These Aerial Photos of Iceland’s Rivers Look Like Watercolor Paintings

Iceland Rivers from Above

Inspired by the beauty of our planet, Hungarian photographer Gábor Nagy loves discovering new locations for his work. Attracted to the great outdoors, it should come as no surprise that Iceland is fertile ground for his creativity. As a go-to location for many photographers seeking incredible landscapes, the country's expansive environment provides endless creative possibilities. While Nagy has several sets of images from Iceland, his River Paintings show a softer, abstract side to the environment.

Iceland's waterways have long been a source of inspiration for Nagy. “These glacier rivers are braiding their way through the Highlands of Iceland,” he writes. “I was always fascinated by the abstract forms of the Icelandic glacier rivers. The colors are vital nutrients as the river collects from the soil and carries for the ecosystem.”

The soft, soothing colors of the rivers wash across Nagy's compositions like watercolors spreading over a piece of paper. As the water ebbs and flows, it spiders through the land in a manner that creates visually satisfying forms and shadows. Nagy's ability to capture these images is no accident. His diligent research and preparation prior to his trips makes all the difference.

“Before my missions, I spend months and months on Google Earth and on other sites where I can scout locations with hi-res satellite pictures,” Nagy tells My Modern Met. “Usually I start with the official roads, scanning their surroundings meter by meter, and when I find pathways, I scan the areas towards them—most of the time the areas where I work are super fragile, so it's important to stay on tracks and leave no trace. I save all the spots that I found interesting, as these will be the building blocks of my daily itinerary.”

Using a drone, Nagy sets out to take in the environment and returns each season in order to discover Iceland from all angles. The challenge of capturing the magic of each season has become a sort of game for Nagy, with the fluctuating weather conditions making for a challenge that he's always willing to face. In the end, he knows that his hard work and patience will pay off. “I just have to be out there, and something magical definitely will happen.”

Gábor Nagy's aerial photos of Iceland's glacial rivers look like abstract watercolor paintings.

Iceland Rivers from Above

Abstract Aerial Photography

Abstract Aerial Photography

Abstract Aerial Photography

Nagy spends months prior to his departure researching locations using satellite images.

Iceland Rivers from Above

Abstract Photo of Iceland's Rivers

Abstract Aerial Iceland Photos by Gabor Nagy

Abstract Photo of Iceland's Rivers

Abstract Photo of Iceland's Rivers

Gábor Nagy: Website | Facebook | Instagram | Behance

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Gábor Nagy.

Related Articles:

Interview: Former Musician Captures Silent Serenity of Iceland’s Majestic Mountains

Abstract Aerial Photos Highlight the Fragile Beauty of Earth’s Waterways

Aerial Photos of Namib Desert’s Sand Dunes Look Like Abstract Works of Art

Stunning Aerial Photos Taken from a Small Plane Over Iceland and Greenland

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
Become a
My Modern Met Member
As a member, you'll join us in our effort to support the arts.

Sponsored Content