Ice Bear Dream, 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, Ice Bear Dream, is named after a section of ice at the very top, left of center, in which I see the silhouette of a polar bear's head. After that figure grabbed my attention, I was drawn to the flow of the ice pattern. I had to stand on a small rocky ledge in order to pursue this image, so it was physically difficult to compose with my 8x10 film camera. This is a beautiful example of a moment when the decision to take out the big camera is emotionally motivated and well worth the effort. This is how "The Fine Art of Nature" happens.

Enjoy the View!

Jon Paul