Maroon Bells Winter Photography: A Trip in Solitude
Maroon Bells winter photography can be quite an exhilarating experience. This Colorado gem is a popular landscape photography destination, especially during the fall. For this
Faroe Islands nature and landscape photography is one of a kind experience. It is as much joy exploring these magical islands, as it is capturing them with a camera. Their remoteness and quiet splendor captivate the visitor immediately. The natural beauty and charm of the Faroes stay with the traveler long after he/she has left.
The Faroe Islands are a landscape and nature photography paradise. One does not have to travel far, after landing, to discover the majestic views of mountains, valleys, ocean, fjords, and waterfalls. Fog, clouds, and mist create dramatic light and dreamy environments, perfect for photography. Enchantment and nature allure behind every corner. Dramatic mountains, hillsides, and plunging cliffs, straight down to the vibrantly-blue ocean water, present a terrain with unforgettable scenery.
Although the Faroes are many in number, the distances are short. This allows the landscape photographer to explore lots of opportunities in small areas and without long-distance travel. In addition, the summer days are really long, which allows for ample time for travel, hiking, exploration, and photography.
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The Faroe Islands are an archipelago in the North Atlantic Ocean. They are roughly located in the middle of the Scotland, Iceland, Norway triangle. Approximately 320 km (200 mi) from Scotland, 430 km (270 mi) from Iceland, and 580 km (360 mi) from Norway.
Føroyar means “Faroese” (or “Faroe Islands”) and comes from old Norse which means “Sheep Islands”. This name was given by Viking settlers who arrived from Norway back in the 9th century.
The climate in the Faroes is cool and wet, with regular wind and overcast skies. However, winters are fairly mild given how far north they are located. Temperatures throughout the year range between 5°C (41°F) in winter and 12°C (54°F) in summer. The main reason for the mild winters is the gulf stream.
The islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark, along with Greenland. However, they are a self-governing country with the exception of a few areas such as: foreign affairs, justice, currency, etc.
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One of the very first pictures I saw of the Faroe Islands was a landscape photograph of a waterfall dropping directly into the ocean. It flowed out of a lush green valley upon which a tiny peaceful village had been situated almost to the edge of the tall steep cliffs. In the background, mountain peaks rose higher, completing this unbelievable landscape.
I was mesmerized by the unusual combination of natural elements and their stunning beauty. It was definitely the first and only time I had seen a waterfall flowing into the ocean. What a marvel! What dream-like natural beauty!
The Faroes get a lot of moisture and that, combined with steep mountain sides, creates the opportunity for waterfalls. They are virtually everywhere. They range in size and form. Some have high drops and others just trickle down on the side of a mountain. The tallest waterfall in the Faroe Islands is Fossá. It has a couple of cascades and a height of 140 meters, before its stream flows into the ocean. Its width varies with weather. Heavy rain can drastically increase the waterfall’s width and flow.
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One of the beautiful characteristics of the Faroe Islands are the grass roof houses, which add charm to the landscape and enhance the photography. These enchanting buildings look like structures from fairytales. They allure with the kind of charm that is reminiscent of fantasy stories which fascinate both children and adults. The green roofs blend perfectly with the abundant greenery and greatly enhance the character of the Faroese landscape.
Although a minority, the green roof cottages are sprinkled throughout the islands and can be seen in most settlements. Sometimes these magical roofs are used on newer homes and other times are observed on older buildings. It is apparent that they were more prevalent in the past, since most ancient structures and landmarks have a grass roof. One example is an old church, which was built in the 1850s. In addition, I drove by many uninhabited green roof homes with stone walls, which looked like they had been there forever.
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On this photography trip in the Faroe Islands one of my favorite things was to walk through the charming villages, nestled in beautiful landscapes. I purposefully took the time to slowly stroll through the tiny streets and be fully present. Again, the atmosphere was that of a fairy tale simply because of the magnificent nature and the remoteness of the location. Most often they would sit on the intersection of a lush valley and an ocean fjord, surrounded by mountains.
The presence of civilization was very minimal. The peace and quiet were so prevailing that the business of a city lifestyle seemed non-existent. No busy streets, traffic, automobile horns, or dirty air. The sounds I heard were those of ocean waves, children at play, and the crowing of a rooster.
