Reyniskirkja, a photo from Vestur-Skaftafellssysla, Sudurland

Photographer's Note

In the small settlement close by the famous black-sand beach, Reynisfjara (see a couple of my recent photos) is this very typical Icelandic church and graveyard, Reyniskirkja, built in 1929. I was able to get more details out of the grey sky by converting to black and white. The tilt in the flag-pole is not optical distortion, just a tilt in the pole! The church is not located in the main village of Vik (the most southern in Iceland, population about 300), but around the 'corner' made by the basalt stacks called Reynisdrangar (see my recent photos). It seems a fellow called Reyni was one of the very earliest Viking settlers in the area.

Exposure Time: 1/160
F-Stop: f/8.0
ISO: 200
Focal Length: 24 mm

macjake, Lidka, papagolf21, jhm, Royaldevon, snunney, COSTANTINO has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

emka (158204) 2018-01-03 0:07

Hello dear Andrew,

Fantastic composition in black and white. I like that the church is on the side, rather then in the middle. Interesting cemetery behind. Superb sharpness.
Happy healthy New Year for you and your loved ones.

Kind regrads MAlgo

dta (98848) 2018-01-03 0:45

Hello Andrew ,
I suppose that you've chosen the B&W version because the light was not the best this day ?
The subject is splendid and the composition excellent . In colors and under the sun , it would be great , too ;)
Regards

macjake (98456) 2018-01-03 0:53

Hi Andrew
this one looks great! caught my attention right away.
its go that optical illusion happening...at first glance we think the church is attached to the gate, but at a closer look the church is set back into the scene. fine contrasting blacks and whites here. cheers
craig

lousat (139342) 2018-01-03 1:41

Hi Andrew,i remember very well this small church,a great capture very close and a lovely idea this black and white version,in this light and weather the colors are sometimes bad,good choice and perfect sharpness. Have a nice day and thanks,Luciano

abmdsudi (95869) 2018-01-03 2:02

Hi Andrew
I feel relax just looking at this when black & white conversion does indeed work well in this with sense of vintage film work without colour distraction. The focus is thus directed straight to the chapel forcing the eye to stop by and have a look what's behind the gate. Love the natural overall tones and textures without heavy shadows. A peaceful sight and tis has a great look to the shot and a perfect subject matter for it along with your exposure quality. Congrats.
Best regards

papagolf21 (152607) 2018-01-03 2:22

Bonjour, cher Andrew,
Un grand merci pour cette prise de vue. J'aime beaucoup cette petite 嶲lise avec son cimeti鋨e � proximit� (de plus en plus rare).
Le choix du noir et blanc est parfait pour restituer une ambiance particuli鋨e.
Mes meilleurs voeux.
Amiti廥.
Philippe

jhm (211736) 2018-01-03 2:35

Hello Andrew,

Indeed when you took this image got bad weather this is the reason for black and white.
Notwithstanding a vey nice picture with the small chapel and cemetery in foreground.
Sharpness and clarity are perfect.
Very well composition and presentation.
Nice done, TFS.

Best regards,
John.

Royaldevon (85932) 2018-01-03 2:50

Hello Andrew,

I really get the impression that you love to explore different places and are very careful with what you photograph.
This really is a stunning composition.
It is almost challenging to viewers, the closed gate and upright pillars almost barring the the way but having bravely progressed, it is certainly worth the effort. All the features are perfectly placed in location.
The clarity is quite amazing and the sky, which you mention, is an important and effective backdrop to the scene.

I wish you all the very best for 2018,
Bev :-)
Thank you for your advice about the film on Brittany. You may have gathered that we go there regularly and just love it!

BennyV (34748) 2018-01-03 3:20

Hello Andrew

This is superb in bl/w. Great contrast, a bit dirty edgey...I love it. The three crosses (one up, two below) make a great triangle in the composition. Thumbs up here!

Benny

snunney (130967) 2018-01-03 3:36

Hello Andrew,
The conversion to black and white is superb and very appropriate to the subject. The composition is not very far behind. Happy New Year 2018. One just wonders how much longer TE can limp along losing members at this rate.

Sergiom (117241) 2018-01-03 6:22

Bonjour Andrew,

J'aime beaucoup la construction de cette image. Les deux portes cadrent tr鋊 bien la petite 嶲lise blanche bien plac嶪 dans le cadre pour nous laisser appr嶰ier son environnement. Belle transformation en noir et blanc.

Amicalement

Serge

jimmyjimmy (6164) 2018-01-03 9:53

Hello Andy

Like the view from the gate to the church. The image is stunning for hard contrast and overall view of the surrounding area. Nice work on this one.

Jimmy

chiping59 (223) 2018-01-04 2:55

取景角度極佳,教堂的十字架和墓地的十字架圖形互相呼應,極有氣氛的黑白照片。

kasianowak (17676) 2018-01-08 12:59

You really made me miss Iceland with this image! I spent many hours in my rental car waiting for the blue hour there, praying for the snow not too stop falling... :-)
I like this black and white take on the subject, especially with the inclusion of the gate which makes the image feel really 3D.
Regards
Kasia

COSTANTINO (116604) 2018-01-11 4:48

Hello dear Andrew and have a nice time
and a happy new day
fantastic composition in black and white
I lie this photo so simple but so
impressive too I like the idea
regards
Costantino