Photographing Lightning Storm & Getting Too Close

I travelled to the USA to photograph storms. Today we experienced a lot of thunder and lightning, which was a real challenge to photograph. 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.
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[@sudokuamateur6178]

I find it really useful to see raw images alongside their processed counterparts. Thanks Thomas.

[@mobilestrike5182]

I agree. And having just finally got a Z8 I’m enjoying the settings details too. Thanks.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

That's good to know. Thanks a lot.

[@guycl2381]

Totally agree !! And now an editing video :-) Kind regards, Guy.

[@kaypee276]

Great to see the raw images too, absolutely. Demonstrates beautifully that you have an eye for the potential visual power that is hidden in a shot, and it gives us viewers an insight into what you work with. It´s motivating! Thanks for the transparency!

[@adamtheburke]

Ditto.

[@OwlzzZRelaxation]

When you see someone from another country spend thousands of dollars for the "trip of a lifetime" to photograph the types of clouds you film from your home almost every night, it really reminds you to appreciate what you have! Not that I didn't already appreciate it, but this series really reminds me that it is a special thing. But I must say, thunderstorms are even better looking when reflected in the giant pool that is Tampa Bay. 😍

[@jeffsturgess2530]

Love seeing the RAW files.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Perfect, thanks for letting me know.

[@tommcmillan2300]

I’ve watched many, many of your videos and never seen you so enthusiastic!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

It must be all the sugar and caffeine 😂

[@greg275]

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto Casey's coffee will do that to ya.

[@karlagerst111]

@@greg275😂 I’ll take a raspberry flip instead. My part of the country.

[@The_Cyberz]

@@greg275That is NOT coffee 😂

[@prjw73]

@@ThomasHeatonPhoto I have noticed before that your mood is significantly better when in the company of peers.

[@DroptineMatt]

A Missouri photographer here who has been watching you for years. It's great to see you in my area and great to see your perspective on the scenes I so easily take for granted. It's especially great to see your enthusiasm. I often sit here jealous of your adventures in Iceland, UK, and Patagonia while lamenting being here in the "boring" Midwest. You've definitely helped change my outlook a bit! Great stuff, Tom!

[@janandjim4442]

I just. Have to laugh as I have lived in Missouri all my life and I go inside when there is lighting and here you are chasing it, standing out in open fields where you are basically now a lighting rod! Awesome!!

[@BrandonHinsley]

I’m from Omaha! So cool to see Thomas working in our neck of the woods and loving it!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Yeah, and with a carbon fibre tripod 😮

[@darrenleigh201]

...and we shall henceforth call him "Lightning Rod Thomas"!

[@janandjim4442]

@@darrenleigh201 😄

[@itsMisterNav]

Omg I just learned about the existence of lightning triggers, 😂😂😂😂

[@musa7606]

Also, some cameras have "prerecord" modes where it continuously records, and when you hit the shutter, it will save a series of images from the prior X seconds. So if you see the lightning, hit the shutter. Your shutter fire probably missed the shot, but the prior exposures got it. I haven't used it on my Lumix G9 yet, but for split second images it sounds pretty cool.

[@tslyford]

He is using a MIOPS camera trigger... This can do a bunch of different things, not just lightning.

[@MrNicoPela]

@@musa7606 The Z8 has prerecord, but only in JPEG. I think that's why Thomas didn't use it, as the RAWs do need quite a bit of editing like in the final image (which is absolutely awesome btw).

[@vjosullivan]

I assume a lightning trigger is a studio flash trigger by any other name.

[@kore996]

I am now having to look that up and learn about it because the storms in my area I’ve been getting more intense… I guess that applies for pretty much all over the world but we’ve had two storms recently that have been more lightning than I have seen in an entire season typically. Our intensity of storms started off back when we got hit by an F2 tornado. 🇨🇦

[@zelkuta]

Something you learn with storm photography, you get the storm first and the composition is just a happy accident afterwards. Sometimes nature gives you choice, usually not though. Love watching yea pick up the magic that is storm chasing. Great stuff.

[@charliekruschek]

As a fellow landscape photographer and storm chaser, your videos do a tremendous job being true to what the business is all about. Glad you had the success you did and looking forward to your return to the states again!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Wow, thank you. That's quite a compliment coming from a storm chaser. I was just along for the ride.

