Photographing a Storm - I was Terrified

Рет қаралды 208,429

5 жыл бұрын

The weather reports were warning us of violent storms passing through the region, so this gave me the perfect opportunity to head out to try and photograph the unfolding drama. It is quite rare for me to get the chance to photograph storms, so I was quite excited and possibly a little naive as I put myself at considerable risk without realising the true dangers.
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Пікірлер: 756

@GriffinStorm 5 жыл бұрын

I have been photographing lightning for years. I have done some crazy things for photos but what I love the most is that often it is only me with the storm in the late hours of the night and I am able to record and capture scenes no one else will ever see in person. I have a multitude of images from my hobby but nowhere to share them without the risk of them being stolen. I have managed to get some amazing photos from less than desirable conditions. Experience and knowledge about the mechanics of storms and meteorology in general have allowed me to develop a sixth sense about storms. I repeatably am able to frame my composition in just the right way to catch bolts in the best setting. I need to get back out there but it's winter now. Nice to see someone experimenting with the field of lightning photography.

@PlayedWith 5 жыл бұрын

I love being in storms

@anthonyjohnhart7355 5 жыл бұрын

Played With .

@animefan9944 2 жыл бұрын

Good for you!

@canadianphotography6972 2 жыл бұрын

Same.

@alexandermenzies9954 5 жыл бұрын

Storms certainly can be exciting. Down here the fatalities (and there are plenty) from strikes tend to be greater on wide beaches, swimming next to wide beaches and on golf courses. Not to mention sheltering under trees. These are all excellent places to depart Planet Earth. Having a Faraday cage handy (car, van etc) is a life saver. A sure indicator of imminent danger is hair rising on your skin (induced like charges on the skin and hair cause repulsion of the hair). I'm very glad you are still with us, Thom :-)

@ryanstark2350 5 жыл бұрын

The last shot was great. The blue distance, warmer foreground with nice textures in the sand and blue reflections in the water.

@KSnyder1025 5 жыл бұрын

The two things I love shooting more than anything are sports, and lightning. There's nothing quite like the adrenaline rush of capturing an breath-taking bolt exactly where you planned.

@guyroberts4181 5 жыл бұрын

Nothing more terrifying than being caught in a thunder storm. Had the experience once on a golf course. Glad you are OK and lovely shots as usual.

@iancar29 5 жыл бұрын

Few tips for capturing lightning Thomas. 1 - No filters. Unless the lightning is literally dropping right in front of you, you are reducing the light that only lasts for a split second. 2 - Without it being dark enough to be able to shoot at relatively small aperature and exposure longer than a 0.5s then you will need a lightning trigger (fires camera instantly when it notices a change in exposure) 3 - When dark enough, shoot as per timelapse mode + point 1. So depending on intensity, frequency and distance of lightning you could be aiming for rougly 8-10s ISO 800 f3.5. Something like that and let it fire away for as long as needed. 4- Im sure you know this one alread but always have camera in manual focus and have it set at infinity. 5- Using apps/sites like Sat24, lightning radar and blitzortung to alert you when lightning is detected within 50km. All the best, Ian

@henningpehlemann 5 жыл бұрын

your vids are the highlight of my days... amazing

@tompetersphotography 5 жыл бұрын

Loved it mate....the images really captured the atmosphere! Loved the last shot

@serdikos 5 жыл бұрын

Great video! Your personality and passion really shines through the screen!

@foofreddy 5 жыл бұрын

That storm came over me in North Yorkshire and it was crazy. Never seen lightning like it. I tried to take a picture of it but failed miserably. I saw Simon baxter had abandoned also because of it. Really glad you documented it, you can’t beat a bit of jeopardy to add to a shoot.

@stoettingerphoto 5 жыл бұрын

Crazy storm, glad you made it back to the van safely!

@HenryTurnerphoto 5 жыл бұрын

So bloody awesome as always mate. So inspired. Cheers!

@1spitfirepilot 5 жыл бұрын

Great. At least one contender for the calendar, I'd have thought.

@mikewinburn 5 жыл бұрын

The couple in the 2nd image makes the shot for me... just brilliant, the first image was my favorite of the images. Being the tallest thing on the beach was eeLly dangerous, man

@johnallibon2792 5 жыл бұрын

Great adventure and very good pics in adverse conditions. Always enjoyable.Well done. Rgds, JA.

@berryoaks 5 жыл бұрын

What you experienced is typical, in the summer, late afternoon weather here in the Savannah, Georgia area. We love these storms as they roll through. Sometimes they are accompanied by high, gusty winds, but most often with lots of lightning and thunder, and heavy downpours. Me and my 4 Doodles just sit in the window and watch. Hope you get to experience more , moderately severe weather in the future. It makes for awesome landscape and sky photography. Love your videos. Keep them up, please.

