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Lava Monster
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Lava Monster

by Kory Lidstrom

Gallery: LandscapePosted October 28, 2014283 views14 comments
A lava monster emerges from the Earth to wreak havoc. Can you see him?

I made this 18 months ago on the Big Island of Hawaii from a boat about 20 feet away. Wasn't easy getting a sharp focus with the boat rocking on the waves, but I had a damn fine time nonetheless, because the lava flows were some of the best in years.

Incidentally, the lava IS flowing again, and, with any luck, it will reach the sea soon making shots like this possible once again.

Speaking of Hawaii and lava, there are still some spaces left for the upcoming Hawaii Photography Tours led by myself and Aaron Feinberg. We're doing a Big Island Tour again, as well as a new Kauai Tour.

Last year's Big Island Tour was a success -- just ask Jeff Martyka! One of the images he took on the tour with us is the current Photo Of The Month right here on NPN! Jeff has already signed up to join us this year for our Kauai Tour -- we're excited to have him back, and we'd love to have YOU join us, too.

Aloha and Mahalo!

Comments

14 comments
Comment posted by Philip Hodgkins on October 28, 2014 at 3:00 PM
Whoa! From twenty feet away? A fine show and photo op, but I believe I would be satisfied at 100 feet away and a long lens! :cool:
Registered on July 24, 2006, 2741 Posts, 12349 Comments
Comment posted by R.Bill Moser on October 28, 2014 at 3:15 PM
This is fantastic......... :toast:
Registered on January 29, 2010, 285 Posts, 4281 Comments
Comment posted by Andrew Waddington on October 28, 2014 at 3:39 PM
It's awesome Kory, I've seen a lot of images of the lava flow and I really like this one.
Registered on February 11, 2014, 44 Posts, 183 Comments
Comment posted by Richard Teller on October 28, 2014 at 3:39 PM
Impressive lava fall. I like your composition and the reflection in the water.
Registered on August 23, 2010, 1162 Posts, 6692 Comments
Comment posted by Nick Bristol on October 28, 2014 at 3:55 PM
Wow! That really cool...maybe I should say hot!! Nice work Kory.

Nick Bristol
Lone Rock, WI
Registered on February 1, 2004, 752 Posts, 14140 Comments
Comment posted by Aaron Feinberg on October 28, 2014 at 7:15 PM
It IS flowing again....however through Pahoa town :/

Great shot.
Registered on October 26, 2009, 399 Posts, 2789 Comments
Comment posted by Kory Lidstrom on October 28, 2014 at 7:32 PM
^^Yeah, I know Aaron... but, that's just the way of Pele you know? Pahoa isn't the first and won't be the last. No matter what happens, the island will carry on just like always.
Registered on November 19, 2008, 49 Posts, 1035 Comments
Comment posted by Max Waugh on October 28, 2014 at 11:36 PM
The fiery reflection really kicks this up a notch. Nice one.

Max
Registered on September 26, 2008, 428 Posts, 2329 Comments
Comment posted by Jim Greenwood on October 29, 2014 at 12:15 PM
Wow! I was lucky to have an opportunity to photograph lava on the Big Island in 2002. But I didn't capture anything as stunning as this.
Registered on November 9, 2003, 229 Posts, 1523 Comments
Comment posted by Jeff Martyka on October 29, 2014 at 4:52 PM
Awesome shot, Kory. 20 feet...wow. Did you head straight to Mauna Kea to cool off?

Definitely bittersweet that there may be lava flowing into the sea again soon with where it is going. Besides running over Pahoa, Uncle Roberts will be cut off and won't be able to visit Auntie. She has a thing for a certain well bearded fellow.

I had a fantastic time on the tour earlier this year and can't wait to get back. Only 3 months and 2 days until I get there! Not counting or anything....
Registered on June 20, 2014, 30 Posts, 155 Comments
Comment posted by Kory Lidstrom on October 29, 2014 at 7:36 PM
^^Thanks, Jeff. I wouldn't worry about Auntie... I'd bet the farm that someone will cut a path through the lava and Uncle Robert's will still be visitable. No matter what, I will get there, even if I have to walk!! :biggrin:

Glad to have you back, BTW! Gonna be fun!

PS Can anyone else see the monster besides me? No one has mentioned it.
Registered on November 19, 2008, 49 Posts, 1035 Comments
Comment posted by Tony Prower on October 30, 2014 at 5:50 AM
Fantastic shot, this is dramatic and effective.
Registered on February 5, 2012, 24 Posts, 167 Comments
Comment posted by Ryan Shain on October 30, 2014 at 12:21 PM
This image strikes at the core of myself. It is kind of like a frie burning inside you when you feel very passionate about anything in life.

Great image Kory!!!
Registered on February 20, 2007, 226 Posts, 4571 Comments
Comment posted by Grant Collier on October 31, 2014 at 6:20 PM
Amazing!
Registered on July 29, 2005, 73 Posts, 430 Comments