Today we get to feature another fantastic location that I did not know of before today! Below are three amazing images of Mayon Volcano during an active eruption. They were taken by landscape photographer Kim Maynard Go. This first image was the one that caught my attention. It is simply stunning with a tack sharp foreground of the flowers, an interesting midground with the lake and then the background of an erupting volcano. I would have to assume there was some serious focus stacking to get this entire image so sharp. I also would not be surprised if there was some focal-length blending to keep the volcano from appearing too far in the distance as so often ruins a wide-angle shot. All three of these images were taken on the morning of January 13, 2018, while Mayon Volcano erupted.
mayon volcano
Mayon Volcano is located in Legazpi, Philippines. According to Kim, it is famous for it’s nearly perfect shaped cone, which I can understand from these images. On January 13, 2018, the 8,077 ft tall active volcano erupted and spewed a combination of heated gas and volcanic debris. These images were all taken from Gabawan Lake, a man made lake surrounded by green vegetation and coconut trees.
Mayon Volcano and its surrounding natural land became the first National Park of the Philippines on July 20 of 1938. Mayon Volcano is a classic stratovolcano with a small central summit crater. The spectacular cone shape was formed by layers of lava flows and pyroclastic surges from past eruptions and erosion. The Mayon Volcano is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire and is the most active volcano in the Philippines. It has erupted an astounding 47 times in the past five hundred years.
Legazpi
Although you can’t tell from these images, Legazpi City actually lays at the foot of Mayon Volcano. The City is the capital of the province of Albay in the Philippines. It was named after Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, a Spanish conquistador, so, as you would expect, there is a lot of history and culture. Legazpi calls itself “the city of fun and adventure.” In addition to Mayon, which offers ATV tours, hiking and photography (obviously), the city offers various adventures, historical sites, shopping and eating. Some of the favorite locations include the following.
Vera Falls
Vera Falls is a beautiful waterfall on the other side of Mayon Volcano about forty minutes away by car.
Cagsawa Ruins Park
Cagsawa Ruins Park contains the ruins of a sixteenth century Franciscan church. From its location, you could capture a beautiful image of the church ruins with Mayon Volcano in the background.
Quitinday Underground River
This one sounds awesome to me. It is an underground river about thirty minutes away by car. For just a few US dollars, you can then get a boat tour from an on-site tour guide.
Japanese Tunnels
Probably not the best for photography, but a can’t miss site if you are into WWII history like me. The tunnels, built by by the Japanese in 1941. Located in the jungle, the tunnels are only 3-4 feet tall and can still be explored by the curious tourist.
Daraga Church
The majestic church from 1773 offers an amazing piece of architecture with an amazing view of Mayon Volcano.
Lignon Hill Nature Park
Ziplining. 360 degree views. Not much else needs to be said, but this is a great place to catch sunrise or sunset and has a view of Mayon Volcano.
Albay Park and Wildlife
Adventurous zoo with bike or boat rentals and fishing on designated days.
Gear Used
Kim made all the images in this article with his Fuji X-T2, Fujinon xf 10-24 mm f/4 r ois lens, Benro Carbon Fiber Tripod GC269TB2 and Leofoto LH-30 Ball Head.
kim maynard go
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