One of the things that Naz & I hear the most from friends is “You always seem like you’re on vacation!” because we’re constantly on a plane going to a new place for work. However, that’s what it is…it’s work. We are typically only in a new location for 3 days max and then we go onto the next shoot. The chance to truly explore isn’t a luxury we usually have. Back in October, I decided that we needed an adventure of our own so we booked flights to Iceland! Despite checking the weather, looking for places to go, putting away expectations…you can not prepare for Iceland. It is the most awe inspiring location I’ve ever been to…an unforgiving landscape & schizophrenic weather patterns made for a place where you close your eyes and you’re taken back to. Not knowing how the weather would treat my big film camera, I decided to experiment by bringing a bunch of disposable cameras…yes, the ones you find at Walmart/Target for $5. I sent them off to my guys at Goodman Filmlab who did the best job! The images below are a mix of those plus a few digital shots.
We only stayed in Reykjavik for 1.5 days…we grabbed a bunch of groceries and headed out south east. There isn’t a lot to do in Reykjavik but if you’ve been out on the road without anything but necessities then it’s an oasis. It’s a great middle ground if you wanted to stay there and explore the Ring Road during the day. We stayed at the Residence Hotel and would definitely stay there again! The staff was incredible and you have to pay the $40 (best purchase!) for the breakfast basket because there’s enough food for two people for breakfast+lunch. In Iceland, that’s the cheapest meal you’ll find.
On our way to see the Seljalandsfoss waterfall. It’s crazy to see such massive waterfalls simply on the side of the road. The best part about this one was the ability to walk behind the falls. Photographing in Iceland was tough because without people being in the photo, there’s nothing to show perspective and how unbelievably large scale things were.
The Icelandic Horses are some of the kindest creatures you’ll find on the planet. They are simply there because people love horses so they’ve become curious, relaxed, and lovey. These fellas walked a ways to come see us after we pulled over for photos.
For the most part (minus one time out of a 20+), we have had great luck with staying at Airbnbs on our trips and this was no exception. While the cabin we rented was in the middle of nowhere (actually in the middle of nowhere), it was warm, cozy, and looked onto the volcano. We made every meal in the cutest kitchen since food in Iceland is both expensive and not the best tasting. To get to the cabin, we had to make sure we were back before dark because there wasn’t a road to it…just a gate a mile from the house to indicate that we had to turn left. Then we crossed our fingers as we drove through sand and a river in the tiniest of cars. The wind at night caused every nail + board to creak but I wouldn’t have traded that experience for the world.
This was our backyard!
We went for a hike to find the oldest geothermal swimming hole, Seljavallalaug, which was built in 1923 and set into the mountains. The rain & wind felt like razors on your face and it just knocked you on the ground…a bit scary when you’re the only ones for who knows how far BUT also exciting to know that you’re on an adventure to find this place. Once you get there, you strip down in these unheated rooms (our clothes were already completely soaked) and jump in the pool. It was much hotter on one end where the mountain was feeding the pool directly. The trick was getting out and not feeling as though you were dying from the cold air AND then putting on wet clothes. It was one of my all time favorite life moments.
On our hike back to the car, the sun came out and it was indescribable how it transformed the landscape…everything became a painting in the warmest light..turning greys into greens, rock into sharp prehistoric ridges, and clouds were touched by Rembrandt.
We drove to the little town Vik which is known for the dramatic coastline and black sand beaches. Yes, the sand is really really black.
On our last day, we went to the Blue Lagoon (40 mins outside of Reykjavik, 20 mins from the airport). I would go back to Iceland just for the Blue Lagoon! It exceeded every expectation I had. The facilities are beautiful & modern. The water is hot…not lukewarm but hot. The entire left side has buckets of fresh silica that everyone covers themselves in and I have to say, it really does heal your skin. I bought some to take back with us and it never disappoints.
The next time we go back will be during the Summer months simply due to the amount of sunlight. We only had about 6 hours of sun each day so that’s tough to explore places when they’re far away. If you’re considering going…just go!