While landscape photography in the Faroe Islands was the primary purpose, I am glad that I slowed down many times just to wander around and experience the beautiful nature and surroundings. By doing so I was not only more present, but also discovered photography opportunities that I would otherwise not have.
Gintchin Fine Art | Limited Edition Print
Gintchin Fine Art | Limited Edition Print
The climate in the Faroe Islands is such that fog can engulf an entire area within minutes. I experienced this on two separate occasions. The first time was on my very second day. I started the day early in the morning, looking down a beautiful fjord, surrounded by mountains. The view was clear and unobstructed. However, not long after mist and fog started to form above the water surface. It started to blanket one of the islands, which had a steep mountain, and I decided to photograph this changing landscape. Only half an hour later the entire fjord, island, and nearby terrain was completely covered with a dense fog. The only land visible was the very tip of the island mountain.
On the second occasion I went into a grocery store and spent no more than 30 minutes inside. When I went in there were some high clouds and sunshine. Once I finished shopping I was surprised to walk outside and see the entire town covered with dense fog. A local man explained to me that this was a common occurrence in the Faroe Islands and I thought that my landscape photography plans were ruined for that evening. Nevertheless, I went out in the country and took a walk on a dirt road. Soon after that I saw a small clearing in the sky. It kept growing bigger and bigger and in another 30 minutes the fog completely lifted. I was then treated with a gorgeous and dramatic sunset.
Gintchin Fine Art | Limited Edition Print
Gintchin Fine Art | Limited Edition Print
A major appeal for the beautiful nature and photography opportunities in the Faroe Islands for me were the luxuriant fields and lush landscapes. Trees do not grow naturally on this archipelago. The majority of nature consists of rolling green meadows, valleys, fjords, and steep mountains. The green color is very abundant during the summer months, which makes the place that much more magical. On top of the green, wildflowers further decorate the valleys and the fields, enhancing the view that much more.
Gintchin Fine Art | Limited Edition Print
Gintchin Fine Art | Limited Edition Print
The mountains in the Faroe Islands are not the type that I am used to when photographing nature and landscapes. Where I grew up and where I currently live the mountains are of an alpine nature with evergreen forests below and jagged rocky peaks above. The mountains in the Faroes are unique. They start right at the ocean shore, rise up at very steep angles (some even vertical), and there are no trees. In some cases these stunning peaks appear to shoot up straight out of the water.
The other peculiar part is how most of them are lush green all the way to the top. On one hand these green carpets create a calming and an inviting feeling. On the other hand the vertical cliff walls command respect and awe in the viewer.
The highest peak in the Faroe Islands is Slættaratindur, which means “Flat Peak”. It rises to 880 meters / 2887 feet above sea level. Slættaratindur is also one of the ten island peaks which are higher than 800 meters.
Gintchin Fine Art | Limited Edition Print
The Faroe Islands present marvelous photography opportunities because of their otherworldly looking landscapes. Specific weather patterns, climate, geography, and terrain have shaped a unique character in this remote archipelago which is unlike others. The forms of the mountains, the lush colors, and the abundant valleys, in direct contact with the ocean water, fjords, and bays create breathtaking views. It is a fairytale land reminiscent of Middle Earth.
One of my favorite photographs from the Faroe Islands is Timeless. I have never seen such an island before, or after. A vertical mountain wall on one side and a steep green face on the other. The island and the mountains change shapes as the viewer shifts angles. However, the particular angle of this shot is special to me. The island looks almost as the petrified dorsal fin of a giant shark, frozen in time. It has been there for so long, that over time moss grew over it. It stands immovable year after year, resisting wind, weather, and ocean. This is where I run out of words to describe the view, because words don’t do justice in this case.
Gintchin Fine Art | Limited Edition Print
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Gintchin Fine Art offers exclusive limited edition fine art photography by Lazar Gintchin, a nature and landscape photographer specializing in large format size prints. Each image in Gintchin’s portfolio is a unique and limited edition print. The gallery includes high-quality wall art prints in acrylic and metal mediums, providing a luxurious fine art presentation. With a diverse range of genres to choose from, art enthusiasts can curate a collection that reflects their aesthetic preferences.