Rán Bjargar - Key to Iceland Photographer

Grew up in a dark room

“I have been around photography since I was a baby, sometimes I jokingly claim to have been raised in a dark room. My father had a passion for film photography for a while, and I got to participate in the whole process with him. You could say that’s when it started moulding my core, but in 2012, it became more formal. That’s when I began photographing for others and started a business, which I have been working on ever since. But the camera has really always been a part of me.”

Rán has had many role models in photography through the years, but the one who comes to mind is Edward Curtis, an American photographer, who lived with and photographed Native Americans in North America.

“He documented and preserved the lives of different tribes, which were slowly disappearing, through both photos and sound recordings. I studied him at Tækniskólinn when I studied photography there. His pictures are amazing and somehow spoke to me. Since then, I have acquired some of his works and books. He was a unique artist."

Nature fills you with energy

Rán is known for her unique and little dramatic style when capturing the Icelandic landscape, but what draws her to Icelandic nature?

“Capturing Icelandic nature is like getting a shot of vitamins for me. If I don’t get my regular dose, I can become a bit unbearable. I notice it more as the years go by. I need to get out of the situation that society and ourselves put us in, and just sit beneath a mountain or by a creek for a while. But life is, of course, not always that simple."

West Fjords where the heart is

Rán’s origins lie in the Westfjords, and when she’s asked what her favorite place to photograph is, she does not hesitate:

“That’s simple. Barðaströnd on the Westfjords. That’s where my family is from, so the answer isn’t completely objective. The beauty there is indescribable, and the inspiration and calmness it gives me, I can’t get anywhere else. It’s less crowded there and the traffic isn’t crazy, which is a pleasant change from the South Coast. Being there with a camera is not difficult at all and I keep finding places I haven't seen yet.”

Despite the connection to the Westfjords, she still hasn’t been to Hornstrandir, but she dreams of photographing that place.

Lighting is key

Rán describes her style as powerful, dramatic and unpredictable, a bit like Iceland.

“I emphasize natural light and keeping the colors the same way they look in real life. I prefer taking photographs when it’s cloudy, rather than clear, to get some weight in the surroundings. It has always attracted me. That’s perfect for Iceland, since the weather is often cloudy and gray. Which is nice, because then I can relax during those rare occasions when the sun is out.”

To capture the feeling and energy of each place, she makes sure her eyes are open and explores the surroundings well before she looks at it through the camera lens, even though the camera is like her sixth sense.

“I’ve never understood when people jump out of the car, take a picture, and return to the car without experiencing anything or looking at what they just captured. It must leave something behind, in my opinion. I try to imagine some frames, work according to conditions and accept them, no matter what they are. I look for foreground, background and a fitting light. Sometimes I just improvise; it depends on each project. Most of the time the mood and energy is created at the scene. A flow is created, and it leads me, as long as I follow. First and foremost, I try to do things my way and make it memorable."

Capturing the moment

Rán says her best photos are usually taken when she doesn’t have a plan. When she just takes off with her camera and follows whatever she considers beautiful, and the ideas are formed at the scene.

“Nature will show itself, you just need to keep your eyes open. The final picture won’t be ready until weeks or months later, because sometimes I need to put the projects away a few times before finishing them."

Award winning photography

Recently, Rán participated in a big photography competition organized by FEP (Federation of European Photographers) after being spurred on by a friend. Despite being reluctant, she decided to take part and ended up in second place in her category, which was nature photography.

“340 photographers from all over Europe submitted 3200 photos, so it was a great honor to be rewarded for my photographs. The results were announced at a big photography festival in Denmark and it was great being able to be there, meet other photographers from Europe, network, and see all the great photos in the competition. This was the real deal, one might say.”

Find your inspiration

Rán encourages anyone who has an interest in photography to use every opportunity to take pictures in any sort of conditions, until they find what truly inspires them. Then they can focus on the subject and begin assembling a portfolio.

“I’m all for doing any type of studying, and recommend seeking information, whether it’s a school, from another photographer or just on YouTube. It’s all so easily accessible today. It’s good to understand the theory, know your equipment and listen to other people’s experiences. But the most important tool is a good eye! Don’t imitate other people’s content or style. Find your own, what is beautiful to you and speaks to you, whether it’s humans, landscape, animals or furniture. Talk to other photographers and attend photography events. It’s important to network in the world of photography. Hoping for the best but expecting anything at all is a good philosophy, because today everyone has a camera, and the photography business can be a struggle. A good work ethic will carry you far. Don’t give up, just keep going. Don’t be shy, tell people about yourself, get yourself out there, and if you’re talented, you will be noticed. It’s good to have a website and social media, because that’s where the market is mostly these days.”

Preparation is vital

According to Rán, the most important equipment in Icelandic nature is, without a doubt, good gloves. Also, a good camera that can handle hard weather conditions, the right lenses, and being appropriately dressed for the weather.

“It doesn’t hurt to have access to a good 4x4 car to get around the roads, as we know, they can be in all sorts of conditions in this country. I never leave the house without having a good backpack, extra socks, a packed lunch, and plenty of wipes to wipe down my equipment. Having a drone is very fun, and that way you can get a different perspective of the landscape, so if you have one, bring it along.”

The magic sometimes lies off the beaten path

Rán’s most memorable photoshoot was a planned tour to Breiðamerkurjökull, which revolved around exploring the ice caves. Another guide, who was Rán’s friend, offered to take her further, and that’s when a magical world revealed itself.

“We walked on the glacier until we reached an area where the surface of the glacier is like waves. All you see are never-ending ripples of ice. We kept going further, to where the ice breaks off into the lagoon and massive spears of ice tower in front of you. It’s the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. I had seen pictures, but seeing it up close is a whole different thing. That’s when you realize the scale.”

Must see for the photographer

When asked what places in Iceland she would recommend to tourists and photographers, Rán mentioned a few must-see locations:

• Dynjandi
• Krýsuvík
• The highlands
• Borgarfjörður eystri
• Breiðamerkurjökull
• Örlygshöfn
• Hellnar
• Sogin
• Hvannagil

Adventures are for everyone

When Rán isn’t busy taking photos, she spends her time editing her photographs in her studio.

“In my free time, I try to have some quality time with my family - at least while the kids can still be bothered hanging out with us. We like traveling, skiing, and playing frisbee golf. My husband and I go hiking on mountains, I sing in a choir with some lovely ladies, and I exercise.”

You can certainly say Rán’s life is full of adventures that most people would hesitate to do. Rán dismisses that and says adventures don’t need to be expensive or complicated.

“In Iceland, the possibilities are endless. Sometimes the adventure begins by simply taking a day off from work, going into nature, connecting with yourself and the environment. Also I would recommend booking an exciting tour, for example, a glacier hike, an ATV tour, or a trek into the highlands. It’s both magical and unforgettable.”

Further information about Rán and her work can be found on her website ranbjargar.com.