The Gullfoss Trail collection comprises a landscape sequence of 17 captivating cyanotype photographs captured on the trail leading to Gullfoss from the east side. These striking images offer diverse perspectives, showcasing the breathtaking Icelandic landscape in all its glory. The initial photographs exude a sense of nostalgia, drawing inspiration from the neo-romantic Scandinavian paintings of the late 19th century and subtly influenced by the esteemed Icelandic landscape artist Þórarinn B. Þorláksson. As the sequence progresses, the images become more intense and dramatic, evoking a profound sense of awe and exhilarating peril.
Cyanotype photographs: the process
These images are not mere photographs but a testament to the meticulous artistry of the cyanotype process, which traces its origins back to 1842. A solution of photosensitive iron salts is delicately painted upon watercolour paper. Once dry, a digital negative is carefully sandwiched with the paper and illuminated with ultraviolet light. The resulting blue image is a cyanotype photograph, a unique and captivating art form. I then lightly bleached the image before toning it in a solution made from sumac leave tannin extract, adding depth and character to the composition with warm grey dark shades and lighter yellow-brown hues.
Camera technique
I captured these photos using a Fujifilm GFX 100s camera with a 30mm f/2.8 lens. The camera features a medium format sensor and exceptional optics, resulting in highly detailed and high-quality images.
