STORM CHASE

Paige Vincent on the adrenaline rush, the risks and her passion for shooting in the face of storms

- Kim Bunermann

Mother Nature offers a complex combination of beauty, fascination, drama and danger. As a child growing up in Dallas, Texas, Paige Vincent's first encounters with natural phenomena involved seeking shelter from storms and hurricanes. As an adult, she now chases them to capture the perfect photograph.

Storm-chasing is extremely dangerous, requiring mastery of not only photography but also meteorology knowledge, experience and the willingness to trust your instincts.

We spoke to Paige about the empowering aspect of being a female storm-chaser and the various risks and creative challenges she has had to overcome to achieve her goal of capturing awe-inspiring images of powerful natural events.

Your shooting environment is quite different from that of most photographers. What preparations do you have to make to ensure your safety?

Most photographers don't go straight towards danger, that's true! Safety is the top priority when storm-chasing. I always start with some thorough research, including understanding the storm's track and the potential hazards.

I also monitor weather forecasts and radar updates leading up to a storm, then livetracking in the field. It's essential to have an emergency plan in place, including having two exit routes at all times, and knowing the safe locations to retreat to if conditions worsen. I always carry a first-aid kit, plenty of water and snacks.

How do you protect your gear - or do you use specialised equipment?

My camera is weather-sealed, which adds an extra element of protection. Nikon does a very good job of creating products that can withstand the elements. For extreme winds and dust, I often keep protective covers on every lens between shots. Being prepared not only protects my gear but also helps me focus on capturing those incredible moments, so I don't miss anything.