Archive for storms
Harrowing Experiences in Weather Photography
I love thunderstorms, they are my favorite part of summer, and the reason I started into photography in the first place. On any given day, you will catch me checking the www.theweathernetwork.com for watches & warnings and studying the radar maps. It weirds people out. So tonight, when I heard the distant rumble of thunder, I did as I always do … grabbed my camera & tripod and headed for the door.
Adrienne and I headed over to the park behind our apartment building, in order to get a clear view of the storm off in the distance. I climbed up onto the (metal) playground equipment, set up the tripod, and finalized my settings.
There were a few large strikes, only one of which I managed to capture (above image). They were spaced quite far apart, so I had my camera set to burst mode, in the hopes of anticipating and catching a big one. As I stood waiting patiently, I looked over at Adrienne, and laughing, said, “All your hair is standing on end!”
She looked at me and replied, “Uh, so is yours … “
“Here, take this!” I snapped, as I tore my camera off the tripod. I leaned down to unlock the legs of the tripod, just as a very large fork of purple lightning flashed directly above our heads. Needless to say, we bolted for the house, watching the state of each other’s hair as we did so.
I understand why “Storm Chasers” do what they do … its exciting, fascinating, exhilarating and terrifying all at once. But, that being said, I think I’ll pass on the near misses. That was entirely too close for me!
Leah Andres
