Little Big Bang, a photo from Afar, North

Photographer's Note

There are many wonderful things to see in Ethiopia, but Erta Ale volcano is one of the main reasons that I decided to go to Ethiopia. It is a large basaltic shield volcano in the Erta Ale volcanic range in the central northern Danakil depression (NE Ethiopia).

It was such an incredible feeling and experience standing on the rim of the crater, looking down at the bubbling liquid lava and listening to the sound of it, howling like a fire draft from a tunnel. It is constantly moving and churning with occasional explosions and splashes. Because of its remote location and recent discovery in 1960s, not much study has been conducted. The recent eruption was in 2010.

We were planning for this trip for 2012 but had to postpone until this year, because there was a deadly attack at Erta Ale on a group of tourists - 5 dead, 4 abducted and 7 wounded. The 4 abducted were two German tourist and two Ethiopians. Fortunately, the two German tourist were released 2 months later, but no words of what happen to the two Ethiopians.

You can also see another image of the same volcano Here.

fds, besnard, worldcitizen, RhodieIke, jjcordier, ikeharel, macjake, rigoletto, papagolf21, timecapturer, danos, delpeoples, kabel, abmdsudi, cornejo, jcpix, COSTANTINO, CLODO, Royaldevon, jhm, Kielia, No_One, Sonata11, Gigidusud, Mics, Didi, Colombiana, adores, ChrisJ, rsabhijith, Angshu ha contrassegnato questa nota come utile

Critiques | Translate

fds (9963) 2014-05-01 11:56

dear way lim great picture by nigth with the reds fire between the desert
Always great colors and fantastic scharpnees for this very originaly schot

besnard (59196) 2014-05-01 12:03

Bonsoir Way
Superbe cette photo avec la lave en fusion. j'ai vécu la même expérience au bord de l'Etna, c'était également magique.
Merci pour le rappel de bons souvenirs et bonne soirée.
Nicole

Romano46 (18472) 2014-05-01 12:06

Ciao Way
un luogo straordinario la cui visita è stata l'occasione per una foto altrettanto straordinaria di un ambiente che ricorda la creazione del mondo.
Ottima la gestione della luce in una situazione di grande difficoltà.
Risultato eccellente per una gran bella fotografia.
Complimenti.
Ciao e buona serata
Romano

willperrett (14195) 2014-05-01 12:27

Hello Way

This is indeed a dramatic photograph! The intense colours, the strong contrast, the impeccable composition, and not least, your proximity to the red-hot lava, all help to give this shot its impact and presence. Congratulations.

Regards

Will

nikkitta (17070) 2014-05-01 12:36

Hola Way

Wowwwwwwwwwwwwww, a volcano in action with fire inside and, as you said, hearing the sound it makes while "breathing" what a true adventure
Great to go up there at sunset ( I imagine) ensure a truly catching capture with the contrast of fire and the splashes producing colored sparks

Imppresive , original, creative

Enjoy also the WS and the informative note
Congrats for the photo and surviving a dangerous trip

Maria

BennyV (34730) 2014-05-01 13:07

Glad to see a picture of you from Ethiopia, dear Way. This must be a wonderful place to travel, I'm happy for you & looking forward to more great pictures like this. Wonderful contrasts, superb shot!

Benny

mesutilgim (0) 2014-05-01 13:38

Hello Way,
Most probably this is the first and only entry here at TE of this scene.
Perfect capture and interesting notes.
Nice framed.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

npecanhuk (79329) 2014-05-01 14:33

Hello Way!
I love volcanoes and that picture is truly wonderful!
Exposure, colors, level of sharpness, chosen pov and composition are all outstanding photo qualities that I truly enjoyed!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

carlo62 (81265) 2014-05-01 15:08

Ciao Way
uno foto che sembra provenire da un altro pianeta, un'atmosfera unica e irripetibile e la tua bravura riesce a trasmetterci tutte le emozioni del caso.
Saluti
Carlo

federico (6109) 2014-05-01 16:49

hello Way Lim, very well executed photo in difficult condition,I refer also to the hot temperature I guess you found in the depression, I like the sunset on line with the crater ,perfect light management
regards
Fred

worldcitizen (15930) 2014-05-01 17:29

Hello Way,
What a fascinating photo. I can almost feel the heat from the bright red and orange parts of this volcano. Your exposure is excellent, and I like the bits of steam and fiery ash that are rising from this spot. The hills and sky make a nice backdrop.

