Electric Eden

Story

When you’re standing in an open field, with nothing whatsoever around, your mind tends to wander. That is, unless a supercell is overhead, and then that has your full attention. When the lightning crashes, you really pay attention. But in the maelstrom of a storm, the most incredible photography can happen, as Electric Eden aptly illustrates.

I was looking for tornadoes this particular day and tracking a supercell across the Oklahoma panhandle. Thankfully, the cell didn’t produce any violent winds, instead remaining harmless and picturesque. Try as I might, despite the conditions, I just couldn’t create the photograph I had envisioned. Night fell, and so did my hopes.

I lingered into the early evening, mostly because the supercell was dropping lightning and I wanted to see what would happen. Slowly, then quickly, the lightning intensified, and before I knew it, there were flashes all around me. To be clear, this is now a dangerous situation.

Lightning is unpredictable, and being out in an empty field with it cascading all around you is not where you want to be. Yet, Electric Eden shows us the power and beauty of a high plains storm.

Safety First

I cannot over-emphasize how dangerous lightning is. I, personally, use the maxim of “if you can it, it can see you.” Lightning can, and will, strike from miles away, and if it targets you, there is nothing you can do about it. Your only defense is not being outside. I get it. Lightning is extraordinary to behold, and creates amazing photographs.

However, the danger level here is extreme. Do not attempt to photograph lightning from anywhere other than a completely safe position.