Jan 30 2009
Caution When Photographing Weather Events
In today’s modern era, many of us have digital cameras and we love to shoot events, scenes, and anything we might think would make an interesting photo. However, you must use caution when you attempt to photograph a weather event.
On this day in 1997, some individuals in HI did not use caution as they tried to photograph a tsunami from a beach. Surfs were to 12 feet with sometimes a 15 foot swash. This surf raked N/W shores of HI. A wave carried 8 people into the ocean ag Keane Point, Maui. Four of these individuals were saved by local residents, 4 tourists (3 from GA and 1 from UT) drowned.
Lightning and tornado events are the biggest draw to the photographer. Maintain safe distances and be alert to your surroundings. In the Midwest, there are Tornado Chaser events where you can sign up to spend a day with them chasing the big tornado - this is the safest way to capture these beasts on film.
I saw a picture on this blog today: http://dmotiv8.blogspot.com/ and it had a picture that sounds like what you describe.
Somethings aren’t cool, but dangerous. I live in hurricane country and there’s always someone who feels like wandering the beach when they wander on to shore.