“There Is Peace Even in The Storm.”
Vincent van Gogh
A rainstorm usually causes disappointment. Your carefully planned picnic is either postponed or cancelled. And if you’re outside, chances are you’ll be soaked.
But for landscape photographers, it represents an intoxicating opportunity! An approaching storm inspires excitement, peace, fear, and caution, all of which are useful in storm photography.
Today’s Friday Photo epitomizes the photographic rewards of storm chasing. One year ago, I was nearing the end of a six-day chase. There were no supercells that day and no possibility of tornadoes.
But a gorgeous shelf cloud was approaching our location at sunset. A shelf cloud is a low, horizontal, wedge-shaped cloud attached to the base of a thunderstorm. Rising air motion can often be seen in the leading part of the shelf cloud. The underside can often appear turbulent, and wind torn.
This shelf cloud was a beauty, featuring several striations. As the sun approached the horizon, a brilliant, yellow glow suffused the western horizon. And the thick shelf cloud blocked the light causing the eastern horizon to become almost as dark blue as late twilight.
An amazing sense of peace and excitement washed over the group.
The Shot
A cold gust front hit us as soon as we exited the van to set up our tripods. After feeling hot and sweaty all day in short sleeves and pants, we frantically donned our jackets to stay warm.
After taking a few shots looking south, I turned around to see the light show to the north. Wow! As the violent squall line approached us, fear and caution began to permeate the group.
After a few more minutes of wary shooting, we hastily retreated to the van and drove away to escape its approaching fury.
Thanks for looking,
Chuck Derus