Blue Ice Window, Ice Cave Detail, Iceland

My first photography trip to Iceland was pretty amazing. I never expect too much from a first visit, and I knew that November in Iceland could be unforgiving relative to weather conditions. I did, however, have high hopes for a private ice cave tour I had scheduled (and paid dearly for). Unfortunately, in my guides attempt to avoid the potential crowds of the easy to reach, and very large, ice caves, he took me on an adventure to a newly found, out of the way ice cave. While the quiet was nice, the cave was so small, with low ceiling, I was not able to set up my 8x10 film camera in most places I could access. Fortunately, I settled in and was able to compose a couple of images I am extremely excited about. This image, Blue Ice Window, was worth the entire trip. I love the flow of the ice formation, the glow, and the color. This is, I believe, what I had envisioned. It took quite a bit of effort to set up my 8x10 film camera balanced on rocks within a glacial river. As I composed in the low light, with water dripping from the ice above, I new I was doing something special. The effort required, as always, was worth the effort. This impressionistic image of ancient ice, formed over the course of thousands of years, enabled me to share a window to a world that I hope to help preserve. These things we find beautiful, we need in order to survive!

Enjoy the View!

Jon Paul