Photographer Mike Olbinski traverses thousands of miles through the Great Plains in pursuit of stunning supercell storms, capturing nature’s wildest moments in unforgettable time-lapse videos.
When spring storms sweep across the southern U.S. plains, the signs are unmistakable: green-hued skies, hail like marbles, and the low growl of distant thunder. While most people find shelter, Mike Olbinski finds purpose. From a young age, he was transfixed by storms, and today, that fascination drives him through thousands of miles chasing the elusive beauty of supercell thunderstorms. In 25 days, Olbinski covered over 25,000 miles across Colorado, Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Iowa, Minnesota, and South Dakota.
His goal? Capture spellbinding time-lapses of rotating supercells—what he calls “gorgeous beasts” that defy logic with their perfectly circular formations. He shoots each time-lapse with 600 to 800 exposures taken seconds apart, revealing storm movement invisible to the naked eye. Olbinski relies on radar apps, GPS, and a laptop rigged to his truck to track storm size, speed, and trajectory. While dangers like lightning and wind are real, it’s actually reckless driving and overcrowded roads—caused by what’s now called “chaser convergence”—that pose the greatest risk.
As storm chasing grows in popularity and becomes a booming tourism industry, public safety officials are raising concerns. Despite the challenges, Olbinski continues to chase—not just out of love, but also as a business. He offers guided tours and workshops, and his cinematic storm footage is used in commercials and documentaries. With storm season in full swing, Olbinski is once again behind the wheel, hunting for that next breathtaking shot under the thunderous skies of the Great Plains. “It’s an addiction,” he says. “I can’t help but chase.”
