tmiller9
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smmokan16 wrote:
Great shots, some of the best I've seen from Iceland lately.
How were the crowds? Were just the normal "touristy spots" (Golden Circle, Seljalandsfoss, etc) busy, or was it busy everywhere you went? My wife and I were there for two weeks back in 2014, and it wasn't busy at all once you got off the beaten path.
Thanks very much for the feedback - greatly appreciate it!
Iceland was crowded - no doubt about it. But, from a photographic standpoint - it was a good crowded. What I mean is there were certainly plenty of tour buses around - but those were only out on the road between 9:00am - 5:00pm - so that "crowd" was a non-event for me - other than occasional road traffic - and the very busy gas station cafe's. I also found the campgrounds near Vik and Gullfoss were busy. All other campsites were moderate - and this is after seeing lots of campervans on the road.
Photographically speaking - I only found "crowds" at Seljalandsfoss (primarily a setting sun location ~ 9:00pm or so) and Kirkjufell (roughly a dozen or so - but ALL concentrated at the upper falls). My primary shooting times were between 10:00pm and 5:00am (midnight sun!) - give or take. This led to locations that had only a couple (if that) other photographers in my vicinity. I was often alone.
Having said all this - Iceland is trying to adjust to the increase in crowds seen over the past few years, I was there last September - and in that time - I found some areas roped off (primarily to protect foliage). Funny - you can't walk on shrubs - but you can stick your toes over a 100 ft. waterfall! There are also "safety" ropes in certain areas (Kirkjufell, etc.) which warn of danger - but not restricting your ability to be stupid.
I guess my take on it is this.... Iceland is magical. The reports that it is "over run" with tourists - isn't entirely true - or false. Either way - I wouldn't let that deter me from going. There is so much to see - and still lots of remote areas to explore (get a 4x4 and drive on the rougher roads!). It's quite easy to take photos without humans in them - and even if they are in the way - wait a few minutes - let them use their phones - then take another shot to blend them out later.
Todd
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