This month we’ll be doing a triad of storm-chasing field trips. Last year we attempted to have a storm chasing day and we were greeted with blue-bird sunny skies. This year, we’re going to “plan” on 3 separate occasions to storm chase and or shoot dramatic skies. Surely we’ll find something!
Summertime in South Florida is the best time to photograph dramatic skies. Barbara Livieri will be leading the field trip, and if possible, will show different techniques on how to photograph lightning. We will also take advantage of South Florida’s summertime storm patterns to photograph dramatic skies and lightning. While every attempt will be made to place the club members in the best location for lightning, we are still at the mercy of Mother Nature. Lightning can be deadly. We will all be together operating outside the edge of the storms. Safety is a priority, however it is up to you how much risk to put yourself in.
Where? This is the million-dollar question. The ‘where’ will be decided on the fly. I will be keeping an eye on the weather forecast and select the most probable spot where conditions are possible and we’ll go from there.
LEARN - I STRONGLY urge everyone to attend either in person or via Zoom (or watch the recording) the June 11th meeting where Robert Chaplin will explain the most important part of storm chasing, being safe. Robert has led storm chasing workshops and has given many talks about how to stay safe or as safe as possible during storm events.
What to bring (see below for list). I say, bring it all. We’ll be shooting out of our cars. No trail walking. Take this opportunity to try something new. Bring a macro lens, a super zoom lens, bring different filters, you never know. We might have the occasion to find something else to shoot besides dramatic skies.
RSVP-ing is essential so I may let you know where to go. I’m not going to announce it to the world.
Camera Gear to bring:
Camera
Lenses
Tripod
Filters (optional)
Remote Shutter (optional)
Lightning Trigger (optional)
Rain cover for gear (shower cap or grocery bag will work in a pinch)
What to wear:
Long sleeve shirt and long pants, preferably light colored and breathable.
Hat or other head covering
Cooling towel (wet dish towel works well)
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Comfort & Wellbeing:
Water! Lots of it
Other drinks and snacks
(I pack a cooler for these with my drinking water, iced teas, or sodas, snacks, and then a gallon of water for splashing on the cooling towel)
Lawn chair (optional)
Other items of note: If we happen to go into the Everglades National Park, be sure you have a park pass or be prepared to pay at the gate. $35 for a 7-day pass. Or pay $70 for an Everglades Year long pass, or for $80 get a National Park Pass which gets you into ALL National Park entities for an entire year. Buy your passes online beforehand by clicking HERE.
