"This photo shows the view from our cabin door at base camp. Not bad, is it?"

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Photographer Diego Rizzo tells us about the story behind his shot 'Aftermath of a Volcanic Explosion' captured in Guatemala

Aftermath of the volcanic explosion of the Volcan de Fuego in Guatemala
"This photo was taken on an expedition with one of my groups in April 2024," says Diego (Image credit: Diego Rizzo)

I am fascinated by the power of volcanic eruptions, and capturing them in a photograph is a dream come true. That’s why I frequently hike around volcanoes in Guatemala. In fact, my fascination with volcanic eruptions inspired me to start running photography workshops and private tours to see them. I want more people to experience the Earth in all its fierce glory, and helping them to capture that perfect shot motivates me to do my best. I want them to return home with incredible photos and memories from a real adventure.

“In this shot, my goal was to capture the aftermath of a volcanic explosion, with the cone of the volcano covered in the molten rocks that have just come out of the crater. To avoid a trial on the rocks rolling down the mountain, I wanted to freeze them in the photo so I used a short exposure of three seconds.

It’s always a challenge to stay awake throughout the night while being exposed to the elements. For this capture, I was shooting from another volcano at a distance of 2km away from the Volcan de Fuego – the most active volcano in Latin America. The altitude and the cold weather are always a challenge, but the excitement of seeing the volcano erupting in the distance is a great reason to get out of the cabin.

I didn’t have to do too much editing to this image in post-processing. I only added some contrast, increased the colors slightly, and decreased the highlights close to the crater.

Black and white portrait of the photographer Diego Rizzo
Diego Rizzo

Diego Rizzo is a passionate photographer with a deep love for nature and creation. His fascination with active volcanoes drives his artistic pursuits, finding inspiration in the raw power of lava. Diego's work has garnered international recognition, with features in Nikon USA, DPReview, and even a spot on the NASA Astronomy Picture of the Day. Locally, he collaborates with various companies, capturing the stunning landscapes of Guatemala through photography and videography, with notable clients including Subaru Guatemala, Ministerio de Educación de Guatemala, and Calidad Inmobiliaria.

Tech details

(Image credit: Nikon)

Camera: Nikon Z 6
Lens: Nikkor Z 70-200mm f/2.8 VR S 
Aperture: f/3.2
Shutter speed:  3 sec
ISO: 800

Image

This article originally appeared in Digital Photographer, a monthly magazine, and the kitbag essential for pros, enthusiasts, and amateurs alike!

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Kim Bunermann
Kim Bunermann
Technique Editor

Kim is the Technique Editor at Digital Photographer, focusing on the art and science of photography. With a Master’s degree in Photography and Media, she is driven to educate through an analytical approach, visually and technically. With her guides and tutorials, Kim seeks to uncover new facets of this time-honoured medium and foster a deeper understanding of its profound role in culture. Kim highlights topics that resonate with modern society, including women in photography and critical issues such as environmental conservation. She also discusses and reviews camera gear, giving you an overview to find the best fit for your photography journey.