Photo of the Month: Timing it Right in Iceland

The theme for August at Nordic Visitor was Iceland, and our new Nordic Photo of the Month winner Bob Trinnes was certainly in the right place at the right time.

That's what impressed us the most about Bob's pictures—they all seem to have had great timing, whether it was capturing the mood of current weather conditions or snapping the shutter at the exact moment a geyser bursts or a giant whale flips its tail for a boat full of spectators in Húsavík (in cover image). Talk about timing! And a little luck...

The Trinnes family drove all around the country on our best-selling Iceland Full Circle tour, ensuring that they had plenty of opportunities for well-timed (and timeless) moments with all sorts of different landscapes, weather and activities.

Strokkur puts on a good show every 8 minutes, spouting water 15-20 meters high, sometimes higher. When you visit, take note of the wind direction so you're not standing downstream, as the water is scalding hot. (Rain jackets are handy here.) Nearby at this same geothermal area is the inactive Geysir, from which "geyser" is derived.

Bob's picture of Strokkur in mid-eruption (above) will take a turn as the cover image of our Facebook page for the month, and below are more of the Trinnes' family photos from their trip:

Bob's son, Nick, getting a different angle from the overlook by Goðafoss waterfall in North Iceland. Iceland's low clouds and uniquely textured landscapes make for some excellent, moody black-and-white photos.

Sunshine is perfect for taking in the panoramic views of Reykjavik from the 74 meter-high tower at Hallgrímskirkja, the city's most recognizable landmark. On a clear day you might see all the way to Snæfellsjökull glacier.

And this is what Hallgrímskirkja church looks like from the bottom of Skólavörðustigur street.

No one should miss a walk behind Seljalandsfoss waterfall in South Iceland!

In Iceland it's perfectly plausible to have both sunshine and heavy clouds at the same time...and sometimes all four seasons in a day. Here in Stykkishólmur on Snæfellsnes Peninsula, the harbour and little island of Sugandisey shine in the warm evening light against a looming storm. (Hint: you can walk up to the little lighthouse on the island for great views!)

About his family's travel experience, Bob said: "We had a wonderful time on our tour. The scenery was spectacular. I don't think I've been anywhere else with so many natural wonders to see. Our hotels along the way were very comfortable and the people were always friendly. The Icelandic food was very good but you can keep the hákarl (it did not go down well). Our tour and tour materials were very well organized and we had no issues finding our way. We have been recommending Nordic Visitor to our friends."

Bob and wife Diane in front of Skógafoss waterfall, with a little rainbow building up in the mist.

Thanks and congrats, Bob! (P.S. Hákarl is fermented shark, and you'll have to form your own opinion about the taste.)

GOOD TO KNOW: Timing is everything, and thankfully Nordic Visitor has dozens of different self-drive tours in Iceland with varying duration and seasons, including shorter road trips to specific regions and journeys in winter months for aurora seekers. For the time of your life, we can even customize a tour for you.

This month's winning picture will be the cover image on our Facebook page until another winner is chosen next month. Will you be our next winner? Learn more about the contest.

And don't forget to hashtag #NordicVisitor on your Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pictures!

• See more Nordic photos from our travelers and staff at our website
• Take a look at the top things to see in Iceland, for photographic inspiration