Montserrat volcano devastation

My Photo scholarship 2010 entry

Worldwide | Wednesday, August 18, 2010 | 5 photos

My wife and I love to travel and explore so what better way to explore the Caribbean than go on a cruise? Our arrival in Antigua on 15th December 2009 afforded us the chance of a lifetime - to fly over the neighbouring island of Montserrat in a helicopter to witness the devastation caused when the Soufriere Hills Volcano erupted on 18th July 1998.

Soon after take off we flew over our ship - the P&O Oceana and my photo taken through the perspex window is very pleasing to me. Oceana is to the fore. To convince myself that this really happened I asked my wife to photograph me in the helicopter.

The flight was hugely enjoyable and after just 20 minutes' the Montserrat coast and silhouette of the culprit became visible through the mist - we were soon over the still smouldering volcano. The 3rd picture in the series shows us a little over 200 feet above the coast.

I wasn't prepared for what I was about to see. After flying over one or two outlying villages we rounded the volcano and flew over what was once the capital city - Plymouth. There below us was a scene that cried utter devastation and hopelessness. My photo' - again taken through the perspex window needs no further explanation. I avoided the worst of reflection by waiting for the helicopter to be in the best position with a knowledge that said it's now or never.

Back at the landing site I captured the image of our craft taking off with another expectant group of tourists.

I am 53 years' old and photography is all new to me. I would love to learn techniques for motion shots, through glass shots and better perspective.