Landscape photographer Thomas Heaton recently travelled to Hawaii to capture a volcano for the first time. Unfortunately, the excited photographer was greeted by a number of inconsiderate tourists who decided to cross the roped off area in order to grab a better view of Kilauea’s volcanic lava flows.

Heaton documented his frustration as multiple tourists arrived and also crossed the line to get a better seat. Noticeably angered, the photographer actually arrived at the site much earlier and waited so he could catch the lava flow when it would be at its most beautiful.

“It’s completely unfair to people who’ve sat themselves along the rope. . . and then you get some utter twonks who climb over the rope and sit right on the edge blocking everyone’s view. ”

Alarmingly, other tourists also decided to follow suit and crossed the safety line; however, Heaton decided to stay behind the rope and later asked a couple who decided to camp at the cliff’s edge to move along.

Once everyone was herded back behind the line, Heaton was able to thankfully wrap up the day with some beautiful shots of the lava flows in action.

Heaton notes that not only is it dangerous to cross the safety line because it could lead to death, the rules are also there so more people have a chance to see and view the natural wonder without any obstructions.

2016-12-16 03:00