[@millymucci]

oh love the USA, huge skies, huge storms, lovely people, what fun! very exciting life experience. fantastic photography. brill to see the RAW files.

[@tylerjacobs2200]

Traveling from Casey's General Store to Casey's General Store is a vintage midwestern America move. You're doing well Tom.

[@derbagger22]

Love hitting up Casey's when I'm in Missouri and Kansas

[@Fulgur98]

The raw images were great to see from a photographers perspective especially for those wanting to learn. We see too many edited versions that when I started out and even a bit now I hated my raw images as they never looked 'good' compared to the finalised products we all see on social media. Love that you show the settings it gives a great learning point for people. The RAW file for the house and lighting was incredible, was cool to see the artistic direction you took the edit in!

[@duncanmcinnes5613]

Thanks, I have always loved sitting in a car and watching lighting and enjoyed it immensely when we took the kids to Florida. I know how wild the weather can be in America and appreciate all your reporting of this exciting chasing.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Thank you so much for the donation. That's very generous. This was thrilling, and truly was a bucket list item. It only gets better though, so keep watching.

[@margaretstapper6907]

Tom, I was so nervous as I watched this episode. As a farm girl, my mum was always getting her kids inside and we had to stay away from the windows but my dad… he would go out on the verandah to watch the storm coming. Storms build such tension in me even now. When you are out in the paddock under that storm I just want to yell at you to get inside the car out of danger .. and then you show those photographs and I am in awe that you have shared such an experience and captured such beauty. (Just stay safe will you please!!) 🤪 And also I love seeing the raw files.

[@leebooth4764]

I've been watching your channel for about three years now and think I've seen every episode you've posted. The image in this video with the corn in the foreground and the tree as the Subject is probably in the top ten of all the images you've created, absolutely beautiful..

[@Gillespie91]

I've lived in SC, USA for 33 years today. And you have visited more states in a matter of weeks than I have in my whole life lol

[@oliverraven4]

I love how the image at 12:35 has light on one side of the clouds and dark on the other, absolutely stunning

[@ayeshamartin_868]

Living vicariously through T.Heaton's experience while I sit in the lunchroom at work 🥲

[@bradhagen1269]

Yeah, but he probably spends his lunch break wishing he was doing my job, entering endless streams of numbers and formulas into excel. 😂😂

[@ayeshamartin_868]

@@bradhagen1269 😂😂

[@JJ-fromDK]

The last photo with the creepy house and the lightning, I actually liked the RAW file better, but yet an amazing video, love this series!

[@azatrox]

Showing RAW + processed images is wonderful. Thank you!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Glad you like it!

[@LauraF4848]

Welcome to the Midwest, Thomas! You got some great photos of a typical storm that we get out here. We just had a HUGE storm 2 days ago that rolled thru Iowa and straight into Illinois where I am. Always be careful around electrical storms. I once had a lightning bolt go straight sideways thru the open-sided dairy barn I was working in!

[@rvboondocker2559]

Thanks Thomas! Great format on this video. I’m just east of this and we had 32 tornadoes on Monday. Pretty unusual.

[@MonsoonGeek]

Bravo! Photographing lightning gives the same experience as why I love going fishing. You never know what you’re going to get when you go out- you’ll catch absolutely nothing, 1 or 2 decent ones, or a boatload. ❤ You should come to Arizona to shoot the monsoon lightning. It’s incredible vivid because of the high cloud bases and low precip, and about 70% of it is cloud to ground. It’s a high I can’t explain.

[@capt1089]

The last image is wonderful! It sends chills up my spine!!

[@siddharthdesai1006]

Simply amazing! Respect your dedication and creativity!

[@christianpatton1852]

Gorgeous shot of the creepy house love the lighting in the sky a wonderful shot ....love seing the RAW files and then final images very inspiring can`t wait to see next week`s video love storm chasing.

[@brendonwilson1318]

Ahhh I love this video! I've literally never seen a landscape photographer on KZbin in my area! I'm originally from Kirksville and my family is from Milan (MY-lən). It's such an honor to watch how you handle our very flat an plain landscape and turn it into beautiful photographs. I can't wait for next week's video!

