How to Protect Your Camera and Gear During a Thunderstorm

Storm chasing is one of the few times photography feels like a sport. You’re exposed to wind, dust, and rain, and you need to move fast. Keeping your equipment safe means planning for both the obvious and the subtle threats.

1. Keep your distance

Rule number one: no photo is worth getting struck. Stay miles, not yards, from active cells. Lightning can travel horizontally for several miles before striking.

2. Ground precautions

Avoid setting up on hilltops, open fields, or next to isolated metal structures. Use your vehicle as a base when possible. Cars act as Faraday cages, dispersing current safely around you.

3. Weatherproofing

Even weather-sealed cameras benefit from protection. A simple rain sleeve or a clear plastic bag with a rubber band around the lens hood can save your day. For your lightning trigger, check that all ports are sealed and cables face downward to shed water.

4. Power management

Humidity and cold drain batteries faster. Keep spares in a dry bag and charge everything before heading out. Use power banks if you’re running timelapses or the trigger for long sessions.

5. Drying out

If your gear gets wet, don’t panic. Remove batteries immediately and let everything air-dry indoors. Avoid using heat; slow drying prevents mineral deposits or fog inside lenses.

Protecting your camera doesn’t mean avoiding the storm—it means respecting it. If you plan ahead, your equipment will last for years of chases.