YOU could be forgiven for thinking these stunning photographs were taken by a satellite looming over a distant planet.
But the incredible shots were captured aboard a Cessna light aircraft flying over Iceland.
The images reveal some of the country's most incredible scenery, ranging from explosive volcanoes to colossal mountains.
Photographer Sandro Santioli said: "I had the idea while shooting Iceland from ground level.
"Aerial shots always interested me, always charmed me. From ground level these landscapes are awesome and stunning, but seeing all of them from above is such a feast for the eyes.
"In particular I enjoy different elements, like seas, lakes, mountains, and volcanoes, being at my disposal to recreate a small world."
Sandro racked up 70 hours of flight time as he took the extraordinary images while holding his camera out the window of the aircraft.
He added: "There were many challenges, the first was whether I was able to endure the stress of flying in a tiny, vibrating aircraft that would dip suddenly on hitting the air currents.
"All this was made worse by the fact that the windows had to be kept open for the majority of the flight.
"The air rushing into the cabin was extremely cold, particularly when approaching and flying over glaciers.
"The cold finds a way to penetrate all the way to your bones regardless of how many layers you happen to be wearing at the time.
"Meanwhile, your hands become so numb that you can barely move them. All this happens while you stomach is doing twists and turns."
