Four weeks have passed since we returned from Iceland. Many of you have been asking for photos. To be honest, I’m still processing the experience, both internally and many of the photos themselves.
The two weeks we spent making our way around Iceland’s ring road feels like a sustained breathless moment. I can’t remember ever spending such an extended period time in pure awe. It was a family trip with tight deadlines, not a “photography trip.” This meant I was rarely able to choose the time of day for the best lighting or just stay at one location as long as I would have liked.
AND it was still good enough. So much more than good enough.
If you’ve been following my work for a while, you’ll know that landscape photography is outside of my comfort zone. Iceland offered me the opportunity to expand my practice from the focused attention of macrophotography to the open awareness required for the expansiveness of this country’s natural wonders.
Dacher Keltner, Founder of Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center researches the power awe. He describes it as a self-transcendent state, “The feeling when you encounter vast mysteries. You don’t understand things, and they are big.”
Here’s a sample of awe inspiring moments, which I’ll leave untitled intentionally. I invite you to feel the images rather than think about them (this is a mindfulness exercise, not a travel blog).
And….exhale fully.
Dave Kanigan says
Wow. So beautiful Martha!
Martha Brettschneider says
You are so kind, Dave. Thank you!
Lilian D Sy says
Awesome, indeed! Thank you for sharing. They are breathtaking, glad you reminded me to exhale at the end. What a beautiful experience for you and your family.
Martha Brettschneider says
I had to remind myself to exhale time and time again on that trip, Lilian. Glad I could share the awe with you!
Debbie Kovach says
Wow, wow, and wow, Martha! Thank you so much for sharing the raw beauty and vast expanse of Iceland…the sky, the land, and animals. What a “being on a cloud” experience..you take me there! And, the sounds, tastes, and smells must have been memorable too.
My experience with travel was a not wanting to let go of the enriched sensory memories, and, feeling like a joyful person. So, mindfully, we can tap into these memories, to forever keep them alive!? And, it reminds me of the key of being in the moment, mindfully, and appreciating the gifts we receive.
I’d say, whether it’s a flower bud or Mountain View, you are a supreme artist, Martha!
Debbie
Martha Brettschneider says
Thank you, Debbie, for your kind words and beautiful reflections. I’m so glad you were able to feel into the journey as well!
Karen A Rexrode says
Wow, so wow!!! You must have been giddy! Thanks for sharing
Martha Brettschneider says
Karen! Yes, giddy! AND totally overwhelmed at times, knowing I could never capture it fully.
Martha Hendricks says
Martha, every one of these images brought a gasp of wonder and “ahhhh’s!” and “ohhhhhh’s”! So I still wonder why the last black and white one of the waterfall with her sculptured stone “wings” just stunned me breathless. I am absolutely captivated by its unexpected delicacy. All of the waterfall pictures especially delighted me, really. And yet, every image had its own surprise, wonder, breathlessness. You really must submit these – one or all – to a major photography contest. Everything that needs to be there is there in spades. Being a “rock” and “water” person (my Norwegian roots, perhaps!), I am simply filled with the spirit of this land as I see it from your perspective. Thank you for the wonder of you!
Martha Brettschneider says
“Stunned me breathless.” Yes, Martha, you summed up my experience in Iceland perfectly (as always). My heart is full reading your reflections. We had hoped to spend half of this trip in Norway, but the covid restrictions didn’t allow it. I’m so glad we were “forced” to stay the full two weeks in Iceland! Norway is still on the bucket list. Hugs to you, dear friend.
Steve says
Absolutely Beautiful!
Martha Brettschneider says
I’m happy they brought you joy, Steve!
Jackie Nasca says
Magnificent !!!!
Martha Brettschneider says
Many thanks, Jackie!
Regine says
Thank you for sharing these spectacular photos. What a wonderful surprise! (But then I have been waiting patiently for more after you sent the first trip photo with the seal.) They can be sunk into and be contemplated over and over. And, you caught just the right moments, not a easy feat, when the weather can change by the minute.
Martha Brettschneider says
So grateful for your appreciation, Regina. Yes, weather, light, and other humans are ever-changing variables. Sound familiar? It never ceases to amaze me how useful my mindfulness practice is in photography. Stillness, perspective taking, curiosity, resilience, and acceptance. These are the nuts and bolts of adapting to those changing conditions in nature photography and life.
Kathy Barnard says
Awesome. Glad you shared the pictures. Thanks I’ve never been and hear it’s a natures wonderland. Would like to hear some stories behind some of those pictures :).
Martha Brettschneider says
Awe-some for sure, Kathy! If you have questions about specific images, shoot me a note.
Christina says
Just stunning Martha. It looks so rugged and serene at the same time.
Martha Brettschneider says
Thanks so much, Christina. Makes my heart sing that the images connected with you! Yes, rugged and serene. Iceland is also called the Island of Fire and Ice because of its glaciers and live volcanoes. Truly amazing!
Colleen Millett says
Amazing, amazing, amazing. Words really do no justice to these shots. So happy for you that you had the experience with your family.
xo