Why Diamond Beach is a Photography Paradise
Diamond Beach offers one of the most photogenic landscapes on Earth: crystal-clear ancient ice
contrasting with jet-black volcanic sand, all set against the ever-changing Icelandic sky. Whether
you're a professional or phone photographer, these tips will help you capture memorable images.
Best Times to Photograph
Golden Hour & Blue Hour
The most magical light occurs during:
- Sunrise: Warm golden tones illuminate the ice from behind
- Sunset: Dramatic colours reflect in wet sand and ice
- Blue hour: 30–60 mins before sunrise / after sunset—ethereal blue tones
Winter advantage: With only 4–7 hours of daylight, golden/blue hour lasts longer and
occurs at more sociable times (no 3am wake-ups required).
Check Sunrise/Sunset Times
Use timeanddate.com to plan around golden hour at Diamond Beach's
location.
Midday Photography
Don't dismiss midday light entirely. Overcast skies act as a giant softbox, reducing harsh shadows
and making ice details easier to capture.
Camera Settings
General Settings for Ice
| Setting |
Recommended |
Notes |
| Aperture |
f/8–f/11 |
Sharp foreground to background |
| ISO |
100–400 |
Keep low for clean images |
| Shutter Speed |
1/125+ |
Freeze wave action; use tripod for slower |
| White Balance |
Auto or Daylight |
Adjust in post for creative effect |
| Focus |
Manual or single-point AF |
Focus on ice in foreground |
Long Exposure for Waves
Use a tripod and ND filter (ND8–ND64) to slow shutter speed to 1–5
seconds. This creates a smooth, misty water effect around stationary ice.
Northern Lights Settings
| Setting |
Value |
| Aperture |
f/2.8 or widest available |
| ISO |
1600–6400 |
| Shutter |
5–15 seconds |
| Focus |
Manual, set to infinity |
| Tripod |
Essential |
Composition Ideas
- Low angle: Get down to ice level for dramatic foreground presence
- Backlit ice: Position with sun behind the ice to create glow effect
- Waves in motion: Include wave action for dynamic energy
- Reflections: Wet sand acts as mirror during retreating waves
- Scale: Include a person for sense of scale (careful of safety)
- Isolation: Focus on single ice chunk with telephoto lens
diamond-beach-iceland-photography-composition-placeholder.jpg
Alt: "Photographer capturing
ice chunks at Diamond Beach Iceland during golden hour"
Smartphone Photography Tips
No DSLR? No problem. Modern smartphones capture excellent Diamond Beach photos:
- Clean your lens before shooting
- Tap to focus on the ice, not the sky
- Use HDR mode for balanced exposure
- Take burst mode shots to capture perfect wave timing
- Enable gridlines and use rule of thirds
- Keep your phone warm in your pocket between shots (cold drains battery)
Drone Photography
Drones offer incredible perspectives of Diamond Beach, but know the rules:
- Registration: Register with Icelandic Transport Authority (Samgöngustofa)
- Restrictions: National park areas have restrictions—check current rules
- Weather: Strong coastal winds are common—be prepared for challenging conditions
- Battery: Cold temperatures reduce battery life significantly
Coastal Winds
Diamond Beach is notoriously windy. Secure tripods well and protect equipment from salt
spray.
Safety While Photographing
Don't get so focused on the shot that you forget safety:
- Never turn your back on the ocean
- Don't chase receding waves for closer shots—"sneaker waves" return fast
- Avoid climbing on ice near the water
- Protect your gear from salt spray and sand
Read our complete safety guide before visiting.