I Went Storm Chasing In The USA | It Was Unforgettable

I travelled to the USA to photograph storms. It was an unforgettable experience, and easily one of the most exciting things you can do with a camera, in my case a Nikon Z8. Thanks to Squarespace for sponsoring this video, for 10% off your next domain or website visit www.squarespace.com/heaton
My Weekly Newsletter: thomasheaton.co.uk/sign-up/
My Landscape Photography Book Vol-1: thomasheaton.co.uk/product/my...
My Landscape Photography Book Vol-2: thomasheaton.co.uk/product/ha...
Check Out My Friends Who Were Also on the Trip:
/ mikemezphoto
/ thor_photography
/ dtb.photos
/ yourprivatepilot
/ forestbarkdollweil
SAVE MONEY
Did You Like the Look of My Camera Bag? Use: HEATON10 & Save10% at shimodadesigns.com/
My Filters: kasefilters.com Use "Heaton" for 5% off.
Save 20% on Fotovue Guide Books with code: HEATON: fotovue.com
Binge Watch My Entire 'On Location' Catalogue: • Binge Watch EVERYTHING...
You Might be Interested in These:
My Website: www.thomasheaton.co.uk
My E-Book: geni.us/onlocation
My Facebook: / thomasheatonphotography
My Instagram: / heatonthomas
The Music in These Videos from Artlist & Epidemic Sound: 𝘢𝘧𝘧𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘬s
share.epidemicsound.com/t2V7R
artlist.io/artlist-70446/?art...
#landscapephotography #Stormchasing

[@ayeshamartin_868]

The evolution of Thomas Heaton! From British Landscape photographer to International Adventure-seeking content maker!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Haha, You have given me a new job title.

[@GodIsReal]

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto I hope you do more of these adventures. You are really very good at conveying the feeling and drama, in a spontaneous, real way. Makes me think of Bear Grylls. Very enjoyable to watch.

[@jfree2737]

I haven't seen Thomas look that animated and excited in a long time. It was great to see him doing something so out of his usual wheelhouse of tranquil minimalist nature shots (although those are gorgeous, too)!!!❤

[@calci2679]

I am a cynical American who has a negative view of my own country most of the time, but for some reason, this video gave me a small reminder of how beautiful this place is. Thank you for this delightful film!

[@maggienancarrow9782]

I absolutely love watching yall experience the Midwest--this is like every day life when you live here ;) the sirens, the hail, the dry lightning, the temp drops. Prairie storms are the absolute best.

[@paulmrush1971]

We have a Tornado Warning! Someone tell the guy in the back of the truck his lens cap is on 😂

[@StevensonGphotos]

I was wondering if anyone noticed that - done it myself 😂

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Haha, tell me you've never done this. I do it regularly 😂

[@paulmrush1971]

Constantly 😂

[@darmaher4481]

I was laughing at that myself 😂 laughing because It happens me and I’m like. Hope nobody seen 😂😂

[@MsOnce4all]

Your excitement is infectious!

[@ThePwig]

I always hear people complain about how it rains so much in England. When I have told people about how extreme the weather can get in the US, it just doesn’t get across to them. I’ve seen it rain so hard sometimes that you can’t see the fence in your backyard. It just doesn’t rain that hard in Europe.

[@SlightlyBetterPudding]

yo imagine being from Iceland and being named Thor, being out in intense thunderstorms... What a guy

[@Bobcat-1967]

I'm soooo jealous. Clouds fascinate me, how hundreds of tons of water and ice can hang in the sky is mind boggling.

[@Mr_Quimper]

Jo: Cow. Jo: another cow. Bill: Actually I think that was the same one.

[@waynearchibald3920]

😅

[@musa7606]

Leave it to a landscape photographer to get his tripod out when a tornado is forming... "I'm just looking for a composition and waiting for the light" :)

[@bradwilliamsphoto]

Never in a million years did I except to watch a Heaton video and see my home town of Omaha, Nebraska in the video! Great work as always Tom!

[@tomjodis8670]

Too bad we didn't know he was passing thru - could have joined the convoy and photographed with him.

[@jimmydenney5800]

That's what I said watching this!

