If you’ve booked a stay at Hotel Jökulsárlón, then chances are you’ll find yourself at Diamond Beach at some point. Photographing this beautiful part of Iceland’s coastline is a must, so we have some tips to help you do justice to the remarkable scenery.
Be mindful of your safety and dress appropriately
Iceland’s mid-Atlantic position means that its coastline is regularly battered by powerful waves. Rip tides, strong currents and sneaker waves can all be experienced at Diamond Beach and you’ll also need to pay attention to how you’re positioned relative to the ice – you don’t want to be in the way if an incoming wave shunts a large iceberg or topples it over. Another thing to remember is that you should dress for an exposed location; make sure you stay warm and dry as there’s a good chance you’ll be here for a while.
Bring a sturdy tripod
You’ll want to play around with some longer exposures to soften the waves and catch the movement of water and sand. Keep the focus on the piece of ice that’s closest to you and experiment with shutter speeds until you achieve the effect you’re aiming for. A sturdy tripod is essential, and you’ll find a shutter release useful too in helping to eliminate camera shake.
Plan for the light
Light varies considerably at different times of day and between the seasons. It will impact your shots considerably. Soft light, such as that of sunrise or sunset, will warm up your image, overlaying it with pretty pink and orange tones. Dawn is especially good for photographing the rising sun behind a translucent chunk of ice. Meanwhile brighter spells might silhouette the icebergs against the sky to create an almost monotone picture.
Capitalise on the weather
Sunny days are a boon for photographing the ice on Diamond Beach, but they’re not the be all and end all. A moody sky can inject some drama into the images you take, while wind can whip up the waves to create movement. In inclement weather, you’ll have to work harder to keep your gear dry and you’ll also have to be even more mindful of safety considerations than usual, but it can be worth it to achieve a wider variety of images.
Compose your shot thoughtfully
One of the most delightful aspects of visiting Diamond Beach is that the waves have sculpted the icebergs into an array of different shapes and sizes. Some have rounded edges, others sharp. Play around with your composition and how the large and small pieces of ice look when placed next to or behind each other. Zoom in for detail or out to create context. Blue ice makes an especially effective contrast with the charcoal grey of the sand, while white icebergs can get lost amid the spray.
Search for an iceberg with a hole in it
You might also find chunks of ice that the waves have bored right through to create holes that act as natural frames. If you are lucky enough to encounter such an iceberg, think about whether you might be able to line it up with a breaking wave, the sun or another iceberg closer to the shoreline.
Don’t lose sight of basic composition rules
When photographing landscapes such as Diamond Bach, pay attention to those basics of composition that elevate your shot to something special. For instance, the rule of thirds comes into play here; position your icebergs in the bottom corners of your imaginary grid rather than right in the centre. Also, make sure your horizon’s straight, as a wonky line between the sky and the sea will distract from the main subject.