Our Colours of Croatia series aims to bring you the many 'shades' of Croatia through the lens of different photographers; this week we bring you storm chaser Sandro Puncet.
Summer has been hot and quite frankly quite brutal this year but with the approach of Autumn, I would say most of us are ready for some cooler temperatures. After such an intense summer, the recent grey skies, storms, and even rain are more than welcomed by us locals. Actually, there is [almost] nothing I love more than sitting on my terrace which overlooks the Brač channel and watching storms pass through, add a glass of red wine and you have a perfect evening.
If you are still on holiday in Croatia or planning to come sailing in September, don’t fret, while the weather is changeable and there have been the recent storms and rain – these ‘summer storms’ tend to pass just as quickly as they came. But, before they disappear, they can put on quite a performance.
Photos by Sandro Puncet – ‘storm chaser’ recently captured my attention and imagination, which is exactly why I wanted to share them with you all. While we all love images of dreamy destinations, turquoise waters, and endless sunsets… we cannot forget about the ‘dark’, fierce and powerful side of mother nature, which is just as riveting and awe-inspiring. Without further ado, here are storms at sea, but Sandro Puncet.
"A strong storm developed near Lošinj, but only the flashes in the cloud and some blue lightning were seen in the rain. I waited patiently and it paid off, nature again posed for me."
"Heavenly spell at twilight" in Losinj.
"Dance of lightning on the open sea" (Losinj)
"The storm cloud that passed close to Osor after which a strong bura wind picked up, it was almost impossible to shoot with such a wind ..." (in Osor)
Ok, I couldn't resist, it may not be a storm, but how spectacular is this?! The Milky Way over Losinj.
"Beautiful, isolated storm clouds on the open sea at dawn" (Losinj)
"Crazy skies in Miholašćica"
And now for the grand finale, less lightning, and more cloud-play. Check out this 'Arcus' shelf cloud below. “Arcus clouds typically form along the leading edge or ‘gust front’ of thunderstorm outflow” (Wikipedia). To me, they literally look like powerful waves in the sky - not the type you want to surf but the kind you should get well out of their way!
Many thanks to Sandro Puncet for sharing your talent and your images with us, to see more from Sandro, visit his official page here. But before you go, here is a breath-taking storm in motion for you, courtesy of Sandro...
