Cathy's roots in lightning photography probably originated from her experiences as a youth growing up in Oklahoma. She spent many a night petrified under the covers from fierce storms pounding her home. The fear, curiosity and a strong fascination with lightning helped to create her passion for storm chasing.
The early 60 's brought Cathy's family west. Her teen years were spent attending high school in Scottsdale Arizona and making many journeys up Camelback Mountain to observe the monsoon storms. It is quite an inspiring sight to see dust storms literally roll across the desert while lightning is bouncing off surrounding mountains.
She returned to Oklahoma for college in the early 70 's. She became a third generation graduate from the University of Oklahoma, and received her BFA in Fine Arts in 1975. While in college, she studied photography and was able to experiment with lightning during the great spring storms of the Midwest and the monsoon when she returned home for the summer. Cathy's years attending OU was great fun. Not only was the football stadium the home of the national championship Sooners, but it was also a great place to go and capture storm pictures. Storm chasing was not what it is today, and of course all of her friends thought she was nuts.
Thirty years later, Cathy's husband, children, friends and neighbors still think she is nuts! There is however, a genuine inner peace that she feels when she is on a mountain looking out over the city dodging rain, hail, dust and lighting in pursuit of that perfect picture.
Cathy teaches animation and graphic design at a local college when she is not stumbling around on a mountain with her camera and tripod, enduring the relentless heat, growling animals and the occasional police officer. For only a few months out of the year, this desert sooner becomes a monsoon maniac in search of thrills under Electric Skies.
How Does She Do That?
Cathy uses an old Canon A-1 with Fuji 100 ASA film. She prefers film, because of the control it gives her. She recommends a sturdy tripod and a reliable cable release. This is not a hobby for the weak of heart. Taking lightning photographs can be extremely dangerous and you must take along some common sense when you're out being a human lightning rod with your metal camera and tripod. Always pay close attention to the weather and look for nearby shelter. When storms are right on top of you, then it's time to stop and live to chase another day. Always try to catch storms either coming or going, that 's the safest way. Go prepared with water, flash light, lots of film, extra camera battery, cell phone, plenty of gas, some good snacks, a little luck and lots of patience. Once you 're ready to venture out, you will experience a unique and rewarding adventure. The best part is that you just might meet other crazy die-hard storm chasers and you ll have new friends.