This extraordinary photo shows the volcanic crater Kerið, located in southern Iceland. The deep, almost perfectly round basin is filled with water of an intense turquoise hue, which contrasts with the surrounding reddish-red, porous lava and green moss deposits. This natural combination of colours gives the impression that we are looking at an alien, almost unreal landscape.
The photo was taken with a long exposure, which gave the sky a soft, painterly character and emphasised the drama of the scene. The clouds seem to pass over the crater like shadows of the past, reminding us of this place’s volcanic origins.
Kerid is one of the few craters in Iceland that is filled with water. Its unusual colour is due to the presence of minerals and the reflection of the sky. Although it is only about 3,000 years old, it is one of the most photogenic and accessible craters in the country.
