A powerful new volcanic eruption has lit up Iceland’s Reykjanes Peninsula for the first time in 800 years—and landscape photographer Iurie Belegurschi was there to capture the spectacular event from the sky and with a drone.
Witnessing Iceland’s Fiery Awakening: A Photographer’s Journey to the Heart of a Volcano
It has finally happened. Every year, we hear reports predicting the next volcanic eruption in Iceland—one of the most geologically active countries in the world. With so many volcanoes and several overdue for an eruption, it was only a matter of time. And this year, the signs became impossible to ignore.
Over the past month, the earth beneath us trembled—more than 40,000 earthquakes shook the Reykjanes Peninsula. Among them, two powerful quakes registered at a magnitude of 5.6. For those of us who live here, it was clear: an eruption was imminent. And then, just a few days ago, the ground split open. My name is Iurie Belegurschi, and I’m a professional landscape photographer based in Iceland since 2006. The last time I photographed a volcanic eruption was back in 2014, during the dramatic Holuhraun event. That eruption made headlines worldwide—and now, another has begun.
The new eruption started on March 19 and is located in Geldingadalur, a valley on the Reykjanes Peninsula, roughly 32 kilometers (20 miles) from Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. Remarkably, this region hasn’t seen a volcanic eruption for over 800 years. Fortunately, this event poses little threat to nearby communities—it’s happening in a remote area, and the volcano is relatively calm in its behavior. This makes it safer to approach and ideal for capturing striking visual imagery.For several days now, I’ve been photographing this fiery spectacle both from above in a helicopter and with my drone.
Using my Sony a7R IV mirrorless camera paired with the Sony 24-105mm f/4 G OSS and the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS lenses, I’ve documented the eruption from a variety of distances and angles. I also deployed my DJI Mavic 2 Pro drone, equipped with its high-resolution Hasselblad L1D-20c 20MP 1-inch camera, to get even closer and capture the raw, flowing lava in stunning detail. Witnessing and photographing this eruption has been one of the most unforgettable experiences of my career. There is something truly humbling about standing before the Earth’s primal force as it reshapes the landscape in real time. Iceland never ceases to amaze me.
