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11 October 2017
The Association’s top photographers find paradise in Iceland’s rugged landscapes
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With its gigantic glaciers, magnificent mountains, ice fields, waterfalls and geysers, Iceland is a photographer’s dream.
Iceland's landscape is like no other. It is stark and unforgiving but eerily beautiful, a crazy clash of angular lava fields and glistening glaciers. With crashing waves, spouting geysers and bubbling, living volcanoes, it’s no wonder the ancients wrote all kinds of folk sagas about the place – or that half of Game of Thrones is filmed here.
Because of all that it’s hard to take a bad photo here, even if you’re just equipped with a smartphone and an Instagram filter. But for those with the ability, technical know-how and passion, special images can be captured. Which is why Blesma ran a 10-day trip here in September, giving committed members of the burgeoning photography group the chance to take their skills to the next level.
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The trip was the brainchild of Sue Wright, who led the group of six Members alongside Activities Manager, Jess March.
“I’ve been to Iceland twice, one time circumnavigating it in a camper van, and thought that with some good planing it would be achievable for Members,” says Sue. “I’m an above-knee amputee, and I found most places there surprisingly accessible, so I ran the idea by Jess, and then put a proposal together.
“Seeing the Members set up with their camera gear looking so tiny in front of the huge glaciers was just awesome,” says Sue. “Some of these people have received the George Cross, and everyone has incredible stories of bravery to tell. It really moved me and I am so proud to have been given the chance to organise this trip.”
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“I was so in awe of the environment that I forgot to press the button on the camera half the time But it really built up my confidence. It was a great group.
Photography is all about getting lost in the moment and taking in your surroundings, but it’s also nice to notice that happening to other people."
- Terri Hunt.
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“The first sight of the large glacier moving down the mountain was mind-blowing. That day, we drove a long way, stopping off where we liked, and I thought the self-driving element of the trip was great. This was a beautiful spot. The glaciers caught my imagination: they are spectacular. Being on them and knowing there’s 500 metres of ice beneath you is quite something. The photography was great and I learned so much – we had some very deep conversations about f-stops and filters!”
- Andy Mudd
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Blesma Activities
“Whether we were approaching glaciers, taking long drives or packing gear into the cars, this was all about Members helping Members,” says Sue. “It was Blesma at its best. Everyone looked out for each other, whether it was physically or with tips and tricks with photography."
And the Icelandic people were so lovely. They are very welcoming and hospitable – and the culture and food is something special, although you need to like fish to experience the best of their cuisine.
Sue’s personal highlight was being able to photograph the Northern Lights. “Kevin Bryant was very keen to see the auroras,” she says. “He lives in the Shetlands and often takes night pictures, and that’s something he wanted to share with the group. Seeing everyone excited as they got ready to go out at midnight was a special moment, an adventure, and the lights were just magical.”
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For those interested in giving it a go one day, Sue has an encouraging message.
“If you haven’t picked up a camera before maybe simply start out taking pictures in your back garden.” she says. “It’s a lovely way to forget about your injuries, and just lose yourself in something creative. Taking photographs and sharing them with the Blesma photography community opens up a whole new world.”
To get involved with Blesma’s photography programme call Jess March on 020 8548 3519, email her at activities@blesma.org or visit www.blesmaphotography.org -