The Fumble

Since I picked up photography a year and change ago, I've been wanting to get back to the Big Island and shoot the volcano. I didn't think it was possible until my buddy Justin Reznick told me about Bruce Omori and Tom Kuali'i from Extreme Exposure. I hired them the day Justin gave me their contact info, and I am posting this to thank them for the greatest experience I've ever had. Well, errrrr.... after my wedding. My wife would kill me if I didn't include that.

Anyway, my stuff will never stand up to the level of stuff they post, but I wanted to at least put something up so that I could put out the recommendation for their services. I didn't get to meet Tom this time, but I'm already planning my return trip in a few months so hopefully then. Bruce ranks right up there as one of the nicest people I've had the privilege of meeting. He did a fantastic job of coaching me through the unique challenges of lava shooting, and keeping me as safe as possible, considering the circumstances. Other than the liquified umbrella, the 1/2" of tripod leg that melted off, and about half the sole of my shoes, I emerged unscathed. I would LOVE to see what all you incredible photographers would produce out there.

The Title of this comes from my attempt to use a graduated ND to get this image in one shot. I don't USE graduated ND's, but once I got it turned right-side up, things improved. In the end, I needed to blend a couple of images anyway, as the steam makes shooting extremely challenging.

For the base exposure: ISO 50, f22, 1s.