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One of the talented photographers that have visited Iceland recently is the Englishman Steven Mayatt. As you can tell from his dramatic and wintry images he stayed in Iceland in 2014 and the places he visited included Reykjavik and the much loved beach at Grótta, The Blue Lagoon and the rather picturesque Reykjanes lighthouse just to name a few. Steven has a rather cool site with lot of great photography and we recommend that you check it out.
You were here during pretty wintry conditions, did that affect your holiday in any way?
Every trip is different, but I try my hardest not to take the same pictures that everybody else does. In this respect, the more interesting the weather conditions the better as it affects the lighting so much. Even the rain spots on the lens adds something in terms of recreating the atmosphere of actually being there.
Free road trip plans with maps
Day-by-day plans for the four drives most people take, each on an interactive map with where to sleep, fuel stops, waterfalls and reader discounts along the way. Built for a relaxed pace, not a race.
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Every lagoon, wild hot spring and town pool in Iceland on one map. Find warm water near you, and see which spas give my readers a discount.
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What makes Iceland different from the places you have already visited?
Iceland is like another world, particularly in the winter. It feels like no other place in the world that i’ve been to – and has a wonderful combination of tradition, nature and expanse that’s very difficult to match. Learning about some of the Christmas traditions, spending time with locals and listening to stories about Iceland all help to paint a very unique picture.
What were your favourite places to see and things to do?
How do you pick a favourite?! Well, the south shores were amazing for me, with the huge waves and the sun just peering out as it disappeared behind the horizon. We were very lucky to have a very patient guide and driver who gave us the time to capture the shots we wanted. Of course, even the postcard moments are still incredibly enjoyable, from the Blue Lagoon to Gullfoss waterfall, as you don’t find these places elsewhere.
Anything you didn’t like at all?
Absolutely nothing. The only regret about the trip is that we didn’t stay for longer.
What advice do you have for those that are visiting Iceland for the first time?
The best advice I can give is to do your research – there are so many trips and tours and it can be a little overwhelming to pick the ones you want, particularly as they all sound so good. Aside from that… wrap up warm and get stuck in!
Do you intend to return to Iceland?
No matter when I look to my next trips, Iceland is always on the shortlist, although I have to give some other places a chance too! The next trip to Iceland will have to be in the Spring or Summer, when the landscape will feel very different.