[@lphilpot01]

If you didn't find good food, you looked in the wrong place... I can assure you. Whether BBQ in Texas / Carolinas, Cajun in Louisiana, whatever -- It's out there. You just have to move beyond freeway fuel stop frozen food faff. 🙂

[@DavidKingsbury89]

haha, trashes american food and then proceeds to eat a fuckin' tornado from a gas station

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Haha, yes, I was a little harsh about American cuisine. We had many unbelievable BBQs. So much so that I bought a smoker. But, sadly most of the time we were restricted to gas stations and fast food 🤢

[@jcosyn]

I was just thinking, a Brit complaining about the cuisine is rather like a Quebecois complaining about people being rude. 🤣 Getting food at a gas station is never recommended.

[@SteveCrane]

Half of the team has been spoiled by Icelandic gas station food

[@cardiacjunkie]

⁠@@ThomasHeatonPhotoYou aren't wrong about gas station food, I don't do fast food either. When I do, I'm picky, I'll pack a PB&J and be just fine. Lol. The US allows a lot of trash that has zero good purpose for it to be in the food. You had me at bill gates lab created meat. That got you another sub. They need to stop messing with the food and clean it up. It takes too long to shop when you have to look at the ingredients on everything. It's easy to get addicted to chasing, especially if you are a weather nerd. If I could combine nurse + meteorology/weather/chasing/photography for a career, I'd be set. LoL.

[@brianbeattyphotography]

right in my neighborhood! That week you were here was WILD for storms. Glad you got to experience it!

[@MH3GL]

If you've never seen it before... It's a sight to behold. Who thinks Tom will be back for more?!?! 😎

[@pc1189]

As dangerous as storm chasing can be it’s truly exhilarating and Thomas this is a life experience you will never forget. Stay safe looking forward to the next segment. 🌪⛈💨📸

[@LoriGraceAz]

Glad you had the opportunity to come shoot with Mike! I've been chasing since 2015 and just keep coming back for more. I also spend summers in the desert southwest of the U.S. shooting incredible monsoon storms with saguaro cacti and mountains for composition! You should come out and see!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Mike was awesome and I can see why you keep coming back for more. I can't wait to get back out there!!

[@ethan....]

Fellow Oklahoman here, right in the heart of Tornado Alley. Come April every year I start to get excited. We almost lost the house this year though. Tornado jumped over our house less than a 1/4 mile away and came back down about 20 miles to the east.

[@mirto5663]

Your excitement and joy was contagious throughout this adventure. Well done!

[@scottmcnally]

As a Minnesota storm chasing photographer, it would have blown my mind to run into Tom in my home state. His excitement is the reason we drive 100s of miles to get a glimpse of a storm. Looking forward to next week's video!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

I'm hopefully returning next year. I'm already addicted.

[@aaronmcgee6895]

Never expected to see you of all people in my home town. The farm you stopped in front of at 17:50 has the best sweet corn in the world. Many moons ago I learned to drive a stick shift on the road in your picture from there too! I will also add when I used to go out chasing I pretty much only used my 10-22mm.

[@KellyPettit]

I'll say it again, better than anything they put on TV. That was fantastic.

[@rolandrick]

Agreed. If only that censorship wouldn’t be if it comes to some specific other content.

[@johngelnaw1243]

We have some great food-- but it's rarely to be found in a service station. There are exceptions, but they're not common.

[@dr.dedrickminor1184]

Yep, I was a little thrown off when he said that, considering the US has the 6th most Michelin starred restaurants in the world. I'm from New Orleans and everyone comes here to eat! ha

[@woojoow]

@@dr.dedrickminor1184 Aye, although most of those Michelin stars are in the big coastal metros. As far as food on the road, my only recommendation would be to aim for the larger truck stops like Pilot or Love's which tend to have better food than the normal gas stations and convenience stores. Or if you can find a Buc-ees, those have a lot of options and the quality's pretty good, and they're also a bit of a uniquely-American spectacle. "What if we made a 7-Eleven but it's ten times bigger and has a mascot roaming around?"

[@eclecticjon1019]

Landscape photographer, wildlife photographer, storm chaser... Brilliant way to diversify your skills🔥🔥🔥

[@gregtowns549]

Chasing Awe, The Thomas Heaton Edition 🌪️

[@davidpearson3304]

There’s a link in the description. 😂😂

[@tristanyoung453]

One of you best ever films. Enthusiasm at 100%. Brilliant.

