Photographer Survives Severe Storms to Capture Dramatic Images of Waves on Lake Erie

When most people see a storm approaching, they seek shelter inside their homes. Trevor Pottelberg, on the other hand. The photographer from Ontario specializes in landscape, wildlife, and astrophotography, but she is particularly fond of waves. His proximity to Lake Erie allows him to fly over whenever he hears of an impending storm, knowing he’ll be in for an adventure.

Pottelberg had to contend with winds of up to 60 miles per hour while taking these photographs. Pottelberg digs in and braves the elements by staying low to the ground with his equipment. All of this is in the hopes of capturing the power and beauty of the massive swells that emerge from Lake Erie.

“The stronger the storm, the more eager I am to get out there and capture new artwork,” Pottelberg says. “Most people seek shelter during these storms, but I welcome the opportunity to face them head on.”

Pottelberg has been able to take pictures of the waves throughout various storms, including during the sun setting. In these instances, the fiery orange sky and the icy blue spray make for an interesting contrast. These photos create an intriguing contrast with others where the sky is painted an ominous deep blue.

While Pottelberg is aware that there is a risk involved in taking these pictures—he suffers permanent nerve damage as a result of his storm-chasing—he feels that it is well worth it to show others the beauty of nature. The greatest compliment for him, he admits, “is when people see my work and thank me for braving Mother Nature’s wrath from the safety of their own home.”

Photographer Trevor Pottelberg loves capturing Lake Erie’s incredible waves during storms.

He’s photographed storm waves at all times of the day, sometimes enduring winds of up to 60 miles per hour.

For him, the risk is well worth it in order to show off the power and beauty of mother nature.

“The more intense the storm, the more excited I am to get out there and capture new artwork.”

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