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Chasing the Monsoon 2018, Arizona Style!
Uncategorized / 15 Comments / August 24, 2018

Every now and then we get one of “those” days chasing the Arizona monsoon. Wednesday was one of those days.

So often we have storms firing late in the day after the heating takes place. This was one of those days when the storms initiated early and kept me busy for most of the day. Better yet, I was able to play in my favorite area. A place where I spend lots of time photographing, day and night. A place with lots of old friends that I get to photograph during times like the new moon, in a storm, or for any photogenic need.
I seem to be rewarded with one day each season like this. I am very happy when it reveals itself as the day progresses.
The storms were rolling through this cactus garden like a freight train. There was a constant rumble of thunder to accompany the light show!
Before the approaching storms arrived, I was visiting my cacti friends to play with a bit of cloud filled sky drama. I also created a 10 frame, 180 degree panorama that highlights the deserts beauty when mixed in with the dramatic storm clouds!

 

Watching storms approach is a fun thing. They often change course continually. First the track shows it is coming straight at you, then it turns right for a while, then left and back on course for a direct hit. Side stepping the rain is an art that comes to you in order to keep myself dry as well as my camera lens.
It really is a blessing to be out in the desert and watch the beauty of the rain bands, the moving clouds and the cloud to ground lightning strikes structure a gorgeous multiple layer composition.

Once I was in motion due to the storm going by, I set off on another chase of an active storm cell. The cells may intensify or dissipate right in front of you. Trying to figure out what is possibly going to happen is a big part of the fun of chasing
I love being able to capture images of the monsoon elements as well, like the differences in a new cell building and the areas under the towering cumulous clouds. All clouds are constantly changing. It’s great to see the differences in them.
I found a new location which gave me a great perspective of another storm. Soon I was surrounded by active cells from three different directions yet my attention was drawn to the mid-day low on the horizon rainbow. It was bizarre to see one that low at 2pm. Regardless it was a beauty! I like the image of what looks like an offering from the desert to the rainbow. The Cholla cactus gives the appearance of presenting a wreath of cactus to the Rainbow Gods, like a Hawaiian lei!
 A bit later in the day I came upon this cell with gorgeous structure that was just fired up by an outflow from a dying cell just to it’s west. With that jumpstart of energy, it grew quickly, beginning a long rain but it never actually dropped a spark to was needed to complete the equation. Soon the cell just faded away into nothing. Nothing to see here, keep moving! On the way home, there was a beautiful sunset up on the hill, with silhouetted saguaro cacti watching the fading beauty!

With all said and done, this was truly a magnificent day to chase, especially in my “backyard,” some fifty three miles away from my house!




15 Comments


John Ros
August 24, 2018, 4:30 pm

You continue to amaze and inspire me with your art.

(Reply)

    Ken Sklute
    August 25, 2018, 1:09 pm

    Thanks John!! Glad that you had a great trip!!

    (Reply)

Tashia Peterman
August 24, 2018, 4:51 pm

Wow!

(Reply)

Larry Gabele
August 24, 2018, 5:04 pm

Ken, you live in the part of the country where each day is a different adventure. Great shots, as usual – thanks.

(Reply)

    Ken Sklute
    August 25, 2018, 1:08 pm

    Thanks Larry. I am blessed! I hope that you are all doing well!

    (Reply)

Daniel S. Krieger
August 24, 2018, 5:06 pm

looks like it was a banner day. Great Images

(Reply)

    Ken Sklute
    August 25, 2018, 1:07 pm

    It was! Thanks Dan! Wish you were still here capturing alongside me!

    (Reply)

Steve
August 25, 2018, 11:46 am

Just some great action Ken. Had to be a blast to shoot.

(Reply)

    Ken Sklute
    August 25, 2018, 1:06 pm

    Steve, it’s kind of like golf, it’s you and the storm. This day was definitely a blast! Thanks for reaching out!

    (Reply)

Deb sussman
August 26, 2018, 12:05 pm

Thank you for sharing, so beautiful so inspirational

(Reply)

Sharon Barnard
August 26, 2018, 2:34 pm

You always inspire me, I wish I were 1/2 as good as you! Thanks for sharing!

(Reply)

Thomas Mast
August 29, 2018, 7:34 am

Great Ken
Thanks for the great inspiration. Mine has cell towers, electric poles and lines instead of your beautiful nature, but still fun to shoot.

(Reply)

    Ken Sklute
    August 29, 2018, 9:04 am

    Thanks Thomas! I’m glad that you are enjoying shooting the storms as well!

    (Reply)

Sara Goodnick
August 31, 2018, 7:04 am

Really enjoyed reading all about it. Of course, your images are fabulous. The Lei offering to the rainbow -great imagination to have seen that!

(Reply)

    Ken Sklute
    August 31, 2018, 9:44 am

    Thank you Sara! I’m glad that Alaska was good to you!!

    (Reply)



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