Customer Case Studies - Jonny Gios in Iceland

Stunning shots from Iceland courtesy of regular hirer Jonny Gios.

A bucket list location for many of us, the rugged, volcanic beauty of Iceland offers incredible opportunities for landscape photographers. From mountains and valleys, to seastacks, waterfalls and fjords, this sparsely populated island has so much to offer, and this time of year is perfect for a visit.

Regular hirer Jonny Gios recently returned from Iceland and was kind enough to provide some of his best shots along with a few words about his trip. There are some absolutely stunning images here, so cosy up with a coffee and join us as we enjoy the best of Iceland. Over to Jonny:

I had booked a long awaited trip to Iceland in 2021 and this November it came around. I was so looking forward to touring the whole of the South of the Island, starting at Garður and going as far as Höfn. This was a highly anticipated photographic workshop with Dark Skies Ambassador, Steve Bell. Steve had highlighted what we might be shooting and how we might need to prepare for the trip.

I am a Sony shooter and own two bodies, Sony a7RV and Sony a7IV along with a Sony 16-35GM, Sony 24-105 G and a Sony 200-600. I couldn’t possibly justify taking my Sony 200-600 lens as it is far too heavy and I wouldn’t be looking to shoot wildlife in Iceland in November. Therefore, I needed a lens that would be fairly lighter and would still get more reach for further landscape shots. As the 70-200GM mk2 had recently been released and was available from Hireacamera – I booked it out to ensure that I had it to come away with.

Prior to its delivery, seismic activity had increased in Iceland and I was thinking I might not be capturing landscapes and more volcanic activity! I paired my bodies as follows – Sony a7R5 with Sony 16-35 GM for Landscapes, seascapes and the aurora and Sony a7IV, 70-200 for further landscapes and seascapes. Both fitted into my Mindshift camera bag nicely for ease of access.

I use Hireacamera because I can rely on delivery on time and their customer service is exceptional. I’ve used them several times and now a frequent customers. So how did the Sony 70-200 handle in the conditions of Iceland? Firstly, I was in the country from 9th – 19th November and it was very windy with lots of cloud!

 

Waterfalls – Seljalandsfoss

This was the first test for the Sony 70-200. Having come away from the mounds of tourists at the waterfall, I spent some time taking shots from around 500m away. With the camera mounted on my tripod and fully zoomed in at 200m using cropped mode, I was able to focus on one person on the bridge to make this shot stand out.

It’s worth noting for any novices out there – ensure that OSS is off when its on a tripod, it will affect your image if not. Shooting at F11 ensures the whole picture is sharp and consistent all through the image. The lens is as sharp at 70mm as it is at 200mm, whilst being light and compact compared to its previous model. It was a delight to handle and use throughout the trip.

 

Landscapes – Black Sand Beach, Vik

With its enormous basalt stacks, roaring Atlantic waves, and stunning panoramas, Reynisfjara is widely considered to be the most beautiful example of Iceland’s black sand beaches. It’s also renowned for its dangerous sneaker waves that can catch you out in a matter of seconds...

Having the 70-200m enabled me to stay a safe distance away on the beach whilst zooming into the basalt stacks to get this image and show the power of the waves.

 

Icelandic Ponies – Route 1

Right across Iceland you will see Icelandic ponies, from the moment you get out of the airport to the most remotes parts of the island.

Photographing Icelandic ponies was definitely on the list to get but getting them in the right place and right time was really important. On one particular day on our way back to our start point, we had some amazing light and came across the Ponies in this image. Laying down in grass and a good safe distance away ensuring not to scare them too much – I absolutely went for the 70-200 - shooting at 200m and at f2.8.

I really appreciate all the guys at HAC and the exceptional customer service I have received over the years. It was great to have this lens in Iceland - without it I wouldn’t have been able to get these shots that will stay with me for ever as a memory.

A huge thank you to Jonny for these exquisite images and a cracking write up too.

Jonny Gios is part time church minister in Kendal, Lake District and also a part time Landscape Photographer. He enjoys photographing the Lake District Landscape, Wildlife and the Aurora when it appears! Jonny’s photos are featured regularly on the BBC Weather and is also was shortlisted this year in the urban category of Landscape Photographer of the Year. www.jgios.com

If you're a hirer with a story to tell, do get in touch so we can feature you too.