Where the Earth Breathes Fire

Written By Jan Smid
Geothermal landscape near Mývatn, Iceland, captured in warm autumn colors during Jan Smid’s Iceland Photo Expedition. Dramatic volcanic terrain with steam vents and autumn tundra. Photographed by Jan Smid, Master QEP.

The geothermal fields of Hverir (Hverarönd)beneath Námafjall come alive when the cold autumn air meets rising steam and the first warm light spills across the landscape. During our Autumn Iceland Expedition 2025, this place rewarded us with an unforgettable morning — soft colours, perfect light, beautiful clouds and endless compositions stretching across the boiling earth. It was one of those moments when every participant walked away with something unique.

I’ll be returning here again in the spring, when the snow melts and the geothermal colours deepen. If you’d like to explore these landscapes with me in a smaller, more intimate group, the Spring Iceland 2026 expedition is now open.

Panoramic photography (incl. exposure bracketing).

Equipment: Sony Alpha A1, Zeiss Loxia 25mm f/2.4

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Jan Smid
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