This photo captures a remarkable moment: the Colima volcano erupting in a plume of ash and lava as lightning strikes, illuminating the scene against a sky filled with stars.
Sergio Tapiro, a dedicated photographer with a deep-rooted love for nature, embarked on a 14-year journey that culminated in December 2015 with the capture of a lifetime. His subject of choice? The awe-inspiring Colima Volcano, nestled in the southwest corner of Mexico. This mesmerizing photograph, characterized by the perfect synergy of lava, ash, and lightning, was the outcome of Tapiro’s unwavering dedication to his craft.
For over a decade, Tapiro had a singular focus: to document the dynamic beauty of the Colima Volcano, a majestic geological wonder. This dedication resulted in the photograph that encapsulated his vision of the perfect volcano shot.
Tapiro’s profound affection for the volcanic giant is evident in the way he talks about it. He considers it a love affair with not just a volcano but a natural wonder that has the power to transport you to the origins of the world with every click of the camera shutter. “Every time you take a picture of a volcano, it reminds you of the beginning of this world,” he says, his words echoing the mystique and grandeur of his subject.
Colima Volcano is not just any ordinary volcanic formation; it is a complex of volcanoes, which includes Nevado de Colima to the north, Volcán de Colima to the south, and the extinct El Cantaro. Often referred to as the “volcano of fire,” it exhibited remarkable activity in 2015, aligning perfectly with Tapiro’s relentless pursuit of the ultimate shot. Most photographers might find the repetition of capturing the same subject monotonous, but for Tapiro, it’s a source of perpetual wonder and inspiration. “I’m like a child,” he states with enthusiasm. “Every day amazes me with something like the sunset, the moon, and this volcano.”
Tapiro’s journey into photography and his deep-seated passion for nature converged in 2002 when he decided to teach himself the art of photography. Living just 20 miles from the Colima Volcano in Colima City, he realized that this natural marvel would become his lifelong project. His first photograph of the volcano, taken in January of that year, marked the inception of a journey he didn’t anticipate. He explains, “I didn’t know this was going to be a life project. I just started taking pictures.”
Indeed, Sergio Tapiro’s dedication and passion culminated in a photograph that encapsulates the raw beauty, power, and mystique of the Colima Volcano. His journey is a testament to the profound connection between human beings and the natural world, reminding us that with time, patience, and love, we can capture moments of unparalleled beauty, such as the eruption of a volcano under a starry sky, forever frozen in time by the lens of a devoted photographer.
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