He Stilled the Storm to a Whisper

Kansas City Senior Photographer; Johnson County photographer

"Can I have a special treat night?" This is the question I'd always ask standing in my parents' doorway when a storm would come through in the middle of the night. If it was a particularly loud or strong storm, they'd each move over and I'd climb in the middle. As I've grown older, I've grown less scared and more in awe of storms, but I'm still known to duck my head if I see a lightning bolt close by, just ask my husband! 

 

That's what makes these images all the more special to me. Instead of running for the nearest cover last Sunday, I actually became like a storm chaser trying to get these shots. I pulled my Expedition off into the rough terrain several times near Lavon Lake in Texas. I quickly yanked my tripod out and started taking photos. The above picture, with three bolts of lightning is not a composite. They all occurred within my 1.5 second exposure. The lightning was close enough, though, that I did actually set up my tripod inside the vehicle and shot through the window. (I'm not that brave!!) If you look close enough, you might even find dog nose prints. :)

 

 

Kansas City Senior Photographer; Johnson County photographer

 

Don't worry, this cowboy church wasn't harmed in the making of this photo. 

 

 

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble,
    and he brought them out of their distress.
He stilled the storm to a whisper;
    the waves of the sea were hushed.
 They were glad when it grew calm,
    and he guided them to their desired haven.
 Let them give thanks to the Lord for his unfailing love
    and his wonderful deeds for mankind.

                                          — Psalm 107: 28-31 (New International Version, emphasis added)