Frequently asked questions about storm chasers, storm chasing and
storm photogapher Warren Faidley
By Elliot Jones and Sandra Coleman
E-mail note:
Due to the overwhelming amount of e-mail we
receive each week (over 100 inquiries at times), we cannot respond to
personal questions concerning chasing, weather, school projects, etc.
Below, you will find the answers to the majority of questions we receive.
Thank you.
Media and business inquiries please visit our
Media Center.
Some links may be outdated. We update quarterly.
Topics (Click on a topic)
Basic and commonly asked questions about storm chasing and storm chasers
Educator/Student Questions
Media Questions
Meteorology Schools
Photographs, Videos and Books
Severe Storms, Natural Disasters and Safety
Questions about Warren Faidley
Business and photography questions
Miscellaneous
Chasing
Except for a few complex exceptions, there are few occupations involving full-time storm chasing.
In reality, there are very few people who make a full-time living from chasing storms or from storm-
related activities alone, and even fewer people who actually chase beyond a few seasonal days or weeks in specific locations. The majority of people who chase storms
have alternate sources of income or jobs that have no relationship to chasing.
A few "hobbyist" chasers and photographers have been able to make a part-time living from selling their photographs and video footage or working with news organizations or for chase tour groups. The majority of people who chase storms do so because they crave the adventure, travel and excitement of the chase.
If you desire to become involved in chasing storms, some options are listed below for you to consider.
One of the best ways to become involved in severe weather, is to volunteer as a "storm spotter."
Not only will you be able to watch wild weather, but you will also be helping your community
stay safe. Many local spotter groups are seeking people to assist them. Always remember that
any activity near any storm, small or large, is dangerous. Even the smallest, weakling
storm can drop a deadly lightning bolt with little or no warning.
By Elliot Jones
There are nine basic categories of people or groups who chase or intercept severe weather, often referred to as storm chasers, tornado chasers, storm spotters, storm trackers, etc.
Scientists and Researchers: Generally, individuals or groups from major universities or government organizations, including support personnel
who occasionally (or seasonally) chase storms and severe weather conditions as part of a legitimate and active research project.
Hobbyists, Recreational and Amateurs: Basically, anyone who chases severe weather -- not in a bona fide public service, tour guide, scientific or media capacity. Hobbyist, amateur or "recreational storm chasers," pursue severe weather as a hobby -- enjoying the adventure and challenge of traveling hundreds of miles to witness some of mother nature's most glorious creations. The majority of hobbyists storm chasers photograph or video tape severe weather for their archives. Hobbyists do not make a living from chasing storms, but they occasionally sell storm footage or pictures on the side to help finance their chasing. Some hobbyist storm chasers have occupations relating to meteorology. A growing number of hobbyists are retired individuals who have extended time and resources to chase. Many hobbyist storm chasers also serve as storm "spotters" and will often relay critical information to authorities via mobile phones or ham radios. As opposed to "thrill seeking" chasers, most hobbyists chase in a responsible, professional manner. A number of hobbyists have built customized chase vehicles, similar to those used by
news crews and researchers. Of all storm chasers, hobbyists comprise the largest group. The hobbyist and amateur storm chasers have their own outstanding homepage: Stormtrack.
Spotters: Spotters are seasonal and usually localized volunteers who observe and report threatening weather. The majority of storm spotters are amature radio operators. Spotter training and experience varies. Law enforcement officers and fire department personal may also serve as "spotters" in some locations. Spotters are often the unsung heroes of chasing, risking life and property to perform their valuable services. For more information about storm spotters, visit the Skywarn homepage.
Media/Editorial/Artistical: Part-time or seasonal personnel who work for a bona fide news gathering source such as television stations, news agencies, cable channels and radio stations. A few professional photographers, cinematographers
and videographers also chase storms, usually as a part-time, editorial or seasonal pursuit to augment
their off season work. Media (radio and TV) chasers and their "spotter" reports saved many lives during the Oklahoma City tornado outbreaks in May of 1999 and 2003. In addition to commercial and editorial applications, the images and footage shot by media chasers are often used for safety, news, scientific and educational purposes.
Imposters, Thrill Seekers, Klingons, etc.: Individuals who have absolutely no purpose or reason for chasing other than the "thrill of it." Unlike hobbyist and other types of storm chasers, this relatively new group is comprised of individuals who have little or no respect for other chasers, meteorology, storm spotting or the consequences of their sophomoric and sometimes dangerous actions. "Klingons" are inexperienced individuals who follow (without permission) experienced or scientific chasers. Imposters are generally inexperienced individuals who purposely misrepresent themselves in order to justify or legitimize their
chasing activities. Some imposters have gone as far as posing as scientists, media chasers or
even rescuers to gain access to closed or evacuated areas. The media needs to be especially weary
of these individuals. (Not to be confused with non-professional hobbyists or amateurs who chase in a responsible manner and do not misrepresent themselves).
