After a car wreck that put me in the hospital with a broken finger and badly cut head, i thought my storm photography trip this season was finished--but after getting my car back after 5 days in a motel in OK, i rebounded by quickly driving north and ended up catching several tornadoes in Kansas. This was my first ever tornado at night--i usually dont chase at night due to the inherent danger, but after nearly getting killed i figured my bad luck was spent for the week
When i saw the tornado from lighting flashes a couple miles up the highway, i pulled over, and with one hand (my other ones in a cast) i fumbled with my tripod and camera and set up on the side of the road. This is a 5s exp at 100mm, at ISO 1600--lightning is providing illumination for the tornado (later rated EF-2, it went through the town of Lacrosse KS--which is in the center of this shot--and tore up a bunch of buildings). I left a lot of 'extra' space on the bottom and rhs of this comp on purpose--i wanted to introduce tension (cause it was intense!) and i liked the eerie glow that my emergency blinkers gave the fg.
C&C Welcome!
Comments
19 commentsUnreally awesome( The image)......A serious car accident is a mind bending experience. Been through one and was a little luckier than you, car was totaled but I only had whiplash....Great way to get back in the game by throwing off the misfortune and continuing to shoot.
Paul
It's really hard to critique a scene like this personally, Stan. I've never been this close to a tornado with a camera in hand so I can't even imagine the difficulties involved.
Cracking shot, even cooler that it's at night! Can't wait to see the other ones.
Sorry to hear about your accident but glad that it sounds like you're going to be alright. Great shot - well conceived and well executed.
Just Awesome
Glad you are not seriously hurt in the MVA.
Awesome and super cool image. Get well soon ...
Seriously, glad you're recovering and will have this image to remind you of the good parts of a tough week.
Congrats on the WP!
Sandy