[@naturaltai]

And this is why even as a wretched Houstonian, I follow storm chasers all the time. The storms are simply amazing, and to watch the chasers go through all their data and experience to figure out where and when to be at a location is inspiring. Look forward to your next vid.

[@GregStonham]

This is the best photography content I've seen in years. Awesome - great video, amazing shots.

[@GrandWalkingTours]

Tom out there just living the best life most of us sitting in the office or on a site wanting to do at least 1 of these mad adventures in our lifetimes and he's out there doing week after week of adventures well done and no better man to present these awsome places to visit

[@jennteal5265]

YT saw fit to put this video in my Suggested as I am a massive weather enthusiast. I sat through the entire thing with a cheese eating grin on my face. I absolutely love seeing severe weather novices, especially from other countries get the chance to experience the American Midwest. I'm so glad you enjoyed your trip :)

[@rubenbehnke3975]

Despite "Cumulus nimbus" clouds and 93 degree celsius temperatures, a cool video. Glad he enjoyed himself.

[@bobheiss]

As an ex Met Tech and now hobby landscape photographer I often make references to friends about great Skyscapes in photos. Welcome to the world of Skyscape photography Thomas.

[@kylegilbertson2401]

It's cool to see someone so excited over this. Growing up and living in the Midwest US, this is normal springtime weather.

[@The_Cyberz]

Yeah, it’s fun to see a fresh perspective on something we take for granted. Dangerous but beautiful.

[@denisroy81]

11:19 driving thru a stop sign, lucky to be still with us.

[@petrub27]

it's edited, relax

[@steelheadranger]

The way was clear: no traffic because the locals know the drill and are holed up.

[@CalTek]

@@petrub27 WTF...it was not edited at all - he clearly blasted the stop sign.....but yeah...."relax" because you know Kelley Williamson and Randall Yarnall thought it was ok to blast the sign as well. SMFH

[@CalTek]

agree 100%.

[@blonko86]

Carbon fiber tripod in a lighting storm! Tom Heaton lives on the edge. Yikes! Glad he finished safely. Great video!

[@thugga.thugga]

blowing through the stop sign😂😂 you fit right in with us man

[@junerobinson8169]

What a fantastic video it was brilliant, the photos you took were amazing. Thank you for sharing it with us Thomas, can’t wait for next week’s video.

[@GodIsReal]

That rotating supercell is the most beautiful footage I have seen in a very long time... Well done Thomas, on how you captured that!

[@MA-lv3bb]

Great video. Gonna watch again and count how many stop signs you blow through. 🤪 Oh and tell Dori to stick to flying. He’s never going to be a photographer leaving his lens cover on! 😃

[@eastonsabina8608]

Welcome to the USA. The best country in the world

[@curlysearcher1]

Okie from Oklahoma here. I’m glad that you’re enjoying your journey. As a trauma nurse I feel compelled to mention though that we’ve had some really tragic deaths of storm chasers. I couldn’t help but notice that your driver blew through a STOP sign. I suggest he be an ex-driver for you in the future. True, wrecks are job security for us (my husband is a Paramedic) but better to avoid entirely. Happy hunting!

[@duncanmcinnes5613]

Absolutely amazing. Looking forward to next weeks storm chaser fix from the one and only Thomas Heaton. I expected you to be in your own van!

[@monaburch9163]

THIS is my dream holiday ❤

[@emilylewis5373]

I'm super glad you had a seasoned storm chaser with you guys. Europeans seem to generally underestimate our storms and at first I was scared it was all newbies

[@karencolville9738]

Beyond incredible and the hail stones are a massive token to this massive experience. Wow beyond Wow!!

[@AleRodrigues]

What an incredible adventure, Tom. Absolutely stunning!

[@Kumofan]

1:35 nahh a brit doesn’t get to say this 😂😂

[@scottgraham6717]

Amen!

[@ChristopherSmith-ft7ce]

Way to go Thomas! Fried convenience store nom-noms and the Ramada Inn. A midwestern road trip bucket list!

[@jameshoiby]

A true American experience!

[@costafilh0]

Thomas: "99% of the time doing nothing" Me: I want to photograph tornadoes too!

