The storm-chaser's window: A photographer's pursuit of lightning in the Arizona desert.
For a seasoned storm chaser like Hank Schyma, luck plays a significant role. On one particular day, he found himself on the wrong side of a frustrating cycle of pulse storms that seemed to randomly appear and disappear. The constant flux kept him from getting the shot, leading him to call it a night. However, his curiosity got the better of him once again, and he ended up capturing a stunning photograph of lightning illuminating the dark Arizona sky.
Schyma's affinity for storm chasing began at a young age, with an early fascination with monsters like Godzilla and UFOs. As a child in Texas, he would often sketch tornadoes and scour library books about them. His parents' concerns over his obsession eventually paid off when they introduced him to the concept of tornado drills instead.
For Schyma, chasing storms is not just about adrenaline; it's about capturing the raw beauty of nature. He has experienced his fair share of close calls, including a harrowing encounter with a rain-wrapped tornado in Nebraska that left him shaken. The incident highlighted his susceptibility to ego and hubris, forcing him to reassess his priorities.
One of Schyma's proudest moments was capturing a cyclic supercell – a rare and legendary storm phenomenon characterized by multiple tornadoes forming over open country. This achievement marked a turning point in his career as a storm chaser, showcasing the beauty and complexity of these extreme weather events.
As he reflects on his experiences, Schyma emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself, even when faced with tempting opportunities or pressures from others. His advice to aspiring storm chasers is simple yet profound: "Aim for what you like, not what you think others will like."
For a seasoned storm chaser like Hank Schyma, luck plays a significant role. On one particular day, he found himself on the wrong side of a frustrating cycle of pulse storms that seemed to randomly appear and disappear. The constant flux kept him from getting the shot, leading him to call it a night. However, his curiosity got the better of him once again, and he ended up capturing a stunning photograph of lightning illuminating the dark Arizona sky.
Schyma's affinity for storm chasing began at a young age, with an early fascination with monsters like Godzilla and UFOs. As a child in Texas, he would often sketch tornadoes and scour library books about them. His parents' concerns over his obsession eventually paid off when they introduced him to the concept of tornado drills instead.
For Schyma, chasing storms is not just about adrenaline; it's about capturing the raw beauty of nature. He has experienced his fair share of close calls, including a harrowing encounter with a rain-wrapped tornado in Nebraska that left him shaken. The incident highlighted his susceptibility to ego and hubris, forcing him to reassess his priorities.
One of Schyma's proudest moments was capturing a cyclic supercell – a rare and legendary storm phenomenon characterized by multiple tornadoes forming over open country. This achievement marked a turning point in his career as a storm chaser, showcasing the beauty and complexity of these extreme weather events.
As he reflects on his experiences, Schyma emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself, even when faced with tempting opportunities or pressures from others. His advice to aspiring storm chasers is simple yet profound: "Aim for what you like, not what you think others will like."
. I mean, Hank Schyma's passion for capturing lightning and the raw beauty of nature is inspiring. It's crazy to think about how much skill and luck he needs to get those perfect shots 
. As someone who's always been fascinated by extreme weather events, I can relate to his love for chasing storms (from a safe distance, obvs 
). What really stands out to me is that he puts the 'art' part of photography first – it's not just about capturing something cool, but also about understanding and respecting the natural world. His story is like, super relatable for anyone who's ever chased a dream or pursued their passion 
.
on the other hand, I'm low-key jealous of his skills - that lightning photo is straight fire 
. but seriously, doesn't he ever worry about getting hurt? all these close calls and whatnot. still, I guess it's cool that he's passionate about nature and stuff, just not sure if it's worth the risk 
as someone who's always been fascinated by the unknown & loves capturing those perfect moments on camera, i can relate to how Schyma must've felt when he finally got that shot of lightning in Arizona 
it's all about being in the right place at the right time, but also having the guts to keep going even when things aren't working out. i love how he emphasizes staying true to yourself & not letting others dictate what you do - that's so important for anyone chasing their passions (imo) 
. I mean, it's crazy how he keeps chasing storms despite the risks – that Nebraska rain-wrapped tornado incident must've been a real wake-up call 
. But at the same time, can you blame him for being drawn to nature's raw beauty? The power of those storms is awe-inspiring 
.
Don't get me wrong, I love a good storm as much as the next person, but come on, guys, can't you just appreciate them from a safe distance? 
. when you're working on a project, it's easy to get caught up in what others think you should be doing instead of just following your own vision.
i think he's a total inspiration to anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to capture its beauty through art.
. The fact that he's willing to take risks and face his fears head-on is so inspiring – I mean, who needs ego when you can chase down lightning? 
But what really gets me is how he emphasizes the importance of staying true to yourself and doing what makes you happy 
. That's a message we can all get behind! 
The photographer, Hank Schyma, is literally so brave! 
But at the same time, his passion for storm chasing is really inspiring. I'm glad he got that cyclic supercell shot – that's like a dream come true! 
. Glad he learned from those experiences and stayed true to himself. His advice to aspiring storm chasers is so relatable: chase what you're passionate about, not what others think 
. Can you imagine being out there in the Arizona desert, waiting for the perfect shot? 
! But what really resonates with me is how it's not just about the thrill of chasing storms, but also about appreciating the raw beauty of nature 
. The Arizona desert looks so dramatic 
, especially during a stormy night 
. But Schyma's dedication to his craft is admirable 
. His advice to chase your dreams (pun intended) 
. I'm rooting for him from afar 