Lava and Fern – Big Island, Hawaii (2009)

Having visited Volcano National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii, I can honestly say that I would be completely content to explore the endless lava fields for forever and a day. The ropelike patterns of pahoehoe lava flows such as this one are truly out of this world, especially when interwoven with the vibrant, hardy plant species that sprinkle the landscape. This shot is one of half a dozen that I took of this particular fern, but only this one best captures the flowing form and movement of the land.

Emergence 1 – Big Island, Hawaii (2009)

You wouldn't expect it, but the colours reflecting off newer pahoehoe lava flows can be brilliantly iridescent tones of gold, blue, purple, and every colour in between. While this image is deliberately quite abstract, to me it has a distinctly embryonic feel.

Basalt Tides – Big Island, Hawaii (2009)

Taken along the black sand beach shoreline, on the southernmost tip of the Big Island of Hawaii, this shot is actually in full colour, with the subject matter as it really appeared, and is not a black and white photograph. If you look closely, a few hints of colour are apparent in the basaltic rock. Photographing the interplay of moving water and unusual geologic forms is a favourite pastime of mine.

Sea Turtle 1 – Black Sand Beach, Hawaii (2009)

This colour photograph (that's right – it's not a black and white) was taken on the Punaluu Black Sand Beach, on the southernmost tip of the Big Island of Hawaii. The image shown here is true to form, and as with all of my photographs, has not been digitally altered. Luckily, I had a very cooperative subject, who was willing to remain motionless for this multi-second exposure, enabling me to capture the blurred motion of pounding waves, and the surreal volcanic seascape enveloped in mist. I used a zoom lens for this one, as approaching the endangered green sea turtle closer than 15 feet earns one a $10,000 U.S. fine!

Lava and Fern 2 - Big Island, Hawaii (2009)

Lava and Ferns 4 - Big Island, Hawaii (2009)

Coconuts on the March - Kauai, Hawaii (2018)

Lava Overlook - Big Island, Hawaii (2018)