Laney Cole, a New Jersey-based photographer, has evolved from documenting human stories through event and portrait photography to capturing nature’s raw power in the form of storms and skyscapes. Her growing fascination with extreme weather has led her to pursue storm chasing, with plans to head to the U.S. plains in 2026 to photograph tornadoes up close.

In this conversation, Laney reflects on her shift toward storm photography and the deep sense of awe that drives her creative process. She shares how patience, timing, and intuition play vital roles in capturing fleeting moments when the atmosphere reveals its strength and elegance. From the unpredictable drama of thunderheads to the delicate interplay of light across turbulent skies, Laney’s images portray both the chaos and artistry of weather.

She also discusses the sense of camaraderie among storm chasers and her involvement in the Storm Society Discord community—a hub for photographers passionate about documenting the power of nature. Laney offers valuable insights into techniques for safely photographing storms, her creative approach to post-processing, and how she continues to refine her artistic vision.

For Laney, storm photography is more than documentation—it’s a fusion of science, art, and emotion, a way to explore humanity’s connection to nature’s most dramatic forces.

I hope you enjoy the show!

You can find Laney’s work here:

BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/stimpycole.bsky.social

Listen to this and other episodes wherever you find your podcasts or on https://grantswinbournephotography.com/lpw-podcast

Or subscribe to my YouTube channel https://youtube.com/@grantswinbournephotography

Theme music: Liturgy Of The Street by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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