Find landscape photography guides by Jennifer Esseiva.

Two Icelandic horses cuddling in Iceland, with person in yellow jacket nearby in natural landscape.

My 10-day photographer’s itinerary in South Iceland (fall 2024)

At the end of September and beginning of October 2024, I spent 10 days exploring Iceland for the very first time. My goal was simple: capture the beauty of the Icelandic landscapes through my lens. I focused mainly on the west and south of the country, chasing dramatic light, unique compositions, and peaceful moments in nature. In this article, I’m sharing my full 10-day itinerary, designed for landscape photographers. You’ll find Google Maps links to the photo spots I visited, tips about accommodations, and practical advice to plan your own trip. I also include insights about the Northern Lights, lesser-known

Portrait photo of Swiss landscape photographer Jennifer Esseiva holding her Nikon camera, captured in natural light with a scenic background.

Landscape Photography Gear for Beginners: What You Really Need to Start

Are you drawn to the beauty of nature and wondering what gear you need to start landscape photography? I remember asking myself the exact same question when I bought my first DSLR. In this article, I’ll share the simple choices I made when I started, along with the essential gear that helped me capture the landscapes I love. Which camera brand and kit should you choose Before anything else, you’ll need to choose a camera brand. Canon, Nikon, and Sony are the most popular options among both beginners and professionals. Each brand has its own strengths, but one important thing

Sunset at Pico do Arieiro, Madeira, with orange and pink light over rugged mountain peaks and dramatic clouds.

5 Scenic Spots for Landscape Photography in Madeira

Sunset Above the Clouds at Pico do Arieiro, Madeira Pico do Arieiro is one of the most iconic landmarks in Madeira. Perched at 1,818 meters, it offers panoramic views over the island’s jagged peaks and cloud inversions. It’s also the starting point of the famous PR1 hike to Pico Ruivo. I visited twice and witnessed two magical sunsets, with red and purple skies illuminating the rocky landscape. How to get there Pico do Arieiro is easy to reach by car. Drive to the viewpoint near the radar dome, where a parking lot is available. If it’s full, you might need

Red windmill at Lajes do Pico at sunset, Azores, silhouetted against a pink sky over the ocean.

A 10-Day Azores Itinerary for Landscape Photography – São Miguel, Pico & Terceira

Volcanic lakes hidden in emerald craters. Blue hydrangeas lining narrow roads. Clouds drifting over dramatic cliffs. The Azores are one of the most beautiful and underrated destinations in Europe for landscape photography. This remote Portuguese archipelago lies in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean. Each of its nine islands has a unique atmosphere, with shifting light, lush vegetation and raw volcanic textures. In summer 2024, I spent 10 days exploring three of them: São Miguel, Pico and Terceira. With my camera in hand, I chased misty mornings, colorful sunsets and silent moments by the ocean. In this article, I share

Self-portrait in Fanal Forest, Madeira, beneath ancient trees in misty and moody atmosphere.

Photographing Fanal Forest: A Guide to Landscapes, Mist, and Creative Self-Portraits

Fanal Forest photography is a magical encounter with mist, silence, and the ancient soul of Madeira. Hidden high in the Laurisilva mountains, this timeless forest is home to centuries-old laurel trees, often wrapped in a soft veil of fog. Their twisted shapes, moss-covered branches, and ever-changing light create an atmosphere that feels both surreal and intimate. As a Swiss landscape photographer, I was instantly drawn to this place, not just for its visual beauty, but for the emotions it evokes. Fanal is more than just a photo location; it’s a living landscape that invites slowness, observation, and creative freedom. In

Amazing northern lights landscape photography at Bøsanden Beach in Steigen, Norway, captured at night with aurora borealis dancing above the Arctic coastline.

6 essential tips for stunning northern lights photography

Northern lights photography is both a technical challenge and a magical experience. Few moments compare to standing beneath a sky that suddenly comes alive with moving curtains of green, pink, purple or even red light. While photographing the aurora can seem intimidating at first, understanding a few key principles will dramatically improve your chances of capturing memorable images. Over the past few years, I have photographed the northern lights across Iceland, Finland, Norway and the Faroe Islands. I have spent countless hours standing in freezing temperatures, waiting under cloudy skies, adjusting camera settings in the dark and learning how unpredictable

Long exposure of Dunquin Pier (Cé Dhún Chaoin) on the Dingle Peninsula, Ireland, with winding path and calm ocean.

5 breathtaking landscape photography spots on Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way

Wild Atlantic Way photography is a journey through stormy skies, emerald cliffs, lonely piers, and fog-wrapped lakes. Ireland offers everything a landscape photographer dreams of. While less talked about than Iceland or Scotland, this island reveals its magic to those who dare brave its winds and changing skies. The Wild Atlantic Way, a 2,500 km coastal route along Ireland’s west coast, is home to some of the country’s most photogenic places from the iconic Cliffs of Moher to hidden gems like Dunquin Pier and Conor Pass. Along this route, you’ll find drama, softness, and silence, often all in the same

Panoramic view of Zinal ice cave in the Swiss Alps, Valais, with detailed blue glacier formations.

Zinal ice caves – a photographer’s journey through Switzerland’s melting heart

Zinal ice cave photography is a journey through time, silence, and melting beauty. Tucked away in the Swiss Alps, above the quiet village of Zinal, lies a hidden world of turquoise ice and delicate silence. This ephemeral glacier cave, carved each year at the base of the Zinal Glacier, is one of Switzerland’s most magical winter landscapes and one of its most fragile. Over three winters, I’ve returned with my camera and my heart open, watching the cave evolve: collapsing, shifting, glowing, breathing. Photographing the Zinal ice cave is a race against time and light. In this article, I take

Sunrise at Lago di Braies in the Dolomites, Italy, with turquoise water and snow-covered mountains.

The November Glow: landscape photography in the Dolomites

Looking for the best landscape photography spots in the Dolomites in winter? While the summer and fall crowds fade away, November brings a unique charm to the Italian Alps. Last year, I spent three quiet days exploring the Dolomites by car, discovering how autumn slowly gives way to winter. With semi-snow-covered mountains, golden trees, and partially frozen lakes, it felt like a dream suspended in time. November is considered off-season. Many hotels and restaurants are closed, and ski resorts haven’t opened yet. But for landscape photographers, this is a golden opportunity. The roads are quiet, the views are breathtaking, and

Waterfall falling into the ocean with Risin and Kellingin sea stacks in the Faroe Islands, under misty and moody sky.

7-Day Spring Photography Itinerary in the Faroe Islands (April Guide)

The Faroe Islands had been on my mind for years, and in April 2023 I finally spent 7 days exploring this remote North Atlantic archipelago. I deliberately chose to visit in late April, during spring. At that time of year, the islands are far less crowded than in summer, accommodation prices are often lower, and some of the most popular photography locations can feel surprisingly empty. For photographers, April is a fantastic season. The weather is dramatic and constantly changing, waterfalls are flowing strongly, and there is still a chance of seeing the northern lights on clear nights. The days