Tour Guides and School Groups: Tour guides lead groups of people (for a fee) on actual chases during the spring severe weather season.
Tours are a viable option for chasing if you have no experience. Group chases are sometimes conducted
by the meteorology departments of collages and universities. Some tours (field trips) are sanctioned by the school
while others involve clubs or non-sanctioned groups.
Locals: People with little or no chasing experience who chase or observe storms near their communities. Local chasers usually initiate and target their "chases" from watching live television weather reports. They poise an ever-increasing hazard by clogging roadways and preventing emergency vehicles and legitimate chasers and spotters from preforming their work.
Hurricane Hunters: (The 53rd Weather Reconnaissance Squadron): The Hurricane Hunters are Air Force Reserve,
(403rd. wing) pilots and crew members who fly special planes into tropical weather and report their data to the Tropical Prediction Center.
Full-time Professional:
A chaser who pursues severe weather year round, for a living, in the capacity of a
professional occupation and background.
Many chasers are hybrid combinations of the above categories.
N0! - except for selected media crews. Several companies offer "chase tours." (See the "links" section below for tour information).
It is very difficult to make a substantial income from chasing
storms alone. As noted above, the opportunities are quite limited. The best option is to find a job related to chasing. As for storm photography, there are additional limiting factors. The demand for photographs, film and video has declined due to the growing number of chasers and the resulting glutton of footage and images. Some experienced chasers have resorted to allowing professional stock footage shooters (disguised as production companies and news crews) to chase with them for free, allowing "non-chasers" to further destabilize the markets. The recent advent of "royalty-free" photo sales and the merger of large stock agencies has also disrupted and devalued the storm image and footage markets.
PLEASE NOTE...... Due to the volume of mail we receive,
we cannot forward individual data concerning storm chasing,
photographic techniques, locations, equipment, chase vehicles, etc. There are many excellent sites,
as listed, on the Internet that contain extensive data on these subjects.
We do not endorse any specific chase tour company. The best place to
find a chase partner is through your local weather spotter group.
An excellent (and accurate) history of storm chasing can be found here.
Education
Since we are a privately funded business, WE CAN NOT SUPPLY (e.g., email) PHOTOGRAPHS,
nor do we maintian or distribute free published information. However, due to a generous grant from storm chaser Warren Faidley, educators and students are allowed, under specific terms, to
copy images from our web sites. Please visit this link for information.
You may also want to visit the Weatherstock®
Royalty-Free CD site. This CD has 100 weather photos. There is a special discounted price for educators.
Additional resources and links can be found through the The Storm Chasers and Storm Spotters Association™
We are sorry, but due to the overwhelming number of student interview requests we receive, we
cannot respond to individual questions, surveys or interviews. Mr. Faidley's
biography, located here may answer many of your questions about his work,
etc. You may also want to check with your school library to see if his book
Storm Chaser is available.
YES! Click here for a wonderful site just for kids and teachers.
The Storm Chasers and Storm Spotters Association™ has a special page for educators and student projects. The page is located here!
You can write to Mr. Faidley here: Warren Faidley, PO Box 31808, Tucson, AZ 85751.
Please note that it may take 30 days or longer to receive a reply. From mid-April through
June, responses may take several months due to chase operations. We kindly ask that classes
submit letters as a group instead of separate mailings to speed up the response time.
PLEASE include a legible return address on all cover letters!
We do receive letters that do not include legible or return address information and we are unable to respond.
Media Questions
Click here.
Meteorology Schools
Visit the extensive list located here.
Photographs, Videos and Books
Visit the Weatherstock® Homepage. Weatherstock® has "the world's largest and most extensive collection of weather, storm and natural disaster photographs, film and video footage.™"
Severe Storm
and Natural Disaster Information and Safety
Use one of the Internet's "search" engines, or see the Storm Chaser® Homepage. We do not supply general weather data or statistics.
Caution! We do not suggest that you use the
Internet during emergency situations. Links and sites may be overloaded
during busy periods. Rely on your television, radio or National Weather Service
Radio for critical information. Never ignore warnings or
advisories concerning storms, wildfires or any dangerous natural hazard!
YES! Click here for a wonderful site just for kids.
Questions about Warren Faidley
No. People have been chasing storms since the 1950's,
and possibly even earlier. Warren was however, the first person to chase
all forms of severe weather as a full-time, year round profession
(journalist) and make a living solely from photographing, filming and writing about severe weather.
It is impossible for someone to
completely hoard or "trademark" the generic use of a term. A person cannot register a "patent" or "copyright" on a common term.
