A lightning chasing adventure in western Colorado
Last night, the skies over Western Colorado put on a spectacular show, and we couldn't resist the opportunity to capture it. As soon as we saw the first flash of lightning, both of us grabbed our gear and rushed out of the house, eager to find the perfect vantage point to photograph the storm.
There’s something exhilarating about storm photography—the unpredictability, the raw power of nature, and the challenge of capturing that perfect split-second moment. As we hiked to the nearest vantage point, the skies were already alive with flashes of lightning, illuminating the rugged landscape of Western Colorado in bursts of electric light.
Finding the Perfect Spot
We found a vantage point that offered a clear view of the storm as it rolled across the horizon. Setting up our tripods, we adjusted our camera settings, knowing that timing and precision were key to capturing the lightning in all its glory. The night was filled with the sound of thunder, the scent of rain in the air, and the anticipation of each lightning strike.
As the storm moved through our area, our excitement grew with each passing moment. Every bolt of lightning was unique—some brief, while others branched out in intricate patterns against the clouds. The full moon peeked through, adding some much needed lighting for our foreground, which allowed us to capture great detail in our long exposure shots. The challenge with lightning photography is location, timing, and of course getting the perfect shot.
A Night to Remember
As the wind picked up, the storm started to shift in our direction, and while our vantage point gave us some amazing shots, at some point safety has to be considered. So without hesitation we rushed down from our location and back to the house moments before the rain and lighting was upon us.
While lightning photography can be unpredictable and requires patience, it’s incredibly rewarding. The images we captured last night are a testament to the power and beauty of nature, and they add a dynamic new element to our portfolio. It’s nights like these that remind us why we love what we do—there’s nothing quite like the thrill of chasing a storm and the satisfaction of capturing the perfect shot. We attempted to capture a few more shots as the storm drifted through Grand Junction, but one issue with shooting lightning is rain. When you can shoot the lightning ahead of the rain you can get amazing photos. Once the rain is in-between you and the amazing lightning the quality and sharpness of the shots quickly spirals into over exposed blurs of light.
Explore Our Lightning Photography
If you’re as fascinated by storms as we are, or simply appreciate the beauty of nature’s power, we invite you to check out our latest lightning photography. Each image tells the story of a stormy night in Western Colorado and the adventure of capturing it.
