Capturing Puffins: A Photographic Journey in Iceland

Having traversed the rugged landscapes of Iceland, I’ve come to embrace the excitement of wildlife photography, particularly during encounters with its iconic puffins. While my original intention focused on capturing the beauty of Iceland's terrain, encountering these charming birds shifted my perspective on movement in photography.

Initially, my trip to Iceland was aimed at witnessing a total solar eclipse. A venture to a location known for unpredictable weather is always a gamble. My co-leader, Don Smith, and I made it clear to our workshop attendees that conditions were likely to conspire against us, as is often the case with such celestial events. Despite our enthusiasm, the thick clouds ultimately marred our view of the eclipse, leaving us eager to make the most of the remaining week.

With waterfalls, thermal geysers, and glaciers on our itinerary, Iceland held plenty of visual treasures. However, the prospect of photographing puffins arose unexpectedly during our orientation session. Students expressed interest in these unique seabirds, but our guide soon dampened those hopes by stating that their season was waning and no reliable viewing locations were nearby.

Despite the somber news, our guides felt a responsibility to address the group's disappointment over missing the eclipse. When Kaspars suggested we spend a day on the South Coast, a slight spark of optimism emerged since puffins were still feasible, although we were warned there were no guarantees. Given the other breathtaking locations in the area, we agreed, hoping this detour would make up for the lost eclipse experience.

On our way to Dyrhólaey, we fed our photography itch by enjoying the astonishing number and variety of waterfalls scattered throughout Iceland. Arriving at this picturesque landmark, renowned for its cliffs and scenic views, I was reminded of the times I witnessed unpredictable northern lights lighting up the skies above.

Wings of Angels, Aurora Above Dyrhólaey, Iceland

As we set off on the short trek towards the cliffs teeming with puffins, doubt crept in. A part of me felt inclined to leave my camera behind, adhering to my self-imposed restriction against photographing wildlife. Fortunately, common sense prevailed, and I loaded my gear, anticipating the sight of these vibrant little birds.

Shortly down the trail, we encountered some tourists who confirmed abundant puffin sightings nearby. Their optimism reignited our excitement. Upon arriving at the edge of the cliffs, we were greeted by a flurry of puffin activity, validating our decision to pursue this detour.

Traditionally, I approach photography with methodical precision, especially in landscape scenarios. I quickly set up my tripod and aimed to frame some puffins with the distinct Reynisdrangar sea stacks behind them. Within ten minutes, however, I shifted my approach. The scene before me was too lively to be restricted by a tripod.

I transitioned to high-speed continuous shooting mode, allowing me to capture the puffins’ playful antics. In just one exhilarating hour, I snapped more than 1,400 images, only to realize that our time with the puffins would soon dwindle. The sheer volume of birds fluttering around us—many within mere feet—made it almost effortless to capture remarkable shots. At one point, I overheard another photographer marvel at how easy this wildlife shoot was compared to the rigor of traditional wildlife photography.

Despite the apparent ease, the challenge of wildlife photography soon revealed itself. Yes, the puffins were static for the most part, but the intricacies of movement—especially when they took flight—posed a new set of hurdles. I found myself dealing with motion blur in several images, a stark reminder of the complexities of bird photography.

While I may not be destined to become a dedicated bird photographer, this experience reinforced the idea of pushing beyond self-imposed limitations. The adventure of capturing puffins expanded my approach to photography, illustrating the value in remaining adaptable to changing opportunities.

Iceland's rugged beauty, along with its flocks of puffins, taught me the significance of embracing spontaneity. This trip became a vivid reminder that stepping outside of our comfort zones often yields unforgettable experiences—and sometimes even stunning photographs.

Join me in Iceland for a photographic journey you won’t forget!