At over 1,200 degrees celsius lava is hot enough that getting close should certainly feel uncomfortable. For some photographers, however, the risk is worth it as it’s beauty and visual splendor outweigh the dangers. From lava tubes on the Hawaiian islands to glowing molten rock cascading over frozen cliffs in Iceland, these 25 incredible close up photos of exploding lava juxtapose nature’s beauty against its fury.
25
Iceland

24
Pulama Pali, Hawaii

23
Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

22
Erta Ale, Ethiopia

21
Mount Nyiragongo, Congo

20
Kalapana, Hawaii

19
Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

18
Hawaii

17
Mount Etna, Sicily

16
Hawaii

15
Hawaii

14
Kalapana, Hawaii

13
Mount Etna, Sicily

12
Mount Nyiragongo, Congo

11
Halemaumau Crater, Hawaii

10
Soufriere Hills Volcano, Montserrat

9
Pacaya Volcano, Guatemala

8
Mount Stromboli, Sicily

7
Haleakala Crater, Hawaii

6
Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island

5
Mount Yasur, Vanautu

4
Sakurajima, Japan

3
Medvezhia Volcano, Kuril Island

2
Kilauea Volcano, Hawaii

1
Piton de la Fournaise, Reunion Island
