much and so does the stretch of the beach in the left.
Great work.
M

batalay (41261) 2013-05-16 15:44

Hello Craig,

There is a remarkable serenity in this frozen world, indeed you've given us two photos for the price of one. Years ago I remember taking a picture of Lake Bennett in Alaska that resembles this view.

Warm regards,

Bulent

mcmtanyel (68623) 2013-05-27 21:22

Hi Craig,
In the great outdoors, you have no control over the lighting. But you do have control over what you do with it. In this case, you have turned sour lemons into delicious lemonade. It takes a real photographer to do that, congratulations & TFS.
Cheers,
MT

eldancer1 (36343) 2013-05-30 7:38

Maybe terrible lighting but you conquered the element to produce this awesome image. Actually I thrive on adverse condition when taking photos. Good contrast in spite of the weather and sharp details. Very well done, tfs.

(The Neon Museum in Las Vegas is now open until 10 pm and the signs are lit up at night. I hope to visit the place soon.)

Sonata11 (34119) 2013-05-30 19:03

dear Craig,
long time not seeing you. This view is spectacular with amazing razor reflection. Magnificent work. Tfs. I love it.
All the best,
Barbara

Graal (103040) 2013-05-30 23:30

Hi Craig,
landscape here is very nice. Attractive mirror reflections in water. Good shot. Amazing nature in Iceland. Photo I like.
Have a nice WE.
Aleksander

Cricri (176) 2013-05-31 23:39

Hi Craig
C'est splendide, bien sur l'effet de miroir fait un plus :-), une lumi鑽e difficile mais bien r饌liser, la 1 en WS est superbe aussi, la 2 en effet montre l'馗lat de lumi鑽e, un tr鑚 beau r駸ultat de trois images, bravo
Belle journ馥
cricri

KristinsCamera (2384) 2013-07-21 19:56

well, craig ~
you can saw what you want about the lighting, but i like this photo just the way it is.

the reflections of the snowy mountains and the stillness of the water lend a lovely zen-like quality to it, so peaceful...

also desolate and surreal, as iceland is apt to be.

regardless of what YOU think, it's nicely captured ;)
kristin

ikeharel (113427) 2018-06-25 7:10

Despite of what you called "Terrible Lighting", Craig, which is always expected in Iceland - managed very good colors cast dominating by grey, and a perfect mirror over water.

Timing was exceptional, cheers,
Ike