When searching through an archive containing thousands of images, one often stumbles upon photographs that resonate. Images worth sharing. Pictures that show Iceland as it is—photos without a specific story or purpose, just beautiful moments that happened to be captured. What caught my attention—something only of interest to those deeply into the technical side of photography—is that all these eleven photos were taken with either a 35mm or an 85mm lens. Coincidence? No. Probably 90% of the photos I take are shot using fixed lenses of 35mm, 50mm, or 85/100mm. I don’t know how to use zoom lenses.
Here are eleven photos of Iceland, just as it is. Taking pictures like these isn’t hard—it’s simply a matter of getting out there, closing one eye, and snapping the shot. If all else fails and you’re down to the eleventh hour trying to capture a good photo, I have one solid tip: head north to Raudanes on Melrakkaslétta. You simply can’t fail to take great pictures there, with Grjótnes, Skinnastadur, and Ásbyrgi nearby.
Iceland – January 23, 2025 – RX1R II, A7R III, A7R IV + GX680III – FE 1.4/85mm GM, 2.0/35mm Z + 110mm F
Images & text: Páll Stefánsson
