Uttakleiv is a stunning beach in the magnificent Lofoten Islands, Norway. With scattered rockpools, ledges and a sandy beach set against the backdrop of steep snow covered mountains, Uttakleiv offers many opportunities for unique photos.

This rockpool has a large round boulder sitting just beneath the surface that looks like an eye, now commonly known as the 'Dragon's Eye'.

On the final day of my 2019 trip to the Lofoten Islands I was driving with friends from Reine back to the airport in Harstad with limited time to spare. As it neared sunrise the gloomy sky started to change with soft light beginning to appear amongst the low clouds. We were passing through Leknes at the time so immediately turned off for Uttakliev, the closest location that I had scouted previously!

When we arrived at the beach, the light had improved further so I grabbed my gear and raced up the track. The region had received an incredible amount of snow this particular Winter so just getting into the carpark was a challenge (despite our AWD vehicle with spiked tyres!). The walk to the beach was even harder with waist deep snow in parts and no snow shoes but I was determined to make the most of this last opportunity before flying out.

When I arrived at the rockpool I had hoped to see the eye but was disappointed to find it frozen solid! Determined not to be beaten, I noticed some stunning cracked patterns in the ice and could see an opportunity for a unique foreground. I setup quickly and found my composition!

A distant rain storm passed by as the light peaked in the sky, reflecting off the ice covered rockpools. I captured this stunning scene just before my friends arrived to capture some photos as well.

Feeling blessed, I thanked God and we all hit the road again, making it to the airport with moments to spare!