[@jarman1970]

The before and after shots have been more helpful over the years than any editing tutorials. The fade to the edited version shows cropping and any dodging and burning that has been done. I was always leary of changing too much of the image but seeing what you and Adam G and Nick P do helped me see what is an appropriate amount of editing. Thanks

[@tracts]

This storm chasing series is the most captivating work you have posted imo! Awesome stuff

[@JanicevD]

thanks for the peek at the raw files. i find it helpful

[@LorenzoFrausto]

In what way? I’m just curious is all. I’ve seen a few others stating the same.

[@JanicevD]

@@LorenzoFrausto I am always trying to improve my editing of raw files and it helps to see how various experts would handle a file and try to see how they might have approached it. Just to learn more. :)

[@LorenzoFrausto]

@@JanicevD Got it! Thanks for the answer and your perspective 🙏🏽

[@GeorgeLoch]

Fantastic! That last image was just legendary.

[@TheSpaniel1]

Bloody hell Thomas ! the film was well worth waiting for, its an experience of a lifetime and some stunning images that are coming from the trip. Stay safe and thank you for sharing

[@ookiemand]

Great to see you so exited! I like the raw files to crosfade into the final image.

[@sergionoya5843]

Wow!!!! Me apacionan las tormentas. Se puede apreciar tu pasión y es como si yo estuviese viviendolo en ese mismo momento, espectaculares fotografías. Muchas gracias!!

[@jonnyanderson2271]

Not even started the video and I know that I’d love to do something very similar in the future one year. Thanks for the sharing this awesome adventure, I hope there’s similar videos like this in the future. 🙏😎👊

[@oneal.e.k.o.]

🔥🔥🔥

[@wendynewing8834]

This series is so exciting, so thank you for it. Also, yes please, raw along with the processed images are always interesting to see.

[@oneal.e.k.o.]

🔥🔥🔥

[@chriss2761]

What a fantastic experience Tom, Absolutely outstanding images 🙌🙌

[@abrahambiro230]

I'd love to see more raws! Great shots!

[@OwlzzZRelaxation]

I recently learned to always shoot a good composition, even if the lightning is not currently there. And shoot it as video, so you can save whichever frame might contain the lightning bolt! I recently did this during a lightning storm to the right of a long pier, but the best composition was looking straight down the pier, so I framed it up. 13 seconds after I pressed record, I got a lightning strike exactly at the end of the pier! 😍 The photo went viral on reddit, and of course I have the whole thing on video to prove I didn't photoshop the lighting bolt into that unbelievably perfect spot!

[@bbs5400]

I like being able to see the raw file because I love how subtly you edit them, the biggest difference just being color correction. Really shows that it isn't all just editing, it really was just a breathtaking view

[@hjheister]

Danke!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Wow, thank you so much for the donation. I appreciate your generocity.

[@prandg0]

Thanks!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Thank you so much for this. I genuinely appreciate it.

[@Julia_Travels_The_World]

So the thing is: I am not even really interested in Photography but the way you talk and explain is sooo catching and I just can't stop watching your videos. I have went from just watching to being a real fan by now and your adventures and pictures are so amazing. You are doing a fantastic Job, keep up the fantastic work!

[@LauMagroTheFrenchKOInection]

Really interesting to see the raw files. What a place with the house! Loved this video. Didn't want it to end.

[@lmsorenson8503]

That sound and your expression @13:10 ~ 😂 that's my exact experience with storms in Utah, we don't get too many but when we get a good one... The rolling... Rolling... Crash! The rain and it's all so amazing. 👍👍

[@jasmck3261]

Fantastic with RAW files Thomas. Thanks a heap! 😊

[@PeteTheBritt]

So happy to see you enjoying your first experience chasing storms. There's a reason I fly over there every spring for the past 20 years from the UK, we just don't have the right environment to develop supercells repeatedly. One thing to keep in mind, if you're getting wet then you're too close & at real risk of lightning strikes. Play safe, stay safe.

[@charlieb.4273]

This is one of your better series of videos. You are excited, doing something new and encouraging everyone and anyone to get out and do photography. Well done. Charlie in Virginia.

[@SwervingBirds-i5m]

British accent in midst of absolute madness of thunderstorm 🤣🤣🤣🤣 You gotta love the positivity

[@theslothsidd7895]

Loved to see the RAW files in comparison to the final versions - great implementation!

