Photographing a Storm - I was Terrified

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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[@PlayedWith]

I love being in storms

[@anthonyjohnhart7355]

Played With .

[@animefan9944]

Good for you!

[@canadianphotography6972]

Same.

[@tobaldy]

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.

[@jonglass]

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.

[@derekwillson2538]

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]

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

[@gregorsnell]

dude that intro with the backlight lightning was INSANE!!! Putting the gear to the ultimate test eh. Don't stop until the camera breaks.

[@TheNonsenseAdventures]

Dude, thats dedication, with how rubbish your internet was yesterday, still checking Mr Heaton's Vlog!! Lightning is on my list of "Want Shots"

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Greg Snell Cheers, dude. It made Pata feel tame!

[@StevenSugref]

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.

[@Glenn3D1993]

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.

[@GriffinStorm]

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.

[@BillGiles]

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! :)

[@andrewsgray]

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

[@GraemeSomerville]

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 -

[@scotty4418]

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]

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

[@ceilihmcgrady4125]

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

[@MrChrisromero3]

that part with the train in the beginning was nice. Your filmmaking skills are getting so much better than when I first started watching you. Keep up the great work and motivating people. Awesome, Tom!

[@mikesphotography]

Haha! You’ve gotta love the British weather! If you haven’t already, watch some of Pecos Hank’s videos on storm chasing....the guy gets some amazing stuff in such volatile conditions! Keep up the great work Tom! 👍

[@guyroberts4181]

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.

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Thoroughly enjoyed this episode! Also fantastic music you used near the end when hell broke loose! Those clouds looked gorgeous and frightening all at once! Pretty sure we had the same storm hit parts of Denmark. We also had thunder and an absolutely epic front of clouds hitting us. Thanks for the suggested video :)

[@tom_hawki]

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

[@shahzebnasir4692]

I wish we had a storm here in Karachi, Pakistan! We're supposed to be in the 'monsoon season' but it hasn't rained since July last year! Also this is easily my favourite KZbin channel now! Can't wait to watch the video as soon as I get the notification! Hope you get huge!!

[@brodiegthomson1350]

Shahzeb Nasir cricket pitches must be an absolute road

[@benharris3949]

I hear you, I'm in Australia and we've had hardly anything. Every month sets a new record for "least rainfall", hope you guys get something soon.

[@alexandermenzies9954]

Not in this part of Australia, Ben.

[@shahzebnasir4692]

You may as well play on tarmac!

[@shahzebnasir4692]

Hope you guys do too!! Really sucks when it's hot enough to fry an egg on the street and there's no rain either!

[@eightdragonkings]

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

[@domcoke]

As an editor myself... I gotta say: your videos are beautifully conceived, shot, and edited. And a pleasure to watch. Most professional productions would be envious of the production values and thought that goes into them.

[@joannwilson8263]

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

[@robertsmiley8829]

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

[@BenHorne]

Man, you sure had a productive day! You have some really solid shots. The last is my favorite with that beautiful foreground, and how the blues of the sky are reflected so beautifully in the midground pool. I just love how that reflections transitions to the mud ripples.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Ben Horne Thanks Ben. Yeah, those blues. You wouldn't believe that I earned my WB up to about 6500K there or there abouts. "Blue Hour" doesn't quite cut it.

[@990drifter]

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.

[@EwanDunsmuirImages]

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

[@stoettingerphoto]

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

[@uappoz]

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

[@TotalBarber]

I am a new photographer and videographer and have watched alot of photographers and your are probably the must real and passion person. I absolutely love watching and learn9ng from you! Thank you for these videos!

[@mcgoldenberry]

Tripods are excellent lightning rods! Glad you still have your eyebrows.

[@SebaKPaul]

well if they are carbon fiber, maybe not ... or less X_X

[@richardfarrar3247]

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

[@matteoferrettiphotography]

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

[@berryoaks]

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.

[@foofreddy]

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.

[@94nagendra]

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

[@nigelmorley8092]

There we go..FINALLY..recognition for the JAFFA CAKE as THE premier biscuit (or is it a cake??!!) for photographer's "on the road" ..I can feel a "this episode is sponsored by McVities and if you want a 10% discount...." episode coming up !!

[@northernrider780]

It's a cake, not only as the name suggests, but a cake goes hard, a biscuit goes soft.

[@WanderbaresLeben]

Your storytelling is getting better and better. Keep it up! Loved the part with the train (additionally to all the storm scenes, of course). But please be careful... ;) And beautiful images, as always.

[@anisab9506]

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

[@tamojitnandi2320]

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

[@ryanstark2350]

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

[@alexandermenzies9954]

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 :-)

[@andysartyautoimages]

Tom, another cracking video and great images showing how again how beautiful Northumberland is even in the worst of weathers. I chose to sit indoors with a cuppa and watch the storm, probably why I'm not a pro photographer!

[@LeiderVerdrueckt]

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

[@burrdaddy]

Who in the world clicks thumbs down on this! What were you expecting? Did you think it was a cooking show? Don't like the color green of his jacket? Were you mad it rained? Come on! This guy, on his own, just delivered another fantastic episode - genuine and fun. Thanks, Thomas. Keep them coming.

[@waltherziemerink]

I think they might be dyslexic🤣🤣

[@MrZagiel30]

Your channel, which I heard about from a friend from the channel PolandInTheLens, is good to watch. You take great pictures and put a lot of heart into it. Greetings from Poland

[@BigfootDigger]

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

[@deannahoward8748]

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

[@rvboondocker2559]

Very fun Tom! Thanks for the cool adventure! Lightning scares the crap out of me too but I’m still looking for that money shot!

