Merry Christmas!, a photo from Vestur-Skaftafellssysla, Sudurland

Photographer's Note

Merry Christmas to All!

This image is of Reyniskirkja � a small church some 5 km off the town of Vik, in south east Iceland. Taken using flash to freeze the snowflakes dancing in the air.

I spent the following night, same as all other seven nights during that trip, sleeping in my rental car in order to be able to catch the best light at any time of night (especially useful when shooting the aurora). It was the longest I had ever 𢘛ild� camped in a car in winter.

That experience really made me think of�

(幈h no, not again�, I can hear people scream. 鏠an she not just say Merry Christmas, write a simple note once in a while, without mentioning death, war or at least poverty and social injustice??�)

�it really made me think of homeless people. I realised how quickly humans lose bodily warmth if left without sources of heat. I was wearing a down jacket, thermals, woollen hat, skiing gloves etc. But, unless I crawled into my sleeping bag immediately after I had switched the engine off, I was soon starting to feel the pinch.

It is a tradition in my country (Poland) to keep one seat (complete with a plate, cutlery etc.) free at the table during the Christmas Eve supper and, according to an old custom, that one special night of the year, we are expected to offer it to whoever knocks on our door, be it a family member or a homeless stranger. I wonder how many people would.

So, here it is to Peace, Justice and Hope. Let𠏋 not forget the real meaning behind the commercial side of this beautiful holiday.

unclehotshot, PiotrF, worldcitizen, daddo, pajaran, dta, PaulVDV, holmertz, ourania, williewhistler, delpeoples, adores, mcmtanyel, CLODO, ChrisJ, rychem, macjake, GyurMaster, COSTANTINO, annjackman, danos, bukitgolfb301, ikeharel, ktanska, Bergenphotos, Sisifos, Estaban has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

emka (158936) 2015-12-22 14:26

Witaj Kasiu, To jest dopiero bajeczna bożonarodzeniowa poczt闚ka. Nie znam nikogo, kto by się tak poświęcał dla zrobienia zdjecia. 7 nocy w zimie w samochodzie??? Ale jesli wynikiem jest takie zdjecie, to pewnie warto. Nie spr鏏uję, bo nie będę miała okazji :). Cudowny kadr, kolory i te zamrożone płatki sniegu.
U mnie tez zawsze zgodnie z tradycją jest sianko pod obrusem i pełne puste nakrycie. Ale ciekawa jestem, kto by rzeczywiscie przyjął niespodziewanego gościa, na przykład bezdomnego lub syryjskiego chrześcijanina.
Życzę wspaniałych, zdrowych, pogodnych świąt pełnych ciepła i milości.

MAłgorzata

unclehotshot (4004) 2015-12-22 15:22

Hi Kasia
Good note :)
I find your photo from Iceland very poetic. I imagine you used the flash to illuminate the nearest snow flakes like that. It's grand how the vague silhuette of the mountain / hill can be seen through the snow and dark. I've never been to Iceland - but I believe I'd fancy the place.
And merry christmas to yoy, too.
Frank

PiotrF (56142) 2015-12-22 16:21

Czesc Kasiu,
Dobre zdjecia wymagaja czasu, wychodzenia, wyczekania, zmarzniecia lub wrecz odwrotnie wylania litrow potu. Ogladajacy nie zawsze to doceni stwierdzajac ze udalo sie trafic dobre warunki etc. Czasem podejmuje takie wyzwania, gdy jakis kadr i odpowiednie warunki chodza mi po glowie, acz musze przyznac , ze detrminacja w tym wzgledzie do najmocniejszych u mnie nie nalezy i zadawalam sie czesciowym osiagnieciem celu.
Tradycja, o ktorej piszesz , jest kultywowana w wielu domach ; pozostaje pytanie jak sie ma do faktycznego postepowania ludzi poza czasem swiatecznym to inna sprawa.
Zdrowych, pogodnych Swiat Ci zycze
Piotr

worldcitizen (16234) 2015-12-22 17:03

Hello Kasia,
This is a lovely holiday photo. The little church looks so peaceful and welcoming. I like the illumination and the falling snowflakes. Wishing you a happy and peaceful Christmas!

