Photographing the Hike Around Ilulissat, Greenland
A view down onto a small part of the massive Ilulissat Icefjord while on a late night hike, under the midnight sun, near the town of Ilulissat in Greenland.
I loved my time in Greenland. I spent 3 or 4 days there exploring in and around the tourist town of Ilulissat in Western Greenland and a couple of days at the Eqi Glacier Lodge opposite the amazing Eqi Sermia Glacier at the far end of Disko Bay.
Have You Answered The Call Of The Wild?
There's beauty in isolation, you just have to be open and receptive to the environment in which you find yourself.
The above image was made at around 2:30am near the end of a long hike on the outskirts of Ilulissat. Most of the hike takes you along the edge of the Ilulissat Icefjord before heading inland and back into the tourist town of Ilulissat.
About To Travel?
I was on my own for most of the hike, though I did see some local Inuit folk enjoying the long summer evenings off in the distance.
The photo was made as I began the climb upward to a vantage point above town, prior to descending through a large pack of howling huskies and, after a final effort, back to my hotel where a well earned sleep awaited me.
Hills, illuminated by warm light, at sunset near the tourist town of Ilulissat in Western Greenland.
Wind Is The Death Of Sharpness
While the walk was beautiful I did experience quite strong winds along the thinly defined trail. And wind can be a real concern when you’re making photos with your tripod resting on top of rocks.
Remember to grip the tripod with your hand to check for vibration, which can be severe under such conditions.
The midnight sun contrasts the local cemetery against a view of houses and factories in Ilulissat, Greenland.
The Dualities Of Separation And Connection
Despite the wind the walk was a very meditative experience. The light was a little gloomy, which only added to the sombre nature of the surroundings.
I’ve always found melancholy to be a uniquely beautiful experience. It’s a quiet, reflective state. A kind of bridge between the extremes of ecstasy and sadness.
While I’m a very positive and sociable person, I love being on my own and I’m attracted to the beauty of dualities showcased in much of my photography.
Safe waters on the edge of the massive Ilulissat Icefjord in Greenland.
Reflection And Transition For The Creative Soul
Our lives are split into literally millions of individual moments. Yet it’s in these relatively rare moments of transition that I find the deepest connection to the sublime.
Learn To Use Your Camera
Are you interested in a landscape experience that's right on the edge of wilderness. The long summer days, massive icebergs and amazing light around the tourist town of Ilulissat in Western Greenland might be exactly what you’re after.
I know I'll return one day soon, before the crowds come.