Markarfljótsgljúfur Canyon
Carved by glacial floods and volcanic forces, this dramatic canyon cuts deep into the Icelandic highlands with sheer, layered walls dropping down to the Markarfljót river far below. The canyon rim offers the most striking compositions, where you can shoot straight down into the gorge or use the curving clifftops as natural leading lines that draw the eye through the frame. A wide angle lens works well to capture the full scale of the walls, while a telephoto lets you compress the distant volcanic ridges and pick out texture in the layered rock. Overcast days actually suit this location well, reducing harsh shadows in the deep gorge and saturating the earthy reds, greens, and blacks of the geology. Access is either via the F261 mountain road, which requires a 4WD vehicle, or on foot along the Laugavegur trail from Þórsmörk, so plan your route carefully before heading out. (Southern Region, Iceland)
