About the Author

Mike Olbinski

Emmy-winning Filmmaker • Photographer • Storm Chaser
Phoenix, Arizona

Expertise

  • Storm chasing & severe weather storytelling
  • Time-lapse filmmaking (tornadoes, lightning, dust storms, monsoon storms)
  • Weather photography (Central Plains + Desert Southwest)
  • Licensing & commercial usage for brands and productions
  • Live Storm Chase Tours and Consulting

About Mike

Mike Olbinski is an Emmy-winning filmmaker, photographer, and storm chaser based in Phoenix, Arizona. For more than 15 years, he’s documented extreme weather across the Central Plains and the Desert Southwest capturing tornadoes, lightning, haboobs (dust storms), and the monsoon with a focus on cinematic storytelling and technical precision.

His work has been licensed by most major brands and featured across more than five feature films and multiple landmark nature series, including Planet Earth. He’s also slated to be featured in an upcoming PBS NOVA special focused on downbursts.

On this site, Mike shares field-tested insights and behind-the-scenes perspectives on chasing, capturing, and producing high-impact storm imagery plus the creative and technical decisions that turn raw weather into compelling visual stories.

Credentials & Highlights

  • Emmy-winning filmmaker
  • 15+ years documenting severe weather
  • Licensed by most major brands
  • Featured in 5+ feature films
  • Featured in major nature series (including Planet Earth)
  • Upcoming PBS NOVA special (downbursts)

Connect with Mike

Latest Articles

Light Me Up With Your Thoughts

Connect With Me Directly

[email protected]

(480) 220-1604