The Fury

A friend just sent me a link to some natural disaster photography which is somewhat unbelievable looking. The details in the real beasts (in comparison to those in movies) are impressive; the way sand and dirt haloes around them, the many forms the lightning takes as it branches down. It's rather exacting and harmonious, while also intimidating.
These images make one wonder how the photogs got the shot; the pros seem to have an understanding of how the things move and lash out that allows to shoot at the right moment. I particularly like the photos of the very textured, bulbous cloudy skies, wish I could find some in California.