Barefoot Volcanologist Wins Sony World Photography Award – Vanuatu’s Mount Yasur
The image is stark: a man, barefoot, standing on the ash-strewn slopes of an active volcano, plumes of sulfurous smoke rising behind him. This arresting photograph, capturing Philip Yamah, a self-taught volcanologist on the island of Tanna in Vanuatu, has won the Portraiture category of the 2026 Sony World Photography Awards. The image, taken by Australian photographer Elle Leontiev, isn’t just a striking visual; it’s a testament to resilience, local knowledge, and a unique relationship with the powerful forces of nature.
A Life Lived Alongside Yasur
Mount Yasur, a 1,184-foot (361 meters) active volcano on the eastern side of Tanna Island, has been erupting almost continuously since at least 1774. It’s known for its relatively predictable Strombolian explosions – bursts of gas, ash, and volcanic bombs – making it one of the most accessible active volcanoes in the world. But accessibility doesn’t diminish the inherent danger. Leontiev described the conditions during the shoot as difficult, with heavy ashfall and strong winds making even breathing a challenge. “We actually got off the volcano because it was too dangerous to stay up there,” she told Live Science.
Philip Yamah’s connection to Yasur is deeply personal. He was born and raised in a village at the base of the volcano and has spent years studying and monitoring its activity. His education came not from formal institutions, but from lived experience and mentorship from French volcanologist Thomas Boyer. Despite lacking formal qualifications, Yamah has earned international respect for his understanding of the volcano and the surrounding land.
Bridging Science and Tradition
Boyer, currently lab manager and chief scientist at Geolab XP, a geological laboratory based in Vanuatu, first met Yamah in 2011. Their collaboration has been a reciprocal exchange of knowledge. Boyer shared scientific principles, although Yamah imparted the traditional knowledge and observational skills passed down through generations. “We complemented each other from the start and have since successfully blended our two worldviews: science and Melanesian customs,” Boyer explained in an email to Live Science. Yamah’s role has grown to grow a vital link between the volcano, visiting scientists, and the local communities of Tanna.
The island of Tanna, with a population of around 30,000, relies heavily on agriculture and tourism. The volcanic soil is remarkably fertile, supporting farming, but the region has faced significant challenges in recent years. Leontiev noted that Yamah represents something of an exception, embracing scientific inquiry while remaining deeply rooted in his cultural heritage.
Recent Challenges and a Community’s Resilience
Vanuatu has experienced a series of setbacks that have impacted tourism and infrastructure. In 2015, Tropical Cyclone Pam, one of the most severe Pacific storms on record, caused widespread devastation. The COVID-19 pandemic further disrupted the tourism sector, and in 2024, the nation’s primary airline, Air Vanuatu, went into liquidation. Adding to these challenges, a 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck in December 2024, affecting over 80,000 people and causing extensive damage. UNICEF reports detail the ongoing recovery efforts.
Beyond these immediate crises, Vanuatu faces long-term threats from climate change, including extreme weather events, coastal erosion, and rising sea levels. These factors pose a significant risk to the island’s resources and its tourism industry. The United Nations Development Programme highlights the country’s vulnerability and ongoing adaptation efforts.
A Museum and a Legacy
Yamah now collaborates with the Vanuatu Meteorology & Geo-hazards Department, contributing to seismic monitoring and sampling efforts. He also works at the Haos Blong Volkeno, a volcano museum established by Boyer. This museum serves as an educational center and a hub for visiting scientists, fostering collaboration between researchers and the local community. Boyer emphasizes that the museum aims to demonstrate that science and traditional knowledge are not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary ways of understanding the natural world.
The lava suit Yamah wears in Leontiev’s award-winning photograph was donated by visiting scientists. His choice to remain barefoot, though, is a matter of tradition and practicality. “His feet are pretty resistant to the elements,” Leontiev explained, adding that finding shoes to fit his large feet has always been a challenge. Even actor Will Smith, who was guided by Yamah during filming for the 2021 National Geographic documentary “Welcome to Earth,” had a pair of shoes custom-made for him, though it’s unclear if Yamah regularly uses them.
Funding the Next Generation
Yamah’s ambition extends beyond his own work; he hopes to see his son, John, pursue formal education in volcanology. Currently, John is working with Boyer to gain experience in the field. Recognizing the financial barriers to higher education in Vanuatu – approximately $2,000 per year, a significant sum given the average monthly income of around $350 in Port Vila, according to the United Nations Urban Resilience Hub – Guillaume Beaudoin, a cinematographer who filmed Yamah, launched a GoFundMe campaign to help fund John’s education.
Leontiev sums up Yamah’s character as one of kindness, community spirit, and unwavering determination. “He’s someone who believes a lot in his community and looks out for everybody,” she said. “I consider that desire to see the youth succeed and get an education is something really admirable about him and something that he strives for regardless of his circumstances.”
The Sony World Photography Awards exhibition will be on display at Somerset House in London from April 17 to May 4, 2026. More information can be found at worldphoto.org.
Looking ahead, the continued support of local initiatives like the Haos Blong Volkeno museum and educational funds for aspiring volcanologists like John Yamah will be crucial. Long-term monitoring of Mount Yasur, combined with the integration of traditional knowledge and scientific expertise, will be essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of the communities who live in its shadow. The story of Philip Yamah is a powerful reminder of the importance of respecting both the power of nature and the wisdom of those who live closest to it.