Have you ever wanted to photograph lightning and extreme weather? Are you tired of not being at the right place at the right time? Or just too worried about getting struck by lightning?

Safely experience the power and beauty of the North American Monsoon in the Desert Southwest. Our small, hands-on workshops and storm chasing tours give you a front row seat to witness and capture some of the most spectacular weather events of the summer set against a backdrop of breathtaking natural landscapes. While the atmosphere always provides an element of uncertainty, we will seek out a wide range of visually impressive monsoon season weather phenomena including lightning, dust storms, microbursts, shelf clouds, transient luminous events (sprites), landspout tornadoes, and even the occasional supercell. Whenever possible, we will strive to include iconic southwestern shooting locations such in the Sonoran Desert!

Join weather expert and renowned storm photographer Lori Grace Baileyand I during this amazing 5-day workshop as we explore Monsoon together!! 

First 3 Participants save $300! Use code FIRST3MONSOON

Please don't hesitate to email me with any questions

What to Expect:

After a brief introductory orientation/meet and greet, the adventure begins. Each chase day will start with a comprehensive weather briefing, forecasting, and targeting session where we will analyze the latest data and determine our starting location for the day. ​Attendees who are interested in the forecasting process will learn about the models and data sources we use, what to look for, and how to translate that information into a successful chase day. We will cover key apps and how to use them, navigation and route planning, timing, and most importantly, safety. Following the morning planning session, we will travel to our initial target area. Our small workshop size allows us to travel in comfort in a premium sport utility vehicle equipped with weather radar, satellite GPS, snacks, beverages, and good tunes!

What You Will Learn:

-How to spot and identify thunderstorm features

-How to forecast for supercells

-How to photograph lightning, supercells, tornadoes, and other weather structures

-How to create captivating compositions

-How to prepare for your shoot

-Camera & lens overview

-Introduction to Timelapse Photography

-Camera exposure settings for optimal imagery

-How to focus your lens at night

-Special tips and techniques

-Advanced camera techniques for focus and exposure blending

-How to edit your images using Adobe Lightroom to get the best detail and light out of them

What You Will Need:

-A DSLR Camera that can perform in Manual (M) Mode. We encourage you to learn your camera functions, menus, and have exposure triangle knowledge. This is not a photography 101 course.     

-At least 3 fully charged camera batteries and 64GBs of memory card storage

-A variety of lenses ranging from 11mm - 200mm  with an aperture of f/2.8 or faster is recommended but not required. Lens Rental is available through www.lensrentals.com if necessary. Students get 15% off by clicking the link above and using code "PARKER15."

-Shutter Release or Intervalometer (Please email me camera make/model so I can find the right one for you)

-Lightning Trigger (recommended) I use the StrikeFinder 2. Use code PARKER10 for $10 off!

-Camera Rain Cover 

-Sturdy Tripod

-Headlamp

-Water resistant jacket

-Hiking / Waterproof boots

-Travel Insurance with Emergency / Medical coverage is recommended. We suggest Allianz or World Nomads Travel Insurance (approximately ~$100.)

Due to the weather's unpredictability, our itinerary has to be flexible as to maximize our chances of catching an epic storm. We will be constantly monitoring weather patterns and re-positioning to the best location to achieve this goal.

Arrival date July 25th for a meet and greet complimentary dinner. We will go over what to expect from the tour and answer any questions you might have.

Following Day - We will meet in our hotel lobby and go through orientation during breakfast. Lori will teach us some introductory forecasting and storm chasing basics, which we will build upon each day. Sean will go over camera techniques and best practices and will field any questions you have. During this time, we will do a safety briefing in which we explain what we expect from you and what you can expect from us in order to safely conduct the workshop. After completing orientation and choosing a chase target for the day, we will load up, hit the road and start the chase. We will find a hotel near our target for the following day.

We will conduct our morning briefing and go over what we saw and learned during the first chase day, and also cover the forecast for the current day. Because we will have stayed the night near the previous day's target, we likely won't have as long a drive as the previous day to get into position. If that's the case, we can take some time to sit down for a nice lunch or see some local attractions, or just edit our photos together. Storms usually fire around 3 or 4 in the afternoon, and once they do, we will again be in "chase mode" until they weaken, which is usually an hour or two after sunset.

We will be getting into the groove now and you'll hopefully have a lot of storm photos to process and post. During our morning/early afternoon drives to each chase target, you can either spend this free time catching up on some sleep as you'll likely be exhausted (bring a neck pillow), catching up on emails and work, or editing your photos. At some point during this time, we will go over how to best process storm photos in Lightroom and continue to build on the best ways to capture them. Sean and Lori are excellent photographers and can teach you how to create these stunning videos upon request. We will have covered hundreds of miles on the road and you will start to think (and probably smell) like a real storm chaser- the anticipation, the boredom on the road, the adrenaline, the excitement of catching an epic storm, and the relief of finding a Pizza Hut that is still open at 10:15 PM. 

Depending on how far we meandered away from our base city, we might have to start heading back in that direction to ensure we can get you to your flights the next day. We will still be in "chase mode" on Day 4 but know that we might have to chase a secondary target area if the main action is out of reach. We will return to the base hotel on the night of Day 4 or early the next morning on your departure day. Please ensure your departing flight is no earlier than 4 PM so that we have more options on chase targets on Day 4.

Day 5 is departure day. Depending on what time we get back to the hotel the previous night, we may send you off with a sunrise shoot in the desert. But ultimately, this is where we say "see you later" and go home with some amazing images! 

