Iconic locations earn their reputation for a reason. They offer exquisite views, commanding viewpoints that draw the eye toward breathtaking scenes and, quite often, provide easy access for everyone. So, when you see a photograph of an extraordinary place, it is only natural to want to stand in that very spot and create your own version of the image.
There is a catch, though. Your photograph will most likely resemble those taken by countless photographers before you — and those who will follow. Eventually, we arrive at an image that looks almost identical to someone else’s. What is wrong with that, you may ask? Absolutely nothing. Most people do it, and they are delighted with the result.
Still, wouldn’t it be rather nice to have a few photographs that are unmistakably yours? Images that carry your own style and quiet trademark? Photographs you are proud to say you worked hard to capture, knowing that no one else has taken them in quite the same way? I believe that would be rather lovely, don’t you?
New destinations
During a trip to Iceland, I carefully planned an itinerary of places I wished to visit. Many were indeed iconic: Skogafoss, Jokulsarlon, Stokksnes, to name just a few. Yet, I also made a point of including a handful of destinations far from the main road; or far off the beaten track, as some would say. One of these was Langisjor Lake.
Reaching it is no small undertaking. The lake can only be accessed with a capable 4×4 vehicle, and the journey involves driving across lava fields, crossing rivers, and carefully navigating volcanic terrain. It is part adventure, part pilgrimage.
Along the way, there were countless opportunities to stop. Each pause revealed Iceland in its raw and untamed state; streams flowing straight from beneath the earth, geothermal springs quietly steaming in the distance, and tiny plants clinging to life in a harsh yet beautiful landscape.
Langisjor was our final destination, marking the end of the track. I had never visited before, though I had seen a few snapshots taken by hikers. I had a rough idea of what awaited me, and I must admit, I liked what I had seen.
I had also done my research. I knew there was a small hill at the far end of the lake — an easy climb with the promise of a commanding view. Upon arrival, I made my way to the top. I am not easily impressed, but the sight that unfolded before me quite literally took my breath away. The day was clear, and my gaze travelled from one end of the lake to the other. In the distance, almost at the heart of the country, I could see one of Iceland’s great glaciers.
Naturally, I began with the wide-angle compositions — the images that capture the entire sweep of this, perhaps, ‘future iconic’ location. I am certain that, in time, it will earn that status. But once those essential frames were secured, it was time to mount the longer lens on the camera and look beyond the obvious.
It was time to search for the images that lie beyond the iconic; the quieter details, the layered abstractions, the scenes that people who are familiar with my work gently call ‘Dimitri’s style’.
There were many possibilities, and as you can imagine, I spent quite some time exploring them through the viewfinder.
The sweeping vista — the future iconic view — is the one you see below. Yet for me, the more meaningful image is the one accompanying this post. It may not be the grand overview, but it is personal. It is mine.
Locations become iconic for a reason. But if we take the time to look a little closer — to notice the smaller fragments within the grand scene — we may discover opportunities to leave our own subtle mark. And that, to me, is where the true reward lies.
