Mike Olbinski – Storm Timelapse Photographers & Filmmaking
Cinematic Storm Time-Lapse Photography from Phoenix, Arizona
Experience award-winning storm time-lapse photography and cinematic weather filmmaking captured across Phoenix, Arizona, Tornado Alley, and the American Southwest. Featuring dramatic supercells, lightning storms, Arizona monsoons, haboobs, and tornadoes, these visually stunning films showcase the beauty, movement, and power of extreme weather through professional timelapse photography techniques.
Emmy-winning filmmaker and storm chaser Mike Olbinski is recognized among leading storm timelapse photographers for creating cinematic weather films that combine powerful storytelling, emotional soundtracks, and breathtaking severe weather footage. From cinematic 4K storm videos and weather documentaries to film festivals and commercial licensing productions, these time-lapse films showcase nature’s most dramatic moments in unforgettable detail.
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Mike Olbinski has spent years documenting severe weather across the United States, creating immersive storm chasing films and cinematic weather timelapses viewed by audiences around the world. Whether you are searching for cinematic storm footage, weather timelapse licensing, Arizona monsoon films, or creative work from leading timelapse photographers, this collection captures some of nature’s most dramatic weather moments ever recorded.
The Road to Filmmaking
Soundtracks are a passion of mine. I love them. Listening to them while chasing storms. The big science fiction films like Star Wars, The Arrival, Interstellar, Inception…the music is just so powerful to me. It creates a connection to the story that would otherwise be impossible.
The first time I married a few time-lapse clips to music, it was the after witnessing the stunning Booker Supercell in 2013. It was a sight that brought tears to my eyes, so I knew I needed to set it to a score that could potentially evoke the same emotional response that I had.
The video went viral within days and opened up a world of possibilities. Not only could I create my own stories and short videos, but I could also showcase my work for those interested in licensing clips.
Since then, I’ve released over a dozen films of my own, ranging from only a few minutes in length to over ten. Color. Black and white. Custom composed music. They’ve become a huge part of my life and business. Many of them have won awards in film festivals, been official selections and have been shown around the world on the big screen. I still remember the moment I watched one of my Monsoon movies in a Sedona theater with 700 other people. It was terrifying and amazing.
These movies represent much of why I got into chasing in the first place. A desire to share the weather with others, somehow, some way.
I hope you enjoy these films. All clips are available for licensing. Please contact me using the form below or email me here: [email protected].
MY LATEST VIDEOS
Monsoon 8 Trailer // Coming 2026!
Purchase Time-Lapse Films
You can also license most of the footage seen in these films for your or your own productions. Learn more here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Mike Olbinski one of the leading storm timelapse photographers?
Mike Olbinski combines professional storm chasing experience, cinematic storytelling, and advanced time-lapse photography techniques to create visually powerful weather films that capture the beauty and intensity of severe storms.
Where does Mike Olbinski film storm time-lapse videos?
Storm timelapse films are captured across Phoenix, Arizona, Tornado Alley, Texas, Kansas, Colorado, New Mexico, and the American Southwest, including dramatic Arizona monsoon storms and desert weather.
What is storm time-lapse photography?
Storm time-lapse photography is a filmmaking technique where thousands of images are captured over time and combined into cinematic videos that showcase the movement, structure, and evolution of severe weather systems.
Are the storm time-lapse films available in 4K quality?
Yes, many storm timelapse videos and cinematic weather films are available in stunning 4K resolution for viewing, licensing, and digital downloads.
Can I license storm timelapse footage for films or commercials?
Yes, cinematic storm footage and weather timelapse videos are available for commercial licensing for documentaries, films, television productions, advertising campaigns, streaming platforms, and digital media projects.
What types of storms are featured in the films?
The films feature supercells, tornadoes, lightning storms, haboobs, shelf clouds, Arizona monsoons, severe thunderstorms, and dramatic weather formations captured across the United States.
Why are storm timelapse films so popular?
Storm timelapse films combine cinematic storytelling, emotional music, and dramatic weather visuals to create immersive experiences that showcase the beauty, scale, and power of nature.
Are these storm films featured in documentaries and film festivals?
Yes, the storm timelapse films and weather footage have been featured in documentaries, film festivals, museums, theaters, commercials, and international media productions.
Can I purchase digital downloads of the Storm films?
Yes, selected storm timelapse films and weather videos are available as digital downloads for personal viewing and media collections.
Do storm timelapse photographers use special equipment?
Yes, professional storm timelapse photographers use high-resolution cameras, motion control systems, intervalometers, and advanced editing techniques to capture cinematic weather footage in extreme environments.