Tuition is affordably priced at $2,499. First 3 receive a $300 discount! Use code "FIRST3CHASE" at checkout.

Deposit: $1,250

Max Participants: 6

A non-refundable deposit is required to reserve your space for the workshop or you may pay in full. The remaining balance is due on 2 weeks prior to workshop. If the remaining balance is not paid in full, your space will be forfeited.

Minimum 4 participants are needed for this workshop to take place, so please do not book your flight until we have confirmed that the minimum has been reached.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

– Shared Lodging (We usually stay in the most affordable and clean hotels.) Single supplement (your own room) is $350 extra.

– Daily hands on time with the instructor, you will have access to both of us all day long.

– Transportation in our Toyota 4Runner's throughout the entire workshop.

– Post Processing to get the most out of your photos!

– Continuous amount of fun as we storm chase through the Sonoran Desert!

– Spotify Song Requests.

WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED IN THE WORKSHOP:

– Airfare to and from Tucson Airport.

– Food and Beverages

– Travel Insurance

- Instructor Gratuities 

CANCELLATION AND REFUND POLICY:

If you cancel and the workshop is otherwise filled, we will refund you the full amount you have paid towards the tuition, minus a $150 service charge. If you cancel and the workshop does not fill, then you will be refunded according to the following schedule, based on the full fee of the workshop:

Greater than 60 days from the start date of the workshop: full refund minus $150 fee.

60 days: 75% refund

45 days: 50% refund

Less than 30 days: no refund Refunds will be paid by the same method that the original payment was made. Refunds will be initiated within 72 hours of the time that the request is approved.

Due to insurance purposes, you are required to purchase travel insurance for this  workshop. I recommend Allianz or World Nomads. Proof of Insurance will be requested prior to workshop.

DISCLAIMER

While we maximize your chance of seeing something epic by only scheduling tours in the peak of storm season, the weather, as of yet, is beyond our control. We will do everything in our power to put you in the best location but cannot guarantee you will catch the most extreme weather. Since each storm is unique and exciting, expect Sean and Lori to set up their cameras and shoot the excitement right next to you!

Storm chasing is not nearly as dangerous as the movies and television shows might have you believe, but it does come with hazards. Statistically, the most dangerous part of storm chasing is the driving. We will be on the road for most of the day, and at times, in poor road conditions. Seat belts must be worn at all times in the van. Another danger is lightning. There will be times when we will be stopped and shooting a storm with lightning nearby. There is no way of knowing where or when lightning will strike, so if you ever feel uncomfortable or in danger, you can get back in the vehicle  (inside a vehicle is generally a safe place to be during a lightning storm, not because the tires are rubber, but because they act as a Faraday cage.) However unlikely personal injury might be, all clients will be required to sign a comprehensive liability waiver.

This workshop is based upon a first come, first serve priority and available spots will be updated on this page. By submitting payment you agree to our Terms & Conditions stated above. If you have any hesitation signing up, please read my testimonials from previous clients and my reviews on facebook.

Sean Parker

Sean is one of the most passionate artists I’ve ever known, and it is readily apparent in every photograph he takes. Whether it’s spending long, lonely nights in the desert composing gorgeous star trails or peering into the heavens and gradually coaxing out its natural beauty with advanced telescopes and computer technology, he maintains an unrelenting positive outlook and unmatched work ethic. Knowing firsthand the amount of work required to produce such high quality material, I have profound respect for the mental fortitude required for the journey upon which Sean has embarked. The true mark of a great artist is the constant desire to learn new skills and improve upon the last work, and Sean has these qualities in spades. He has built his incredible set of skills through countless hours of frustrating trial and error, and the amazing thing to consider is that his current output of stunning imagery is simply the tip of the iceberg when compared to the assuredly brilliant career ahead of him. I’m extremely proud and honored to have had the chance to work with Sean and learn from him, and I am confident that he will find success in all of his pursuits, for he already has laid his foundation as a humble, driven, and meticulous artist. -John Sears

Lori Grace Bailey

Lori Grace Bailey is a professional wedding/portrait photographer who also enjoys chasing extreme weather and extraordinary skies. Lori's work has appeared in major publications and television outlets including the current issue (2022, Issue 3) of Cosmopolitan Magazine as well as the March/June 2021 issue of Backpacker Magazine. Lori is a brand ambassador for F-Stop Gear. Whether chasing supercells and tornados in the mid-west, haboobs in the southwest, or elusive sprites when conditions are right, Lori’s passionate dedication of pursuing extreme weather allows her to consistently capture vivid and evocative imagery unique to her craft. Lori is also the director of Monsoon Con, an annual convention in Tucson, Arizona that brings together photographers and weather enthusiasts alike with an emphasis on storm chasing with success. Lori is a lightning strike survivor after being nearly killed by a bolt in 2001 in Arizona. Finally, Lori is a dedicated photographer whose work can be found on as digital collectibles on Foundation and OpenSea. Lori is a founding member of BFF (@myBFF) and Nvak Collective (@nvakcollective), a DEIBA Advisor for HUG @thehugxyz, and was a Community Ambassador for Habit Nest's Learn to Earn project The Phoenixes (@ThePhoenixesNFT). Lori is a Hispanic woman dedicating much of her time utilizing the power of social audio to elevate artists by hosting Rug Radio: ELEVATE! Twitter Spaces focused on supporting and onboarding women, lgbtqI+, and other underrepresented groups into the Web3 space.