Not all who wander are lost… some are just storm-chasing.
~Mike’s wife, Jina
You’ve SEEN MY WORK ON
Storm Photography & Storm Chasing in Phoenix, Arizona
Welcome to the world of award-winning storm photography, cinematic storm chasing films, and breathtaking weather timelapse imagery captured across Phoenix, Arizona, and the American Southwest. From dramatic supercells and lightning storms to Arizona monsoons, tornadoes, and powerful desert weather, these visuals showcase the raw beauty and intensity of nature at its most unforgettable.
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Emmy-winning storm chaser and filmmaker Mike Olbinski has spent more than a decade documenting incredible weather events across Tornado Alley, the central plains, and the desert southwest. From massive haboobs rolling through Arizona deserts to towering supercells over Texas and Kansas, every image and timelapse film tells a story of adventure, atmosphere, and extreme weather.Explore professional storm photography prints, cinematic time-lapse photography, storm footage licensing, tornado chasing adventures, and weather photography workshops designed for photographers, filmmakers, brands, and weather enthusiasts worldwide.
Whether you want to buy storm photography prints, license dramatic storm footage, join storm chasing workshops, or experience award-winning weather timelapse films, this collection captures nature at its most powerful.
Storm Photography and Time-lapse Masterclass! Released spring of 2024.
The trailer for the masterclass is below. This is a culmination of nearly 15 years of storm chasing knowledge all crammed into one giant masterclass encompassing everything I know about this style of photography. Updated YEARLY!
Why Do I Chase Storms?
The short answer is that I can’t help but chase. I’ve loved the weather since I was a kid. As I grew up, I wanted to learn more about it. I really enjoyed sharing it with people, even if it was just to call a friend and say a storm was “incoming.”
It wasn’t until my early 30s when I picked up a camera and started snapping away at lightning bolts, did I realize I could combine those two passions into one creative outlet.
My wife Jina’s quote above says everything you need to know about me for about five months out of the year. From late April until early October, I wander around the central plains of the United States, from Montana to Texas, and all summer across the desert southwest. Time-lapse, photography, workshops, tours, consulting… it’s what I do.
Workshops & Tours
Every year I lead workshops and tours, from the monsoon in Arizona to supercells and tornadoes across the central United States. Some adventure, some learning, some virtual, some crazy good times. Click below to learn more!
Fine Art & Installations
Switch up your interior design with something a little stormy! For your home office or living room, to your corporate headquarters, restaurant or dentist office, we can work together to figure out what you need, be it metal, canvas, acrylic or something custom.
Consulting
Filming storms is a difficult task if you’re new to it, so hiring a guide or consultant is a must. I’ve worked with the BBC, PBS, National Geographic, IBM, Silverback Films and others, in Arizona and across the central plains chasing tornadoes.
Time-Lapse Photography
Time-lapse is what I love, what I crave and for nearly a decade now, putting those stormy clips to music is one of my favorite things. My films have been seen around the world, in festivals, theaters, museums, vineyards and so many other places. See them all below!
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Storm Chasing Blogs
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Mike Olbinski’s storm photography unique?
Mike Olbinski’s storm photography combines cinematic storytelling, advanced timelapse techniques, and real storm chasing experience to capture dramatic weather moments with incredible detail and emotion.
Where does Mike Olbinski chase storms?
Mike primarily chases storms across Tornado Alley, the central plains of the United States, and the desert southwest, including Arizona monsoon regions known for lightning storms and haboobs.
Can I buy storm photography prints?
Yes, Mike Olbinski offers fine art storm photography prints in various sizes and materials, including canvas, metal, acrylic, and custom wall installations.
Are the storm timelapse films available for licensing?
Yes, storm footage and timelapse films are available for commercial licensing for documentaries, films, advertisements, television, digital campaigns, and creative projects.
Does Mike Olbinski offer storm chasing workshops?
Yes, Mike hosts storm photography workshops, tornado chasing tours, and educational experiences where participants can learn storm forecasting, timelapse photography, and severe weather photography techniques.
What type of storms does Mike Olbinski photograph?
Mike photographs supercells, tornadoes, lightning storms, monsoon storms, dust storms, shelf clouds, severe thunderstorms, and dramatic weather formations across the United States.
Can beginners join storm photography tours?
Yes, both beginners and experienced photographers can join Mike Olbinski’s storm chasing workshops and tours to learn photography techniques and severe weather forecasting.
Has Mike Olbinski’s work been featured internationally?
Yes, Mike’s storm photography and timelapse films have been featured by major media networks, documentaries, museums, brands, and international productions worldwide.
Why is storm chasing photography so popular?
Storm chasing photography allows people to experience the beauty, power, and science of severe weather through dramatic visuals, cinematic timelapse films, and real-life weather adventures.
