Monsoon // Photographing Desert Lightning

Photographing the Arizona Monsoons is something I have always wanted to do. This year I finally got the chance, and I talked my good friend Michael Shainblum into joining me as well. The start to the adventure was a chaotic one, as these types of shoots always seem to be. I did manage to get a few images I liked, but it wasn't easy.

Gear:

[extremelydave]

I HATE NICK PAGE!!! OK, that's clickbait... it's because in EVERY stinking, single video he shows me the kind of quality I strive for.... and have not reached. Nick, you ARE the man.... the way you narrate each video makes you seem like the cool guy next door that you like to invite over for a BBQ because he's fun to listen to. If there is an "every-man" photographer, you're it.

[JohnDrummondPhoto]

I knew nothing about Arizona monsoons until visiting Sedona in July 2018. One day I hiked to the top of Doe Mountain (actually a mesa) and got caught in a flash monsoon while up there. I got one epic image before getting drenched, then spent 30 minutes in the fetal position hoping I wouldn't get struck by lightning. Then I had to hike a mile back down a very steep, sketchy, wet, muddy switchback trail in pea-soup fog.

Good times. I can't wait to go back.

[HzHarmonicHealing]

Michael touching his chin a few times, looking over at Nick....ENVY 🤣🤣
Awesome images and great vid guys!

[ericcarter]

Shainblum with the Tribe Called Quest shirt! YESS!

[paulvalerio]

Nick,
It’s kind of apparent that you and Michael work well together and you have similar goals, values etc… When you guys feature each other it ends up being a great travel landscape episode.
Thank You Both!!

[judithloniak]

I love in the first part of the time-lapse it appeared as if the clouds were marching towards me, and menacingly so.

[brianbeattyphotography]

damn... 100 and humid is ROUGH. That image at 15:15 though is worth all the time spent in the heat. Spectacular!

[FLANOsFOTOs]

I heard you guys were in the Tucson area. Monsoon storms is one of the biggest reasons why I still live in southern Arizona. I've been chasing them since about 1995. Chaotic can be an understatement sometimes while chasing these storm cells which typically last 30-45 minutes. Some days you are on, and sometimes, you need that Zen time :O

[atvridah]

Every time I watch your videos I put on the best headphones I have. You put so much attention to the audio and it really helps tell the story. Can’t wait for the next one!

[adamnedojedly]

Don’t know what to say . You are master of your craft 🤩 I’m your big fan and I always love to watch your videos and get inspired by you ! Thank you for your amazing content 🙏

[tyeeggleston]

Awesome video...yall make me jealous shooting lightning in such a wide-open area. I'm relegated to my garage...
Michael Shainblum -"It's scorchin hot out here"....Texas-"hold my

[bobcarrphoto]

Really enjoyed this BTS video and the collab with Michael.

[jeremybuscay]

Michael's panic to zen moment cracked me up. Good stuff Nick!

[paulbell]

Must have been amazing to witness conditions like these. Awesome work guys 👍👍

[ashwinsalvi]

Hahah some abstracts of rocks and tree bark... that was great. Cool video!

[AliasJimWirth]

Wow. Impressive end run. Once in a lifetime stuff. You gotta be happy.

[davewarren]

As usual, I am in awe of the skill set that Nick possesses. And there is no pretentiousness in him. You have been quiet on the video front. Glad to see that you are back.

[GUCHCARNAGE]

TCQ shirt and some home state monsoon photos from one of my fav photogs... super cool to see. Hope you guys got some good stuff. Been a rough few years with the monsoon being almost non existent. Cheers.

[stans]

Nice work the time-lapse, but my heart is in the for sharing

[melissameyers]

Absolutely awesome! That last image is incredible!