Infrared Iceland

Iceland features one of the richest and most diverse landscapes in the world. In a single day’s hike, one can see volcanoes, hot springs, waterfalls, and glaciers. It’s possible to touch two continents there. 

Because of that geologic diversity the country has been well documented by photographers the world around. It’s a hotbed for aspiring travel/adventure photographers. So much so that the countless landscape photos tend to blur together, all feeling somewhat borrowed. United Kingdom-based photographer Andy Lee aims to change that. 

Using a unique method that picks up infrared light and filters out visible light, he presents the Icelandic landscape in a way rarely seen. And he does this with just a digital SLR camera. By blocking visible wavelengths and accentuating those invisible to the naked eye, Lee makes an already-surreal landscape all the more surreal. 

Even though Iceland’s dark winters are offset by long summer days, it’s often perceived as the land of little light. So in that respect Lee’s dark mood lighting seems apropos the Icelandic countryside.  

While his infrared Iceland series may not exactly inspire the typical feelings of most Icelandic landscapes, Lee’s work does nonetheless capture the breathtaking beauty of the island country in a way that’s truly never before been seen by the naked eye. 

Images ©: Andy Lee