Copyright © Wolverhampton Photographic Society 2022
No image or design on this site may be copied or used in printed form or digitally without permission
and all photographs remain the property and copyright of the original photographer.
TONY LEECH
I became a member of Wolverhampton
Photographic Society in 2012 at about the same
time as Rob Cowell. We both had in interest in
Landscape Photography and our friendship grew
from this. In November 2015 Rob went to Iceland
for four days and he was very impressed with the
unique landscape there. He came away with some
great photos and was keen to return for a more
extensive trip.
Rob and I planned to drive the Ring Road practically around the whole of the
island. It soon became clear we would need 17 days to complete the journey.
(We actually drove 2,500 miles).
In late October last year we
flew from Birmingham to
Kefkavik airport, collected our
4x4 hire car and drove to a
supermarket for provisions, as
we were to mostly self cater. It
was raining! Indeed the
weather was to play a large
part in our adventure around
Iceland. Rain, wind and
occasionally sleet and snow
were our constant companions.
After a good night’s sleep we set out for Kerid Crater. Our biggest problem
was to keep the lenses clear of rain spots. Rob and I were pleased that our
cameras remained waterproof and the batteries held out very well.
One of the highlights of our trip was the Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon and
Diamond Beach (Ice Beach). Ice from the Glacier gathers in the Lagoon then
floats down a channel into the sea. Some of this ice is then washed back onto
the volcanic black sand beach. Stunning! We spent two days here
photographing and we could have done two more.
Egilsstadir in the East was our next destination. The Eastern Fjords with high,
snow-capped mountains were very picturesque. Next it was on to Northern
Iceland via The Highlands. This is wild, sparsely populated country with lots of
geothermal sites. A short distance North West are several large waterfalls in a
huge canyon. All provided great photo opportunities!
Next, west to Saudarkrokur stopping on the way to photograph another
waterfall, Godafoss. The light was good and we both took some lovely shots.
Another day on the road to reach Stykkisholmur on the Snafellsnes Peninsula.
Mount Kirkjufell was obscured because of the rain but we took some pictures
anyway. Amazingly they were O.K. The noise from the waterfalls was
deafening. We had a few days on the Peninsula but the weather was
relentlessly horrific.
We returned to Reykjavik for a couple of days being tourists. Yes, you guessed
it, still raining!
Despite the awful weather we had a great photographic adventure in Iceland
and are planning to return in the Winter. We are gluttons for punishment!