But in the complex world of motion pictures, Michael Crichton's book "Twister" was ultimately used as the basis for the film. I was however, used as an initial technical consultant
and better yet, rewarded with the ultimate
bragging rights to have one of my tornado images used for movie marketing, including the poster and digital packaging. The actual image
was taken near Miami, Texas in May of 1994 - after being pounded with hailstones - but well worth the welts."
seconds. I've lost countless scenes by arriving just seconds too late. "
the worse conditions. But most importantly, they landed
my images on the front page which rewarded me with my first, fulltime job. I found these two gentlemen trying to move
a firehose closer to an exploding building fire, but the heat was so extreme they had to flee for their lives. Covering insane and dangerous events as a journalist was perfect
training for my future occupation
as a professional storm chaser."
(Tucson, Arizona - 1986)
rewards the persistent photographer. I shot this image near Tucson, Arizona in 1996. The sunset was so brilliant, the long exposure on film saturated the image with a fantastic
color." Thanks again Mother Nature."
or bitten in surge waters by an unknown creature causing my leg swell up like an balloon." (Hurricane Ivan - Pensacola, Florida - September 2004)
The explorations were carried out over lonely highways where you were lucky to see another chaser on any given spring day. Unfortunately, this would all change as the once hidden concept
of storm chasing was exposed to millions via motion pictures, cable television shows and social media. Suddenly, the abandoned highways were filled with hundres of vehicles -- often clogging
roads while pursuing storms with dangerous, agressive behavior. The world of storm chasing finally faced reality after four storm chasers were killed and a crew from The Weather Channel was
struck by a massive
tornado near El Reno, Oklahoma in May of 2013. Despite
the sharp rise in chase-related deaths and injuries often caused by agressive chasing behavior, the majority of
modern day chasers conduct
their adventures in a responsible manner."
a small farming community, suffering almost complete destruction by a large F4 tornado. It was a humbling experience for a young photojournalsit turned professional storm
photographer. The next morning, as I walked though the shattered landscape, a woman pointed out this fork embedded into a tree trunk, carried from where her home once
stood. She survived by hiding in a broom closet, the only part of her home left standing. Many people were not so lucky as the twister killed 30 people. This tragic toll also
included a large number of children attending a graduation ceremony. I swore that day I would give something back while chasing. Keeping my promise, I eventually earned
my State EMT certification so I could assit with future disasters.
winter wonderland."
Buffelgrass helped fuel the fire and assisted in igniting hundreds of Arizona's famous saguaro cacti, many that had stood for hundreds of years.
home after a long chase season in 2004. After a few weeks recovery...... I can't wait until next spring!
Warning! All images are copyright Warren Faidley. Copyright abuse is strictly enforced.
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