Franz Josef Glacier

Franz Josef Glacier is a dramatic river of ancient ice descending from the Southern Alps through a lush rainforest valley, creating a striking contrast between blue-white ice and dense green bush that is unlike almost anywhere else on earth. The glacier face and surrounding valley walls give you strong leading lines and a sense of massive scale, so try to include foreground elements like the rocky moraine or the braided glacial river to anchor your compositions. A wide angle lens works well for capturing the full sweep of the valley, while a telephoto lets you isolate the crevasses and seracs on the glacier face. Overcast days are actually ideal here, as the soft diffused light reduces harsh reflections on the ice and brings out the deep blues within the glacier. The viewing area is accessible on foot via a well-maintained trail, but check conditions with the park visitor centre before heading out as the glacier and access points shift regularly. (Franz Josef, West Coast, New Zealand)