Challenging Photographic Experiences

Today in one of our Bluedog Beginner Photography Workshops we were asked ‘What would be some of your most challenging experiences?’ What a question? Each photography excursion presents a new range of hurdles, excitement and challenges to capture.

However it did make us reflect on one shoot on Tanna Island in Vanuatu. This was to photogaph the erupting My Yasur, one of the most accessible volcanoes in the world. Still spewing red hot lava Mt Yasur was terrifying, exhilarating and a fabulous photographic opportunity.

There are no safety rails, no signs that danger could lay ahead and as Mt Yasur continually spat rocks, some the size of cars, into the air the ground of ash we stood upon would shake beneath our feet. I asked our guide what would happen if it gave way,his simple reply was, ‘Bye, Bye.’

This image of My Yasur was taken by Nick Lancaster.
Camera Nikon D200; ISO 100; 18-200mm lens, Manual mode on bulb exposure