So deep down I was a little excited to be going to Florida for Spring Break a quick work trip because of the proximity of crazy spring break kids possibility for good sunsets and the prospect of a good work
environment. But instead of bringing suntan lotion and a Borat
“mankini” I should have brought an umbrella and rain booties. Tampa
experienced one of the fiercest storms on record dumping as much as 4”
of rain in an hour, 80mph winds and was in an all-day tornado warning.
Two tornados touched down within a mile of where I was working which
put the base on lockdown and the building power went out.
Being the typical Californian, I wanted to go out in the middle of it to experience the crazy weather, so I drove to Clearwater Wednesday afternoon hoping for a sunset, but instead got an intense electric storm. I met another guy there who was much more experienced in photographing lightning and was willing to share some secrets. I positioned this shot straight down the middle of the old slabs used to keep the pier up, and was safe under the existing part of it (as you can see from the map to the right) I was doing rapid-fire 15” shots and then commanded lightning to strike right in the middle (yes, I pointed like Babe Ruth), and sure enough a couple minutes later… I got it. I was thrilled but he was upset because he’s been trying to get that shot for years. Beginner's luck.
This was all I got from my trip. Literally. Well besides the drunken shots of us all salsa dancing at night.
First Place - Ventura County Fair 2011 - Professional Division - Scenery/Nature
Supernothing!, Photograsurf, D Breezy - davidthompsonphotography.com, evening sun., and 643 other people added this photo to their favorites.
View 20 more comments
mudpig 22 months ago | reply
:) perfect - love the glow off the beach too from the strikes
renrut01 21 months ago | reply
Amazing work!
bananajode 21 months ago | reply
In a word...
SPECTACULAR!!
.S.Y.I.B.L.I. 18 months ago | reply
eXTreme catch
Kartik J 18 months ago | reply
That's a great shot, John, congratulations on capturing the moment. Nice dramatic color too for the mood of the shot.
Talles Vito 15 months ago | reply
wow! amazing!
Dems. 14 months ago | reply
Amazing!
belthelem 14 months ago | reply
Excellent work!
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Yannick Lefevre 14 months ago | reply
the scene is just incredible, what a great timing !!!
Matt Granz Photography 13 months ago | reply
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You are invited to post this awesome cloud based image at:
www.flickr.com/groups/stormscapes/
Please help us Storm Chase our way across flickr!
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Chiara Musiu 13 months ago | reply
Amazing
Shelle Ette 9 months ago | reply
So how high did you jump up and down when you realized you caught it in the lens? Or were you a pro and kept going for more? LOL Fantastic shot. A fav. I like the lit up little shack too, adds some more interest.
Fresh Light 9 months ago | reply
...paradise shot.....
marcellucray 8 months ago | reply
..lightning
Kasia Sokulska (KasiaBasic) 8 months ago | reply
Wow!
Ron Hay 8 months ago | reply
Wonderful image. Nice job.
Fort Photo 6 months ago | reply
Very impressive indeed, thanks for sharing!
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Seen in the group"STORMSCAPES" ( ?² )
imagefx 3 months ago | reply
OUTSTANDING image........'nough said
Leonardo Magno 3 months ago | reply
Wow!!!
Amazing work!!!!
Congratulations
Wesley Nagelmaker 5 weeks ago | reply
AMAZING capture!!!