Photographing Seljalandsfoss waterfall in Iceland is both breathtaking and challenging—a true test for any landscape photographer who seeks to capture the raw beauty of nature. This image, taken during the Icelandic summer, perfectly encapsulates the unique drama of the location: the waterfall cascading down from the cliff, the mist rising, and the horizon glowing with the ethereal colours of a northern sunset.
What makes Seljalandsfoss particularly special is the fact that you can walk behind the waterfall, offering a rare and surreal vantage point. However, this stunning opportunity comes at a price. The constant spray and fine mist from the mighty falls create a wet environment that is not camera-friendly. The moisture settles on every surface, and protecting your gear becomes essential.
During this shoot, I had to work meticulously. A sturdy rain cover was non-negotiable to shield the camera body, but even with the protection, the real battle was with the lens itself. After every single shot, I had to wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth to clear away the tiny droplets. It was a cycle of shoot, clean, adjust, repeat — demanding patience and precision.
The timing was equally crucial. The play of light during the Icelandic summer evenings is magical but fleeting. The soft, diffused sunlight at sunset painted the clouds in shades of pink, purple, and gold, contrasting beautifully with the lush green moss covering the rocks and hills. Capturing the balance between the brightness of the sky and the shadowy textures behind the waterfall required careful control of exposure.
In the end, the effort paid off. The resulting image carries not just the visual grandeur of Seljalandsfoss but also the memory of standing soaked, focused, and entirely immersed in Iceland's wild and unforgettable landscape. Every drop on the lens, every wipe, was worth it.