
Wednesday, 20th October 2010
Elemental
by Cedric Guilleminot
This is a very special place tucked deep in the interior of Iceland and taken at "sunset", or midnight. I spent the night here and although the area is quite barren it is photographically speaking one of tremendous reward.
The subterranean activity of this thermal haven allows for wonderful long exposures as thermal mist seamlessly blends with the clouds leaving an impression of timelessness. At least that is my perception.
Conditions were extremely bizarre at the specific point I went for this shot. Dancing pink hues mixed with the clouds, the steam and some reflected light. Wind speeded the movement and rising fumes heavily obscured the background. Some openings let the deep blue sky paint other areas. Such that as much as the result is intriguing it was impossible to foresee the final image as opposed to my other shot. Rewards come in different ways.
What I like about this image is the absence of any reference, be it time or place. It takes me to a place I have never known, back to Earth's fundamentals, it's Elemental nature. I have possibly dreamt of this image and associating what can not have been, found a sanctuary here after being pursued by some Tyrannosaurus Rex. I just don't know if this was a good or a bad dream.
Equipment: Nikon D3x, CPL, 0.45x GND, 25s at f16, 36mm
Cedric Guilleminot
Website: Photos
Elemental by Cedric Guilleminot was photo of the day on Wednesday, 20th October 2010. It is tagged Iceland, Volcano. You can leave a comment below.

23 Comments
Patrice
Very surreal. Great shot!
Gina
“Other-worldly” comes to mind. Amazing shot.
Dennis
Outstanding. Thanks for sharing this.
Wayne
Cedric,
Outstanding image. You’re right, it’s timeless. I’m an astronomer. This image could be from one of the newly discovered exoplanets. I like the way the background is obscurred, it makes me want to know what’s there! This image is now my desktop wallpaper, thanks for sharing it with us.
Anurag
Absolutely Wonderful.
It is a perfect, well deserved reward for the effort and the endurance of the elements.
chris boynton
Brilliant Shot!
Marah
Looks like a face blowing breath from its mouth! Amazing!
Debs
Beautiful. I just love your story. Well Done
Sharon
I am speechless about how this picture makes me feel and the thoughts it brings. I can’t begin to find the words. A great big THANK YOU for sharing this incredible picture!
Andrew
Nice Shot!
Marie Dunphy Harding
Your description is wonderful; practically taking us with you, with the exception of Rex!
Congratulations on your well deserved POTD.
Hanna Bouma
Dreamy an fantastical shot, lovely and gripping description as well.
Thanks for sharing and well done!
Tom
Absolutely surreal !!
Suzie
That looks like something I’ve seen in a fantasy novel. Dragons happened to enjoy the spot.
Shirley Hill
I love it. Thank You for taking us there.
PlanetLover
Amazing, so different and eerie. Iceland is one of the best places on Earth to see our planet in action. I love your photography and the texts you take time to write for us explaining things. Thanks, Cedric!
Laura Milholland
An amazing and memorable image. Congratultions!
Pauline Jones
This makes us think of earth before life appeared. When it was being formed; there is something virgin about it; a very evocative shot.
Cedric Guilleminot
Thank you all for your kind words. It was really a special place and a special image.
Rajib Singha
Magical moments!
Renee
Amazing shot!
Justin
This is stunning!
mike
Very different scenery. The clouds blend right into the area.