The flats by the huts

The area around the huts and campsite sits on flat gravel at the centre of the valley, and the mountains close in on every side: ochre, rust, pink and green in bands, patched with snow well into the summer. For anyone who does not want to climb, this is the whole of Landmannalaugar in one place.

Work away from the buildings toward the river and the lava edge and the frames come clean. A longer lens compresses the bands of colour into stripes behind the couple; a wide lens sets two small figures under an enormous ridge. Because the valley is open, the light changes fast — a squall clearing over the ridge line is the picture to wait for.

This is highland ground: volcanic grit, ash and small rocks rather than grass, so shoes matter more than usual and a long hem picks up dust. In midsummer the light lasts most of the night, which makes a late session both quiet and warm-toned. The huts, cars and tents are easy to keep out of frame if the photographer works toward the north and west.