Iceland’s winds are as much a part of the landscape as glaciers and waterfalls. For photographers, they can be both a challenge and a creative ally—turning still scenes into dynamic stories, but also threatening sharpness, stability, and even your gear. If you’re planning a photo-focused trip in West Iceland, understanding how to work with the wind (not against it) will transform your images and your experience.
Staying with Ourhotels.is properties like Hvítá Inn in Borgarfjörður, Stykkishólmur Inn on the Snæfellsnes Peninsula, and Ísafjörður Inn in the Westfjords puts you right in the middle of some of the country’s most dramatic, wind-sculpted scenery—while giving you a warm, calm base to recharge and plan your next shoot.
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Icelandic wind: what photographers need to know
Iceland’s wind isn’t just “a bit breezy.” Gusts can come out of nowhere, change direction quickly, and feel much stronger than the forecast suggests—especially near fjords, mountain passes, and the open coast. For photographers, that means:
– Tripods can shake or topple
– Long exposures are harder to keep sharp
– Blowing spray, sand, or snow can hit your lens
– You’ll tire faster, and so will your batteries
The key is to anticipate the wind and build it into your shooting plan.
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Gear choices that survive the wind
1. Tripod and support
– Use a sturdy tripod with a hook under the center column so you can hang your camera bag for extra weight.
– Keep the tripod low to the ground to reduce vibration.
– When it’s really gusty, consider shooting handheld with image stabilization and higher ISO instead of fighting a shaky tripod.
2. Lenses and filters
– A mid-range zoom (24–70mm or similar) is ideal in strong wind; you’ll change lenses less often and reduce sensor dust.
– Use a lens hood to cut flare and protect from side-blown drizzle.
– In sandy or salty conditions, think twice before using delicate filters; a scratched ND is a painful souvenir.
3. Protection for your camera
– A simple rain cover or even a plastic bag with a rubber band can save your camera from wind-driven rain.
– Keep a microfiber cloth in an easy-to-reach pocket to wipe spray and mist quickly.
– Store gear in your bag between shots when the wind is really howling.
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Shooting techniques in windy conditions
1. Stabilizing your shot
– Use your body as a windbreak: stand between the wind and your camera, elbows tucked in, one hand on the lens.
– If using a tripod, press gently down on the top to dampen vibrations during the exposure.
– Use a remote or 2-second timer to avoid shake from pressing the shutter.
2. Camera settings
– For landscapes, don’t be afraid to raise ISO to 400–1600 to get a faster shutter speed; a slightly grainy sharp image is better than a silky but blurry one.
– For long exposures of waves or clouds, take multiple frames—some will be sharper than others as gusts vary.
– Use continuous shooting mode when the wind is really inconsistent; you’ll often find one frame in a burst that’s noticeably sharper.
3. Composing with the wind
Instead of treating wind as a problem, use it as a subject:
– Capture grass, moss, or lupines bending in the same direction to show the force of the weather.
– Use blowing clouds to add drama to mountain scenes.
– Include people with wind-whipped hair or jackets to give scale and emotion to the landscape.
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Using Ourhotels.is locations as wind-smart bases
One of the best strategies for dealing with Icelandic wind is flexibility: being able to change plans quickly, shoot when conditions are right, and retreat when they’re not. Staying with Ourhotels.is in West Iceland gives you that flexibility, with comfortable inns placed in prime photographic areas.
**Hvítá Inn – Borgarfjörður (near Borgarnes)**
Borgarfjörður is a dream for photographers who love rivers, waterfalls, and wide valleys. The wind here often funnels along the river plains, creating fast-moving clouds and dramatic light.
From Hvítá Inn, you’re within easy reach of:
– Hraunfossar and Barnafoss, where wind can whip spray across the lava fields—perfect for moody, long-exposure shots if you protect your lens.
– The Borgarfjörður valley, where low, fast clouds racing over farms and mountains make for powerful black-and-white images.
Because Hvítá Inn is close by, you can:
– Head out at sunrise or sunset when winds are often calmer.
– Return quickly if gusts become too strong, then wait for a break in the weather with a hot drink and check the forecast before heading out again.
**Stykkishólmur Inn – Snæfellsnes Peninsula**
The Snæfellsnes Peninsula is known as “Iceland in Miniature,” and it’s also known for its coastal winds. Around Stykkishólmur, you’ll find harbors, islands, and open sea—ideal for capturing the raw energy of the North Atlantic.
Staying at Stykkishólmur Inn lets you:
– Photograph the harbor with boats rocking in the wind, flags snapping, and clouds racing overhead.
– Explore nearby viewpoints where the wind shapes the mood of every frame—one moment calm and pastel, the next wild and stormy.
When the wind is too strong on one side of the peninsula, you can often drive to a more sheltered spot on the other side. Having Stykkishólmur Inn as your base makes it easy to adapt your route and chase the best conditions.
**Ísafjörður Inn – Westfjords**
The Westfjords are some of the most dramatic landscapes in Iceland, and the wind here can be intense, especially along fjords and high passes. For photographers, that means big rewards if you’re prepared.
From Ísafjörður Inn, you can:
– Shoot towering fjord walls with low clouds tearing past their peaks.
– Capture waves crashing against the shoreline, with spray blowing sideways in strong gusts.
Because Ísafjörður Inn is right in town, you can:
– Check conditions quickly—if the wind is too strong at one fjord, try another direction.
– Use the inn as a safe place to dry off gear, recharge batteries, and plan the next window of good light and manageable wind.
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Practical safety and comfort tips
– Dress in windproof layers: a good shell jacket and pants make long sessions behind the camera much more comfortable.
– Use gloves that let you operate camera controls; windchill can make fingers numb fast.
– Always secure your tripod and never leave it unattended in gusty conditions.
– Keep an eye on official weather warnings; if winds are extreme, focus on sheltered locations or indoor scenes until it’s safe.
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Turning wind into part of your story
Some of your most memorable Iceland photos will come from days when the wind refused to cooperate—because that’s when the landscape feels most alive. By choosing wind-smart techniques, protecting your gear, and basing yourself at well-located stays like Hvítá Inn, Stykkishólmur Inn, and Ísafjörður Inn with Ourhotels.is, you can embrace the elements instead of fighting them.
In West Iceland, the wind isn’t just background noise. It’s a character in every frame—and with a bit of preparation, it can become one of your most powerful creative tools.
