Kilauea dawn display - Bryan Lowry - Wildlife Photographer of the Year2007

2007 Wild Places - Highly Commended

Bryan Lowry Click to enlarge Kilauea dawn display

Bryan Lowry (United States)

Kilauea dawn display

'I was hiking the slopes of Kilauea one rainy night, in Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park, exploring the active lava flows. At dawn, the rain stopped and the vents in Pu'u O'o, only 30 or so metres away, let out super-heated gas 60 metres up, only to be swirled back down by the cold air and light wind, creating this magnificent display.' Located on the Big Island of Hawaii, Kilauea is one of the world's most active volcanoes. It sits next to Mauna Loa volcano, which from its base on the ocean floor is higher than Mount Everest. Volcanic eruptions can be both destructive and beautiful at the same time.

Nikon D70 + Nikon 10.5mm f2.8 lens; 30 secs at f22; ISO 200; infrared remote control; tripod.