daddo (28748) 2015-12-22 18:57

Zdravo Kasia. Charming image all in blue and the "dancing" snowflakes. The lit church sends rays of hope and warmth. Beautiful Christmas card from you and as usual a note on which to reflect. Sretan Bozic. Klaudio.

jemaflor (148334) 2015-12-22 23:15

Hi Kasia,
Nice photo with this church taken at the famous blue hour, well captured this light and good effect with snowflakes and the flash light, good idea for an original presentation.

dta (98848) 2015-12-23 0:14

Hello Kasia ,
Wonderful Christmas card .
Interesting note , too .

Merry Christmas to you and your family .
Regards

lousat (140058) 2015-12-23 1:51

Hi Kasia,beautiful pic and fantastic words in your note too,it's very interesting to read where you sleep and what you think trying this experience sleeping in the car...and it's nice too to know this polish tradition too.My best whishes to you too and thanks for this wonderful shot! Luciano

PaulVDV (63546) 2015-12-23 3:57

Hello Kasia,
I regret that at Christmas so many people, at least in my country, only think at presents and fine dining. The true meaning of Christmas is missed by many.
This picture is gorgeous. Well composed. The gently lit church looks wonderful in that blue world with the thick snowflakes all over the image.
Merry Christmas!
Paul

abmdsudi (95869) 2015-12-23 4:49

Hi Kasia
A lovely festive greeting and Winter scene.
Have a wonderful Christmas and a great New Year..
Best wishes

holmertz (103710) 2015-12-23 6:08

Hello Kasia,
I almost missed this photo. What a great pity if I had. It's a wonderful picture and I could hardly imagine a finer Christmas card. I bet Malgo is just a little bit envious of your tough conditions. She has climbed avery tower and seen every museum, but she hasn't spent seven nights in a cold car. ;-)
Technically, artistically and emotionally this is just perfect, but your note touches me almost as much. I just wonder, does that unexpected, homeless guest ever appear? Will Poles be willing to open their door to a hungry and cold Muslim refugee this Christmas (if there are any)?
I wish you in any case a very Merry Christmas.
Gert

Matyas (0) 2015-12-23 10:36

Czesc Kasia! W takim pejzazu to we wszystko mozna uwierzyc. Piekne zdjecie. Swietny efekt Blue Hour. Dobra ekspozycja. Bardzo dobra jakosc techniczna, to tak poza wszystkim. Pozdrawiam!

ourania (51103) 2015-12-23 13:04

Hello Kasia,
this sight is absolutely beautiful and so soothing for the eyes and the soul. Amazing you went through so much on this mission, your picture doesn't reflect any of the hardship, just tranquility and joy. But, of course, it takes a lot of effort and skill to take a picture like this in a place like this setting. I like the elegant minimalism of the composition and the quality of the colours. The snowflakes seem to be moving, the overall effect is timeless. May the lives of all those who are suffering be better and safer in the new year! Congratulations and thank you!
All the best and Merry Christmas!
Ourania

williewhistler (16606) 2015-12-23 13:21

Hello Kasia,
who could not admire the time,effort and the amount of technical expertise that you expended to take this wonderful photograph.
The minimalist composition with the pretty little Church perfectly placed works ever so well, with the lighting,including the use of flash to isolate the snow flakes inspirational.
Seasons Greetings from balmy Devon,
Les.

delpeoples (60342) 2015-12-23 16:07

Dear Kasia

And a happy Christmas to you and your family too. I love the minimalism here. The silent little church in the blue snow. Perfectly lit and the effect of the snow is extraordinary. You get extra brownie points for braving the cold weather to get this amazing shot.

