That's Why Tom Goes To Iceland

Iceland’s harsh weather conditions open it up to a world of unique photo opportunities

- Tom Mackie

I always tell people who come on my Iceland workshops to be prepared for adverse weather. The conditions are not only hard on equipment, but hard on the body. I’ve been in sub-zero white-outs where you can’t see more than a few feet, sandblasted by volcanic ash in gale-force winds, and even fallen through a snow hole in an ice cave. So you’re probably wondering why I subject myself to conditions like this? Because there are times when you experience amazing, once-in-a-lifetime conditions that make it all worthwhile. I’ll always remember the year we were surprised with a week of glorious conditions – and not just climactic, but with the Northern Lights, too.

This particular year the solar cycle was nearing its peak, so the aurora activity was higher than usual. 27 February 2014 will always be ingrained in my memory, as it produced one of the most incredible experiences of my life. Just as we sat down to dinner that evening, someone ran into the restaurant announcing: “The lights are on!” I’ve never seen a restaurant clear so quickly.