How long have you been storm chasing?
I’ve loved storms all my life and wanted to study and chase tornadoes after graduating high school. But it wasn’t until 2015 when I started my professional photography career did I dedicate myself to also chasing storms.

What’s your favorite part about storm chasing?
The best part of storm chasing is getting out of the house and winding up in the desert far away from any town as a storm comes raging over the mountains, especially at sunset. Being able to disconnect from the day to day chores and duties and enjoying the scenic vistas the southwest has to offer is peaceful and relaxing even if you don’t end up capturing an extraordinary shot that day.

What’s the most intense situation you’ve found yourself in on a chase?
Other than nearly getting struck by lightning (again) while chasing a storm near Nogales, I once found myself west of Green Valley shooting a storm at night, but when I began driving back out towards the main road, flash flooding stranded me on a hill, and I had to wait hours for the waters to subside before taking a chance to cross the wash. I’m glad I didn’t drive too fast or I would have driven right into the waters and possibly set the car adrift in the water!

What’s your ultimate bucket list shot (storm or non-storm)?
My bucket list shots are many. I love capturing transient luminous events (TLE) including sprites and blue jets, but my biggest bucket list shot is to capture lightning going through a tornado.

With monsoon season coming up fast, do you have any words of wisdom for someone interested in giving storm photography a try?
My advice to anyone who wants to give storm photography a try is to start slow. You can easily shoot a storm from near your house and within a safe area. Meet up with other people who have been doing this and partner up with them to learn how to forecast and chase good storm targets. And always, always keep safety in mind. Trust your gut and if it feels unsafe that’s because it probably is.

You can visit Lori’s website at https://lorigraceaz.com and follow her on social media at:

Instagram: @LoriGraceAZ
Facebook: @LoriGraceAZ
Twitter: @LoriGraceAZ

How long have you been storm chasing?
The first time I attempted and actually got lightning was in 2011. For a few years after I would continue trying but not really planning. It was probably around 2015 or 2016 that I actually started planning chases, versus just walking around my neighborhood with my camera.

What’s your favorite part about storm chasing?
The thrill of seeing the storms develop and then actually getting good shots. Also, the camaraderie that develops with fellow storm chasers.

What’s the most intense situation you’ve found yourself in on a chase?
Getting a vehicle stuck in a dry wash for a few hours, luckily some awesome fellow storm chasers came to help pull us out (after hours of trying to dig ourselves out). I’ve also had a few times where I’ve had to shelter in my car once the lightning got too close.

What’s your ultimate bucket list shot (storm or non-storm)?
I would really like to get lightning over water, be it the ocean or a lake or something. A sunset storm over the sea would be awesome! Also, the Milky Way core with a nice CG (cloud-to-ground) bolt.

With monsoon season coming up fast, do you have any words of wisdom for someone interested in giving storm photography a try?
Trust your gut and don’t second guess yourself. Always be mindful of what direction the storms are moving and look out for areas that tend to flood. If possible, chase with a buddy to help navigate.

You can visit Kate’s website at http://katedibildox.com and follow her on social media at:

Instagram: @KDibildox
Facebook: @KDibildoxPhoto
Twitter: @KDibildoxPhoto

How long have you been storm chasing?
About 5 years. I took my first ever lightning photo in 2016 near my home. 2017 is when I first started “chasing.”

What’s your favorite part about storm chasing?
Gosh, where do I start? That feeling of exhilaration when the temperature suddenly drops, the wind begins to stir, and you can feel the electricity in the air. Spotting that first flash of lightning from a storm, then capturing the lightning in camera! Watching the clouds churn and change before your eyes! And all of that is even better when you’re experiencing it with friends and you’re all jumping up and cheering with excitement!

What’s the most intense situation you’ve found yourself in on a chase?
Chasing storms can sometimes lead you down unknown roads or what appear to be roads. One time some friends and I inadvertently made a wrong turn and ended up in a wash. We were stuck for a few hours but thankfully it stayed dry and we were towed out by some awesome storm chasing buddies!

What’s your ultimate bucket list shot (storm or non-storm)?
I would LOVE to get a shot of lightning hitting the Eiffel Tower!

With monsoon season coming up fast, do you have any words of wisdom for someone interested in giving storm photography a try?
Be safe, patient and persistent! Storm chasing can be frustrating but when it pays off, it is one of the best feelings in the world!

You can visit Melissa’s website at https://melissawambolt.wixsite.com/photography and follow her on social media at:

Instagram: @MelissaWambolt
Facebook: @Melissa.M.Wambolt.Photography
Twitter: @MelissaMWambolt