Technical Notes

Photo Credit: Dave Boyle
Photo Credit:
Dave Boyle

Volcano photography is hard on camera equipment, and I have gone through a lot of it over the years. Basically, anytime I am wearing a respirator to keep the caustic fumes out of my lungs, my camera is being slowly destroyed.

I often shoot with two camera systems at one time. I don't want to miss a moment during film changes. During "magic hour", which is my favorite time to photograph the volcano, I usually use 30 second exposures.

I use the latest Nikon professional digital cameras, with lenses ranging
from 16mm to 500mm. I always carry a Gitzo carbon fiber tripod with an
Acratech ballhead.