Platypod Handle Mobile Photography in Iceland with Dave Williams
Words by Dave Williams - A Platypod Pro
Edited by Eryka Bagwell
"I endured the harsh Icelandic weather, fought gale-force winds, and set out on a 450-mile mission through spectacular landscapes equipped with the ground-breaking Platypod Handle, an extendible photographic tool that revolutionizes the way we capture stunning photos. Come with me as we unlock the mysteries of this amazing adventure."
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If Dave could capture these images with a Mobile phone, imagine all the captures you could snap with your DSLR camera (or camera of the like)!
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"Photographers flock to Iceland in droves to capture the country's unadulterated beauty because of its spectacular panoramas, otherworldly landscapes, and constantly shifting weather. I decided to take the opportunity to test the new Platypod Handle, a versatile and portable device that attaches to a Platypod or tripod and extends the connection between the camera and the ball head, as a Platypod Pro. This revolutionary device helped me overcome the challenges posed by Iceland's extreme weather. Because of its stability and versatility, my pictures were clear and devoid of the unintentional motion blur brought on by the strong gusts that appeared to accompany me throughout our trip."
"From the famous Golden Circle to the captivating Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, each destination presented fresh difficulties and breathtaking prospects. The Platypod Handle gave me the freedom to truly take my mobile photography to new heights as we travelled across the varied landscapes. After picking up the necessary refreshments at the airport, I immediately set off for the recognizable Seljalandsfoss. The weather predictions I had seen were true and had prepared me for a significant challenge as I travelled from Reykjavik to Hveragerði via a mountain pass. A storm with hail, significant wind gusts close to the mountains, and challenging driving conditions due to the 23 m/s wind speed was predicted by SafeTravel.is for the entire nation. It took a few hours to get to Seljalandsfoss, and once there, the wind made it difficult to open the car door. The famous waterfall that you can walk behind was spraying heavily on this particular day. Of course, that didn't stop me."
"I re-started the journey to Skógafoss after getting soaked at Seljalandsfoss. The good sidelight I had was obscured by dense clouds, and the wind became worse. The hail started as soon as I pulled in, so I had to wait it out for a while inside the car before I could get out and take any pictures."
"It's simple to see how the iPhone uses computational photography in the long exposure photos it creates by stacking exposures to create the Long Exposure effect in a Live Photo rather than utilizing the constantly open shutter technique that is standard in conventional photography. This is most easily seen in a moving river."
"Southeast Iceland is a region of unmatched natural beauty, distinguished by its lava fields, glacial flood plains, and Jökulsárlón, one of the nation's most fascinating views. Jökulsárlón, a stunning glacier lagoon, is located amidst this gorgeous landscape. It’s an expanse of blue, crystal-clear water that shimmers with icebergs that have calved from the neighboring Breiðamerkurjökull glacier, a smaller component of the larger Vatnajökull glacier and National Park. It is nothing short of wonderful to see these enormous ice sculptures drifting peacefully in the lagoon. The wind howled over the glacier and skimmed the lagoon, resulting in incredibly strong gusts for me. The low-profile Platypod rig made light work of it, allowing me to capture some cool photos and video. Perfect."
"The following day I made the return journey. The Geysir geothermal area, where the renowned Strokkur geyser steals the show, was my first visit in the Golden Circle. Every few minutes, this powerful geyser bursts, sending a column of hot water and steam into the air and producing an exhilarating scene. Mud pots, steam vents, and other geothermal phenomena that highlight Iceland's volcanic activity are also present. I was able to prepare my shot and watch patiently for the eruption to occur because I used my Apple Watch to activate the camera on my iPhone. I adore how the water seems blue during the explosion. For a split second, the rushing air bubbles create a dome on the water's surface before the surface tension is broken and steam is released into the atmosphere."
"As I set out on an incredible photographic journey through Iceland, I encountered an unexpected obstacle during what should be the beginning of summer: a relentless storm that put my willpower and fortitude to the test. With the cutting-edge Platypod eXtreme, Handle, and Platyball Ergo, I battled the elements and managed to take beautiful pictures amidst the commotion. This amazing adventure served as a showcase for the improvements in mobile photography that allowed me to capture the amazing events that were happening in front of me. My Platypod proved to be a dependable partner as the storm raged on, providing stability and adaptability that allowed me to take clear and breath-taking pictures. Its extensible handle allowed me to defy the weather's ferocious power and realize my vision, taking mobile photography to new heights."
To view more of Dave's work click here to visit his Instagram page you can also find Dave on the Platypod Official Users Facebook Group.
Visit the Platypod store to check out all the new sales to boost your creativity. Click Here
If you have a final image and BTS that you’d like to share and potentially be featured on our blog (newsletter or social media pages), please contact us via service@platypod.com.
