Articles & Interviews

Fujifilm Professional ProFiles - Number 21

G. Brad Lewis

Despite the dangerous conditions, Lewis “takes the heat” and portrays the beauty and power of volcanoes through his art.

G. Brad Lewis lives on the dangerous side of life photographing one of the earth’s amazingly spectacular, but unpredictable phenomena -- volcanoes. Drawn by its beauty and power, Lewis utilizes a volcano’s movement, light and texture to show how the earth has its own agenda.

“I find volcanoes an incredible subject as molten lava is really a liquid light and there is nothing else like capturing a breath-taking shot of an active volcano on film,” shares Lewis.

For this image, as for the majority of his work, Lewis turned to Fujichrome Velvia (RVP), 220 format, to deliver the amazing color and clarity. Lewis was standing near the lava flowing into rivers and the ocean. “The conditions are very hot, the fumes can have a severe effect and the acid can kill cameras quickly -- but in the end when you see
images such as this one -- it’s all worth the effort,” exclaims Lewis.

As for his other equipment, Lewis wears boots with thick soles sewn on so the boots don’t melt off. He goes through quite a few pairs of boots, tripod legs and cameras. When the fumes are heavy, Lewis uses a respirator to protect his lungs. Lewis also relies heavily on his film to help him. “My images are the closest many people will come to a volcano, so it is important to me that people sense all that is happening at one time, from the lava shooting into the air to the ocean spray and the steam -- it is an amazing sight,” explains Lewis. “I use Velvia because it captures the incredible color and sharpness and creates the feeling that you are actually on the rocks with me.”

Lewis lives in Hawaii on the flank of Kilauea, the most active volcano on earth. His work has been featured on numerous magazine covers such as Life, Natural History, GEO and Travel Holiday as well as in museums and private collections around the world. He also displays his work in museums, exhibitions and exclusive galleries around the globe.