Getting Close to Your Work

by
Adam J. Smith

Having been a storm photographer in Tucson for about 9 years, I have yet to be close enough to see an object being stuck by lightning. I don't take the idea very lightly and have utmost respect in how quickly one of these strikes can end my life so I take safety precautions seriously. You can relate when I say this summer's storm season has been less than productive as far as storm activity is concerned but I was visiting my folks' house on Sunday (Sept. 7th) and the darndest thing happened. I was talking with my father out on the back porch (overlooks a ephemeral gully and faces east) when a small thundercloud formed overhead and it started popping. The first bolt scared both of us because neither one of us was expecting it and it was less than a mile away. I went into the house to grab my cameras and as I walked outside, set the bag on the chair I was sitting in...our house was struck by the next lightning bolt! Luckily, neither one of us were injured but power was knocked out and we were both in a silent movie (i.e. ears were ringing).I allowed the storm to pass over us, which produced several more close strikes, and went out to survey the damage. It was tough to see exactly where it hit but it was on a corner of one of the metal lined drainage holes extending out of the roof. I guess I still haven't actually seen anything get struck before (as it was happening) but it sure did change my opinion on how loud the thunder can actually be if you are right there when it happens.

Hope you enjoyed.
Adam J. Smith