My Favorite Scene In Iceland (2 Versions)

[Mike Lewis]

So in keeping with the Lupine theme of my previous post, I would say this view of Staðarfjall in the northern area of Iceland produced my favorite results from the trip. I am conflicted over which view I like the most, but decided to post both on my website. Once again, this was not a specific destination, just something we found along the road driving along Route 85. This part of the trip was blessed with the most consistently decent weather, and allowed some 7 p.m. sun to light up the peak while the foreground was in more shadow. If you have a favorite of the 2 let me know, and as always, thanks for looking and for any comments.

ML

 

[Michael13]

I prefer the second image, the tighter crop cuts out those distracting poles in the lower left.

I want to run right up to those flowers and use them with a wide-angle lens to anchor that mountain scene behind them!

 

[AlanLichty]

I am leaning towards the second image as well with the better view of the cloud kissed peaks and the clean view of the lupines. I find my eyes wandering a bit in the first image while the second composition rivets my attention on the peaks with the nice flowers below.

 

[Mike Lewis]

I prefer the second image, the tighter crop cuts out those distracting poles in the lower left.

I want to run right up to those flowers and use them with a wide-angle lens to anchor that mountain scene behind them!

Thanks for the feedback. Yes I did get lower in the close up shot to purposefully put some of the fencing behind the flowers. It was not at all clear if being as close to the flowers as you mention would have been on someone's property, so I did not want to take that chance.

ML

 

[MonikaC]

I also prefer #2. You could even crop a little more off the bottom. I agree with Michael that being closer to the lupines would have made them a stronger foreground. Failing that, a longer lens for a vertical pano may have done the job.

 

[Mike Lewis]

I am leaning towards the second image as well with the better view of the cloud kissed peaks and the clean view of the lupines. I find my eyes wandering a bit in the first image while the second composition rivets my attention on the peaks with the nice flowers below.

Thank you Alan!

 

[Mike Lewis]

I also prefer #2. You could even crop a little more off the bottom. I agree with Michael that being closer to the lupines would have made them a stronger foreground. Failing that, a longer lens for a vertical pano may have done the job.

Monika,

Always appreciate your considered and articulate feedback. Thanks for checking in.

ML

 

[JimFox]

That's a super cool scene Mike, no wonder you stopped!

I also had picked #2 before I had read everyone's comments. But #1 also is really cool, and I think these can compliment each other.

Did you rent a car for the trip? Or was this part of a tour?

 

[Peter Michal]

The second picture is beautiful.

 

[Mike Lewis]

The second picture is beautiful.

Peter,

Thanks so much for the feedback. I often find that I am not a good judge of what is going to bvecome a favorite image and what is not when I am out shooting. But then, every once in a while, you see a scene, capture it, and then look at it on the back of the camera and immediately go 'oh wow, that is something I really like!' - this was one of those times

ML

 

[Kyle Jones]

Another vote for #2. I love the light on the mountain and that is really emphasized. For me the flowers are a bonus.

 

[John Holbrook]

Both images are well captured—and I prefer the second ”cropped” version for the larger mountain emphasis. Very nice.

 

[Mike Lewis]

Thanks everyone! @JimFox - yes, we rented a car for the trip. It was a 4x4 SUV so technically allowed on the F roads, although I personally would not have felt comfortable fording water with it (my stock Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk is more capable for sure, and a Wrangler-style Jeep would be even better). It was a Skoda - A Czech product, and pretty quirky, but capable and did get great gas mileage being a hybrid.