mvdisco (17798) 2014-05-01 22:13

Hi Way, Bonjour,
Une magnifique prise de vue et détails de ce volcan,
Quelle jolie composition et présentation,
superbe travail et netteté..
un cliché d'une grande beauté..bravo..
Michel

RhodieIke (11752) 2014-05-01 22:36

Wow, Way lim,

This is fantastic, almost can smell the sulphites, hear the lava bubbling, and feel the heat.

Awesome, love it.

Gold Star, for this one.

You should write and print your work in a book.

Cheers, Iain.

jjcordier (79299) 2014-05-01 23:16

Way
Fantastique et impressionnante photo de ce volcan actif. Un rêve que je n'ai jamais réalisé! La photo du lien est encore plus belle!
Amicalement
JJ

emka (157280) 2014-05-01 23:25

Wow Way, What an amazing view of the active volcano and how exciting it must be to stand so close. magnificent night shot, during a day the effect would be much less. stunning sharpness and colours.
I have heard and read that Ethiopia is very interesting place to visit, I hope to see many splendid shots from your trip. But weren't you afraid to go there knowing about these attacks? It is horrid what you write here. I would rather not risk my life.
But you are safe back, thanks God.

WArm regrads MAlgo

jemaflor (146206) 2014-05-01 23:52

Hi Way,
Tfs this great photo, so beautiful with the contraste of tones, light is perfectly managed, copngratulations for this professionnal photo.

ikeharel (112395) 2014-05-02 0:29

Fantastic nature's scenery over the volcano boling lava on the creater, Way.
Awesome photo with light managed superbly, fire glared in contrast to the black rocks surrounding's.
Intriguing location, an adventure to go there and see it.
Best regards,
Ike

macjake (98260) 2014-05-02 1:24

Hi Way
how many people travel to Ethiopia for this! not many i bet - good for you.

amazing to hear that this Volcanoe can go undiscovered up until 1960..what's with that???????????

so how on earth did you get to go here?
are you wearing any protective clothing or suites?
are you here alone or with a group of others?
so many questions.....

amazing photo, the quality of it is A+
love the textures in the lower portion.
superb
cheers
craig

siudzi (34141) 2014-05-02 1:48

Hello Way,
I love your gallery full of unique and interesting posts! This one is extremely spectacular due to the original place and superb execution of lights and colors. This must be something to see a volcano in real! Well done! Bravo!

Best wishes,
Gosia

rigoletto (34279) 2014-05-02 2:03

not the first image coming to my mind when ethiopia is concerned! exceptional and unique photo from a lesser known place. very very well done!

drweizy (536) 2014-05-02 2:13

well done, thank you for sharing

chawax (20764) 2014-05-02 2:20

Hi Way,
It must be a very impressive and unique place to see ! I saw on TV there are such lava lakes in Hawaii too. I could see many volcanic landscapes on my trips to Iceland, but not like this one ! Really a fantastic shot !
Regards,
Olivier

lousat (138551) 2014-05-02 2:54

Hi Way,an incredible spectacle,and a fantastic pic too,the best choice of the moment and of the exposure to show us this fire in the best way,great capture,very interesting and made with the usual top quality.Have a nice weekend and thanks,Luciano

papagolf21 (152605) 2014-05-02 3:01

Bonjour, Way,
Félicitations pour cette très belle réalisation.
Je ne puis qu'ajouter mes louanges à celles déjà écrites.
Magnifique réalisation.
Amitiés.
Philippe

timecapturer (49288) 2014-05-02 3:32

Hello Way
an awesome place and an awesome capture. The detailing and atmosphere are just superb here. I would love to visit this place, it is the ultimate being at one with nature experience. Stunning imagery!