Warmest wishes
Lisa

adores (46979) 2015-12-23 16:44

Hi Kasia!
This is just perfect, just the little church in the middle of the snow and lots of snowflakes falling. The real Christmas mood! It's a very good shot, the composition and the exposure are great!
Have a Merry Christmas!

mcmtanyel (69348) 2015-12-23 19:41

Hello Kasia,
This is a spectacular photo that deserves to make it onto a Christmas card. Well done, bravo!
Merry Christmas to you, too!
Regards,
MT

CLODO (45118) 2015-12-23 23:44

Hi Kasia

it was well worth sleeping in the rented car to get this stunning Xmas postcard, well framed and ice on the cake, you used the flashgun to get the falling snow.
Merry Xmas to you and your relatives
CLODO

ChrisJ (172440) 2015-12-24 3:05

Witaj Kasiu,

The church is well positioned on the vertical 1/3 axis at left. The snowstorm has been well captured with sufficient but not excessive motion blur of the falling snowflakes. Just the right shutter speed has been used. I like the minimalist color too of just blue and white with a tiny proportion of dark grey and black. Tfs!

mjw364 (1466) 2015-12-24 9:38

Well Kasia

You are certainly dedicated to photgraphy! I couldn't sleep in my car in any weather with my aged body aching and causing me all sorts of problems. I admire your dedication and I share your sentiments about people who need to be embraced at Xmas (therein lies a story I will not bore TE with).

Great image - great exposure and light - Happy Xmas

Mike

Silvio1953 (223069) 2015-12-24 10:52

Ciao Kasia, fascinating Christmas card with beautiful Church in the snow, magic winter atmosphere, wonderful colors, excellent clarity and splendid light, very well done, my friend, Merry Christmas to you and your family, ciao Silvio

rychem (72187) 2015-12-24 19:13

Fantastyczny kości�łek zagubiony gdzieś w na pustkowiu, wrażenie niesamowite, wspaniałe zdjęcie
Życzę bardzo spokojnych i miłych Świąt
Ryszard

macjake (98544) 2015-12-24 22:00

Hi Kasia
haha...great post for Xmas!
loved reading the note, you must have been pretty darn cold, but hey, think of the money you saved by not staying at a hotel :)

this is something I had thought about doing as well when I was in Iceland - but we thought not to lol

Iconic Iceland shot
Merry Christmas to you and your Family too
craig

rbassin (27472) 2015-12-25 1:32

bonjour Kasia
une magnifique photo d'Islande, j'aime bien l'嶲lise 嶰lair嶪 qui se d彋ache sur le fond bleu.
Bel effet des flocons avec l'aide du flash.
Un joyeux No螔
Roland

halikarnas (8842) 2015-12-25 5:52

Hi Kasia,
Muhteşem bir sadelik var fotoğrafta .Mavi i蓾nde beyaz leke.
Muhteşem bir kompozisyon.
M悞emmel işik.
Tebrikler,İyi seneler.
Selamlar .
Ataman

eldancer1 (36343) 2015-12-25 7:37

Awesome capture of this beautiful scene especially the falling snow. This will make a good Christmas card. Good lighting and nice details in spite of the condition. I like your Christmas dinner tradition. Well done, tfs.

Nicou (193814) 2015-12-25 7:45

Hello

Merci pareillement joyeux no螔 et belles f皻es.
Quelle merveille quelle vue sous les flocons de cette 嶲lise dans ces tons bleut廥 superbe fantastique.
Bravo et amiti�
Nicou

GyurMaster (25055) 2015-12-26 2:09

Hello Kasia,

I don't know how I missed this post and photo so far, but I am happy to see it. First of all the picture is awesome, your technique is excellent. Secondly, I like your description and envy your braveness: I doubt I would have the courage to sleep outside alone. Maybe with a dog, but I am not sure. :)

Merry Christmas to you!
Best Regards,
Gy.

