Raymond Tice  

Kirkjufells foss waterfall at Kirkjufells by Raymond Tice

July 2026 - Kirkjufells foss waterfall at Kirkjufells

About the Image(s)

This image was taken on my photo trip to Iceland in June of 2017, my first formal experience with landscape photography and what a place to visit for that purpose. This image is of the iconic Kirkjufell mountain and the Kirkjufellsfoss waterfall, taken with a Nikon D810 in manual mode with a 14-24mm f/2.8 lens at 14mm, ISO 64, 5 sec at f/18, 0 EV, using a tripod. Post processing in LR classic included using adaptive color, and a crop to straighten the horizon, followed by using the landscape mask to modify the sky, vegetation, water, and natural ground separately using the various presence and tone sliders. I did take several photos using different durations from 1 to 10 seconds but because of the velocity of the water to me they all looked the same and I feel I should have used a shorter duration to have more texture. One issue ??“ when I saved this image as a jpg <1MB, the sky showed up all screwy (scientific terminology) with magenta and purple areas even when I moved those individual color saturation sliders as far to the left as I could. I ended up moving the saturation slider for the sky to the left but in doing so lost subtle colors. Any suggestions on how to avoid?

3 comments posted

Butch Mazzuca   Butch Mazzuca
Ray - this is a beautifully composed atmospheric interpretation of one of Iceland's most iconic landscapes that you handled very well. Obviously the sweeping waterfall provides the powerful foreground anchor while the eye travels naturally to Kirkjufell and outstanding visual flow.

The long exposure works well (Kudos) it preserves texture in the water but more importantly conveying motion and energy. I think too the dramatic storm clouds provide the mood that elevates the image beyond a typical scenic photograph.

Because the mountain is such an important part of the image my suggestions (see my VF) would be to subtly brighten the upper half and add a touch of texture or clarity to enhance its separation from the dark sky and reinforce it as the primary focal point. I would also burn down the bright strip of horizon on the far right, as it tends to draw the eye away from the waterfall and mountain.

These are MINOR refinements to a compelling and competition-worthy landscape - or you could leave as is and it would still score VERY well in a competition.:-)
  Posted: 07/05/2026 20:54:23
Comment Image
Ian Cambourne   Ian Cambourne
A superb image Ray, the way you've used foreground and background elements to provide depth is first rate, as is your composition by placing the elements where you have in the image. Good movement in the water and great mood in the sky. I myself, don't see any of the issues you mention with the colour. Congratulations on a superb image Ray.   Posted: 07/07/2026 10:53:22
Sherry Icardi   Sherry Icardi
Ray, Iceland is a place I would gladly do a repeat trip. I thought the people were friendly and the landscapes and waterfalls incredible! seems like every corner we turned, there was another magnificent landscape.

This is a truly beautiful image of Kirkjufell! The falls in the foreground, the steam leading the eye back to the volcano, and the volcano itself are purposeful and shows your skill ! I also do not see the purple color you are eluding too....BEAUTIFUL!!   Posted: 07/07/2026 18:17:12

 

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