The Big Island is not only already big, but it is still growing. Two active volcanoes continuously add new land through ongoing lava eruptions. Both are located within Hawaii Volcanoes National Park: Mauna Loa and Kilauea (map). Mauna Loa, meaning “Long Mountain,” is the largest active volcano on Earth, rising 13,679 feet (4,170 meters) above sea level. It typically erupts every few decades, with its most recent eruption occurring in 2022. Kilauea, on the other hand, has been erupting almost continuously since 1983. These Hawaiian volcanoes are classified as shield volcanoes, a type known for relatively gentle eruptions compared to more explosive volcanic systems. Their highly fluid lava can travel great distances, gradually forming the volcanoes’ broad, sloping shapes. Without question, the highlight of the park is Kilauea’s enormous 2.5-mile-wide caldera and the Halemaumau Crater within it. According to Hawaiian legend, this crater is the home of Pele, the goddess of fire and volcanoes. Kilauea is one of the most active volcanoes on Earth. Most of the time, hot magma bubbles deep underground, with only smoke rising from the crater. Every few weeks, however, the volcano produces dramatic lava fountains. During our visit, Pele revealed only her calmer side, and we saw smoke drifting from the crater rather than flowing lava. The only visible sign of molten rock appeared after sunset, when the glow beneath illuminated the smoke with a deep red hue. Capturing that scene became my goal, so we stayed in the park until darkness fell. I also wanted to include the surrounding vegetation to convey the atmosphere of the landscape, so I composed the image with a tree in the foreground. Using a long exposure allowed the red glow to emerge clearly, and I used a flashlight to light-paint the tree. In the end, I felt the photograph successfully captured the spirit of the volcano.

Gear: Canon EOS 5DsR camera, Canon 24-105mm f/4 lens, Manfrotto tripod