Have a great weekend - B.

Kamilutka (8107) 2014-05-02 3:35

Hello Way,
now this is certainly the place to see! No wonder it was the main point of your travel list in Ethiopia - I would love to witness it too. I bet it was an unforgettable experience and quite thrilling as well. As for the picture, I like it a lot. The bubbling inside of the volcano looks like a piece of hell especially contrasting with the dark settings and sinister landscape. I really enjoy the way you caught the sparkles and some smoke above the surface.
Great picture!
TFS
Kamila

danos (110407) 2014-05-02 3:38

Hi Way,
superb the close up view of the burn lava in the crater of Erta Ale volcano.I recognise that you are brave as you approach so close the volcano as mocked the presentation of the rebels of the era.Well done.

Regards,Danos

delpeoples (60342) 2014-05-02 5:23

Ciao NBF

Wow. Wow. Wow. As a volcano lover, it doesn't get much better than this! I love it, love the low light, the illumination of the lava and the stunning detail despite the low light. What beautiful colours and how brave you were to go so close.

Have a lovely weekend and thank for your kind wishes. I'm praying for you and your Daddy
Lisa

janraiski (558) 2014-05-02 5:31

Hello Way,

very strong photo of wonderful place, perfectly done - composition, contrast, colors, ... Thanks for sharing and interesting note.

Jan

kabel (1930) 2014-05-02 7:08

Hello Way, so close to the rim the heat must have been intense. Very strong colors and perfect composition. Seems like a lot to risk to see a volcano but then that is the meaning of adventure.
Have a great day,
Karen

tatadalou (7459) 2014-05-02 8:27

Hello Way,
Amazing shot ! I'm impressed by the sharpness of sprays of molten lava. The grey clouds add some drama. This should have been an unforgettable show ! Great job and congrats.
Regards,
Delphine

abmdsudi (95869) 2014-05-02 8:51

Sabaidee Way
Lava Glow in the dark volcano! Wow you don't get the chance to capture an image like this everyday and you're a lucky devil for getting this chance so close to this incredible natural occurence Lol..

That really is something special, can't praise this image enough. Outstanding work and TFs.
Best regards

cornejo (61504) 2014-05-02 11:00

Hello Way, excellent photography of this beautiful composition with the mouth of the volcano, nicely captured in this beautiful image with good sharpness, nice light, color and quality. Great job well done, congratulations my friend. Thanks for sharing this beautiful work.

Good night and happy weekend.
Best wishes from southern Spain.
Angel.

ktanska (44446) 2014-05-02 11:59

Hi Way,
View of an active volcano is something I have not yet seen myself. Firy red tones of lava look just great and combines well with blue hour light. Really amazing place.
Kari

jcpix (14030) 2014-05-02 20:46

Hi Way,

I've been looking at this one for a while now...and the same word keeps coming to mind...'wow!' Simply amazing, and even surreal. Not meant in any way as a knock on the country, but I can't recall ever hearing anyone plan a trip to Ethipoia, which makes this all the more intriguing...and goes to show my ignorance as well!?

Your note adds even more drama to the imagery, which is already chuck full of allure and mystery. I'm half expecting my monitor to start melting from the proximity of molten lava. :) What a sight, I can only imagine what sensations and emotions there must have been standing in this spot. Love it! Have a great weekend. Take good care.

Friendly wishes from next door,

Jason

Great title too, creative and amusing.

vjmite (6514) 2014-05-02 22:13

Hi Way,

A fabulous photo, with perfect exposure and composition. The lava splashing up into the air is a good touch. It must be awe-inspiring to see and hear this scene.

