NejcDraganjec

Cosmic Time - Eruption of Sakurajima Volcano in Japan

Cosmic Time - Eruption of Sakurajima Volcano in Japan

Just as I was finishing with capturing star trail sequence, the ground shook and nature provided me with one of the most majestic displays I have ever seen. To ...
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Just as I was finishing with capturing star trail sequence, the ground shook and nature provided me with one of the most majestic displays I have ever seen. To see an explosive strombolian eruption in person has been my wish for decades. I knew I had the best chance so far during our Japan adventure since Sakurajima is the most active volcano in the world. Nature is so majestic I can't even begin to describe how I felt watching a whole mountain on fire and sky covered with static lightning.
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Canon EOS 6D

settings

Aperture f/8 ISO 100 Shutter 1/10 Focal Length 24/1

location

Japan

Apr, 2019

Views

2512

Likes

+264

Awards

Top Shot Award 21

Contest Finalist in Wilderness Explorer Photo Contest

People's Choice in Your best star trails Photo Challenge

Contest Finalist in A ViewBug Logo Photo Contest

Contest Finalist in The Color Orange Photo Contest

Runner Up in The Night Sky And The Stars Photo Contest

Contest Finalist in The Night Sky And The Stars Photo Contest

Hero Award

Peer Award

+467

Absolute Masterpiece

+39

Top Choice

+18

Magnificent Capture

+14

Outstanding Creativity

+10

Superb Composition

Superior Skill

All Star

Virtuoso

Genius

Emotions

Impressed

+15

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Wow, nature is so majestic.

Thank you. Couldn't agree more :).

Absolutely Amazing

That's fantastic, not seen anything quite like it

Platinum

Very cool shot

PRO+

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Behind The Lens

Location

From a bank of the lava duct channel at the footsteps of Sakurajima volcano.

Time

It was a beautiful Spring late evening, right after sunset and throughout the night.

Lighting

There was no added light, and I don't think I could add anything that would alleviate the already stunning show that nature provided.

Equipment

Canon 6D, Genesis C5 tripod, Tamron 24-70 and Samyang 14mm

Inspiration

I have been dreaming and planning this photograph for many years. I had a clear vision of what I want to capture. Strombolian eruption with star trails above. On my last visit to Japan, I knew it will be my best chance yet. Sakurajima is one of the most active volcanoes. It didn't give me what I wanted easily but after a couple of days of coughing ash, many unsuccessful attempts to approach the craters and even one close call with a lava bomb that broke my tripod's head (which I count as a good alternative to mine own). I finally earned my "luck". I was just about to finish taking star trails when my persistence was rewarded with one of the most unforgettable moments in my photography career so far.

Editing

Sure. Panorama stitching, blending of star frames to get star trails and joining it all together.

In my camera bag

I'm a travel photographer so I have to carry everything I want to use. You can usually find Nikon Z6, Canon 6d, a couple of lenses, a drone, tripod, laptop, disks, star tracker, flash, Litra lights, batteries and optical filters on me.

Feedback

Go to the visitor's centre and talk with present seismologists. Exploring and approaching live volcanoes should not be taken to lightly. Also, give yourself enough time, lava will be visible only in the dark. So you have to catch an eruption in the night. Let people know where you are, have an emergency plan and take all precautions you can. Don't forget to enjoy it, you will definitely never forget the moment when it happens. First, there will be a tremble, then grounds will shake and in the next moment, the whole mountain is in fire and the sky above you will be lit by lightning.

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NejcDraganjec

NejcDraganjec

Cosmic Time - Eruption of Sakurajima Volcano in Japan

Just as I was finishing with capturing star trail sequence, the ground shook and nature provided me with one of the most majestic displays I have ever seen. To ... Read more

Behind The Lens

See more amazing photos, follow NejcDraganjec

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Just as I was finishing with capturing star trail sequence, the ground shook and nature provided me with one of the most majestic displays I have ever seen. To ...
Read more

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Earn coins, get amazing rewards. Join for free.