[@Chompchompyerded]

This is the sort of thing I grew up with. Crazy weather, and yes, the occasional tornado. The sunsets are just mad in the Great Plains. Now I'm living in Cambridge, UK, teaching at the Uni. Sometimes I just need to feel the wind in my ears, and then the need strikes me, the only way I can get that feeling is to climb a set of stairs hidden in an obscure corner of the Chapple of King's College and go to the roof. There the wind is a bit stronger then the gentle zephyrs at ground level, and if I close my eyes, I can see the tall grass and the wheat with waves not unlike water. Then I open my eyes, and look across the yard which has not changed since Sir Isaac Newton walked these hallowed grounds, and look across to the river Cam, and I know that I am so lucky to be seeing a whole other sort of beauty. The world is amazing if you take a moment just to look.

[@louisburley1597]

This makes me want to book a flight to the southwest during monsoon season. Absolutely exhilarating to watch. I can only imagine how it felt in person

[@mikecastles]

Welcome to one of the best shows on the planet. It is awesome to feel the power of mother nature.

[@JoanEscala]

Your eyes speak for themselves. I believe you had a fantastic time. This video reminds me of when I lived in the States. My glory days with my camera, driving many miles and enjoying photography until I die. Thank you, Thomas, for sharing this content. Never stop doing your job; it is a treasure for many people like me. Thanks and safe travels.

[@katharinemovertonphotographer]

Wow Stunning shots. Glad you are having a amazing time

[@arrowguy173]

1:10 as a Skywarn spotter I was happy to see the SPC and Dupage models - I knew then you’d be in good hands. It’s all about smart positioning and having a solid radar and map program wherever coverage is available.

[@jimbruton9482]

Your enthusiasm for seeing nature in its most epic form was great to see. Having been through some of these storms including getting a direct hit of a hurricane last week makes one realize over and over again how truly grand although sometimes a bit scary our world is. That you were able to experience and record it was truly wonderful and I can't hardly wait for the next one.

[@JasonLorette]

Something I've always wanted to do as long as I can remember...looks flippin' amazing. That cell was wild!

[@PhotoBug3042]

Great episode. Hearing storm sirens in person really makes the hair stand up on the back of your neck!

[@dhdavidholloway]

Straight through a stop sign at 11.23!!

[@TheSpaniel1]

Fantastic film Thomas, your excitement was palpable and well justified!! can’t wait for next film and thank you for sharing

[@theviewfinder6780]

Thomas living his best life. Delightful!

[@tobiasyoder]

Tom has no idea what's going on in the most endearing possible way 😆

[@johnmichael8920]

from Virginia, welcome to America! On many of your videos from the UK I wish I were there because we don't have those views here, but to see you here in our environment is fun. Enjoy!

[@OwlzzZRelaxation]

Ahhh, now you know why I love making videos of big storms at sunset! Your scrambling around for a good view of it makes me extra thankful I now live with a panoramic view of storms over the huge reflecting pool that is Tampa Bay. If you ever fancy a landscape/ wildlife/ storm/ sunset photography trip to Florida, I know some great spots!

[@garrydelday5816]

Ultimate adrenaline rush, nothing more dramatic than Mother Nature, knowing when to bail is a must 🤔🌪️⛈️☔️

[@josephlai1078]

Great video. Good to see you in an excited mode. Do stay safe though. Mother nature is no joke.

[@ETERNALFLIGHT63]

LOL! (14:23) "I am not really thinking what I am Photographing" the adrenaline sinking in LOL!

[@samuelescalante749]

I’ve been storm chasing since about 2009. There’s nothing quite like it. Even if you don’t find what you’re looking for (tornadoes), often times you’re rewarded with something unexpected

[@droy0521]

So fun to hear Tom's excitement in this video!

[@dentonator96]

This is exactly what you needed to do. Very exciting and fun video!

[@JamesBillingsPhotography]

Damn, this was so exciting! I had goosebumps watching, can't imagine what was like actually being there 😲

[@LanceBowes]

Awesome video…did anyone else think that Thomas was trying to tell us a secret message through his hat adjustments. I am convinced he was using some sort of Morse code…

[@bburchellphotos]

Yay! A new video! I was getting worried about you because I hadn't seen any updates for ages! haha Good to know you're still out there! 😅

[@timrosenburgh8597]

What a fantastic video and adventure. I bet the car had quite a few dents in it from the hailstones. Fantastic cloud formation. Great image's as usual. Can't wait to see the next one mate.

