The easternmost end of our Iceland drive was Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon and the bordering Diamond Beach. Overcast skies meant once again that color wouldn't be front and center in the scene. But Iceland proved once again that color can be overrated.
The glacial ice chunks washed up on the beach are stunning -- simultaneously sharp and smooth, dark and shining.
When the beach is black, the waves white-capped, and the subjects transparent, color really isn't needed.
The variety in the size and shape of the little natural sculptures is fascinating.
We did take a Zodiac excursion in the lagoon, but no way was I going to bring my cameras on a little rubber boat traveling at 40 knots in freezing water. So I shot it only from ashore.
Our afternoon visit was wonderful, but I decided to head back out the following morning in hope of a break in the clouds and a colorful sunrise. That didn't happen, so I was stuck with what the ice itself could give me. Fortunately, that was once again incredible and sometimes mesmerizing beauty.
It wasn't just overcast. Both days it was also windy, cold, and raining. So it was a game of keeping my camera tucked in my jacket and out of the elements until I saw something I wanted to shoot.
Other people brought a clever piece of protective gear to keep their cameras dry --
an umbrella. Duh.
It's said that a nature photographers can spend hours here, and it's absolutely true. But we had other destinations to get to, so after 30 minutes and a sigh, it was back in the car, back to the hotel, and back on the road. But not before capturing some brilliant icy jewels!