[@lenscraftedlife]

You are so excited and smiling that it is infectious, jealous of the time you had. Beautiful photos!

[@MrThunderMonky]

I grew up in the midwest and did my fair share of storm chasing. your in for a treat brother. Of course now that I'm in Arizona, the frequency has gone down but the light show is beyond belief. If you ever catch a Summer Monsoon storm in the southwest you will see what i'm talking about. Great stuff Tom!

[@aazimmermann]

Great video, loved seeing the raw images. Really showcases the edits you did, and also the camera settings you used to capture the original. Gives us budding photographers some inspiration/guidance.

[@beastman101]

The RAWs are a huge help to conceptualize the work you do in post! Appreciate it Thomas, incredible series!

[@markhyde1970]

I remember emailing you ....quite some time ago now, about how much I enjoy your videos/pictures and randomly telling you that I love cloud photography [it was somewhat random, I hold my hands up to that]. You graciously replied and only encouraged me. This is on a different level, isn't it. Wow! Now you've experienced and captured the beauty and raw power of nature that fascinates me and done it superbly. So glad you're enjoying it 👍🏾

[@melscreativelens]

Great skies!! Some new stuff 😊

[@maryl1833]

Thomas, I absolutely LOVE the darker raw file! I would buy that from you! I do have a question - the ‘bending’ of the light pole - is that because it is at 18mm? Thank you.

[@huwalban]

That final lightening image is a belter! What an amazing experience!

[@DiverNico410]

Bedankt

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Hey, thanks a lot for this. I have only just seen the Super thanks. Much appreciated.

[@richardsmith5021]

Really like seeing the RAW and finished versions. It provides better insights into what can be achieved in post.

[@TheeJaneDoe]

Love this series! I hope you can do it again in the future.

[@rileyrfitzpatrick]

I grew up watching your videos and I remember one video years ago of you shooting a storm in the UK (I think). As a storm enthusiast, I'm glad you got the chance to experience the severe weather we have here, it's truly something to behold.

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

Ah yes, I remember that video. It was utterly terrifying 😂

[@pavinder]

I think the mood of the raw image (capturing the darkness of night along with the threatening storm), is a more powerful image than the composite, which feels too bright and therefore a lot less menacing. Great video Tom, can't wait for the next installment!

[@memelissa2]

Love seeing the raw files too!

[@denisesavage2382]

I do so love a good storm! The lightening and thunder rolling across the sky, seeing the drama of it all flashing about. Yeah!!!!!!!!

[@laurenlabella23]

Seeing the RAW files next to the final images is SUPER helpful. It's a friendly reminder that good editing goes a long way. Thanks for sharing the camera settings as well! Loving this video series and seeing how hyped you are for storm chasing. Keep it coming!

[@terryreynolds765]

It’s really cool to have watched all your adventures around beautiful areas in the UK and Iceland and many others yet be so ecstatic in our American Midwest which we perceive as boring, flat farmland!

[@duffeyboy]

I never ever thought I'd see you in a Casey's in IOWA!! Hello, from Des Moines! the EF-1 tornado went through my neighborhood on Monday night. I was fortunate and only suffered tree damage. Safe travels!!🤘🏼

[@TedWhitePhoto]

Love to see your energy for these storms and the experiences. I live in Moore, Oklahoma, USA. About the only thing we're known for is large tornado events. As a former meteorology student and storm chaser, I've grown far too complacent when it comes to photographing weather. The beauty and the power of storms is truly one of the few things that deserves the word, awesome. Great job, can't wait for next week. I hope you got a chance to get up close and personal with one of mother natures beautiful beasts.

[@v1rg]

Love the RAW comparison! Gives such a good insight into what makes a great image - the final product is fantastic, but composition is where it‘s at (+ the incredible mood in the skies in this instance 😅). Been following and watching you for years at this point and never get tired of your videos. You‘ve been a massive inspiration to go out and shoot. Thank you!

[@CalTek]

16:24 - as a photographer and storm chaser I must say well done on an amazing shot. Nothing beats photographing an nocturnal storm cell.

[@kiwijonowilson]

Awesome! Also really great to see the RAW files. I'm impressed how close the RAW is - obviously your compositions and exposures are spot on!

[@zaneraza4044]

Thomas Heaton at Casey's!! Never thought the day would come!

