23rd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Drone/Aerial
Bouquet of Flower - narrow

Intrigued by the "Tree of Life" series of Italian photographer Isabella Tabacchi, I wanted to photograph structures and, therefore, I studied online maps for hours ... and found this unbelievable valley. In June 2024 I could do the shooting - what an experience to fly the drone thru this valley, so unreal, almost supernatural. In a valley on the Icelandic Highlands water finds its way shaping the land into majestic forms, symbolizing resilience and interconnectedness. Rivulets, streams and brooks seemingly run over and under each other, crossing, parting and melting again, creating wonderful abstracts, that let your phantasy run.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 06.2025
Date Uploaded: 11.2025
Photo Location: Next city would be Reykjavik about 250km away, Iceland
Copyright: © Thomas Hartstang