Experiencing an erupting volcano
As long as I can remember I've wanted to photograph a volcano as lava flowed from the eruption. I tried in Hawaii but didn't see much, I went to one in Guatemala and only saw smoke coming out. Last year there was a major eruption in Iceland in April and I waited until August to go and missed the peak, all I saw was some gurgling. So when another eruption started Aug. 3 in Iceland near last year's eruption, I thought I might get lucky. My summer Iceland workshop was scheduled for the following week and I'd be there a couple of days early, so I prepped for a volcano.
At first it was a 20 mile round trip hike, which I knew I wouldn't be able to do. Then they made a new path, it was only 4.3 to the site. I knew I could do that hike, although it would hurt. And I was right, it was a tough hike up a small mountain and then across a couple of miles of rocks.
When I got the site I was stunned, it was amazing. I was happy to get my 25 pound backpack off and make some photos. I sat down for a while, rested and took in the spectacle. I decided to go up on another hill and fly my drone. I got it up and looked down, when I looked back up there were a dozen other drones flying around and I couldn't tell which one was mine. I regained control, shot some stills and video and was ready for another rest. I walked over the edge of the hill which went down to where the lava was flowing. I had gotten a little cold but the hill blocked the wind and the heat from the volcano made it nice and toasty. I sat there a long time, mesmerized and trying to make some photos. I wanted to go to the bottom of the hill, right to the edge of the lava but it was a tough climb back up on loose gravel and I had 4.3 miles to hike back in the darkness. But what really hit me as I sat there was the sound, the eruption made this great noise of lava gurgling, spewing and flying into the air.
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| | Namibia: Landscapes and Wildlife
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| I've been working several years to put together a workshop in Namibia. It is a wonderful African country with unique landscapes and the big animals. Well, it finally going to happen next September. I'm putting together the final details, which will be on my website next week. It will be an exciting journey, I have two other professional photographers working with me and the three of us will help you create images that will stick with you forever. We're going to see amazing landscapes, colorful sand dunes, unique trees, welcoming local people and then there's the critters: giraffes, white rhinoceros, elephants, cheetahs, lions, leopards and more. I'm keeping it to a small group of eight participants so everyone will have a window seat in the Land Rovers. Get to Namibia and we'll take care of you in luxury hotels and scenes you can't believe. Check my website next week or let me know if you are interested. This will fill up fast. |
| | Vermont Winter WorkshopWhile many people aren't ready for summer to be over, I'm thinking winter already! I love the way the snow creates a clean blanket that really simplifies my photos. Yea, we have to deal with the cold but it is just a matter of having the right clothes and equipment. I show photographers how to deal with colder temperatures and blowing snow during my Vermont Winter Photography Workshop, Jan. 14-16. It is a lot of fun and we stay warm while making great photos. I hope you can join me. |
| | Dates set for next summer's Vermont Night Skies and Light Painting Workshops
The last of my Vermont Night Skies and Light Painting workshops for 2022 was last week. I had so much fun I'm doing it again next year. I'm doing it two times, June 16-18 and July 14-16. Both times are during the new moon when the sky is the darkest. We go to some great locations and I'm always scouting more places to go, but it is hard to find places that are dark and have something interested to photograph in addition to the stars.
It is always exciting to be out under the night sky where the only sounds are cameras clicking and the occasional owl, frogs or coyote. These fill up fast so start planning now.
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Upcoming workshops
• September 13-24 Namibia - Landscapes and wildlife, Namibia, Africa |
| Get updated on Loren's newest workshops and seminars You can now get a notice when Loren adds a new workshop, seminar or tour to his website. Click here and go down to Workshop Notifications
Visit my gallery When you are in Vermont visit Focus Gallery at 1 The Green, Woodstock, VT.
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