[@davidduke7076]

Fantastic. I grew up thereabouts, thinking it was all so normal. Great to see someone experience the thrill of it anew.

[@johnnymossville]

I traveled across the great plains last year and found it to be so beautiful in it's emptiness. I can't wait to go back.

[@matej.mlakar]

The music you selected really takes this vlog to the next level. It really sets the mood and emotions. And its I dont know... drives me crazy what a HUGE impact music can have and it is in come cases just a background element to which at times you dont even pay attention to.

[@brucetreloar3200]

Straight through a Stop sign! Don't worry about a tornado but worry about the T bone.

[@EstonConleyPhotography]

It has been such a pleasure to watch you grow and evolve as a person and in your pursuit of photography and how your photography has evolved as a result. Thank you for being an insiration to me and im sure many others.

[@davidellinsworth3299]

Next week: I find a hidden pyramid in Antarctica. Holy s**t you're getting about

[@GG-zv9ku]

I’ve seen them in person and the video doesn’t do justice at how imposing they look when you are there

[@pinlight97]

Wow, you picked quite the year to come! As a photographer too, I recommend Canada for golden hour photography. Why? Mainly because that beautiful low light in the summer lasts for *hours*. Oh, and in places like Manitoulin Island you also get stunning dark sky with a full Milky Way. Beautiful work in this video!

[@boiledrumham7940]

You know next week is going to be a banger when the preview is mostly just Thomas making noises.

[@LynneH-ej6rx]

Wow, what a great time you had. Thank you for taking us along on your adventure.

[@ChroniquesChaotiques]

I've been chasing storms for twenty years now and a few years back I subscribed to your channel thinking I needed inspiration for simpler landscapes photography. And now you do this! I guess I'm in a loop or something 😅

[@karlburchill2704]

This is a dream of mine........what a fabulous experience and a brilliant video Tom.

[@72Webber]

Wow! Just Wow! My heart was pumping and I was just watching, can’t imagine what it must of been like for you Tom. I’ve been so looking forward to this one since you posted the picture a little while back. Breathtaking! Sooo looking forward to next weeks instalment 👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@ab.collage]

I got to meet Mike at a weather talk. Great photographer, great guy. What a great opportunity to ride along with him. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your adventures!

[@darksideemt]

Guessing you don't get weather like that too much over in UK. The siren was a tornado warning which means it could happen. Hail is a good indicator but sure you learned all that on the trip.

[@dmurphie2010]

This is awesome. t's one in a life time experience. To go with Mike, is really a great treat. Have a great time and be safe.

[@viveksrivastava8675]

Really amazing video sir, i am watching your video more than 7 years. Best wishes from India 🎉

[@DenisLevchenko]

I was looking forward to this video! Was almost worried something happened to you. Glad to see you are well and having so much fun! Great video.

[@jasongreenwood3260]

1996 in North Dakota... Baseball sized hail. It was crazy. Yeah storm chasing can be boring and fun! Great video!

[@AndyLyons]

I remember a video from you a while back saying you didn't like storms!! Super jealous that you got some epic conditions, look forward to the next vid!

[@randyschwager84]

Wild weather! I live in Iowa and we see this weather routinely! It’s fun to watch until it destroys homes and lives! Recently in our area, it did just that! If you are going to photograph it, you need to respect the potential power and risks that come with these storms!

[@antonoat]

This is so cool Thomas, really looking forward to seeing the rest of the trip! Stay safe! 👍👏😀

[@johnkrohn1282]

Welcome to Minnesota Tom…. you drove through my area!!! one of your many subscribers wish you safe travels through Minnesota! Siren was for a tornado warning! only thing they typically blow them for

[@bryguy2724]

I grew up close to monument rocks, and it's crazy how often we all take it for granted. That photo is really awesome.

[@tysmith924]

I can't wait until the other videos comes out! I love thunderstorms I'm a little jealous but I'm happy that you are getting awesome photos of your adventure!

[@PinfoldPhotographic]

Wow, you are certainly braver than I am! I can sense the adrenaline and what dramatic photos too!

[@BradMangas]

Great to watch. Even as a life long Kansasn, seeing storms like this each and every spring / summer, they do the same thing each time you get to experience them. They never get old, are never the same, and will make your heart nearly beat out of your chest. It's great to watch you guys getting to experience these things.