Hallgrímskirkja was built in 1937 and is a Reykjavík landmark. Architect Guðjón Samúelsson patterned its façade after the basaltic lava columns that are common in Iceland.

The first two photographs were taken close to midnight in the beautiful light of the low summer sun. Maintaining the verticals of such a tall structure is made possible by the use of the Canon Tilt-Shift 17mm lens.

In the church compound ahead of the entrance, a statue of the legendary Icelandic explorer Leifur Eiríksson greets all visitors (the shadow it casts is seen in the first image). It was a gift by the USA to the people of Iceland. Leifur is today regarded as the first European discoverer of North America, long before Columbus.

Hallgrímskirkja in Reykjavík
5D Mark II, TS-E 17L

Draped in the light of the midnight sun
5D Mark II, TS-E 17L

Looking down from the church tower towards Leifur Eiríksson
5D Mark II, 70-200L f/2.8 IS II

A glorious day in Reykjavík concluded with the grand finale of the setting sun just before midnight. We got to the Sólfar sculpture in time for this shot.

Sunset around midnight in Reykjavík
5D Mark II, 24-105L, Singh-Ray Reverse GND filter

Hallgrímskirkja was draped in golden light.

Hallgrímskirkja basks in golden light
5D Mark II, TS-E 17L

Earlier tonight we stopped by Bessastaðir again. This time I made bold to ring the bell at President Ólafur Grímsson‘s door. Nobody seemed to be in and there was no response. The mellow evening light offered another perspective on Bessastaðir.

Bessastaðir, late evening
5D Mark II, 24-105L