Image leaves photographer thunderstruck

Sitting atop Bluff Knoll in the middle of a thunderstorm is something Jordy Maxwell, 26, will never forget.

It was a case of the right place at the right time, when he captured an incredible image during a thunderstorm on Saturday, February 27.

Mr Maxwell said he decided to head south from Perth for the weekend in his van, with his dog, and climb the bluff.

“I had an idea in my head that I would climb Bluff at sunset, and given the moon phases, I would try get an epic star photo from the top,” he said.

“I made it to Bluff at 4pm, a bit early, with two cameras, tripod, food, jumper, and two water bottles.

“I reached the top; I’d given up any chance of the star shot, so I just took a few photos.”

It was then that Mr Maxwell noticed the approaching thunderstorm from the north-west.

“The storm was creeping closer, I thought maybe I could catch some lightning,” he said.

Mr Maxwell had broken the remote for his camera so decided to use a timer to capture a shot with himself in it.

“I had to set the timer, run to the edge, sit down, but there would be no lightning, so I’d have to hop up and repeat,” he said.

“The storm got closer and it got darker; the wind started dying off.

“The thunder was deafening it was cracking off the mountains and the lightning was so bright, and felt awfully close.

“I didn’t have time to check if I’d captured the lightning on camera.

“If I’m honest, I was absolutely terrified, but felt so alive, easily one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

“It’s definitely a story for the camp fire for years to come.”