On the night of 12-13 July 2023, I was sitting on the lava field near Litli Hrútur on the Reykjanes peninsula. In almost the same place, two eruptions took place in recent years. Meradalir and Fagradallsfjall.
At this time of year, however, it does not get dark, but the burning magma is best visible after sunset. Around 20:15, I started my hike. Two hours later, I was at the location where I stayed late into the night hoping for that perfect picture. Many perfect pictures later, I returned to my car, where I arrived again around 04:00.
It had been my dream for more than 50 years to witness a volcanic eruption, and preferably in Iceland. The images of the Eldfell volcano on the Westman Islands that erupted on 23 January 1973 sparked my interest in both Iceland and volcanism. And now, more than 50 years later, I watch, listen, and enjoy this both devastating and building natural phenomenon. A magical night that will stay with me for a long time.
My name is Gerry van Roosmalen, photographer and author with a passion for images and stories that touch. After years in the corporate world, I followed my heart and chose photography in 2002. I completed the Fotovakschool in Apeldoorn, specialising in portrait and reportage photography.
Documentary and landscape..
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