Imagine witnessing nature's raw power unleashed in a single, electrifying moment. That's the thrill storm-chaser Hank Schyma lives for, and his photograph of lightning striking from his motel window is a testament to that passion. But capturing these fleeting moments isn't just about luck, as Schyma reveals in his captivating story.
Schyma's journey begins with a frustrating day chasing monsoon storms in Arizona, where timing is everything. He admits, “It’s like Whac-a-Mole – you chase one storm, and by the time you get there, it’s vanished, only to reappear where you just were.” These unpredictable pulse storms, with their 30-minute cycles, demand constant vigilance and a healthy dose of luck.
But here's where it gets controversial: Schyma, despite his artistic aspirations, grapples with the challenge of making nature's raw power aesthetically pleasing. “How do you make a tornado on a flat horizon artistic?” he ponders. He acknowledges the allure of capturing the drama, the bending flowers, but ultimately, it often boils down to a simple “Click, got it.”
Schyma's obsession with storms began in childhood, fueled by a fascination with monsters. “Tornadoes were the only monsters that felt real,” he reflects, recalling tornado drills in his Texas school. This childhood fascination evolved into a lifelong pursuit, one that often clashed with societal norms. “Most people don’t want to see a tornado,” he admits, “but I’m happy when I’m around them. It’s not about the adrenaline rush, it’s about the beauty.”
And this is the part most people miss: Schyma’s pursuit isn’t without peril. He candidly shares his near-death experiences, the terrifying moments when a wrong turn could have been fatal. “Every time it happens, I tell myself, ‘I never want to feel this again,’” he confesses. Yet, the allure of the storm remains, a siren call he can’t resist.
His most recent close call, in 2023, involved a rain-wrapped tornado in Nebraska, a dangerous and unphotogenic beast. “These tornadoes are ugly and hard to see, they don’t get much love on social media,” he observes. This experience led to a crucial self-realization: “I’m more susceptible to ego, hubris, and competition than I thought.” Now, he prioritizes safety, reminding himself, “Back off, dude, live to fight another day.”
Schyma’s ultimate reward came in 2016, when he finally witnessed a cyclic supercell, a rare storm system that spawns multiple tornadoes in succession. “It was like a relay race of destruction, beautifully lit, with two or three tornadoes on the ground at times,” he recalls. This experience, he says, was the pinnacle of his storm-chasing career.
Schyma’s story raises a thought-provoking question: Is the pursuit of beauty worth the inherent risks? His photographs, like the one captured from his motel window, offer a glimpse into the awe-inspiring power of nature, but they also serve as a reminder of the dangers that lurk within the storm.
What do you think? Is Schyma’s passion admirable, or does it border on recklessness? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
For more of Hank Schyma’s breathtaking storm photography and insights, check out his book, Storm: Chasing Nature’s Wildest Weather, published by DK Travel.
