Iceland Light – Somewhere In Time Weekly Travel Photo.
Somewhere In Time is a weekly travel photo from around the world. Enjoy!
Iceland has amazing light. It isn’t necessarily strong or bright but it owns everything around it. It casually falls off mountains, crystallizes in the falling waterfalls & bounces off all the buildings and homes. It’s a mix of golden orange and cooler blue hues. It isn’t the kind of light that warms everything in it’s path but it gives off an unmistakable glow to the streets, people and countryside.
This photo was taken on a street in Reykjavik, Iceland. We were walking back to our campsite and the sun was casting it’s luminous rays as it dipped below the horizon. Reykjavik is full of multi-colored homes and the light was just popping off the buildings. It was beautiful. I remember being in awe of it as we walked quickly down the street. I decided to take some photos from the hip just to see what I would get and also partially because there was a strange looking man following us and I didn’t want to reveal my camera. With my camera across my chest and disguised by my scarf, I took several photos as we were walking and I was hoping that one would catch the light.
I know this photo probably won’t appeal to everyone but it is one of my favorites. I love how the light catches all of the highlights and brings them to life – from the bright white window to the rim on the bike. I also love the rectangular shapes that lead your eye through the image – first the white window sill which leads to the small intercom and then to the orange doorways & windows that move right out of the image and frame the girl perfectly as she heads indoors. I love that she is in the middle of a nondescript everyday activity – probably just getting home from work and putting her bike away.
Iceland might not be home to the brightest light on earth but it is gorgeous. It wraps around the land like a blanket it doesn’t even know it owns. Remembering it makes me want to take the next flight out.
*Please remember all photos on this website, unless otherwise noted, are copyrighted and property of Beers and Beans Travel Website, Nariko’ s Nest Weddings & Bethany Salvon. Please do not use them without my permission. If you want to use one of them please contact me first because I do love to share and I would be flattered. Thanks!
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(16) awesome folk have had something to say...
Andrea -
July 16, 2011 at 3:54 am
This is really gorgeous! I didn’t know the light was so special there – would love to go to Iceland.
Bethany -
July 16, 2011 at 7:15 pm
Yeah, it’s a weird light but beautiful all the same. I would love to see it in the winter.
If you are ever on the east coast of the US you can get some really cheap flights from Iceland Express. 🙂 @Andrea,
Nomadic Samuel -
July 16, 2011 at 7:15 am
Another stellar shot! I love the story behind it too. I’ve often taken photos in unusual ways or circumstances as well.
Bethany -
July 16, 2011 at 7:15 pm
Thanks Samuel – glad you like it! @Nomadic Samuel,
Denise -
July 16, 2011 at 2:13 pm
Why do you apologise for such a beautiful photo? Travel photos should not always be about capturing a famous landmark (already captured a thousand other times) but about preserving moments which probably only you, and no one else, will witness in that exact same manner. That, for me, is valuable travel photography.
Bethany -
July 16, 2011 at 7:17 pm
Ahhh… A woman after my own heart! I love that you love it and think in such an abstract manner about travel photography. I feel the same way – it’s all about the moments. A lot of times I’m not sure if other people will see what I see so I’m so glad you do. 🙂 @Denise,
Rachel -
July 16, 2011 at 2:47 pm
I love the picture. It’s life as it happens in its beauty. I also love the landscapes and the breath taking views in Iceland.
Bethany -
July 16, 2011 at 7:18 pm
Thank you so much Rachel – that’s what I see too the everyday life enveloped in beautiful light. Iceland is beautiful isn’t it? @Rachel,
Nick Laborde -
July 17, 2011 at 8:46 am
Nice shot… I agree, the lighting is great.
Bethany -
July 18, 2011 at 6:52 pm
Thanks Nick 🙂 @Nick Laborde,
Erica -
July 19, 2011 at 1:41 pm
I’m totally in love with the person in the background. And I’m with Denise. Stop apologizing!
Bethany -
July 20, 2011 at 2:09 pm
Thanks Erica! I love her too. She makes the photo. 🙂@Erica,
Lora Clean -
July 21, 2011 at 12:10 am
Well done!I really liked that photo!
Bethany -
July 21, 2011 at 2:15 pm
Thank you! I’m glad you like it 🙂 @Lora Clean,
Bluegreen Kirk -
July 21, 2011 at 11:22 am
Another nice photo as usual but this isn’t one of may favs! Iceland itself sounds like a great place to see just from hearing you describe how the lighting bounce off and around everything.
Bethany -
July 21, 2011 at 2:16 pm
Haha! Thanks Kirk! I know this one won’t be popular with everyone but I still appreciate that you took the time to comment 🙂 I’ve got an entire photo post (or 2) coming out soon of Iceland that really shows the light. I really need to go back there!
@Bluegreen Kirk,