[@ThomasHeatonPhoto]

I loved it at Casey's. So much stuff!

[@BrettHall-56]

Yes indeed very help full and if you supply the details iso f stop and shutter is even better. You look like you were very much enjoying yourself with Mike and the boys just awesome storms and the best ones are dry storms where the rain doesn't make you wet. Where i live in Australia we get a lot of dry storms as it passes just out in front of you over the ocean Massive bolts plenty of feeders off of them thanks i enjoyed the chase look forward to seeing more

[@kathyp1243]

Really enjoying this series! Your enthusiasm is infectious! Love the side by side comparison 😊

[@clayguthrie]

Never did I think I would see a Casey's General Store In a Thomas Heaton video.

[@MarkJ1776]

As a Minnesotan, I was thinking the same thing.

[@steelehousephotography8524]

Dude should go to a QT and have his mind reformed 😂

[@clayguthrie]

@@steelehousephotography8524 lol

[@The_Cyberz]

Just wait until the day he encounters a Bucees

[@kuva]

@@steelehousephotography8524 kwik trip -> quick trip

[@slaphead2965]

A definite 👍👍up. Some great photos and thanks for including the RAW image too. 👍

[@victorlim5077]

Really enjoying this series, Thomas. Can feel the Adrenaline. The last image is surreal.

[@rdzi]

Absolutely great to see the raw images alongside with the processed counterparts.

[@nickadamson6053]

Missed opportunity, after you said "see, it's all about the data" would have been the perfect time to put on your best Cary Elwes and sneer "cause the days of sniffin' the dirt are over!" Definitely loved seeing the RAW files, gives great insight into what potential a shot can have. Thanks for that!

[@lonnieclemens8028]

Beautiful scenery and the crew is having a good time. That is what its all about.

[@ejhdevries]

Absolutely love those RAW files added into the video!!

[@tjcuneo]

Storm chasing is great fun. 95% of the time in the car and 5% capturing images. I like the RAW with the edited images. Consider showing the RAW first and then the edited version. Great video.

[@ifell3]

Definitely nice to see your raw files with what you are working with.

[@TheMASSTTER]

It is nice to see the raw, helps get a point in how much work there is in the edit. And how much I can do with my pictures

[@pmccphoto]

Yes more of the raw file please, I love seeing the difference in the edit

[@nicolagredziuk6672]

Wow, that last shot is amazing! I really like seeing the raw file too - along with the camera settings for the shot, it helps me with my own process. Love your videos so much!

[@JamesMaloneyPhotography]

Wow, what a show that last scene was. Moments like that are what landscape photographers dream of. 📸🙌

[@wendyshort5972]

Great video Thomas. The weather was great for you. Some stunning photos. Well done.

[@krimke881]

Absolutely definitely raw and developed images shown! It's a huge help

[@kjbkix]

Welcome to the US and glad to hear how much you're enjoying the landscape. Some amazing images so far

[@mhc2b]

Absolutely YES!! - I always prefer to see the RAW file compared to the edited one. Thanks!

[@ChrisHunt4497]

Best video ever, best time of your life. ❤❤❤❤❤ So happy to be a subscriber of yours. ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@jwinkler]

I never expected to see Thomas shooting videos in my neck of the woods. Or even my region of the world.

[@francisschweitzer8431]

I know you have been to the USA many times… it’s so weird to see you out in the Plains … of which is wide open … and with stores and buildings that are familiar vs. the hills and sea sides of the UK and Ireland … so happy that you had a great time… now I need a lightning trigger too.

[@emmafahey3330]

I love seeing the raw images, please keep doing that! Awesome for a novice photographer!!

[@Cphoto1954]

Yes- Thanks for the raw files!

[@kartikeydwivedi4774]

Truly magical video, I was enjoying so much watching you experience most dramatic weather and at last that shot was fantastic...keep uploading more videos like these.

[@frednorman1]

Great images I look forward to your next video. no place is better than the Midwest when it comes to storms and big skies.

[@jamesillsley6753]

Loved the last two videos - not something I have ever thought about doing to be honest! Thanks for the raw files - the last image witht he 'creepy house' I actually liked the raw look as it seemd more evocative of the time of night and the feel of your shoot in the preceding video. Just personal taste. Great images and channel and thanks for all the tips and insight.