Icelandic Horses

• Photographer
  Johannes Frank, Iceland
• Studio
  johannesfrank.com
• Website
  http://johannesfrank.com

Part of my Icelandic Horse series of Icelandic Horses published in my book Hross

I am a self-taught photographer. I was born and raised in a small village in the Western Fjords of Iceland, and I believe that the mountains and the harsh landscape and weather I grew up with has had a big influence on my work. My knowledge of photography comes from reading books, shooting photographs, and learning from my mistakes; and my joy comes from making an image I am happy with.

I have an immense passion for landscape photography, most especially shooting it in black and white. Unlike with color photography, the graphic quality of black and white gives me a wider range of delicate tones and detail, which allows me the freedom I need in many photos to tangibly express the landscape. Sometimes, my intention for a new photo can begin with an image I imagine, like an isolated or abandoned place. I then head out in search of this vision. Oftentimes, I will drive around and explore new areas, holding on to the hope of finding that one image I am aiming for in my mind.

I am often trying to convey a soothing effect and simplicity in my landscape images, but I also want to express the power and drama that nature has, and how small humans and their things can be against Nature.

Through my photographs, I hope to extend the feeling I have towards the landscape of my country. It brings me the most satisfaction when people tell me they want to visit a place I have shot just to see it with their own eyes. This response makes me feel like I have accomplished something.