My favorite subject to photograph is lightning. Why lightning? Everyone wonders that about me!
Lightning photography is so beautiful & powerful, as well as usually tough to get absolutely perfect in most situations-
especially when faced with fast changing weather. I have hundreds of lightning pictures- as most photographers
that shoot it do, however, producing a photograph is the tough part. The true beauty of a lightning storm is
actually captured best on camera- in this way, many unseen details can then be seen.
My lightning adventures started
in 1997, when I was chasing a severe storm and attempted to capture the lightning with a camera...Well, to make a long story
short, I did (not well), and it started a true fire in my soul. Lightning photography is an art that demands patience,
last second decisions, as well as the ability to miss a few "once in a lifetime shots" in order to mature as a photographer.
Most important is the safety factor, however, and as a lightning photographer, we have all put ourselves in particularly dangerous
situations. The trick is to survive and learn from them...In severe storm chasing experiences, I have been within a 1/2 mile
from two separate tornadoes here in North Alabama- the raw power and pure awe is indescribable; however, capturing the heavens
ablaze with lightning is a rush that runs a close second...
As a storm chaser and photographer- as well as previous
work experience in the weather media, some knowledge of storm characteristics and behavior are an added advantage. I decided
to post my photos on a personal website for not only others to enjoy, but to increase my marketing potential by getting my
photography out on the Internet. Photography is such a creative artform and the Internet is a special medium with which to
express it. I currently have a few photography hints, tips, how-to's, etc. on this website- however, there are so many
other great websites out there. I can explain something if you have any questions- just contact me...
On this website, instead of placing 300-500 different photographs that I have in my collection (which takes forever
to download and view), I've included only the shots that I feel correctly captured the culture, power, emotion,
etc...that can be found in a picture that is truly worth a thousand words.
The experiences of shooting in some
of the most amazing places on this Earth are priceless...So many memories and special times with loved ones that
can never fade.
Due to memory and image size, all of my photographs are taken as you see them- with zero filters
and with very little manipulation to convert their true appearance. Only minor cropping and occasional dust
removal is practiced in order to preserve the true factors of the time that the photo was taken. Also, I do not practice lightning
video "freeze-framed" shots. Although this is very easy and provides more photographs, I feel it does not add any
value to a shot- nor is there any extra technique involved to get it. However, the detail in such videos are usually very
amazing...