False and misleading accusations about Warren's marks were posted in several news groups by misinformed individuals and business rivals who
wanted to defame Warren, alienate him amongst other chasers and cause harm to his business interests. Warren holds several
service marks and trademarks on the term Storm Chaser® for specific business services or products. It is important to note that the US Trademark office goes though an extensive investigative
process before issuing a mark to insure the claim is valid and does not conflict with common terms or other marks. In addition, a period is required before the mark is made "incontestable", to allow discussions and challenges. All of Warren's marks were clearly justified, since he was the first person to use
the terms for the specific business use.
The generic, non-business conflicting use of the term "storm chaser" is not affected by these marks. The mark is for products and services, it does not apply to the physical act of chasing.
A person can still call themselves a "storm chaser." A trademark or service mark restricts a person or business from using a term for a
business (service) or product venture protected by the mark. For example, numerous marks exist on common
descriptive terms such as "Fireman" (over 76 marks) and "Pilot" with over
250 trademarks. Obviously, firemen and pilots can still use the term!. Unfortunately, Warren has been forced to take action to stop the spread of false and misleading information about his marks. He currently offers a substantial
reward for information leading to the successful prosecution of individuals or businesses who
spread false information in attempts to damage, weaken, confuse or defame his marks.
If you have additional questions about trademarks
please see the US Trademark Office Homepage.
Warren served as
an initial consultant for the movie. (The filming period had no official "technical
advisor," but rather, a set meteorologist for weather reports and crew safety.) The actual characters were based on scientists from a midwestern university. (Warren, is a journalist not a scientist). Warren's black chase truck was in use many years before the movie and had no relation. In an interesting footnote, the original "Chaser" script by Warner Bros. (Peter Iliff script) was going to be partially based on Warren's character but it was dropped for the final "Hollywood" script. Who knows, maybe Warren's amazing adventures will be the subject of a future movie.
As a journalist and professional photographer/cinematographer, Warren must sell his footage, images, products and written materials in order to run a business. Because of the ever-changing nature of storm chasing and increasing competition, Warren must expand the scope of his income-generating operations. Now days, it is very difficult to survive on selling storm pictures and video footage alone.
Like all media or news sources, big or small, advertising, promotions,
and public relations campaigns are an important and necessary part of a successful business. Warren recoups some of his chasing expenses by allowing
corporate interests to sponsor his chase activities or use his character
in advertising. About 20 to 30 percent of the work conducted by Warren and his business interests involves educational, safety or public awareness. The cost of such non-profit operations, including discounted products, website bandwidth, printing, office expenses, communications, travel, labor and related expenses comes out of corporate expenses, with no government assistance. Without sponsors to
assit with the cost of operations, charitable, public service and educational offerings could no longer exist.
Every year, Warren donates materials and services for public education and storm safety. You may have seen some of his photographs in National Weather Service and American Red Cross literature.
Real images and special
effects.
Special effect or "digitally altered"
photographs are those which have been created on a computer. Just like special
effect images seen in movies like the Wizard of OZ and Twister,
many artists and photographers create their own images for commercial
clients who are seeking custom or creative illustrations that do not require editorial accuracy. All of the images used on our pages, in books, prints or other printed material are the real thing,
unless otherwise noted on the image's caption. Unfortunately, a few editorial
clients have confused the issue by publishing altered images as the "real" thing. They obtained the image(s) without the creator's knowledge, by either illegally copying the images from web sites, and/or failing to
secure or publish accurate caption data. Mr. Faidley is a
respected journalist who abides by professional journalism etchics. He is against any type of dishonest image manipulation. Acceptable editorial corrections
include dodging areas (lightening), burning areas (darkening), cropping, color corrections or additions, contrast and brightness corrections and sharpening
of the image. Weatherstock offers up to a $2,500 reward for any information concerning false, slanderous or libelous statements (including newsgroup postings) made about any Weatherstock image or business pratice.
Warren rarely uses any filter other than a protective UV filter over the front lens. If he uses filters to alter a shot beyond the journalistic norms, he will make note of it on the picture caption. As for the vivid colors, Warren is well known for his style of seeking out images just before or after sunset when the film can be saturated with "beauty" light. This light, combined with long exposures can generate vivid colors. Warren often uses Fuji Velvia, which has a tendency towards warmer colors. Many people would be surprised to see the original transparencies. Even with contrast additions (often needed for Internet images) the originals are often exact matches in color.
Warren's quest for the right color and contrast has a price, he notes. "I have missed many
shots because I tried to position myself for better color, contrast or perspective. I'll often opt for the outside chance of a visible, dryline tornado instead of a big, grey HP (high precipitation) cell because I hate the lack of contrast usually associated with the monster cells. My
goal is never just to see a tornado. I'm always looking for the "art" in a storm and the perfect shot."
