© 2021 RGallucci Photography

Everyone was excited about the storm forecast on the first day of this weekend's Storm Chasing and Milky Way workshop, including me, the workshop leader. In a monsoon season that has been full of unbelievable storms, this day held the promise of extending the streak. Reexamining radar from our home base in Sierra Vista, it was clear the Tombstone area would be one of many "ground zero" points to watch and capture the season's mighty display of light and shadow. We packed the gear into the SUV and struck off for an adventure.

Driving down Route 80 north of Tombstone, I spied a previously unfamiliar state land entrance that opened up a wildly flourishing creosote (Larrea tridentata) and Ocotillo (Fouquieria splendens) field that stretched to the edge of the horizon. With shining green leaves and delicate yellow flowers, the creosote offered a perfect carpet for the foreground of any images we might catch.

In front of us, the cloud structure of the storm painted an intricate pattern of inviting chaos. At the same time, in the distance, the southern Arizona high deserts typically pristine skies could be seen, foreshadowing the beauty we would enjoy once the storm passed. Overall, we could not ask for a better place to be.

It was here that we captured this strike of the day, a powerful discharge that spun delicate tendrils of light from its boldly beautiful shaft. What a great highlight to another fabulous day of chasing the wonder of the creation of this earth.

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With my ears, I will listen. With my heart, I will feel. With my hand in yours, we will journey through to tomorrow's new dawn.
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Shot date: August 6, 2021
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV
0.5 sec at f/8.0 Bias:‒ 1 EV
Lens: EF24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
ISO: ISO 50