Israeli nature and landscape photographer Miki Spitzer has done it again: he won first place in the Planet Earth’s Landscapes and Environments category at the prestigious World Nature Photography Awards.
Spitzer impressed judges with a drone photograph of a geothermal pool in Iceland that resembles a dragon’s eye. Two years ago, he also took first place in the competition, winning in the “Nature Art” category with another striking drone shot from Iceland.
“Iceland is a special country. I’ve been there 16 times,” Spitzer said in an interview with Ynet. “A drone offers different perspectives — the eye doesn’t see what it sees.”
The Israeli photographer explained his deep connection to the northern island nation. “Iceland attracts a lot of photographers. There are volcanoes, the northern lights, glaciers and black sand. It’s truly a very interesting country that’s constantly changing, mainly because of global warming. Glaciers are melting, new rivers are forming, and there are so many unique and varied photography opportunities. Israelis have discovered it — you always hear Hebrew there.”
Although Iceland is considered one of Israel’s harshest critics in the European political arena, Spitzer — who wears a kippah and tzitzit — said he has not felt uncomfortable during his visits. “They’re not crazy about us there, unfortunately, but the landscapes are still very beautiful. There’s a very nice Chabad house run by Rabbi Feldman.
“The nature and scenery that the Holy One, blessed be He, created there are truly exceptional. There’s a place called Diamond Beach — a black sand beach covered with chunks of ice. It’s not just a place for photographers; tourists come to see it too. It’s really an extraordinary sight.”
How difficult is it to keep kosher there?
“It’s challenging, yes. Anyone who wants to really invest and photograph in interesting places can’t be pampered. You live off canned food, make shakshuka. I know how to cook, prepare fish, but meat and luxuries won’t be available — unless you’re at Chabad, where that’s possible.”
Where do you go from here?
“My next trip will be to photograph tornadoes in the United States.”
Spitzer has shared additional striking images from his travels in Iceland, Israel and around the world. More of his work can be found on his Instagram page:
The magical landscapes of Iceland
(Photo: Miki Spitzer)
Bridge over mud rivers, East Iceland
(Photo: Miki Spitzer)
Sunset over a glacier in southern Iceland
(Photo: Miki Spitzer)
Dettifoss Waterfall, Iceland
(Photo: Miki Spitzer)
Northern Lights in the Lofoten Islands, Norway
(Photo: Miki Spitzer)
Sunset in Lofoten
(Photo: Miki Spitzer)
Orange sunrise in the Netherlands
(Photo: Miki Spitzer)
Winter sunrise in the Dolomites
(Photo: Miki Spitzer)
Emerald Lake, Canada
(Photo: Miki Spitzer)
Omega Park, Canada
(Photo: Miki Spitzer)
Israelite deer
(Photo: Miki Spitzer)
Dead Sea
(Photo: Miki Spitzer)
An ibex in Mitzpe Ramon
(Photo: Miki Spitzer)