Iceland Through the Lens 

With Milko Marchetti

Iceland, where fire and ice coexist, offers a unique land for landscape and wildlife photographers. Milko Marchetti, a Gitzo pioneer and wildlife photographer, has explored this Nordic island, framing its essence with the support of Gitzo’s extraordinary equipment. Here’s how Milko’s expertise and Iceland’s rugged beauty combine to create stunning photographic narratives.

Aurora Borealis

The Northern Lights are one of Iceland’s most fascinating sights. The best time to witness this phenomenon is during the winter months when the nights are long and dark.

Icelandic Horses

These sturdy and resilient horses symbolize Icelandic heritage. Known for their unique gaits like the tölt, they roam the countryside, adding magic to the captivating landscape.

Diverse Wildlife

Iceland is home to a variety of wildlife, including puffins, Arctic foxes, and reindeer, each adapted to the island’s unique environment.

Top Photography Tips

1. Eye-Level Engagement: To truly frame the soul of Iceland’s wildlife, Milko recommends positioning yourself at eye level with your subject. This often means getting down on the ground for a perspective that brings the viewer into the animal’s world.

All models in the Gitzo tripods offer a way to get low, be it a replaceable column in the Traveler , Ground-level set in the Mountaineer or the simplicity of the Systematic flat top. Each come with variable leg angles offering low positions and critically supporting the rated load capacity of the tripod even when completely spread.

2. Infinite Focus for Epic Landscapes: Iceland’s sweeping views demand a focus that spans from the foreground to the farthest mountain. Milko achieves this through focus stacking, combining multiple images at different focus distances in post-processing to produce a single image with everything in sharp focus.

3. Approachable Wildlife: In Iceland, wildlife is often within reach and unafraid of humans. Milko uses 100-400mm zoom lens for framing the unique avifauna in their natural habitat.

4. Gimbal Head for Dynamic Shots: When photographing animals, a gimbal head is Marchetti’s go-to for its speed and flexibility, allowing for quick positioning and stable tracking of moving subjects.

5. Ball Head for Panoramic Precision: For landscapes and detailed macro shots, a ball head is essential. It provides the stability and versatility needed to frame Iceland’s dramatic panoramas and intricate natural details. 

Milko's gear

To bring out the best in your wildlife photography expeditions, choosing the perfect equipment is crucial.