[@hugostj]

Love this! :) I myself loves the thrill of shooting lightning photograph. So much is up to chance but when you get that magic picture it feels so much better :)

[@mikewinburn]

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

[@kaifilbrandt8110]

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

[@chaitusunkara]

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.

[@ajayattuchirayil292]

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

[@simonpaterson84]

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 👍

[@rajontrail]

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

[@TheYoungFilmmaker]

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

[@oddbjrnaustevikfoto]

You deserved a lightning bolt for that effort mate! Great job filming such a well crafted Vlog in these conditions. And throw in some sand in addition to the rain :) I don't envy the clean up. Very nice and moody images you got. By the way, the storm passed here yesterday, it was not so brutal as when you guys got hit, but I managed to get a bolt. My first one, it did feel great. The composition was not so great however. Thanks for sharing!

[@northernspirephotography2451]

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.

[@CelineAndDennisMurillo]

What a great way to start a Monday here in the Philippines! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@BRP42]

Great video again Thomas! I think it falls into that “beware what you wish for” category, huh? I’m impressed how wet all of your equipment can get.

[@iancar29]

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

[@JackLodge]

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! 😃

[@helenj9844]

I managed to just get home before it all erupted! Was incredible watching it going over, but I'd never go out in it! Great photos as always.

[@isds6310]

I am amazed by your skills, you can make a great shot come from any weather. The skill of a photographer is not one who can shoot great photos during golden hour, but one who can shoot brilliant photos in a downpour. Fantastic job.

[@ISOPhotography]

That first image is absolutely gorgeous I love it

[@paulbell9957]

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

[@hugovangool]

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

[@johnallibon2792]

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

[@davidchandler7810]

I'm terrified of thunder and lightning, had to watch this one from behind the sofa! Glad you survived the storm.

[@Dannygagg]

It's amazing, while it was thundering and lightning here in the peak district and i was huddled up inside keeping safe, you were actually trail blazing it up and chasing the images! that's what i aspire to do, it' just taking me a little time to get there.

[@stephball6011]

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

[@KSnyder1025]

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.

[@bjornletink5336]

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! 💪

[@Midnight_Rambler]

You need to get Nick Page to give you a few pointers Tom :-) Great video, certainly looked scary !!

[@MichaelDreksler]

Stuart Lamont That would be an interesting collaboration / interview

[@jarod17]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/Zp2ng4Jsgchspqs

[@Barbatian]

Absolutely fantastic shot on the 3rd one. Definitely worth the effort!! Great video as always. Loce it! :-)

[@dcallan812]

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!!

[@nelg70]

All respect for staying out in the storm, I know exactly how it feels. There's no feeling quite like it being on top of a high point in the middle of a storm with your camera equipment, it's so exhilarating . Trying to capture that golden shot while all the time hairs standing on their end. I'd recommend this to any thrill seeker. Good job man. 👍

[@wenyulian9584]

Great one! Enjoy watching you in action! Dramatic!

[@JobberE69]

Thomas "Storm Chaser" Heaton - Nice video! and also the last image, really moody and awesome light/composition.

[@kingxmustard]

That last shot is just unreal, I love those blues!

[@Mindy-s-channel]

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

[@pradkphotography]

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

[@MarkKellyPhotographyUK]

Full on action video, thats what we like, 10/10 for hanging around out there, some cool images to remember the trip with.....

[@tombuck]

You must have waited forever to get that thumbnail! Haha What a terrific video. I can’t say what an awesome influence you are for both photo and video.

[@richn1751]

This remains one of my favourites of yours Thomas

[@loriensan]

The last photo was amazing!! I´d really like to try some storm photography as well. Thanks for the video!

[@chriswoodbine2147]

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

[@fantomfoto]

Great vid Thomas! Lightning is so difficult to photograph, I've only managed to do it a few times. With your van so far away this technique would not work, however something I've found helpful in the Mojave desert and Death Valley is when I can get an acceptable roadside composition or somewhere just slightly off the road, I setup the camera/tripod and remote trigger it from inside my car using a intervalometer controlled by my iPhone. It keeps me relatively safe from the lightning being inside my car and there's potential to get some epic shots. I use an Alpine Labs "Pulse" on my Canon cameras for this and a Alpine Labs "Spark" on my Sony. I'm not sponsored by them or anything, I just really like their products. You can adjust settings through your phone and even review shots.

[@tegser]

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

[@martynsmithson7533]

😂😂😂😂😂 don't forget your umbrella in a lightning storm. Was on the moors when it hit us. Mental. Great vlog again.

[@gavinperry]

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

[@epstar83]

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

[@Jalexander61]

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

[@jamessharp1321]

I'm one of those in Oklahoma where alot of our storms happen. I love chasing storms but not really work for one of our Television local channels. I really in enjoy your photography and video bro.

[@MrsSusanCreighton]

I love your honesty, thank you!

[@ItsaCampingThing]

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.

[@santoshvk]

Excellent Thomas. Really admire your work and commitment.

[@GARY1951A]

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

[@Derginator]

The calm before the storm is the oddest thing to describe and feel. Like you know something is gonna happen at any second. It’s like how pets and other animals go and hide before storms.

[@MLC48]

Thanks for showing the LCD screen with all your settings; I find this information helpful.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Mary Converse I would have done it for all the images of the weather wasn't so bad.