Photographing the Sun Voyager in Reykjavik at Blue Hour. This abstract metal art is becoming the iconic shot in Reykjavik.
I had returned to Iceland! After my first visit in 2019, I knew I had to return to really experience more of the culture and dedicate my time to capturing great photographs.
The Sun Voyager sculpture in Reykjavik resembles a Viking long-ship and was created by Jon Gunnar Arnason. This iconic metal sculpture is a must see for anyone visiting Iceland. Except I somehow missed it that last visit. I was determined to capture this ‘dream ship’ and photograph its stunning beauty.
Located on the windswept waterfront, and with Iceland’s notoriously bad (rainy) weather, this was a challenge I was willing to take on.
Walking along the waterfront after dinner, chatting with friends (fellow photographers), my senses honed in on the smell of the salt water, the crisp clean air that we were lucky enough to have, and a sense of adventure.
Me being me, I decided to find a unique angle to capture this beloved landmark. With other photographers settling in at the base of the sculpture, I continued a few hundred feet past, thinking I’d get a different perspective. Feeling confident and smug, I set up my camera and tripod on one of the large rocks lining the waterfront. I sat and waited as the sun dipped below the horizon and the other photographers hovered around the sculpture, blocking my shot.
As I waited for everyone to clear out, I noticed a problem - the coastline curved in the distance, putting city lights directly behind the sculpture. It was hard to distinguish the sculpture from the busy background. (This view is captured in my video.)
Disappointed, realizing that the best shot was, indeed, at the base of the sculpture, I packed up my gear and moved back to the area. Most everyone had left by then so I had the spot to myself. The lighting was perfect and I was able to get the shot with ease. I love the colors and the feeling this print evokes. Memories of a wonderful trip to a magical land.
