This thrill-seeking photographer has travelled the world on the hunt for erupting volcanoes!
Joseph Anthony had taken his love for danger to the next level and spent over several years hunting and capturing erupting volcanoes.
The volcano-fanatic was fascinated with how they caused ‘creation and destruction occurring simultaneously’ and travelled thousands of miles, around the globe, to take over 75,000 videos and pictures.
However, his dangerous passion was met with concern as people said his antics were crazy and worried for his safety.
From protective clothing to SO2 (Sulphur Dioxide) monitors, Joseph always ensures he has in-depth safety protocols and a suitable escape plan.
Joseph said: “They also worry about my safety but they appreciate the photos and videos I come back with.
“I am often thanked for my hard work and for documenting the natural history of Earth.”
He said: “There are many surreal moments that most would say were terrifying but for me although stressful and concerning.
“There were numerous times in flight I had to detour around volcanic eruptions.
“We had reroutes due to volcano eruptions and flew past many on the way to the USA, for example the ones in Eastern Russia and the Aleutian Islands.”
As a pilot he saw many amazing sights such as Hawaii, Iceland, Uganda, Tenerife, Lanzarote, Madeira, Indonesia and Japan.
Joseph, from Bournemouth, UK, said: “I have a long-time fascination with their beauty and the dichotomy.
“Creation and destruction occurring simultaneously.
“Ultimately creating new fertile land upon which all life on earth depends.
They are primal, primordial and I feel like I could be looking at the dawn of life on earth.”
On multiple occasions, he said that he was left in awe by the destructive volcano eruptions and he even had to dodge ‘lava bombs’ while taking the perfect shot.
He added: “Being near one is a profoundly visceral and even spiritual experience.
“I reflect on the meaning of life and so many humbling things when I am around them.
“Once, there were lava bombs that I had to dodge while trying to access an area for a shot but I fell over while doing this tripping on the lava rocks that had landed and were strewn all around me.
“I smashed my knee badly in the process also having multiple lacerations on my leg.”
Joseph warned the dangers of his job and the unpredictability of something happening suddenly and unexpectedly, even with official warnings.
He said: “Be aware of toxic fumes and that you might not be even able to smell them which is why noting the wind direction is important and being aware of olfactory fatigue where your sense of smell becomes useless quite quickly.
“Be mindful that there can also be lags and just because there is a lull in activity doesn’t mean things are over.
“Make sure someone knows where you went and when you left – have a means of communication if possible.”
His number one safety tip is too always have more than one escape plan!
Joseph added: “Sometimes bear in mind that the safest escape route might counter-intuitively require you to move closer to the volcano instead of away from it in an emergency.
“This upside-down thinking could save your life!”