Miscellaneous
Click
here for information about copying our images.
End of FAQ's
Storm Chasing Web Links
Weatherstock Homepage
(Images, film and video for commercial clients)
Warren Faidley's Biography Homepage
The Storm Chasers and Storm Spotters Association™
Royalty Free CD!
(100 Stunning weather images on a high quality photo CD!)
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Revised 10-04
What is storm chasing and how can I get involved?
What are the actual types of storm chasers?
Can I chase with Warren?
Can I make a lot of money chasing?
Chase equipment, techniques, forecasting, etc.
How do I find a chase partner or tour group?
What is the history of storm chasing and storm chasers?
Obtaining photographs and data.
Can I interview Mr. Faidley or his chase team for a school project?
Is there a good severe weather and natural disaster site for kinds?
Where can I find
information about weather-related school projects?
My class would like to send Mr. Faidley a letter --
how do we do this?
How do I find a
a storm chaser or get in touch with Mr. Faidley for an interview?
List of meteorology schools
Commercial images, video and film resources
Consumer products
Where can I find Warren's new book How To Survive Any Storm?
Where can I find Warren's best-selling book Storm Chaser?
Severe weather/natural hazards data sites
Severe weather/natural hazards safety and emergency data
Severe weather/natural hazards facts for kids
Was Warren Faidley the first person to chase storms?
Does Warren have a "Copyright" on the term
Storm Chaser?
How was Warren involved with the Twister movie?
Why does Warren accept sponsorships and
paid advertising?
What is the difference between
real images and "special effect" photographs?
Does Warren use colored filters
for his photography?
Why do the colors of his pictures sometimes appear more vivid?
Can I copy images from your pages?
How do I get involved in storm chasing and what is storm chasing?
Unfortunately, many television shows and printed stories about chasing are misleading -- mainly because the producers or editors need to legitimize the use of graphic or tragic footage, so they distort the person's (chasers) actual purpose for chasing -- or the person's actual occupation.
This creates the false impression that many people are chasing as a successful occupation -- when in fact, the
vast majority of "chasers" are hobbyists or amateurs, chasing for excitement during a few days in the spring. In recent years, this irresponsible media reporting has enticed inexperienced persons (including youngsters) to go out and
chase storms for the wrong reasons, endangering the chasers and the public. There are however,
legitimate and honorable reasons for pursuing storms, as outlined below.
What are the actual types of storm chasers?
Media alert.... we strongly suggest that all media and commercial sources confirm an individual's actual chase-related background and history before committing to
interviews, features, etc. Unfortunately, some media sources have recently reported serious problems because they were mislead by individuals (or groups) in regards to storm chasing activities, including the person's
experience, background and actual purpose for chasing storms. 
The National Storm Chasers and Spotters Association™ (NSCSA) offers free referral services to the media and commercial clients for locating professional storm chasers, amateur storm chasers,
scientists and storm spotters. Does Warren ever take people along while he's working?
Can I make a lot of money chasing?
Questions about storm photography,
equipment, film, a specific storm
or disaster, safety, meteorology, etc.
How can I find a chase partner or a "chase tour" company? What is the history of storm chasing and storm chasers?
I am a teacher or student and I need weather-related resources, teaching aids and/or pictures. I am a student and I have some
questions for Mr. Faidley and/or his chase team.
Is there a good severe weather site for kids and teachers? Where can I find information about
weather-related science projects? Our class would like to send
a letter to Mr. Faidley -- how do we do this?
I'm with the media - how do I get in touch with Mr. Faidley or obtain press materials about chasing?
Where can I find information about meteorology schools?
I'm looking for photographs or film footage for a business,
editorial or commercial use - where can I find them?
Does Weatherstock or Mr. Faidley sell products such as videos, books, posters and prints?
We do maintain a page that will forward you to weather and storm-related products. The site is located
here.
Where can I get a copy of Warren's new book How to Survive Any Storm - A severe weather handbook?
The popular new book can be purchased here.
Where can I get a copy of Warren's best-selling book "Storm Chaser?"
Warren's book Storm Chaser is no longer being
printed. We are seeking a printer for a revised version of this best-selling
book. Information on a new release will be posted soon.
Where can I get general information about severe weather or natural disasters? Where I can get information about
severe weather or natural hazards in my area? Is there a good severe weather and natural hazards site for kids?
Was Warren Faidley the first storm chaser?
Does Warren Faidley have a "copyright" on the term Storm Chaser so no one else can use it?
How was Warren involved in the
movie "Twister"? Why does Warren accept sponsorships and paid advertising?
What is the difference between
real and "computer altered" images? Does Warren use colored filers for his photography? Why do the colors of his images sometimes look more vivid?
Can I copy any of the images seen on your pages?
Official US Storm Chaser Homepage