How to Photograph Glaciers, Icebergs & Ice Caves

What’s the best—and most sustainable—way of photographing icy terrain and snow-covered landscapes? Glaciers, icebergs and ice caves aren’t just beautiful locations for creating stunning photography; they’re ancient invaluable landmarks of the natural world and perhaps the most noticeable gauge of the destructive effects of the climate crisis. So, it’s imperative for anyone photographing glaciers to minimise the impact of their actions. 

Photographers will also need to deal with extremes of light—from the darkest ice caves to the brightest snow glare on icebergs and glaciers—while working under challenging weather conditions and in sub-zero temperatures.

In this guide, outdoor photographer Marvin Kuhr shares his essential advice for photographers looking to capture images of glaciers, icebergs and ice caves sustainably. Marvin Kuhr has photographed some of the world’s most impressive environments and landscapes and has worked with tourism boards and brands throughout Europe and South America—including a commission from Visit Norway to photograph the country’s breathtaking fjords. 

I’ve had the privilege of visiting and photographing some of the most beautiful places in the world, including Patagonia and Iceland. Both trips left me deeply impressed but also saddened when I saw the impact of climate change on these beautiful places.

As photographers, we can make the effects of climate change visible and raise awareness of the situation's urgency. However, we must also ask ourselves how to make our work more sustainable. 

In this article, I’ll share my experiences photographing glaciers and some techniques to photograph these impressive places best.

Camera equipment for photographing glaciers

Photographing glaciers can be an amazing experience and result in stunning images. However, there are a few things to consider to achieve the best possible results. One important requirement is having the right equipment—in my case, I use the Sony A7 IV camera—and the right lenses.

When choosing lenses, it is important to consider the focal length and aperture. The Sony FE 70-200mm f/2.8 GM OSS and 16-35mm f/2.8 GM offer a good balance between wide-angle and telephoto. These lenses allowed me to capture the glacier's wide landscapes and details. And if you need a longer focal length, you can use a teleconverter.

Tips for photographing glaciers

Exposure

Exposure is an important consideration. Glaciers reflect a lot of light, which can lead to overexposure. So, it’s important to monitor exposure carefully and make exposure corrections if necessary. Using a polarising filter can also help reduce reflected light and improve contrast. In any case, keep an eye on your histogram.

Location and angle of view

Another important factor when photographing glaciers is the choice of location and angle of view. It can be helpful to view and photograph the glacier from different perspectives to capture the different aspects and textures of the ice. 

You could try photographing the glacier from a distance to capture its full extent or get close to it to capture details of the ice. At some glaciers, there are even opportunities to walk on the ice in guided tours or to enter ice caves under the ice.

Weather conditions 

Another important factor when photographing glaciers is the weather. Glaciers can look brilliant and spectacular in sunlight, but in bad weather the atmosphere can be more dramatic and atmospheric. Rain, fog and clouds can create a unique atmosphere that shows the glacier in a different light.

I particularly remember one day in Patagonia when I visited the Perito Moreno glacier. It was cloudy and foggy, but that made the experience all the more fascinating. The clouds seemed to sit almost on the water's surface, creating an almost magical atmosphere. A few minutes later, the weather cleared, a rainbow appeared over the glacier and the sun made the colours of the surroundings—the green of the trees and the blue of the ice—seem more intense.

Consider sustainable choices

As photographers, we have the responsibility to make our work more sustainable. MPB offers a platform where we can buy, sell or trade in used camera equipment. This not only helps to reduce resource consumption and emissions, but also allows cameras and lenses to be reused by others. 

We should be aware of how we take our photos and the impact they can have. For example, in nature photography, if we are considerate of the environment and wildlife and leave no trace, we can help preserve these places for future generations. In short, photographers have the opportunity to take beautiful pictures and to have a positive impact on the world around us.

Use photography to communicate environmental issues

When photographing glaciers, it’s important to be aware of the impacts of climate change on glaciers in the area. Awareness of these impacts can help to further take meaningful pictures and spread the word.

In Iceland, I could photograph the glaciers from the inside. It was a unique experience to enter an ice cave and watch the light shimmering through the ice. However, it is also important to emphasise that these ice caves are becoming increasingly rare due to climate change and global warming. The glaciers are melting faster and the ice is becoming more unstable, making it more dangerous to enter ice caves.

As photographers, we must be aware that our images have a power far beyond the aesthetic. We can draw people's attention to problems and create awareness. We can tell visual stories and reinforce the importance of issues and problems.

Overall, photographing glaciers not only shows nature's beauty but also its vulnerability and the impact humans have on it. We need to be aware that we are part of the problem, but we can also be part of the solution. By making our work more sustainable and creating awareness, we can help improve our world.

For more, check out our interview with Ragnar Axelsson about climate crisis photography or read more tips and techniques on the MPB content hub.