@Jalexander61 5 жыл бұрын

Always well done! Thanks for putting these together,,, I am learning so much!

@tobaldy 5 жыл бұрын

Listened to your recent podcast with Nick Page. Love the authenticity, helps us amateurs realize that great images are always possible and the frustrations/burnout we experience are experienced by the pros too.

@bjornletink5336 5 жыл бұрын

Great video Thomas! Perseverance is such an important aspect in photography..you just showed us the very definition of that..keep up the good work! 💪

@robertsmiley8829 5 жыл бұрын

This is my new favorite upload from you. Keep hunting that strike over the castle, it will happen again. Thanks and good luck.

@MrsSusanCreighton 8 ай бұрын

I love your honesty, thank you!

@richardfarrar3247 5 жыл бұрын

Another great video Tom especially exciting at the end......you got the storm you went for. Keep them coming...please.

@joannwilson8263 5 жыл бұрын

An epic episode! Amazing to see what all you do to get a photo, but stay safe Tom, we want to see more videos!

@paulbell9957 5 жыл бұрын

A cracking episode mate. Love the atmosphere you captured in your images and the footage of the storm was truly awesome. Great stuff 👍☺

@deannahoward8748 5 жыл бұрын

We have these kind of storms almost every day in Florida. You are brave to be out there, great images!!

@hugovangool 5 жыл бұрын

Awesome video Tom, it looks quit scary! It's always surprising to see how quick the condition can change by this kind of weather.

@ripley1690 5 жыл бұрын

that was exciting ! cheers Thomas

@anisab9506 5 жыл бұрын

Inspiring, all your videos are inspiring. The combo of outdoor adventures and photography such gratefully shared in the moment. Love it! Thank you!

@kaifilbrandt8110 5 жыл бұрын

Nice pics and a great vid, Tom! Loved watching it, looks like quite an adventure.

@woodshop7487 5 жыл бұрын

One of the best yet. Love it.

@santoshvk 5 жыл бұрын

Excellent Thomas. Really admire your work and commitment.

@BillGiles 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Thomas! Great video! I'm a storm chaser living in Colorado and it's interesting to see severe weather in other countries, as well as your approach to storm chasing. I must admit that I'm jealous of your trailer and being able to wait comfortably for storms to initiate. I'm DEFINITELY jealous of oceanside beach shots. If photographing storms is something you're going to be doing more often, you might look into a mobile radar app. However I'm not sure what you have available in your neck of the woods. Being able to determine storm motion, distance, and speed helps out immensely for both photography and safety sake. If you ever find yourself in the Denver area during chase season, let me know! :)

@scotty4418 5 жыл бұрын

Remember a while back you did a vlog in weather that was awful but this took it to another level Thomas. Loved the images you shared and this episode had loads of drama and glad you made it back to the van safely

@tomhughes5123 3 жыл бұрын

do you not find you get more of a buzz out of it than ever .. like a russian roulette thing .. it may be me

@GraemeSomerville 5 жыл бұрын

Hi Tom, I saw your trailer on Twitter yesterday. I was really looking forward to this video. It did not disappoint! Awesome! I've photographed a few storms here in the States and it's a hell of a scary adrenaline rush. Glad you got out of there when you did. Thanks for sharing -

@TheYoungFilmmaker 5 жыл бұрын

Thomas - your raincoat selections is awesome! Absolutely loved this - really wish the storm passed by my spot!

@Martem 5 жыл бұрын

As always great video! And editing was so poetic.

@94nagendra 5 жыл бұрын

Seriously who are these people who dislike....damn! They must be leading some sad life...not having the ability to appreciate art and the immense effort

@miamidolphinsfan 5 жыл бұрын

Brilliant as always Thomas ! You made an ordinary storm into a genuinely interesting story.

@gavinperry 5 жыл бұрын

Jaw dropping episode Thomas! Your video editing skills are just as amazing as the still images you create.

@uappoz 5 жыл бұрын

Im italian,i discovered your channel recently and i really love your content and your photos..thank you Thomas and keep going!👍👍👍

@northrupmj 5 жыл бұрын

Wow! Thank you so much for Sharing this experience and process

@neviamo 5 жыл бұрын

Loved that. Great work!

