A Sunrise at Seljalandsfoss

This is a short story of me, an inexperienced photographer, who went to Seljalandsfoss in South Iceland at sunrise. The night before, I packed my camera bag, filters, tripod and other accessories in the car to be at the waterfall before sunrise. The weather forecast was in my favour and the direction of the sunrise also gave me hope. Because Naseema and I visited the place a day before, I had a few ideas in my mind for my photo composition. I was prepared!

From Hotel Anna, it didn't take my long to be at the waterfall. Upon my arrival, I realised that I was the only person there. "Ahhh no tourists". You have to be an outdoor nature photographer to know what I mean!

I didn't like the fact that the flood lights towards the waterfall were still on. "Ok, I will Photoshop them out of the image, and change the temperature of the water to make it look natural", I told myself. The thick layer of white clouds behind the waterfall was not impressive either as it didn't have any texture.

I went right in front of the waterfall and started taking photos. That was the beginning of a long battle between me and nature. The spraying water, cold gentle breeze, and the waterfall that looked beautiful and romantic a day before, turned into frustration. I would swipe the lens clean with a micro fiber cloth and then quickly press the shutter release only to know that the photo had water drops.  The image you see below is not part of my portfolio, but one of the few ones that I decided to keep as a memory. Looking back in time, it was a beautiful moment.

Seljalandsfoss South Iceland

I then decided to climb towards the left of the waterfall high up to avoid the spray. I had no luck there either. I am sure a few seagulls there had fun watching me, a frustrated photographer, who was not sure if he should give up and enjoy the scene or take photos.

Seljalandsfoss, South Iceland_top_angle

Then... I went to the other side. I also realised that I didn't have proper gear to walk on the frozen ice. After a few attempts, I got this drop-less shot. Filter and camera techniques were useless because the water wouldn't allow it.

Seljalandsfoss - South Iceland black white

I eventually gave up. I had learnt my lessons, one of which was to enjoy and relax. I discovered that as a photographer, one must work with nature instead of working against it. Because I didn't have time, I bade a final farewell to this mighty waterfall, and headed towards East Iceland...

Muji at Seljalandsfoss