I really had time to think after returning from Yosemite Valley recently. I was struck by the similarities and quality in light of Yosemite Valley and Iceland. They both have great photographic light. We frequently hold photography workshops in both locations for one specific reason, the opportunities for great backdrops, paired with unsurpassed light.
After spending the last 2 1/2 weeks in Yosemite guiding and teaching Private Photography Workshops, I was struck by the quality of changing light from one end of the valley to the other. The weather pouring in and leaving the valley provides the best options for magic moments. It’s much like Iceland’s variations of weather, but on a delicate and compact scale. Iceland experiences extreme fluxes in weather more rapidly than Yosemite. In Iceland, you can have sun, rain, snow, and wind over a few minutes or hours that can provide amazing photographic opportunities. The cold arctic weather off the Greenland coast moves systems through quickly while colliding with the warming Gulf stream as it snakes around Iceland’s Island coastline, especially in winter.
Yosemite Valley also has extreme changes in weather, but much slower as its deep valley is subject to its own special micro-climate, not found in many locations. Its stunning beauty is locked in by 3000′ granite walls. They push and pull high clouds and fog as small low and high-pressure systems (combined with early morning and late afternoon light) paint its walls and waterfalls with magic light.
Iceland has a treasure trove of volcanic and glacial backdrops. Combined with the waterfalls and a chance to shoot the Aurora Borealis, it’s also an essential stop for any serious landscape photographer. If you hit it right, both Yosemite Valley and Iceland offer you the best chance of experiencing something unique and special. Both places will enhance your photographic experience. You just need to be willing to step outside your comfort zone a bit in order to take your landscape photography to the next level and we can take you there!
All the best,
Mark Jansen
www.JansenPhotoExpeditions.com
www.MarkJansenPhotography.com