Vince

COSTANTINO (115451) 2014-05-02 22:32

Good morning dear friend
its a great experience to visit a vulcano
and according to your thoughts Erta
Ale volcano is one of the main reasons
that you decided to go to Ethiopia
incredile feeling indeed to stand
on the rim of the crater
perfect capture and in my opinion
its the first time I see a shot
like this one here in TE
thanks for sharing this experience
with us
regards
Costantino

HimalAnda (10671) 2014-05-03 0:41

Hello Way,

Whaou! What a beautiful picture! The light management and the exposure are perfect.
You were lucky to see such a landscape!

Stéphane

CLODO (45116) 2014-05-03 1:18

Hi Way

A stunning picture, the result of a good thinking, to be at the right place the right moment, and you've waited to have the explosion and the white fumes balancing the summit.
cheers
CLODO

Royaldevon (85606) 2014-05-03 1:20

Hello Way,

Thank you for the interesting notes which add context to this amazing photograph.
The scene itself is so dramatic; then, add to that the compositional and exposure skills of fine photography and you have a photograph worthy of National Geographic.

Have a lovely w/e,
Bev :-)

zanzi (13690) 2014-05-03 5:25

Bonjour Way
This is impressive.
Clearly a difficult shot under these light conditions and you succeeded.
Bravo my friend.
Chris

mkamionka (73256) 2014-05-04 4:13

Hi Way,
so you were basically risking your life to see it and make the photo of this beautiful place for us.
Spectacular scene. Very unusual, very attractive with the hot lava in the foreground and some colder colors behind -contrasting so well with each other.
That must have been a great adventure and I hope you will share more with us about it,
M

jhm (211734) 2014-05-05 2:59

Hello Way,

I know certainly when you close to these crater comes have to are very spectacular.
Nice nature picture, with a lot good details, a little bit dark but lovely.
Excellent composition, good colours and nice presentation.
Very well done, TFS.

Have a nice new week,
John

Kielia (24077) 2014-05-05 6:36

Hello Way,
this is once again nature seen with the eyes of the artist. Excellent management of the light and very fascinating colors. The composition is also excellent. My compliments – you are adding another spectacular shot to the gallery here!
Warm regards
Harriet

Oceania (5202) 2014-05-05 7:09

Hi Way,

This picture is amazing!!!

The red lava is so close. It must be very exciting when you see it.

I remember we were on the cruise ship circling the Hawaiian islands. One night, it was passing by Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Yes, we saw lava flowing, but far far away. They were just red lines and red dots.

It seems like you took the risk to visit this place. But it's once-a-life-time experience, worth it.

No_One (4) 2014-05-05 8:35

Hi Way,
What's a shot :) the combination of colors is amazing, especially between the vibrant angry reds of the magma and the beautifull golden blues of the sky. A stunning composition of such a little known place. This is one of the most beautiful images I have seen on this website, thanks for sharing.
Best wishes
Noel

janneman (4037) 2014-05-06 1:16

Magical place, beautiful photo!
Everything is perfect in this composition!

Regards, Jan

SimoAle (646) 2014-05-06 10:08

Ciao Way
continuano i tuoi viaggi e continui a sorprenderci con testimonianza della straordinarietà della natura!
Complimenti e grazie della condivisione!
La tua fan Simona :-D
Buona serata

Cricri (176) 2014-05-06 10:24

Hi Way
Une scène spectaculaire et merveilleuse, c'est comme si l'on était sur une autre planète, très belle présentation
Belle soirée
cricri

Sonata11 (34119) 2014-05-06 21:01

Hello Way,
Wow! what a magnificent snapshot. Wonderfully executed and presented. Awesome !!!! Love it. Best regards, Barbara

Gigidusud (21679) 2014-05-07 10:28

Hi Way,
Wow! Fantastic capture of the volcano! To see such a spectacle worth taking risks. Aside from the volcano there are also risks to tourists you are very brave and above all a great photographer. Bravo!
Thanks for sharing.
Gigi

pajaran (114821) 2014-05-07 23:49

Dobar dan.
Intresantan tekst o vulkanu, lep pogled i opasan trenutak ...
Dobar trenutak snimka, kontrast i perspektiva, lepo pokazano mesto i trenutak, lepe boje.
Dobar rad i kompozicija, lepo uhvacen trenutak.
Moje cestitke na hrabrost da budete pored lave na vulkanu.
Imajte lep i uspesan dana, sve najbolje.
Paja.