COSTANTINO (117908) 2015-12-26 7:34

Hello dear Kasia and have a nice time
Merry Christmas to you too
what a lovely and delicate photo
perfectly executed with the snowfall
ready to begin excellent chosen
point of view with this magical
small church dominating the place
I red carefully about the
tradition in your country
very interesting
regards
Costantino

umutlu101 (13629) 2015-12-26 11:35

Salut Kasia,
joyeux no螔.
belle kart-postale
amicalement
闣er

annjackman (23019) 2015-12-28 8:43

Hello Kasia,
I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas. I am glad that I found this amazing photo - it could be a beautiful Christmas card. The light on the small church and the snow flakes give so much atmosphere. I was most interested in your note too. You were certainly brave to face the elements at night even if you did have some protection in your car.
Very best wishes,
Ann

danos (110407) 2015-12-29 0:07

Witaj Kasia,
dreamily scene with the small church to be seen throughout the interior of the window.The falling flakes of the snow and the well lighted church make the image to looks very Christmas.

Have a good and healthy New Year,Danos

bukitgolfb301 (54014) 2015-12-29 16:54

Hi dear Kasia

Wow you did again a supper shot! I have sigh in front of this masterful image. So tasty and artstic presentation from your keen inspiration!

All the best and have a good day! Takero

willperrett (14215) 2015-12-31 10:05

Hello Kasia

I knew you were a martyr to your art, but I didn't realise you were that masochistic! I suppose you've proven it's worth it with a shot of this quality: I can feel the cold coming from the monitor. I'd even like to join you on one of these "jaunts", but I know you prefer to be alone. Bit like Greta Garbo (in some respects!)

Wishing you a very Happy New Year.

Regards

Will

ktanska (45116) 2016-01-01 6:32

Hi Kasia,
Illumination of that church is in perfect balance with the blue winter light. Snowflakes stopped by the flash look just great. It is a perfect Chrismas card.
Kari

npecanhuk (79329) 2016-01-05 17:59

Hello Kasia!
Truly interesting, attractive and beautiful picture, with special regards to the management of difficult light, colors and composition!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

LondonBoy (2608) 2016-01-12 12:58

Kasia,

Perfect Christmas theme with the "kirkja" adding depth to this lovely composition.

TFS
Alex

peterpap (2863) 2016-06-05 10:12

Hi again, what a great picture. The idea of freezing snow flakes is good, I need to try it out next winter :-)Postcard like picture. Thanks for sharing

Bergenphotos (3326) 2018-09-08 7:24

Hi Kasia.

We really think the same way, haha! I rented a car with some friends, we parked and slept in the car in a parking space just outside Vik. I remember we could see this church from the car. I also reflected on the cold. I was there in April and it wasn't snowing that night, but I woke up a few times. As for your photo, smart use of the blitz to capture the snowflakes. A beautiful Christmas card photo. And a good note, as usual. Thanks!

Greetings,
Fredrik

SSavvas (334) 2019-12-10 7:12

Hello Kasia,

Wow - what a great picture ! And what a hard work for them ... waiting the hole night for the "perfect" moment .... the result is brilliant... it looks like an advertisment poster for the older movie classic from Tom Hanks "Polarexpress"

There is a special light and feeling in these wounderful picture - once more to the christmas time ...

Estaban (874) 2021-12-27 13:50

Fantastic shot Kasia. I've just came back from Iceland and it was wonderful. This one is extremely picturesque, Christmas landscape. Great job capturing it! Thanks.

mkamionka (75217) 2022-01-05 1:07

Czesc Kasiu,
Akurat bladzac po Twojej islandzkiej galerii trafilem na zdjecie z notka bozonarodzeniowa.
Przede wszystkim jestem pelen podziwu dla Twoich wyrzeczen. Mnie zdazylo sie kampowac w dzikich miejscach a nawet w samochodzie, np kilka razy w Dolinie Smierci w Kalifornii ale zwykle to byly cieple okolice -choc na pustyni w nocy rowniez robi sie zimno. Nie wyobrazam sobie campingu zima. Wlasnie z powodu utraty ciepla.
Piekna wieczorna fotografia. Widze ze powtarzasz czasami ten trick z lampa ktora oswietle spadajace platki sniegu, tutak bardzo ladnie sie zbalansowaly z tlem.
Pozdrawiam serdecznie,
M