LAND OF THE ICELANDIC HORSES
It’s the final days of January as I write this & I’m just back from a thoroughly enjoyable and productive trip to Iceland on a photo tour led by Jonathan Critchley, a world-renowned fine art photographer who specialises in black and white photography.
This tour was a first for me on many levels- the first time to Iceland, photographing horses as a subject and first time guided by Jonathan through his company Ocean Captures. My reasons for doing it was because I thought I would learn a lot from Jonathan & as a photographer who is always looking to learn that is incredibly important to me.
Horses of Iceland
Iceland is also a country renowned for its remarkable landscape and none more so than the wintertime when the rugged terrain is covered in snow. I love photographing animals in their natural environment and I think they are some of my strongest images. This therefore seemed to be a great opportunity to add the horses of Iceland to my wildlife photography portfolio.
Unfortunately, my trip almost got sabotaged as earlier in the month I started having knee problems and was diagnosed as having a Baker’s cyst at the back of my knee. Even though I had taken plenty of rest before the trip I was still walking with quite a bit of pain, so was worried what impact that might have. Thankfully Jonathan and everyone in the group were very supportive, helping me up when I fell over (which happened quite a few times). It wasn’t easy trudging through deep snow on our shoots, but it was completely worth persevering!
Photographing the Icelandic Horses
The structure of this tour was also quite different from other safaris I’ve done before in that; Jonathan organises each of our shooting days as photo shoots using different locations, different times of the days and sometimes with one or two horses and other times a heard of horses as subjects.
We got to shoot two of our “model subjects,” Pilar & Isar on a beach one afternoon and a stunning waterfall the next day. When a shoot at some dunes covered with snow didn’t work out due to the roads being impassable after a foot snow fell overnight, Jonathan and Inge pivoted and we used an abandoned barn and a snow covered field with trees as a backdrop.
The beautiful horses of Iceland
As it wasn’t getting light till 10am our days were shorter, so we made the most of the winter light, shooting in the morning till 12 pm and then back out at 3.30pm for another two-hour shoot. I really enjoyed the varied nature of each of the shoots, with Jonathan always on hand for advice. It was great to experiment with different techniques, with a focus on capturing some striking images which could become limited edition prints in the future.
The Viking Horses of Iceland
Another big take out from this tour was an appreciation of how remarkable these horses are. The horses of Iceland are one of the oldest breeds in the world. They were brought to Iceland by the Vikings over a 1000 years ago. They were revered by the Vikings for their strength in being able to travel long distances and hard work. That reverence seems to have remained with the Icelanders who seem proud to own horses as part of their family.
Not only are they powerful and resilient, but there is great beauty in their markings and colours. I couldn’t believe there were 40 different variations, and you could see many of those on display within the herds which I found captivating.
Above all else though is their friendliness. We would enter a field and get settled in a spot, and then they would start to amble over towards you. The nudging, nibbling at your shoes or hat would go on for several minutes before you shooed them away for a second and then they would return. It was a wonderful immersion into their world and in return for that respect, they allowed you to take portraits of them minus the odd photo bomb moment!
The amazing variations in horses of Iceland
Iceland is a place I would return to. The landscape has such rugged beauty especially with the snow, though shooting in minus 17 was tough! It was all good practice though for my upcoming return to Baffin Island in March.
Seifur, the blue eyed Icelandic horse
The final highlight of my tour was seeing a blue-eyed horse. This was on my wish list as they just look so unusual & otherworldly. I was thrilled that on our final morning that within a breeding herd owned by Inge’s family was Seifur, which is the Icelandic form of Zeus. I made it my mission that morning dodging and weaving the other horses to try & get some portraits of him focused on his eyes. It wasn’t easy but this is my favorite from the morning’s shoot.
So, thanks again to Jonathan for all his insights, support and company over the 5 days & also to a great group of fellow photographers- Ewa, Debbie, Jayne & Tina who helped make it such an enjoyable workshop. Our base for this trip also played its part as it was so cozy and comfortable-The Hestheimar Guesthouse (https://hestheimar.is/). The staff, food & ambience were top class & such a relaxing place to rest after a day out in freezing temperatures. No wonder it’s in National Geographic’s “100 Hotels of a Lifetime”. If you are looking for a great place to stay in the south of Iceland, this is it!
Dudhwa NP, 2025
A male tiger emerged from the tall grasses in Dudhwa. For what was less than a minute his alert gaze fixed towards my camera providing a powerful moment if connection and intensity. That was enough time fior me to capture this striking portrait of intimacy and power.
✓ Museum archival giclée paper
✓ Hand-signed & numbered by Jules
✓ Certificate of authenticity
✓ 15% to conservation
✓ Worldwide shipping
✓ Free UK delivery
The Full Story Behind The Photo
This male Tiger emerged from the tall grasses in Dudhwa National Park. We gave it space as it moved onto the sandy path where it started walking away from us. Luckily after a few moments he stopped and turned to look in our direction. For what was less than a minute his alert gaze was fixed towards my camera providing a powerful moment of connection and intensity. However, that was enough time for me to capture this striking portrait of an apex predator in its rightful habitat.
The natural corridor of the path, the vivid contrast of the Tiger’s stripes against the lush green vegetation, and the tiger’s unwavering gaze all work together to create an image that feels both intimate and powerful.
As a tribute, it honors not just the animal itself, but the protected landscapes and conservation efforts that allow the tiger to endure as king of the Indian wild.
Print Specification
All prints are printed on Canson® Infinity Rag Photographique which is a 100% cotton museum grade white Fine Art and photo paper.
Canson® Infinity Rag Photographique offers a unique extra smooth surface with a sensual feel. It has been developed to address the need for continued longevity requirements in the Digital Fine Art market.
Shipping & Delivery
Delivery is from the United Kingdom and is included free with the purchase of all prints. Delivery is by FedEx, DHL, UPS, or DPD depending on location. Once your order is shipped you will receive an email with your tracking number. Please allow up to two weeks to fulfil your order plus one week for delivery.
Conservation Impact
As with all images in the collections, 15% of the proceeds from each image will be split between four charities- Kicheche Community Trust, Great Plains Foundation, Big Cat Initiative & Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. Learn more about giving back, here.