Natural ice caves under the Vatnajokull glacier are a popular subject for photographers in winter. The caves are visited in winter, roughly November to March. The ice can glow deep blue where it is dense and clear.
Shooting inside a blue ice cave
The blue is strongest on bright days, when more light passes through the ice. Including a person in the frame shows the scale of the cave. The Vatnajokull ice caves are under the Vatnajokull glacier.
Gear and settings
A tripod helps, because the light inside a cave is low. A wide-angle lens captures the shape of the cave, and a cloth helps keep spray off the lens. Spare batteries help, as the cold drains them faster.
Booking a photo tour and ice cave tours
Caves are entered only on guided tours with a helmet and crampons, and warm, waterproof clothing is needed. The caves change from year to year. You can compare ice cave tours to see the current options.
Bring the right layers
Use the Iceland Packing List to organise clothing and essentials before setting out for Ice Cave Photography: Tips for Iceland.
