Blanche Mortemard stands admiring a vast Icelandic landscape with accidental artistry in the foreground.

Accidental Artistry: How One Amateur’s Blunders Became the Face of Iceland’s Beauty

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Written by Flynn Matthews

2026-08-31

Blanche Mortemard, a self-proclaimed “really bad photographer,” recently unveiled the unexpected art captured during her prize-winning trip to Iceland, showcasing her accidental artistry. Awarded $50,000 and a 10-day journey by Icelandair, Mortemard earned her adventure by triumphing over 127,624 other contenders with her hilariously flawed photographs of the Statue of Liberty and Norway.

Celebrating Accidental Artistry

During the 1,500-mile trek across Iceland, Mortemard snapped over 5,484 photos. Among these, 61 prominently feature an accidental finger in the frame, epitomizing the quirky charm the judges were looking for. Her collection encapsulates the unvarnished authenticity of travel, celebrating the raw experience rather than photographic perfection.

Blanche Mortemard standing outdoors, looking thoughtfully at the surroundings.
Blanche Mortemard

Icelandair articulated their philosophy: “The really bad photographer project is about capturing reality as it is.” This endeavor assures potential tourists that even “bad” photographers can find beauty in Iceland’s landscapes. Mortemard’s unique vision will soon adorn billboards globally, with two selected images minimally edited for display. The edits followed strict rules — only color and contrast were adjusted, ensuring the original composition remained intact, linked to the RAW files for enthusiasts to explore.

Blanche Mortemard with a scenic Icelandic backdrop during cloudy weather.
Blanche Mortemard

For those inspired by Mortemard’s approach, explore Lightroom Classic alternatives to enhance your photos while maintaining authenticity.

Blanche Mortemard captured in front of an expansive, natural Icelandic environment.
Blanche Mortemard

Through this, Icelandair dispels myths about flawless photography, showcasing unobstructed skies and unedited compositions. Mortemard’s accidental artistry stands as proof that beauty lies in authenticity.

If Iceland’s landscapes fascinate you, consider visiting stress-free travel tips for Europe to plan your next adventure.

Massive waterfall plunging down a rocky cliff, creating mist at the rocky pool base.
A massive waterfall cascades down a dark, rocky cliff face into a pool, creating a thick mist at the base.

Next week, Mortemard will share her photographic journey in a free exhibition and talk in Shoreditch, London. Tickets are available here. This event celebrates the reality captured through her lens, inviting viewers to appreciate the world as it is.

Grassy wetland with small water pool, framed by a cloud-covered mountainous skyline.
A grassy wetland with a small pool of water in the foreground sits before a dramatic, cloud-covered mountain range.

Source: petapixel.com

Frequently asked questions

How many photos did Blanche Mortemard take in Iceland?

During her 1,500-mile trek across Iceland, Blanche Mortemard snapped over 5,484 photos.

What did Mortemard win to go to Iceland?

Blanche Mortemard was awarded $50,000 and a 10-day journey by Icelandair.

How will Mortemard’s photography be showcased globally?

Her unique vision will soon adorn billboards globally, with two selected images minimally edited for display.