Monsoon III (4K)

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If you asked the average person, many would characterize this summer's monsoon as a down season. Not a lot of storms overall and it seemed generally more quiet. And in many ways it actually was a slower season. All told I chased about 36 days for this film, which was less than the 48 in 2015. We had an early start in late June, and then it was dead for almost three weeks. When I looked back and realized I chased 12 less days...yeah, it definitely had less action than normal.

But to a storm chaser, none of this really means anything. Sure there were days when nothing was remotely possible to chase, but most of the time the monsoon can be found in the far corners of the state even when Phoenix and Tucson are dry as a bone.

For me personally, I loved this season. Maybe because as a filmmaker, having put out a few of these films now, I'm beginning to focus and hone in more on what I really love to time-lapse. My early scenes years ago had a lot of average clouds and distant rain that didn't have a lot of excitement or energy. But as the years go on, and I learn more and more about chasing storms here in Arizona...I've found myself in better spots to capture the stuff I really enjoy. Strong downbursts of rain, building clouds, lightning...and yes, dust storms.

The one thing I was hoping for in 2016 that the previous years have lacked: Haboobs. Dust storms. Rolling walls of dirt and sand engulfing the deserts and even Phoenix itself. And my wish came true in that regard. Even a very late season, September 27th haboob that I captured right at sunset with glorious colors.

Coming off the heels of filming Vorticity in the spring, with monster supercells and tornadoes, the monsoon is a totally different beast and you'd think it would be less exciting. I don't know. I find them both amazing and inspiring. Weather to me is weather. No matter how mind-blowing it was to witness the Wynnewood tornado this past spring, standing in front of a rolling wall of dust, or a distant lightning storm under the stars...it's all a blast to me and I never get tired of it.

So Monsoon III...the credits will say it, but it was around 36 days of filming, I shot over 85,000 frames and am not sure how much made it into the final cut. The song I used was "Revenge" and "Revenge: Epilogue" by Kerry Muzzey, and I took both of them and sliced and diced until I actually had a six-minute version to fit in with all the footage I captured. I love it.

As always...THANK YOU to Kerry Muzzey for supporting my work by letting me use his music once again. I don't even have enough words for this man for doing this for me. It means more than anything! Please buy his work!

I started editing this film mid-summer once I figured out the song I was using. And as days went by and more clips were rendered, I kept adding them and re-arranging them all the time, trying to get every clip to match the tone and feeling of the music. And then I'd think I was done and more storms would come and I'd have to move things around again, and even drop stuff. I have a lot of fun scenes that are not in this film because I only wanted the very best.

Special thanks to Bryan Snider and Dustin Farrell for some tips this summer on editing out dust spots and birds better than I had been doing. Appreciate it fellas!

My wife takes the brunt of what I do, especially when I'm gone for days at a time. Filming in Arizona is easier because I'm usually home at some point in the evening and at least around in the mornings. But it's a lot of work and a lot of time being away. She supports me like no other and I can't believe how lucky I am to have someone with that much faith in what I do.

And a lot of these clips will forever hold memories for me because my two oldest kiddos were there for them, and at times even all three were nearby. My littlest guy who just turned three, sits on my lap a lot when I edit, listens to the music and loves watching the final product. And he wants to keep watching it...over, and over and over.

Makes a daddy proud.

I hope you enjoy this latest installment. I'm not sure how it compares to years past, but for better or worse, this was Monsoon 2016 for me!

Please let me know if you have any questions about anything! Most of these clips were shot in 8K with some 4K stuff thrown in there as well.

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Captured with a Canon 5DSR, two 5D3's, 11-24mm, 16-35, 35mm, 50mm and 135mm.
Processed using Lightroom, LR Timelapse, After Effects and Premiere Pro

[adilsonjosecechet]

I used this film in my sciences classes!! Fantastic!! 😀

[craigcurlee]

Not only was this breathtaking, I needed to see this today. Thank you Mike for all of the countless hours of hard work it took to make another masterpiece.

[southernbelle]

You have found your calling. Thank you for sharing this amazing, stunningly beautiful, awe inspiring work with us!! Mesmerizing!!!

[usmanarshad]

THIS MASTERPIECE DESERVES MORE VIEWS ...

[EastPilbaraWeather]

6:38 my favourite of all your intercepts. 😍

[BrandiMattison]

This is one of the best of Mr. Oblinski's work, so far! It's beautiful! Well done!

[miyonrichardson]

Saw this posted on Kerry Muzzey's Facebook page. Honestly, I was more interested in the music and THEN... wow, can't stop watching these. Kerry's scores dance beautifully with your time-lapse. I have watched almost of your videos now on YouTube. These are hypnotic.

[cooperroberts]

THIS IS THE MOST AMAZING 7 MINUTE VIDEO ON YOUTUBE THIS VIDEO IS TRULY WONDERFULLY BEST VIDEO YET KEEP UP THE AMAZING AND ASTONISHING

[СергейЧередниченко-зц]

The power and grace of nature! Amazing! The music is great!

[Blourings]

Your videos are simply the best.You are one of the luckiest men alive!You have witnessed so many storms....
Mr Mike I salute you for your passion.

[woodrax]

This is a truly amazing video. I love the part where the haboob is bearing down on Chase Field, and you can see them close the roof ahead of its arrival.

[Karcons]

Not only are the visuals taken by by you and the dramaric score by Kerry Muzzey, are breathtaking but also the compilation, the editing and the final result are. Monsoon I, II, III and The CHASE are incredible results of hardwork, love for Nature and for God. My deepest empathies and (I believe) condolences for your wife, dear Mike... You have made and are making a great tribute to the "thrilling love" which MUST be felt towards Nature and of course, God... God Bless you, once again, for this incredible work. Kind Regards.

[seantressler]

One of my favorite things in this video occurs at 2:23. There is a shot of downtown Phoenix that includes Chase Field in the bottom left corner. You can see the roof close, I assume, in anticipation of the approaching haboob.

[pabshier]

I watch your films at .5 speed in order to see more details and STILL, I must watch each multiple times as I cannot get enough of the magic! I am overwhelmed by how many reactions and emotions well up in the course of viewing them... THANK YOU (and those who support you) for the incredible dedication in bringing such amazing scenery to us! This artwork is nearly as timeless as the weather itself-

[suzannesmith]

Never seen such beautiful colours in my life.Thank you.Its awesome.

[jessicagarnham]

This is just better than words .... you deserve an award !!! Will be sharing and telling everyone I know x

[mattcwell]

Just found your channel and so glad I did. Your timelapse videos are incredible! Keep up the good work. I can't imagine the effort it takes to make these, but it's well worth it. Thank you.

[sample.text.]

your work is absolutely phenomenal mike.

[dilibau]

the King has dunnit again... mesmerizingly eerie and captivating. I just couldn't get my eyes off of this despite the length. Your wife is lucky as hell.

[Serenitees]

This brought back memories of living in North Scottsdale when the Monsoon started every year like clockwork on the weekend after July 4th. It was both terrifying and awe inspiring and in its own way, beautiful. You have captured the majesty of these incredible storms in a most beautiful way!