I have been there... It is so hard when you have been running all day for the moment. In being there firsthand... I try to critique the way I come across and it is still hard to master the video cam in these situations.. I guess you have to be out there for yourself to see and experience the intensity that a tornadic event entails... I always crack up at my video when i see it after the fact... Since we are a research chase team.. I don't have a problem with that.. Just glad that the video we got of the Kalvesta ranch destruction came across well.. It is not very often you see a farm just gone in seconds from such a close range.

In conclusion? It is hard to remain calm in such an intense situation. All the teams efforts in getting prime video is amazing!

I used to shoot lucha libre wrestling in Mexico. Bodies flying through the ropes, beer and oranges being tossed, several riots.
I figured if I wasn't in control anyway, just commit to the camera totally.

If you're not the driver, doesn't seem like there is anything you can do.

Mordrik wrote:
Heidi Farrar wrote:
** This thread discusses the content article: INCREDIBLE tornado day in southeast Nebraska! June 17, 2009! **



I'm sure it's intense being out there, but the videos always look like a 5th grader took 'em or some guy learning his new video camera on vacation. I'd like to see a decent steady shot. So much time, effort, and money spent for herky jerky adrenaline filled poor shots, zoom in zoom out etc.....come on. Let the tornado fill the screen with action not the cameraman's inability to hold a steady shot. Monopod? Maybe prop it on the car? Learn to hold the camera still? Nice tornado. Crummy video as too often.

Just a thought, but I would imagine it's a bit hard to steady a hand-held camera in an 80 plus RFD.
I wasn't out there near that bear, so, I'll take what I can get here in the safety of my computer chair.

~Jo~

Well said. Thanks for the input. I have seen some real fine footage from Reed. Would just like to see more emphasis on first rate HD quality instead of yet another haphazard random series of erratic nervous shots. All you have is the moment. If one is going to videotape, one must quell the emotions for the good of the final product. Even some shots of the 911 disaster were steady and powerful. These stormchasers should know enough to know when they begin to shoot, at least get some good footage. This last video, though a tremendous tornado, is frustrating and dizzying to watch. Stomachchasers.

I wouldnt normally enter a post if i felt i was in any way going to be confrontational but i feel the comments made about the quality of the footage are just plain out of order.

These guys are VERY close to something that could just pick them up, dump them where it felt and then its game over.
They were pushing themselves to the very edge of their nerves and the very limits to what was safe. And that was being done to give US that footage.
Just how close were they ?!
And the speeds within that Tornado were ?!
And the RFD was how fast ?! 80 mph+ !!
And of course they knew exactly what direction the Tornado would take ??

Seriously, this is filming mother nature at the peak of her ferocity and power. There are not many more ways you could put yourself in such a perilous situation in pursuit of the weather.
These things destroy and kill, a bit blunt but fact.

If you want A1 footage then yes, tripod ect ect, probably taken from a safe position with use of zoom to give you that up close feel.
To expect that sort of quality when so close to a powerful Tornado ????
Every decision made by those guys at that time is vital to be able to even live to show the footage.

Im sorry if thats now turned into a rant but these guys really do put their lives on the line to obtain things like this.

And to then sit from a afar and complain that its not shot well enough...this isnt filming a sunrise sat on a beach you know.....

Good job guys.

Since Vortex 2 is off the roads (The Vortex 2 curse), now tornadoes are happening. Good job guys!

Again, very appropriate comments and I have never been upclose so can only try to appreciate what it would be like and personally don't go looking. However, given the equipment and forecasting knowledge these chasers have to avoid getting in front of one, I believe the final product can be improved. It looks more like some beered-up Okie yehaw side-slingers taking their first video shots than some seasoned professionals. Decent footage of the powerlines going down and exploding...missed it as far as I'm concerned though they were there to get it. No excuse for continued video looking like this. Rapidly zooming in and out and waving the camera up and down and back and forth. Just settle in on a shot and hold it a few seconds. Basic 101 video. You can edit later but not if the whole thing is wild. Remember, these guys choose to do this in order to get great video and they could and should improve radically. They've done it enough to try and control the adrenaline for the good of the shot.

Going back to my original thoughts of reply to this post.

Firstly well done to Reed and the guys on what must have been one of their best days yet. Worried to hear they were injured and of course hope that theres nothing too serious.
To get 4,yep FOUR intercepts is a truly incredible achievment !
And to also get the RC Super Hauler to deploy probes as well just makes it all the more amazing.

As for the video, i guess my views are known on that already.

One other point, the filming of Season 3 had already finished ?
But surely this is a must to be added somehow ?

Well done to you all

Modrik, i really do not like some of your comments now.
Just plain ignorant and insulting.
You just dont see it do you.

YOU SUMMED IT UP WITH THE VERY FIRST LINE OF YOUR LAST POST.
YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN UP CLOSE OR IN " THAT" SITUATION.

Just about says it all, hey get a camera and have a go !
We will then comment on your results !!

I enjoy using this site very much so i will not continue to read or reply to any further posts by yourself because to be honest im going to let myself down here.

Beered up Okie yehaw side-slingers
Very constructive of you.

Enough !

I don't get it, Mordrik. Is someone forcing you to watch the video you find so annoying? If my standards were as high as yours, I just wouldn't watch.

I assume that the vast majority of storm chasers are interested in capturing the highest quality video they can given their experience, skill and training, the equipment available to them and the circumstances under which they're recording.

Not everyone is Steven Spielburg. Not eveveryone has access to an HD camera with stabilized imaging. And I could certainly be wrong, but my impression is that there often isn't enough time to correctly set up and frame a shot to obtain the best possible video.

I'm glad that TVN and others are out in the field putting their lives on the line to help warn the public and to develop a better understanding of tornadoes. That we get to see what they see from the comfort of our couches is an added bonus.