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Luis Vilariño's Image
Red-hot lava from Kīlauea volcano instantly boils the cool Pacific Ocean where they meet at the Hawaiian coast. As Luis’s helicopter flew along the coastline a sudden change in wind direction parted the plumes of steam to reveal the fiery river. Quickly framing his shot through the helicopter’s open door, he captured the tumultuous creation of new land.
As the lava boils the seawater, it produces acid steam and tiny shards of glass, which combine to create a lava haze or ‘laze’. This eruption was Kīlauea’s largest in 200 years. For three months in 2018, lava spewed from the summit and surrounding fissures, eventually destroying over 700 homes and solidifying to create hundreds of acres of new land.
Behind the lens
Luis Vilariño
Spain
Luis Vilariño is a biologist who has been travelling around the world for more than three decades. His aim is to portray the personality of the landscape, especially when nature shows its wildest side. To achieve this, he focuses on extreme environments such as deserts, volcanoes and cold regions, and patiently waits until the light reflects the beauty and drama of nature, both dynamic and constantly changing.
Image details
- Sony α7R III
- 100–400mm f4.5–5.6 lens at 196mm
- 1/4000 sec at f5.6 • ISO 800
- Kīlauea, Hawaii, USA
Copyright in Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition photographs remains the property of the respective photographers. You may not copy, share, reproduce or republish the photographs except as expressly permitted by copyright law. For media image usage enquiries, please contact us.
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