Gígjagjá (The Yoda Cave)
Gígjagjá is a massive lava cave carved into the southern face of Hjörleifshöfði, a dramatic volcanic headland rising from Iceland's black sand plains near Vík. The cave stands an estimated 20 to 30 meters high, and its real draw for photographers is the silhouetted entrance, which, when shot from inside looking out, frames a shape that unmistakably resembles the face of Yoda. Position yourself deep inside the cave and shoot toward the opening to capture that iconic silhouette against the bright exterior light; a wide angle lens in the 16 to 24mm range works well to capture the full scale of the arch. Overcast days are ideal since they reduce the harsh contrast between the dark interior and the sky outside, though a slightly brighter sky helps define the Yoda profile. Bring sturdy footwear as the cave floor is uneven rocky terrain, and allow time to reach it on foot from the base of the headland. (Hjörleifshöfði, Iceland)