Good afternoon.
An interesting article on the volcano, a nice view and a dangerous moment ...
Good time recording, contrast and perspective, nice place and shown the moment, pretty colors.
Good work and composition, nicely captured moment.
My congratulations on the courage to be next to the lava on the volcano.
Have a nice and successful day, all the best.
Paja.

Mics (1020) 2014-05-09 2:12

Hi Way,

My,oh my...splendid shot! They've said everything...Im now at a lost for words...only one left...congratulations!

Regards,
Mics

kwekwekan (1078) 2014-05-10 18:55

Hi again Way,
Breathtaking image, especially the textures and details of the molten lava. Glad you made it there to capture it.
Best wishes,
Caleb

Didi (61589) 2014-05-12 23:33

Hi Way
This is great, fantastic place
A real pleasure for me to see this picture
Well done for the lights control
Kind regards lucky man

fabbs99 (17179) 2014-05-18 23:56

Hello Way,

Beautiful shot of the volcano and an apt title.Nice colors and sharpness.Excellent POV.TFS.

Regards,Farhat

Colombiana (2957) 2014-05-24 18:22

Waylimmmmmmmmmmmm :)

Incredible photo. before I opened the photo,the thumbnail remained of Lord of The Rings.
This photo is amazing and unnerving too; I'd be very afraid of the lava. I've never been in a volcano, so I will add that to my to-do-list!

Come to Miami already!

Maryori

wolf38 (30) 2014-06-08 6:59

Hello Way. An impressive nature photo as it will see only a few people. Strong colors and great technical quality. Overall a masterful shot.
Best rgds, Wolfgang.

adores (46979) 2014-06-14 14:34

Hi Way!
This country is also on my list:)! Seems it was really worth the trip, it's an incredible view and you got a great shot, as always. It's impressive the effect of the lava and flames. Guess it's the first photo I see of this place! Great work!

ChrisJ (171146) 2014-06-28 11:14

Hello Way

I have only been to Morocco and still have so much of Africa to see. At first glance I thought you had been to the big island of Hawaii. Both images here are incredible. Although I have been to Java 3 times I still have not seen Bromo volcano. Good sharpness, color and graphism. Tfs and have a wonderful Sunday!

ACL1978 (7511) 2014-06-30 8:39

Hi Way - Ethiopia is a dream trip of mine, and this is just another reason why. Your shot here is exceptional; you've brought out the colors perfectly with incredible contrast to the dim late (or early?) light. The textures as well are stunning. Scary story regarding the attack, however - hopefully you stayed safe.

Thanks!
Andrew

daddo (28748) 2014-07-27 2:30

Hi Way. Good that you came back in one piece considering the dangers from both man and nature. What a wonderful prize you left with and ended up sharing on TE. Magical POV and top quality exposure. A real gem. best wishes. Klaudio.

Tue (91488) 2014-08-25 12:46

Hello Way,
Fantastic photo of a really breathtaking sight. The exposure is superb. The lava looks great and I also like the textures of the darker parts. Thanks for sharing!
Lars

Angshu (56760) 2014-08-25 23:58

Sabaidie Way
Ethiopia is not one of the common vacation destinations we know or pictures we see in TE or any site.
The scene you've presented is fascinating! It is not a surpise to have the earth so disturbed in this belt (thus creating constant volcanism), being close to the rift valley.
Great shot...we can even see splinters of fire like water droplets...
Your other picture in PF has a better luminescene...maybe it was shot a bit later/earlier..
Best Regards
Angshu