Max and Carina are passionate photographers who transform every journey into a discovery of nature’s unique moods and moments. Their work captures the interplay of light and shadow, and through a deep understanding of key elements, they create images that tell a story and evoke emotion. Their image taken in Stokksnes, the reflection of Vestrahorn, won Best of the Week 1, 2025.
For us, traveling means freedom—escaping routine, seeking adventure, and embracing new perspectives. Fascinated by impressive landscapes, new places, and the unique atmosphere that each moment in nature brings, we realized that we wanted to capture these experiences not only in our memories but also visually on camera.
Two years ago, we bought our first camera, unaware of how quickly photography would captivate us. With every shot, our enthusiasm grew, and soon the camera became our constant companion on our travels. Photography allows us to preserve special moments forever, make emotions visible, and share our vision with others. In Iceland, during our two-week road trip, we had so many of those special moments to capture and share!
It was a journey that deeply moved us and left a lasting impression. One of the places we were most excited about was Stokksnes, a peninsula in southeastern Iceland often surrounded by dramatic light and weather conditions. This is also where we took the photograph that won the Best of the Week. We knew this spot had a special atmosphere and wanted to experience it at the best possible time.
So, we got up before sunrise, packed our gear, and headed out. When we arrived and waited for the sunrise, we were greeted with a nearly surreal scene: completely calm, a smooth water surface perfectly reflecting the imposing mountain Vestrahorn, and a soft, golden morning light that bathed the landscape in an almost otherworldly mood. It was one of those rare moments when everything fell into place.
When composing the shot, it was important for us to capture the majestic Vestrahorn in all its glory and convey the unique atmosphere of that moment. The combination of viewpoint and lighting played a key role. We wanted to achieve the perfect balance between foreground and background. The reflection in the still water served as a natural design element and added depth to the scene. By placing the person in the image – with their back to the drone camera, gazing at the imposing rock formation – we aimed to enhance the feeling of awe and reverence. This way, the viewer can easily immerse themselves in the scene and feel the vastness.
Another crucial factor was the light. The soft, golden morning light highlighted the mountain’s structures and gave the landscape an almost magical aura. The reflections in the water created additional visual harmony, while the subtle contrasts between the sky, mountains, and water brought the different elements together perfectly. Beyond creating a beautiful image, our goal was to tell a story of tranquility, nature’s power, and the unique magic of Iceland.
In the editing process, we emphasized the colors of the sky and the soft morning light while staying as true as possible to the real atmosphere. A special focus was placed on fine-tuning the tones. We subtly enhanced the golden sunrise hues to amplify the emotion without overpowering the scene. At the same time, we made sure to preserve the cool tones of the water and the dark rock formations to create a harmonious contrast.
The reflection in the water was intended to maintain its calm, almost surreal effect, so we carefully adjusted the clarity and brightness. We also needed to highlight the person in the image as a central element – not as a dominant subject but as a quiet observer of this grand landscape. By carefully adjusting brightness and contrast, we ensured that the viewer’s attention would be naturally drawn to the scene and the sense of vastness. Ultimately, the editing was about making the atmosphere of this unique moment tangible – just as we experienced it.
The key step in the editing process was harmonizing the light and dark areas, and the warm and cold tones to keep a pleasant and natural harmony. Reducing image noise, especially in the darker areas was important too. We smoothed out light noise to achieve a clearer image effect without blurring important structures. Finally, we ensured the water’s reflections maintained its unique impact. For that, it was essential to slightly increase clarity so the reflection of Vestrahorn would stand out more while still looking natural.
When shooting and editing, the core questions that guide us are: “What do I want this image to express? “and “How do I want the viewer to feel?” It helps you to tell a story and imagine the narrative, rather than simply capturing a photo. You can achieve this with different styles, but these questions remain equally important.
Finding your style is one of the biggest challenges in photography – but also one of the most exciting processes. The below tips have helped me in this process:
1) Experiment and be patient: It helps to experiment with different subjects, lighting conditions, and editing methods to discover what feels most cohesive.
2) Don’t jump from one extreme to another: If you want to find your style, it’s important not to switch between completely different looks. Instead, focus on maintaining consistency with key elements such as color tones, contrasts, or the way light is used.
3) Be mindful of colors: A consistent color palette—whether warm earthy tones or cool dramatic hues—gives your portfolio a sense of identity. It’s not about editing every image the same way, but about creating an overall harmonious mood.
4) Use dynamics, saturation, and clarity carefully: These three factors are crucial for the style of an image. A consistent balance among them ensures a coherent overall effect, while other settings should be adapted flexibly to match the specific lighting mood.
5) Ultimately, focus on what excites you: Your style will naturally develop over time—and the more you photograph, the clearer your photographic voice will become.
Aside from defining our style, our first major photography trip to Portugal was a pivotal moment in our development as photographers. It was the first time we planned a trip specifically focused on photography. One location that particularly stood out was Praia da Barriga, an impressive, rugged coastal stretch with massive rocks and an endless horizon. Here, we learned one of the most important lessons: light is the determining factor that defines the character of an image. During our time there, we experimented with different times of day and quickly realized how much the mood can change with the light. The soft, golden tones of the sunrise created a very different atmosphere from the harsh midday light or the cool blue tones of twilight.
In addition to light, perspective also played a major role. Instead of just choosing classic angles, we deliberately tried to find new compositions. This trip was a turning point for us. It showed us that photography is more than just pressing a shutter – it’s about consciously observing and capturing moments, moods, and stories. These insights motivated us to dive deeper into photography, continue growing, and find our photographic voice.
Over time, out of all the lessons we have learned so far, the ones below always make a difference in results:
1) Light is everything: The best equipment is useless if the lighting isn’t right. Waking up early and being the first to arrive often rewards you with unique moods—the morning and evening hours typically offer the softest and most interesting light.
2) You can’t control the weather: Especially in nature photography, flexibility is key. Rain, fog, or storms can be challenging, but they often result in the most exciting shots. Instead of getting frustrated by imperfect conditions, we make the best of every situation.
3) Be bold with creativity: Rather than sticking solely to classic perspectives, it’s worth experimenting with new angles. A low camera position, unusual framing, or deliberately incorporating foregrounds can transform a subject entirely.
4) Patience pays off: Some subjects reveal their magic only over time. Sometimes that means waiting for the perfect moment—whether it’s a break in the clouds, a striking reflection in the water, or a special light. It’s important to take the time to truly experience a place rather than rushing through it.
These insights have not only improved our photography but also changed the way we travel. We’ve become more mindful, enjoy the details, and appreciate immersing ourselves fully in the moment.
In the future, we dream of further developing our photography and maybe even turning our hobby into a profession. In the long term, we hope to work on larger projects, share our stories with the world, and inspire people to consciously appreciate the beauty of nature. The path to get there? Stay committed, try new things, and learn with every shot we take!
Max and Carina are passionate photographers who transform every journey into a discovery of nature’s unique moods and moments. Their work captures the interplay of light and shadow, and through a deep understanding of key elements, they create images that tell a story and evoke emotion.
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