Lake Pingvallavatn, South Iceland

South Iceland is probably the most visited part of the country because of the tourist attractions in the Golden Circle e.g. Gulfoss, Geysir, Rift Vallery, Blue Lagoon, Glacier Lagoon and other water falls etc. In April 2015, we visited these places during our journey, but one of the sights that amazed me the most was Lake Pingvallavatn. On our way from Reykjavik to Hotel Borealis in Selfoss area, we saw this massive frozen lake. Nature, with all its might, can be most stunning when quiet. We drove around the lake and even walked a little bit to see it up close. I didn't want to walk near the lake, as I wasn't sure if I was going to step on a thin layer of frozen ice, rock, or just straight into water. Naseema moved a little bit closer and went near this abandoned shed. As a good husband, I kept telling her that if she fell in, she would need to come out by herself :)

Lake Pingvallavatn, Selfos - Golden Circle - Iceland

I believe that the simplicity of the scene pulled me into it. The thick cloud cover, green grass, red plants, snow, ice on lake and the mountains far away were in harmony with one another. Above all, we had the whole lake to ourselves, and once in a while the cracking sound of the frozen water would echo for a few seconds. As a photographer, my advice to you would be to not only focus on photography, but also enjoying the scene in front of you. Only then, in my opinion, you would be able to make the place more memorable and eternal in your heart. When take photos, always try to take a vertical shot of the same scene. You will be surprised how the perspective changes when the camera is turned around.

Lake Pingvallavatn, Selfoss

As I write, I can still feel the ice moving, the clouds staying still to welcome us, the reflection on the water, and the movement of my feet on the green grass...

Muji at Lake Pingvallavatn