@robertmyers4390 5 жыл бұрын

Loved it Tom, thanks, Bob

@StevenSugref 5 жыл бұрын

Brilliant editing Thomas! I know it's a photography channel but your video editing has came on leaps and bounds over the years! There was so much drama in this "episode", hats off to you for going out on those conditions to shoot. It was definitely worth it going by the photos.

@rajontrail 5 жыл бұрын

I love the fact that you actually included "run away from camera" in the technical specs. Great upload as always.

@990drifter 5 жыл бұрын

Loved the video Tom and that's showing the real side to photographing nature and know the feeling about thunder and lighting, can be very scarey. Keep the coming mate, cheers.

@andrewsgray 5 жыл бұрын

That storm was crazy when it hit! Scary enough watching it from the house - might've known you were out in it! ;)

@OmriDavidson 5 жыл бұрын

That was amazing, really enjoying your photography.

@knightd427 5 жыл бұрын

I have been shooting lightning for over 10 years & even I felt a little anxiety watching you out in the open, so exposed during a storm. Getting a lot more opportunities for lightning here in Kentucky, I made it my number 1 rule to always shoot lightning from the relative safety of a hard top metal vehicle. I have ball heads that clamp on my side car windows and look for compositions in which I can safely shoot that way. My car has been struck twice in the last 10 years, but I've never been struck myself...knock on wood I never do.

@jeroensmit5905 5 жыл бұрын

Insane! Loving the images! Keep up the good work!

@wenyulian9584 5 жыл бұрын

Great one! Enjoy watching you in action! Dramatic!

@BigfootDigger Жыл бұрын

I enjoyed that i often go out on wild weather days to see what I can capture , thanks for sharing ..

@ShaunieMcNeil 4 жыл бұрын

Storm & Astrophotography is my fave photography 👍🏻

@chaitusunkara 5 жыл бұрын

This video is really an inspiration for anyone out there who are giving reasons for not going outside and taking photos (including me). It was an eye opener for me. Thanks for the video.

@eightdragonkings 5 жыл бұрын

Your photography is getting better and better. I really like the understated simple, almost minimalist style you’re developing.

@garrisonkruse6226 5 жыл бұрын

I love your content, it's so peaceful.

@stephball6011 5 жыл бұрын

Epic vlog Thomas! Weather and photography, my 2 favourites all in one video....brilliant!

@JackLodge 5 жыл бұрын

Love love loved this video, felt like we were there with you! Such a great behind the scenes, goes to show patience pays off mate - keep it up, definitely a calendar contender! 😃

@matteoferrettiphotography 5 жыл бұрын

Wow, what a storm! I would be sooo scared in such a bad situation....but you get some incredible photos, well done Thomas

@chriswoodbine2147 5 жыл бұрын

What drama... fantastic storms and great images, gotta love the British weather!

@TheGeneralWaldo 5 жыл бұрын

I love your style man :) . For me it feels so painterly the photos you take!

@northernspirephotography2451 5 жыл бұрын

Another great video Thomas, I had almost same experience last Friday at Sunderland air show while I was trying take some photos, but looking I wasn’t far from the car, you are very inspirational.

@ben196145 5 жыл бұрын

That was an awesome video Thomas, great work ⛈

@LeiderVerdrueckt 5 жыл бұрын

I like the fact that you put so much effort in your videos and photographs. I really appreciate the way you show the arts of landscape photography to all of us. For me you are one of the real photographers on youtube. Keep it up! :D

@pradkphotography 5 жыл бұрын

What a video. I'm really blown out by your dedication Tom.

@Macsnapshot 5 жыл бұрын

Great video Thomas ! Lots of love from an island in the Aegean Sea

@derekwillson2538 5 жыл бұрын

Superb vlog Tom, like a mini-disaster movie! I can hear the adman with a gravel voice now "He came for a photo!...he didn't bring a flash!...BUT GOD SENT HIM ONE! thanks Thomas, see you next time Del.

@Csoery 5 жыл бұрын

Ahhhahahaha that's some catchphrase!!!! :) 10/10

@EwanDunsmuirImages 5 жыл бұрын

Seriously Tom - One of your nicest images yet at 7.17. The reflected mood in the wet sand is insane! Love it! Regards Ewan

@imthesanket 5 жыл бұрын

The photos are just amazing!!! 😍😍

@Glenn3D1993 5 жыл бұрын

Dont let the 1st Chase be your Last, Keep at it. Cant tell you how many Times I've gone out with little to show for it, but you'll get that one Perfect Storm in between those Bad chases and it'll Blow Your Mind, you'll never want to Stop doing it. I can only imagine what your Knack for Beautiful Compositions and a Stormy Sky Behind it, it would be Amazing.

