Iceland is an Equine Photographer's Dream
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Heck, it’s any photographer’s dream. One of its attractions to me is that it is a nation that is very proud of its equine culture. It’s quite charming to drive through towns and see people going to the corner store on their horse. But there truly is something magical about the Icelandic horse. With its sturdy build, curious personality and gentle demeanour that is both disarming and captivating.
I found some semi wild herds in Selfoss which allowed me to hang out with them. Near the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon there is a horse farm in the town of Hali that provides accommodation. I would spend the next few days photographing the lagoon, the horses on the farm and the Northern Lights. I could not get over how engaging they were, and there would always be one that would never leave my side.
I travelled to Iceland in March, and “Old Man Winter” was still in full effect. There were blizzards that would be the equivalent to staring at a sheet of blank white paper for over four hours of driving. And then there was almost being blown off the road due to strong winds. I’ve put together a photographer’s survival and gear kit that was very useful on my trip…always be prepared as they say.
I found some semi wild herds in Selfoss which allowed me to hang out with them. Near the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon there is a horse farm in the town of Hali that provides accommodation. I would spend the next few days photographing the lagoon, the horses on the farm and the Northern Lights. I could not get over how engaging they were, and there would always be one that would never leave my side.
I travelled to Iceland in March, and “Old Man Winter” was still in full effect. There were blizzards that would be the equivalent to staring at a sheet of blank white paper for over four hours of driving. And then there was almost being blown off the road due to strong winds. I’ve put together a photographer’s survival and gear kit that was very useful on my trip…always be prepared as they say.
Gear
Treats (Apples, Carrots, etc…): A little persuasion will go a long way into being well received by the horses.
Canada Goose Langford Parka…trust me on this one.
Cameras: Canon 6D DSLR + Secondary Camera (mine is my old Canon 50D) – Full frame goodness with the wifi and app loaded on my iPhone for remote shooting.
Speedlight and remote trigger/receiver: I did a lot of low light photography and this was great to control the illumination of the subject.
Lenses: Canon 70-200mm F2.8 L- Series + Canon mm F4.5 Lens
Tripod: The sturdier the better. This was at times a chew toy with the horses when I was not looking, and I have the teeth marks to prove it.
Duct Tape: Useful tip, if you plan on doing shooting at night. Go to the spot where you will be shooting from. For example, I knew from the previous night where the Northern Lights would be appearing and set up and prefocused during the day, then used tape to keep the lens setting in place.
Grohman Knife (Canadian Navy Issue): In case you get attacked by a bear. (Iceland does not have bears).
Flashlight: No explanation required.
Candle and matches: It will keep you warm out in the field granted that you have a barrier to prevent the wind from blowing out the flame.
Oakley Tactical Gloves: Military Issue, sometimes you have to crack some ice to set up your camera gear. The carbon fibre knuckles came in handy. By the way, if anyone finds a pair of beige ones by the lagoon, they are mine. I seem to have left them there.
Hot Paws (hand warmers): Yes!
Iceland Roadside Assistance Smart Phone App: Again, trust me on this one. There are 2 buttons, Green to send your coordinates to the central control station and Red for, “RESCUE ME”. Enough said.
Despite the weather sometimes being a bit overbearing, that is Iceland. The sunny days really did bring out the splendor of the volcanic island. And I will be making it an annual destination from now on.
The final tip for an equine photographer is to be present. Being present, and having a calmness will draw these beautiful animals closer to you. The experience is both therapeutic and nurturing, and you may come out with some great shots!
Have fun and see you in Reykjavik.
Steve
Treats (Apples, Carrots, etc…): A little persuasion will go a long way into being well received by the horses.
Canada Goose Langford Parka…trust me on this one.
Cameras: Canon 6D DSLR + Secondary Camera (mine is my old Canon 50D) – Full frame goodness with the wifi and app loaded on my iPhone for remote shooting.
Speedlight and remote trigger/receiver: I did a lot of low light photography and this was great to control the illumination of the subject.
Lenses: Canon 70-200mm F2.8 L- Series + Canon mm F4.5 Lens
Tripod: The sturdier the better. This was at times a chew toy with the horses when I was not looking, and I have the teeth marks to prove it.
Duct Tape: Useful tip, if you plan on doing shooting at night. Go to the spot where you will be shooting from. For example, I knew from the previous night where the Northern Lights would be appearing and set up and prefocused during the day, then used tape to keep the lens setting in place.
Grohman Knife (Canadian Navy Issue): In case you get attacked by a bear. (Iceland does not have bears).
Flashlight: No explanation required.
Candle and matches: It will keep you warm out in the field granted that you have a barrier to prevent the wind from blowing out the flame.
Oakley Tactical Gloves: Military Issue, sometimes you have to crack some ice to set up your camera gear. The carbon fibre knuckles came in handy. By the way, if anyone finds a pair of beige ones by the lagoon, they are mine. I seem to have left them there.
Hot Paws (hand warmers): Yes!
Iceland Roadside Assistance Smart Phone App: Again, trust me on this one. There are 2 buttons, Green to send your coordinates to the central control station and Red for, “RESCUE ME”. Enough said.
Despite the weather sometimes being a bit overbearing, that is Iceland. The sunny days really did bring out the splendor of the volcanic island. And I will be making it an annual destination from now on.
The final tip for an equine photographer is to be present. Being present, and having a calmness will draw these beautiful animals closer to you. The experience is both therapeutic and nurturing, and you may come out with some great shots!
Have fun and see you in Reykjavik.
Steve
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Steve Joseph Bio
Horses have been a passion and fascination of mine from a young age. I would sketch them to my heart’s content during any free time I had, and have been working with them over the years from riding, volunteering and now as a photographer. I take a fine art approach to Equine photography. The challenge and gratification I get from my work comes from getting a feel for the horse’s energy, capturing the moment and telling a story. Toronto, ON, Canada based… but I love using my passport for my work! www.stevejoseph.ca |