Sometimes, in landscape photography, the difference between coming home empty-handed and capturing something extraordinary comes down to minutes. This sunset at Kirkjufellsfoss was exactly that kind of razor-edged moment. We had just arrived in the area and were settling into our accommodations when I noticed the sky beginning to take on that promising glow that signals a potentially spectacular sunset. Despite our original plan to scout the location for the following day, I decided to grab my gear and race to Kirkjufell.
The weather forecast had warned of an approaching storm system, but the conditions were perfect for this brief window. Upon arrival, I hurriedly set up my tripod, knowing the colorful light would be fleeting. The last rays of the sun were painting the low clouds in vibrant pinks and purples, creating a dramatic backdrop for Iceland's most photographed mountain.
Technical Approach Under Pressure
Working quickly but methodically, I chose a composition that balanced the iconic arrow-shaped mountain with the flowing cascades of Kirkjufellsfoss. I wanted to capture the silky smooth water effect while maintaining sharpness throughout the frame, so I used a 3-stop ND filter with an aperture of f/11 and a shutter speed of 1.3 seconds. This allowed me to smooth the waterfall's movement while keeping the colorful sky and mountain sharp.
The challenging light conditions required careful exposure bracketing to preserve the detail in the foreground waterfall and the vibrant colors in the sky. In post-processing, I delicately balanced these elements, ensuring the green moss retained its vibrant hue while allowing the spectacular sunset colors to sing.
The Calm Before Iceland's Storm
What makes this image particularly special to me is knowing what came after. This serene, almost peaceful scene was truly the calm before the storm. Within hours, the wind picked up dramatically, and heavy rain moved across the peninsula. For the next two days, we battled challenging conditions that sometimes made photography nearly impossible.
This is the reality of photographing in Iceland—the weather is constantly changing and often unforgiving. The island's position in the North Atlantic makes it susceptible to rapidly shifting weather patterns that can transform a tranquil landscape into a tempestuous one within hours. Yet this unpredictability creates rare and magical moments for those willing to seize them when they appear.
Lessons in Seizing Moments
This experience reinforced an essential lesson in landscape photography: when conditions look promising, drop everything and shoot. This image would never have existed if I had decided to wait until the following day as planned. Instead of Kirkjufell bathed in golden-pink light, I would have only captured it shrouded in clouds and rain.
I'm grateful for that split-second decision to rush over from town, for recognizing the potential in those evening clouds, and for being prepared to execute quickly when the opportunity presented itself. In landscape photography, as in life, sometimes our most rewarding experiences come from embracing the unexpected and adapting to changing circumstances.
Have you ever had to race against the weather to capture a special moment? I'd love to hear about your experiences photographing in challenging conditions. And if you're planning your own Iceland photography adventure, remember always to be ready to adjust your plans when nature offers unexpected gifts.