@robfearonphotographyhillwa9583 5 жыл бұрын

your pictures are outstanding thanks for sharing

@ceilihmcgrady4125 5 жыл бұрын

That was so exciting! Good for you for sticking it out and filming it for us!

@hepgeoff 3 жыл бұрын

That looks like a great location for photos! Thanks for sharing.

@itaylorm 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you for sharing your experience. Inspirational. I plan to take a trip to the stormy Oregon/washington coast this winter so this inspires me to to for sure

@ajayattuchirayil292 5 жыл бұрын

Images and the video just kept getting better and better... Great experience

@dcallan812 5 жыл бұрын

I live on the coast down the way from you. We are on the top 3rd floor of a small block of flats. I had my canon 5d mk4 setup are ready, but I wouldn't open the door to go out when the storm really hit. Just sat looking out the French doors at the turmoil. FANTASTIC!!

@jenslundinbyh8845 5 жыл бұрын

Fantastic video Thomas. Great content lately.

@chrisnewman5772 3 жыл бұрын

Stunning pictures!!

@GARY1951A 5 жыл бұрын

Wow crazy storm - We get super cells in Texas in the springtime that are dramatic but yours looked intense - thanks for sharing!

@ItsaCampingThing 5 жыл бұрын

Wonderful video as always. It reminded me of when I tried to capture a lightning photo. Quite scary at times yet also exhilarating. The rain was a pain though as I tried to keep my gear dry.

@avirupguhabiswas2599 5 жыл бұрын

I love this kind of adventures...

@epstar83 5 жыл бұрын

What an experience! I loved the first and the third images! The colour was sublime!

@ISOPhotography 5 жыл бұрын

That first image is absolutely gorgeous I love it

@mannttu 5 жыл бұрын

The way you direct your video I like very much, it tells a story and specially background music or sounds.

@jonglass 5 жыл бұрын

I'm sitting here, watching your video, and I can feel the wind, and smell the ozone in the air, it was so real.... and then suddenly, with a clap of thunder, I realized that we were having a storm roll in as I'm watching your video! Goodness! goosebumps! And perfect editing towards the end there, building the climax to the image show. Topnotch! Thanks.

@Derbyshire_bird_tours 5 жыл бұрын

Loved this one Thomas, the drama of the day came across really well.

@simonpaterson84 5 жыл бұрын

Wow! That looked scary but a lot of fun at the same time. Very well done for trying and I think you got still got some great dramatic images. Really enjoyed the video. Very exciting 👍

@antont7357 5 жыл бұрын

That square crop is your trademark, ,loved these shots, especially the first one.

@tom_hawki 5 жыл бұрын

Maaan. The photo at 7:28 is pure joy. It is literally giving me chills. Very nice job!

@PrakashKumarShee 5 жыл бұрын

I am a huge fan of your work and I learn a lot from you. Last month I accidentally met a professional storm chaser at a spot and she kinda guided me through the entire procedure. I would like to share those tips with you which you might already know. 1. Stay around 30 km away from the storm 2. If it’s raining then you won’t get thunderstrike in your photos, then you will have to move to a different location along the storm’s trajectory. 3. You can try shooting from inside your van too. 4. You could sit down instead of running away from the camera to avoid the shadow 🤭. Jokes apart, thanks for the video. And I am yet to get my first thunder strike photograph.

@rynomostert5720 5 жыл бұрын

this is a amazing video, love your photography.

@davidball8438 5 жыл бұрын

Epic!!! Lovely set of images especially the last! 👌

@tonymurphy9112 5 жыл бұрын

Love the music during the storm 🎶🎵

@tamojitnandi2320 5 жыл бұрын

You have always inspired me in taking pictures. your clips and clicks always helped me exonerate from burdens of the real world.

@WayneRobertsonPhotography 5 жыл бұрын

11/10 for effort!!! You made a video and images full of atmosphere! I saw some of that storm myself (no photography though!) and it was really wild. Great video but glad you made it back safely 👍🏻

@hassan2435819 5 жыл бұрын

You just make the nature feel on the screen! So dope 👌🏼

@tegser 5 жыл бұрын

That’s the Thomas Heaton I love to see..love being out in weather like that!! 👌🏼

@richparker 5 жыл бұрын

First, I love your compositional eye... the rock and castle combo was stunning as it was. Second, welcome to the nightmare fun house of lightning photography. Getting a good shot, safely, is truly challenging. One thing I would suggest is that you think of this like nature/animal photography: Consider a 'blind'. Somewhere where the target doesn't see you (safer from the weather, like a porch, an eave, or a cover attached to the van. Good luck, and happy storm chasing!