Photographing Mt Mayon – the most perfectly shaped volcano in the world besides Mt Fuji – was like courting a finicky schoolgirl. For five days, I pursued her from Daraga to Legazpi to Tabaco, only to be teased by her lifting her skirt of rain clouds for a fleeting glimpse of her feet. On worse days, she was weeping behind her impenetrable veil. My tenacity was finally rewarded a few hours before my flight to Manila with her revealing her naked majesty from the Embarcadero and Lignon Hill. Oh, women.
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| Mount Mayon & Ligñon Hill (left) from the Embarcadero de Legazpi Mall |
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| Mount Mayon at dusk from the Embarcadero de Legazpi port area |
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| Mount Mayon from Ligñon Hill, Legazpi City |
Some tips on photographing Mt. Mayon in all her glory:
1. Choose a great vantage point. Great views of Mt. Mayon can be enjoyed at Embarcadero de Legazpi (at the mall and breakwater), Kapuntukan Hill or Sleeping Lion Hill (if open to the public), Ligñon Hill, Cagsawa Ruins (Daraga) and Mayon Resthouse (Tabaco City).
2. Best chance to capture a cloudless Mayon is at dawn or dusk. I stayed at Sampaguita Tourist Inn, located along the main drag of Rizal St., for quick access to the port area. Embarcadero de Legazpi is only 15 minutes by foot from the budget hotel.
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Ganda ng mga photos (as always) pero fave ko dito yung 3rd shot. Gawin ko wallpaper ah. 🙂
She is indeed elusive!
ang ganda ng kuha mo sa mayon! I wish I can capture the Mt. Mayon like that. I will follow your tips.
requesting for an additional tip. photos are crisp. your lens matters? was this handheld? really, super wow.
Great shots Ed! Indeed Mayon is our pride!
Edgar –
Thanks for your post on Legazpi. I took the word “embarcadero” and ran with it. I posted some images of the sunset on Mayon. Would love it if you had a look – its all here: http://www.tenacityinpursuit.com/april13.php#april10 – Thanks again Edgar for the priceless information!
The 3rd shot was perfect! I love it… However is there a particular month to visit Legazpi with Mayon a clear sky. We’re eying June. Thanks for all tips I’ll take note of that – hopefully I’ll catch it on both dawn and dusk time.