Riverscapes, or the beautyof flowing

Rivers function like a liquid nervous system, flowing through, nourishing, and shaping ecosystems across our planet. As they descend from glaciers to the sea, they carve out territories and borders, while life flourishes along their winding paths. Seen from above, they tell the story of the world as an intricate web where everything is connected.

Flying at altitudes between 2,000 and 4,000 feet above Iceland’s glaciers and rivers, Chris Burkard captured this stunning series of photographs, which resemble abstract paintings. This selection is from his book At Glacier’s End.

“More than just an image to me these rivers represent so much more than just nature’s beauty.  It shows a different side to things that we are not used to seeing. Rivers struggle to find their way back to the sea. Water is known to take the path of least resistance… but that doesn’t always mean it will be going in a straight line… sometimes it still has obstacles in its way and has to weave its own path… often blending and being open to what’s happening around it. Some of my greatest lessons in life I have learned from photographing these rivers.”