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Storms are a photographic enigma. We catch the flash of lightning in our peripheral vision, feel the cool swipe of a sudden drop in temperature on our cheeks, hear the turbulence in the wind behind us and all of our instincts tell us to seek shelter. Yet, storms possess a unique ability to alter the mood of a landscape. Throughout history, poets and artists have striven to preserve the singular beauty, mystery, majesty and mood of storms. As photographers, we too cannot pass up the chance to create images that convey the gamut of human emotions, from joy to despair, from fear to salvation. There are numerous photographic opportunities in stormy weather and the more prepared we are for them, the more we will be rewarded for our efforts.

A storm’s unique ability to alter the mood of a landscape may defy description. Sometimes the effects are subtle, at other times dramatic. The most important change for a photographer is, naturally, the light. Storm light can be anything you can envision and some things that you might never imagine. Occasionally the effects are so bizarre that people may accuse you of altering the photograph. Clouds and sun, working together provide an ever-changing kaleidoscope of light and shadow. I’m always thrilled when a shaft of light unexpectedly highlights the main element in my composition. It’s almost as if the storm was displaying its talents just for me, showing off, flaunting its mastery of the elements.

Waiting out the heat-generated afternoon thunderstorms paid off as the setting sun slipped below the clouds to create this incredible sunset over Longs Peak, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado.

Shooting good storm photographs isn’t simply a matter of going out into bad weather with a camera. Truthfully, the center of a storm isn’t usually the best place to take advantage of dramatic storm light. Storm centers are usually where the winds are at their worst while the light is poor, turning colors muddy and murky. Instead, look to the edge of the storm. There is something about the human psyche that responds to change, or the perception of change. Thus the most dramatic places to photograph storms are on the edges of the storm. Watching a storm approach with the threat of damage and destruction generates feelings of fear and dreadful anticipation. Conversely, watching a storm as it clears up fills us with relief and joy. The edges of the storm carry the emotional hooks to make a viewer take notice. Fortunately, the edges of the storm are also where the most striking light occurs. This is where - and when - you want to be to create the most dramatic images.

A predawn hike through falling snow was rewarded as the storm clouds began to break right at sunup, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah

I prefer the backside of a storm, just as it is beginning to break up. The weather may not be as mild as ahead of the storm, but the benefits more than make up for the cooler temperatures. As a landscape photographer, I find the biggest advantage to be the absence of the high winds that are often pushed ahead of a storm front. Since I like the saturation achieved through long exposures, I find it difficult to photograph trees that are cavorting in 30 mph winds. Therefore, I much prefer the calmer winds behind the storm. Storms also tend to clear the air and cleanse the earth, giving everything a fresh appearance.

Another option that usually occurs more during summer thunderstorms is to observe the storm from the side. Summer thunderstorms tend to be smaller and more localized allowing you to photograph them as they pass by. It’s very difficult to predict exactly where one of these storms will be at any given time or what path it will take. But they occur with sufficient frequency that with a little persistence, you will eventually wind up in a suitable spot at the right time.

I avidly check the weather reports so I can try to be in a favorable location for shooting a storm. With the internet, it is possible to get the most current forecasts and weather maps directly from the US Weather Service as well as from several other sources. Most states also have a road conditions hotline and/or website. These can be very useful in determining very localized conditions in a timely manner.

Weather forecasts also help me to prepare for storm conditions, which can vary dramatically, depending on which side of the storm front you’re on. Temperatures can drop 30°F or more in less than an hour. Winds can reach gale force in a matter of minutes. Wind, especially when combined with wet can create dangerous wind-chills.

A clearing storm can present an entirely new perspective on a stereo-typically photographed icon, Balanced Rock in Arches National Park, Utah.

Forearmed with the latest weather forecast, you can take steps to assure that you’ll be reasonably safe and comfortable while shooting. Staying warm and dry not only helps you to stay focused on creating photographs, it can also be essential to your survival. With the advent of modern moisture-wicking, waterproof, windproof, lightweight garments, staying warm and dry is much easier than it used to be.

Although you’ve heard it countless times before, it’s worth repeating, when shooting in stormy weather dressing in layers is especially important. You are deliberately going into the most variable weather conditions you can find, so you need to be prepared. Depending on the expected weather conditions and temperatures, you should always wear an inner layer of moisture-wicking material. (That eliminates cotton fabrics that retain moisture.) As conditions warrant, add a second moisture wicking layer and insulating layers of wool or fleece. Your choice for an outer layer depends on how wet and windy conditions are. There are varying degrees of “water-proofness” ranging from water-resistant, which is good in light to moderate precipitation to water-proof which protects you in heavy rains. Typically, the more “water-proof” the fabric, the less it breathes and the clammier it becomes on the inside. You have to weigh breathability against “water-proofness”. Your local outdoor equipment or hunting/fishing store can provide information on the latest garments and fabrics to keep you reasonably comfortable in stormy conditions.

The next most important consideration for shooting in stormy weather is to protect your equipment. Dust and water can wreak havoc on cameras. Start protecting your equipment with a water-resistant camera bag. Anything that resists water will also resist most wind-blown dust and sand. Most forms of nylon, the chief component of most camera bags, are by their very nature water resistant, but many are treated to be even more water resistant. Some bags have the added feature of a waterproof rain shell that covers the spots most likely to leak - the zippers and Velcro closures.

While you are actually shooting, there is a plethora of ready-made “camera raincoats” available. They range from sophisticated plastic bags to tailored hoods to fit specific camera models and lenses. Of course, the price is commensurate with the amount of tailoring. Each of these devices has their own advantages and disadvantages. Some work well on a tripod, some will work hand-held. You need to find one that works best for your camera and the way you shoot. If you find the price of commercial rain gear too high, you can make your own camera “raincoat”. Use a plastic bag large enough to fit over your camera. This could be anything from a Ziploc bag to a 30-gallon trash bag. Cut a hole in the end of the bag slightly smaller than your lens so that the plastic stretches to fit snuggly around the lens and slip your lens through the hole. Use a rubber band, gaffers tape or a Velcro strap to hold it in place. You look through the viewfinder by sticking your head in through the bag opening. A twist-tie can be used to close the opening to keep rain out while moving your camera to a different location. This arrangement has the advantage of being extremely light, very compact, and can easily be replaced at any grocery store.

No matter what you use to protect your camera, remember that nothing will work 100 per cent. First chance you get, always thoroughly dry your camera with an absorbent, lint-free cloth.

Storms are an integral part of life on earth, stirring our imaginations and inspiring artists since the first petroglyphs. If we overcome our instincts to seek shelter, we may find that storm clouds really do have a silver lining. Storms provide fantastic photographic opportunities - for those willing to live life on the edge - to go out in stormy weather and get the shot.

• You can infer very localized weather conditions from various state highway department’s road conditions reports