Our Volcano Photography Trip to Iceland

My friend Geir and I traveled to Iceland several times, drawn by its extreme landscapes and natural forces. One of our most memorable trips was during the massive Eyjafjallajökull eruption in 2010, which sent an ash cloud high into the sky, disrupting air traffic across Europe.

This was because the ash contained tiny, extremely hard particles.

We made it on the last flight before much of the airspace was closed, determined to witness the eruption up close while taking the least possible risk. The sheer power of nature was overwhelming—an immense, dangerous ash cloud rising thousands of meters into the sky, causing devastation to the surrounding environment and creating unstable weather conditions.

As night fell, lightning flashed through the ash cloud, a surreal and haunting sight. We captured it all—photos and videos documenting this once-in-a-lifetime experience. A true memory for life!

I hope you will enjoy the pictures and videos from Iceland and my trip.

- What is volcanic lightning?

- Eyjafjallajokull's Volcanic Eruption And Very Heavy CloudAsh

After speaking with knowledgeable locals, we decided to experience the eruption little more up close.

As we got closer—just 2-3 km from the eruption site—we had to continuously assess the risk, keeping a close eye on the volcano’s activity, the weather, and the rapidly changing ash cloud.

While we knew there would be some very small risk, our priority was to stay safe, especially considering the unpredictable weather and ash fall.

We made sure our car was fully fueled, packed with warm clothes, and equipped with necessary safety gear. To protect ourselves and our photo equipment, we used eye protection and planned our movements carefully.

Our car was quickly covered in ash and fine volcanic particles. Making it uncomfortable but necessary to keep the windows sealed on air-condition off.

Large areas, spanning several miles, were blanketed in ash and lava flows. Water flow in the surrounding areas became a significant concern, we saw ice blocks scattered for kilometers from the crater. Local farmers with animals worked tirelessly, shoveling and clearing ash from their properties.

It was impressive to see how efficiently and calmly they mobilized. They were well-trained and prepared, handling the situation with remarkable resilience.

• Sudden temperature drops
• Violent wind shifts
• Heavy ash fall, drastically reducing visibility

OUR 5-DAY TRIP AROUND THE ACTIVE VOLCANO 🌋

During our five-day journey near the erupting volcano, we witnessed massive destruction. The intense heat and flowing lava had melted all the surrounding ice, causing enormous floods that spread for miles across the landscape, affecting homes and farmlands. Farmers worked tirelessly to clear ash and protect their livestock. Experiencing this firsthand was both humbling and awe-inspiring, a true testament to the raw power of nature and the resilience of the Icelandic people.

Glacial Floods – When volcanic eruptions occur beneath glaciers, the rapid melting of ice can trigger catastrophic floods, washing away roads, bridges, and infrastructure. These floods, known as Jökulhlaups, pose significant risks to the surrounding areas.

Volcanic Ash Damage – Volcanic ash can cause severe damage when it mixes with moisture, leading to acidic rainfall that harms vegetation, contaminates water sources, and affects human health. Fine ash particles can also clog engines, damage buildings, and reduce air quality, making it a serious hazard during and after an eruption.

If you want more information about eruption ash damage and lava damage, check out:

What Is Volcanic Ash, Its Effects, and How to Mitigation Them

Iceland Volcano Eruption – The Power of Ash

1. Ash Clouds and Atmospheric Instability

• A volcanic eruption can send a massive ash cloud high into the atmosphere.
• This cloud blocks sunlight, leading to sudden temperature drops in the surrounding areas.

2. Lightning and Electrical Charges ⚡

• Ash particles collide in the atmosphere, creating static electricity, which can lead to volcanic lightning inside the ash cloud.

3. Pressure Changes and Wind Shifts 💨

• The intense heat from an eruption changing local wind very fast.
• It can cause even tornado-like effects.

4. Heavy Ash Fall and Reduced Visibility 🌫️

• Big areas can suddenly be covered in thick ash, reducing visibility to near zero.
• At one point, it suddenly can start snowing and raining grayish.

5. Sudden Temperature Drops or Rises 🌡️

• However, the blocking of sunlight by ash clouds can cause a dramatic cooling effect in surrounding areas.