Meet Helga Kvam, a one–woman, one–camera tourist board.
If you’re looking for pictures of Iceland on Flickr, chances are that sooner than later you’ll run into Helga Kvam, a music teacher living in Svalbarðsströnd, north of Akureyri.
Why? Because she takes lots and lots of stunningly beautiful photos of Iceland.
And we’re not the only ones noticing. From her tiny village up north, Helga is starting to do brisk business, selling her photos for use in ads, magazines, and books, to far away places like New York and Australia. It’s hard to believe that she only took up photography about a year and a half ago.
Personally, we think Helga makes Iceland look almost unnaturally good. And we told her so, when we called her up yesterday. (Yay! Original reporting! We feel almost professional!)
We: Helga, we love your work. What’s your secret?
Helga Kvam: Well, I stay away from the old-fashoned post card feel. I’ll shoot in the middle of the night, or maybe in weird lighting conditions, and I try to avoid the most obvious perspective. Also, you could say I try to put a little bit of the moment into the picture.
Do you have any favourite places to shoot?
Not really. It changes depending on the season. Reykjanes [in the southwest of Iceland] is fun to shoot because it’s difficult; the simplicity of the landscape makes it very hard to compose a photo.
You live in the north — any touristy recommendations?
First of all, don’t be afraid to talk to the locals and get some advice. Second, stay of the beaten track. Don’t just take a bus and sleep in hotels — stay in a tent! And be prepared for all kinds of weather. In the area around Akureyri I would recommend Skíðadalur — it’s close to Akureyri, not crowded, and once you’re there it’s just a short walk up to the Highlands. Also, you should definitely go to Hrísey and Grímsey.
Do you know how many people have looked at your photos online?
About 350,000 according to the counter. Sometimes, people who have seen my photos on Flickr contact me when they’re in the area. I think I’m also responsible for at least a few people flying to Iceland. I think Iceland Express should give me a commission! [Laughs.]
Helga, stop laughing. That’s not funny.
Helga Kvam: Flickr | Photofront | Personal Site
6 Comments
Hey when Helga says she’s responsible for some people flying or intending to fly to Iceland, it’s not such an overrated statement. It does has its validity in those many dozen contacts she has out of iceland who come everyday to flickr to see the mesmerizing beauty of this under-reported island. You should hire her as ambassador or something, seriously :) May be we could have a petition afterall ;)
But overall, she’s been a true inspiration for people who like to look at photographs or shoot themselves everywhere. Go girl :D
Her pictures are great. I came across them exactly by looking for pictures of Iceland on Flickr.
Helga’s works are actually able to transmit the energy and strength of the Icelandic landscape.
Hi Ejaz — Yes, we agree. Helga is a true inspiration for people who like to shoot themselves everywhere!
Hi, Although I probably will never be able to make the trip myself, her photos bring a beautiful country a little bit closer. I check out her latest Flickr photos every night and am never disappointed. Defininely something to aim for!
a Woman, looking that good, and taking pictures like that, makes you even more interessted in visiting Island, at one time. I’ve walked across England, along Hadrians Wall, and in Norway – so – I do hope to come to You also
I think Helga’s photographs are magical. I am a photography student, and I have been admiring her work for hours. I sit and try to figure out how she lit the landscape to do the wondrous things she accomplishes behind the lens! Helga, can you give me some hints? I am dazzled…. put me out of my misery. I live in Florida, USA. I would love it if you would come to our photography school and speak or have an exhibit. We are home of the South East Museum of Photography.
4 Trackbacks/Pingbacks
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[...] Check out an interview with Helga on Iceland Express’ website. [...]
[...] Our old friend Helga Kvam still makes Iceland look like a million krónas dollars. For a sample of some of her nicest Iceland pictures, just click on the slideshow below or see the fullscreen version here. [...]
[...] Check out an interview with Helga on Iceland Express’ website. Click here to cancel reply. [...]
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