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About six years ago, I interviewed Icelandic photographer Rafn Sigurbjörnsson about his Icelandic photo book series called ‘Wild Iceland – the untouched nature. The eight-book series was created in less than one year. Rafn has not stopped documenting Iceland with photos and videos in any way.
The best website if you want to immerse yourself in Icelandic visuals
His website is probably the best place to start if you want to immerse yourself in Icelandic visuals. Rafn offers his fans stock photos for sale, and if this is not enough for you, Iceland fans out there, he regularly publishes impressive drone footage from Iceland on his popular YouTube channel. He even creates the music featured in the videos! I have to say that even though I have spent almost nine years publishing content about Iceland, my efforts pale in comparison.
Hey Rafn, thank you for taking the time for the interview. You certainly have not slowed down in documenting Iceland since we last spoke. What drives you?
My fascination with Icelandic nature and geologic diversity is endless on this small, beautiful island. It does not matter where you are – the beauty is there. There is always something new to see; even if I come to the same place, again and again, it’s different each time. The light, weather, etc., change the place constantly, so it’s always a new place and new photographic motives to be found. How can this not drive me on?
What are your favorite Icelandic places to photograph or film, and why?
Yes, I have often been asked this question, and I have thought about it a lot. I always come up with the same answer and “It’s the spot that I’m on that moment.” Beauty is so relative, and the value of beauty is so different. It’s often just a question of seeing the beauty that surrounds you, and if you succeed, then it’s the most beautiful place you’ve ever seen and been to.
Stjórn is a river that has its origins in Geirlandshraun. As it flows over the hills into a canyon, the Stjórn River forms an amazing waterfall, Stjórnarfoss, which can be seen from the bridge below it. From there, the river flows northeastwards to the lowlands, where it merges with the Geirlandsá River, becoming the Breiðbalakvísl River on the east side of Stjórnarsandur until it reaches the Skaftá River.
You never enter photo competitions. Why is that?
There are many reasons why I do not participate in photography competitions. Most of the competition rules are similar; you waive the rights to your photo, and the contestant can use your photo without your consent almost anywhere and anytime. For companies, this is an affordable way to get images in the lowest possible cost. They are even looking for something special in the image that best suits their advertising purpose. Still, you pay an entrance fee. I have developed a certain style of photography that does not suit everyone. If I am satisfied with the result, I’m the winner.
More photographers are staying away from photography competitions
Photography is often of an emotional nature, and you can’t expect another person to have the same feeling as you for the subject as they were not on the scene. I can not expect a judge to look at thousands of pictures to choose the right one. They are too tired and bored to be able to choose the right one. My opinion is that if you are happy with the photo you took, then you are the winner. Others do not have to like them.
More and more professional photographers are adopting this way of thinking, and I find it both interesting and understandable.
Your YouTube channel is a source of excellent drone footage from Iceland. What advice would you give to those who want to film with a drone here?
Iceland is an endless source of beautiful places. You can stop anywhere and get excellent drone footage. Respect individuals’ privacy and follow Icelandic rules on Drone Flight. PS. Iceland is much more than the ring road.
Can you share what kind of drone and equipment you use in documenting Iceland?
I´m using a DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone with filters from Kase, a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV camera, and a 7D as a backup. I also use the following equipment: Canon EF 16-35mm f/2,8 II USM; Tamron SP 24 – 70 F2,8 USD; Canon EF 70-200mm f/2,8L IS II USM; Canon EF 100 – 400 f/4,5-5,6L IS USM; Canon EF 100mm f/2,8 Macro USM; Manfrotto Tripods; Kase Filters (Wolverine 100 x 150 – CPL, ND, GND, CGND, RGND and lot of other stuff. It depends on what I´m doing.
Auroral displays appear in many colors, although pale green and pink are the most common. Shades of red, yellow, green, blue, and violet have been reported. The lights appear in many forms, from patches or scattered clouds of light to streamers, arcs, rippling curtains, or shooting rays that light up the sky with an eerie glow.
You have offered photography tours in Iceland for a long time. What advice can you give people going to Iceland for the first time?
Don’t try to explore Iceland in 7 days. Take your time in designated areas and enjoy what you see. It takes years to explore this small island. Iceland is bigger than that. In fact, you could easily get “Stuck in Iceland.”
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