Go Further: The Story Behind the Film

What did you want people to feel after watching the film?

More than anything, I wanted people to feel the pull to get outside.

At Urth, we often talk about how photography isn't just about making images, but a way of connecting with the world. It gives you a reason to notice what you’d otherwise miss, to be present, and to look at the world with a sense of wonder.

It's the early mornings, the difficult weather, the moments that ask a little more of you. Those are the experiences you remember. We wanted the film to capture that feeling. That going further isn't about chasing a photograph, but about allowing the landscape to shape your perspective.

Why Iceland?

We wanted to show Pro in an environment where performance genuinely matters. Not in controlled conditions, but out in the field, ready for whatever the world throws at you.

Our most advanced filter system deserved to be tested somewhere that demands more from both the photographer and their gear.

The film says, "You don't come out here to take something." What does that line mean to you?

To me, it’s about going into nature with respect instead of expectations. I don’t go out thinking I need to come home with a great photo. I go because I enjoy being there. If the conditions come together and I create an image I’m proud of, that’s a bonus. I think the best photographs happen when you’re fully present and not just chasing a shot.

What keeps drawing you back to places like Iceland where weather and light conditions are so challenging?

I think it’s exactly the unpredictability. You can visit the same place ten times, and it will never look the same. The weather changes within minutes, the light is constantly evolving, and you never really know what you’ll get. That’s what keeps it exciting and makes every trip feel like a new experience.

How do you capture what the place feels like, not just what it looks like?

Specifically, I like to capture movement within a space, and create artificial lighting that enhances and balances the backdrop. I like moody skies - think stormy weather with sunlight poking through the clouds; this gives a sense of depth and emotion.

I think it's really helpful to put the camera down when you first arrive at a location and spend some time walking around. Whenever possible, I try to recce before the shoot.

Understanding where the sun will be is so important, as it has a huge effect on the mood and feeling of a place. Sometimes you'll recce a location in the evening, only to return the next morning and find it feels completely different. Taking the time to observe those changes can make all the difference when deciding how you want a location to feel.

Were there any challenges or weather conditions that shaped your approach to shooting on the day?

The weather was typically Icelandic, but with much more cloud coverage and very little sun. This meant thinking in the spot and creating depth with light and grading, still retaining the rawness of Iceland but trying to control as much as possible.

What moment from the shoot best captures the spirit of Going Further?

I think the photo of us crossing a river with our equipment in the rain captures the spirit of going further. You have to be prepared for any weather, as it can change so quickly.