When photography rules say "avoid midday sun," sometimes breaking those rules yields unexpected rewards. Discover how I transformed harsh daylight into a moody, monochrome study of Iceland's mythical Hvítserkur rock formation.

While focused on capturing harbor seals near Hvítserkur, an inquisitive Sanderling decided I was worth investigating. The resulting image showcases the delicate beauty of these hardy shore birds against Iceland's dramatic coastal landscape.

With minutes to spare before an approaching storm, I raced to Kirkjufellsfoss and captured this fleeting moment when sunset painted the sky in vibrant pinks and purples. Little did I know this would be our last glimpse of calm during our Icelandic adventure.

A spontaneous roadside stop along Iceland's Ring Road revealed this perfect alignment of three wild horses, each showcasing a different classic Icelandic coat color. The moment lasted just twenty minutes before crowds descended, a reminder that in wildlife photography, timing is everything.

The eastern approach to Dettifoss isn't for the faint-hearted—a kidney-jarring hour on unpaved roads. But as I stood before Europe's most powerful waterfall from this less-visited vantage point, capturing its raw force up close, I knew every bump was worth it.

In the quiet dawn at Skogafoss, my wife stood alone before the thundering cascade, arms outstretched. This moment—one human embracing nature's raw power—perfectly captures why I wake before tourists arrive. Some photographs need both solitude and scale to tell their story.