Photographing Iceland Volume 1 & Volume 2 - by James Rushforth

For the last FIVE YEARS Wilki Ambassador James Rushforth has been working on his latest photography guidebooksPhotographing Iceland.

What can take 5 years we were wondering? But when you see the books, two volumes, there is no doubt where all that research, knowledge and time has been invested.

It’s hard to know where to start on these awesome guides.

 

 

Volume 1: Reykjavik & The Golden Cirle, The South Coast, The South East, The East, The North, Westfjords, Snaefellsnes and The Ring Road.

Arguably the most popular and well trodden areas of Iceland – including the landmark locations to which many photographers and photography workshops flock. It’s great to see all the well-known viewpoints included, but even then, James manages to include many ‘off the beaten track’ locations and alternative views within these popular and easily reached areas.

There are even a few new (and until now) secret ones we dare say!

Of course, it’s easy to immediately flick through and just look at the awe inspiring images – which are as phenomenal as they are varied.  However the level of detail, insight and information included in the words is quite astonishing.  Literally everything you could possibly need to know – including tips on accommodation, travelling around (on and off road), seasonal tips – even down to information on the elevation and position of the sun!

 

 

Maps and suggested itineraries are included within each section, including a handy info-graphic detailing sunrise and sunset times by month.   So whether you have a couple of days or a few months, there are detailed recommendations to make the most of your adventures.

For even more detailed planning, the books can be used alongside the Iceland Adventure Travel Map which also available as part of one of the book packages.

Volume 2: The Highlands & Interior

Not for the feint hearted Volume 2 explores some of the (even more) rugged areas of Iceland – and here the information on travel, driving and hiking especially, is incredibly valuable.  Some serious terrain and challenging river crossings are involved and tents should be super-strength even for the summer months!

Each area has a ‘How to get here’ section, including a super helpful QR code ready to scan, a ‘What3words’ identifier to take you straight there, recommendations on accessibility and best (and safest) times of year to visit.

 

 

The imagery continues to impress, with an enviable selection of photography from James, plus a number of guest contributors.  Images range from landscape to wildlife, natural and cultural features, abstracts and aerial images to name just a few.  See if you can spot the 36-image stitched panoramic!

In summary, James’s depth of knowledge about this amazing country is nothing short of exceptional.  Other than the real-time weather forecast, a credit card and your camera kit (and 15 layers of clothing), the books include just about every morsel of information you might need to plan a trip of a lifetime to the adventure and photography playground that is Iceland.

And talking of credit cards, Iceland remains one of the most expensive locations to visit – so pay particular attention to James’ tips for affordable travel and not breaking the bank in the name of travel.

 

 

Both books are also beautiful in their own right - packed from cover to cover with inspirational images – making lovely gifts, such is the overall quality of the photography within.   Coffee tables of the nation, clear some space!

If you didn’t want to book a flight already, you will once you’ve started looking at these guidebooks.

Whether it’s your first trip to photograph Iceland, or your 50th, we can guarantee there’s something new and exciting here for everyone.

James Rushforth's Iceland Guidebooks are available to buy now