Tornado Chasing

[Larky]

Hello.

OK, now I have a job and am able to save a little (little meaning not much at all, overdraft to pay off first) I'm looking at doing something extreme. Some of you may know I want to shoot war zones, and after talking to some agencies it's been suggested I do more riots, extreme weather, other various slightly dodgy subjects first, to prove I'm ready for the next step.

So, who wants to go Tornado chasing with a couple of cameras? This wont be soon, I want to plan it properly. I do not want to do a tour, I want to follow along with some regular scientist chasers and document the entire thing for them free of charge. I'm in touch with some groups, it all looks promising. So, who wants to come along?

It may not be a RF kind of thing, I think a weather sealed SLR might be an idea! But you never know, I do like the idea of standing in front of a Tornado with a glass of good wine and a Nikon RF, possibly wearing a bath robe, depends on the wine. 😉

But yeah, would any of you feel you would be up for something like this. It wont happen this year, but as I say prep is required.

Take care.

A.

 

[35mmdelux]

Instead of the drama, why not give photojournalism a try? War zones are grisly events that show no mercy. Ruwanda, Bosnia, Indonesia, Middle East, Sudan, Somalia, Ubekistan -- horrific brutal events. No thanks.

 

[wgerrard]

Doesn't sound like an RF thing to me, either. But, ask your scientist friends exactly how close they get to the funnels. If it was me, I'd be far enough away that even the strongest telephoto wouldn't help.

I don't know if you've ever seen a tornado, much less been a victim. But, tornados in the American plains states and midwest often reach diameters of one mile or more. That's the little narrow part touching the ground. Being really close to something like that doesn't seem smart.

Frankly, I expect the scientist chasers would want you to focus on their activities during the chase, with storm images added for spice.

 

[Larky]

Hello.

Well, how close you get depends how lucky you are. Or, how unlucky you are! I'd be shooting them and the tornado, as well as the damage in tows etc if any is caused. I think it's going to be a SLR/RF combo trip.

I have two interested parties (not from RFF), but would like more. Somebody else who still shoots film would be good as all my mates think I'm peculiar.

 

[crawdiddy]

Hello Andrew,

Sounds interesting to me. What regions are you targeting for storm chasing? Is it North America? Looks like you're in the U.K., but I don't think you guys get so many tornados.

I'm in Texas, and have lived in the tornado rich zones all my life, and yet I've never seen one personally. Oklahoma seems to be one of the most productive areas, and it's favored by storm chasers.

Anyhoo, I'd like to know more. Btw, I shoot film. RFs recently, but also SLRs.