Teen Meteorology Enthusiast Captures Rare Storm Photo Shoot in Arizona
A 17-year-old Pennsylvania student turned her fascination with weather into a photo shoot, capturing senior portraits amid a monsoon storm in Arizona. The experience, described by storm chaser and photographer Mike Olbinski as “my favorite photo shoot of all time,” highlights a combining of outdoor adventure with academic passion.
The Unlikely Storm Chase
Lilly Jankowski, who plans to study meteorology in college, traveled to Phoenix over the weekend with her parents, knowing the chances of severe weather were low. “I was like, Lilly, you brought the luck because the odds of you being here for a slight risk, pretty insane,” Olbinski said, referencing the Storm Prediction Center’s designation of “slight risk” for the area—a designation Olbinski said occurs roughly twice a year.
The pair spotted a haboob, or dust storm, around 6 p.m. southwest of Casa Grande. Olbinski continued photographing Jankowski as the wall of dust approached, capturing the moment she sprinted to safety. “I kept taking her picture because I was like, this is cool,” he recalled. They escaped just in time for a “four-point turn” to avoid the storm.
From Hobby to Career Path
Jankowski’s adventure reaffirmed her passion for meteorology. “I never thought I’d actually be doing this. Like I never thought I’d be running from a storm,” she said. Her top college choice is Arizona State University.
Olbinski, who combines portrait work with storm chasing, noted, “If you Google, probably like weddings, senior photos, family photos, and storms, I’m probably one of the only people that’s going to come up for that.”
Weather Photography Trends and Risks
Did You Know?
Arizona’s monsoons can create dramatic dust storms known as haboobs.
Pro Tips for Aspiring Storm Chasers
FAQ: Storm Photography and Meteorology Careers
Why would someone chase storms for photos?
How does this relate to meteorology studies?
Looking Ahead: The Future of Weather-Related Careers
Explore more stories about weather and education
Worth a look