In September of 2025, my work is generating the most income it ever has in my career. Yet, I'm being forced to shut down my successul operation, against my will, due to one cause alone: 95% of that revenue is being stolen by piracy and copyright infringement. I've lost more than $1 million to copyright infringement in the last 15 years, and it's finally brought an end to my professional storm chasing operation. Do not be misled by the lies of infringers, anti-copyright activists and organized piracy cartels. This page is a detailed, evidenced account of my battle I had to undertake to just barely stay in business, and eventually could not overcome. It's a problem faced by all of my colleagues and most other creators in the field.
My sister Katie got married Saturday, May 27, 2000 to Randy Barnes in Clayton, North Carolina (15 miles east of Raleigh). The reception was held in Smithfield, about 10 more miles to the southeast. Right after the traditional bride/groom dance outdoors, at 6:00 pm this large storm moved the festivities inside.
Daytime lightning is always difficult to shoot. And despite this storm's intense lightning activity, after 1 1/2 rolls of film worth of 3-second exposures, this bolt was the only catch. With all the power lines, the view wasn't too great either- but considering I had to shoot this storm in a tux, it was the best view I could find without getting soaked.
As is typical with most daytime lightning photos, the branches are almost altogether washed out here. But the classic 'ribbon' effect (from the return strokes moving sideways in the wind) came out halfway decent (zoomed-in image, below right).
This lightning bolt was about 3/4 mile away- I only wish it had been closer.
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From Dan: Please Read
Please do not copy/upload this site's content to social media or other web sites. Those copies have been a critical problem for me, seriously harming this site and my photography/storm chasing operation by diverting traffic, viewers, engagement and income. "Credit" and "exposure" does not benefit this site or my operation, rather they threaten my ability to cover my operating expenses. Please read my full explanation for this notice here.
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To my regular readers, I offer my apologies for this heavy-handed notice, but unfortunately it has become necessary.
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