Storms in Nebraska

Camille Seaman’s “LP Supercell” photograph is a panoramic view of the beautiful but deadly storms that hit the Midwest each year. Usually, Seaman works with icebergs and the disappearance that the climate has caused, but she wanted to see the effect climate change was having on different parts of the world. Seaman’s photographs illustrate the interconnectivity of all things in the world by showing the frightening power of a single storm cloud. The photographs use of light contrast and rule of thirds composition convey the monstrosity of the storm and capture the brilliance and power of Mother Nature.

The photograph captures the storm’s raw power and intensity by focusing on the strong contrast between the light shades of the sky and the dark ominous cloud looming over Nebraska. By focusing on the sky’s contrast, the dark shades of the cloud in the photograph imply the clouds ruthlessness. Also, it conveys to the audience how quickly the storm is moving to cover up what was once a beautiful sky. The light shades behind the cloud contrast the deep ominous tones and illustrate the brilliance and beauty that the storm is disturbing. The sunlight also reflects against the cloud revealing the depth of the storm causing the photograph to become more 3-dimensional. By adding depth to the photograph the storm becomes more real to the audience and through depth reveals the magnitude of the storm. By focusing on the contrast between light and dark shades in the sky, the photograph captures the power, size, and agility the storm possesses.  

Furthermore, the rule of thirds composition in the photograph displays the cloud as the focal point. The majority of the picture is the sky, which illustrates the dominance of the cloud in the scene. As well as, the large size of the cloud implies supremacy over the land and astonishment that the cloud could be so huge, especially compared to the miniscule farm at the bottom of the photo. The cloud commands respect in the photograph because it is the focal point, and the audience is naturally drawn to it. But, it also illustrates to the audience that the cloud has the power in the situation and that the small farm and little sunlight are insignificant once the storm unleashes its weapons.

The photograph, “LP Supercell” by Camille Seaman, uses light contrast and rule of thirds composition to show the chaos of the storm and also captures the brilliance and power of the Earth. By photographing the big storms, the audience can see the outcome of climate change and the interconnectivity of all aspects in the world.