How to take outstanding
photos in an ice cave
in Iceland
Ice caves are one of the most incredible natural phenomena that both professional landscape photographers and casual photographers can enjoy shooting. With just a few simple adjustments you can dramatically increase the quality of your images and create something truly unique.
Ice cave photography is slightly different to daytime landscape photography. Ice caves are often dark inside, but they also often have light sources such as the openings that can produce a huge range of light which can be difficult to manage. As with all photography, composition is one of the most important things. Luckily, the Glacier and Volcano Expeditions guides are also professional photographers (who have shot all of the images on this website) and can help with setting up good camera angles. There are also some things to consider before you come on the ice cave tour.
For inspiration, please visit the Vatnajökull Photography Gallery
Photography equipment for ice caves
Tripod - when shooting with any type of camera it is best to stabilise it so that you can utilise longer shutter speeds.
Protective lens (UV) filter - as the ice caves are usually full of fine glacial dirt deposits and volcanic ash, it is probable that your lens will get dirty. This dirt will scratch the lens when you wipe it off so it is best to have protection for your lens glass.
Microfibre cloth - ice caves are wet and dirty. You don't want to be caught out with water and dirt all over your lens without a way to clean it off.
Wide lens - in order to capture as much detail in the ice as possible bring a wide lens.
Head lamp - head lamps are a great help for setting up your gear in the cave, changing camera settings and they can also help to create cool light effects inside the cave.
Spare battery - some batteries die quite fast in the cold; don't get caught out with a flat battery!
Spare memory card - for just in case your card fills up faster than you anticipated.
The best camera settings for ice cave photography
There are many things to consider with ice cave photography as you may need to combine several different photography disciplines into one for this unique setting. In winter time, ice cave photography usually resembles a mixture of night photography with landscape photography. Luckily, we are here to help! Glacier and Volcano Expeditions have been photographing ice caves for many years now and we are always more than happy to give friendly advice, provide ice cave photography workshops and even model for your shots!