Skip Talbot
EF5
Please use this thread to find and link up with chase partners for the 2010 chase season. Remember, don't post your address, phone number, or other personal details here for safety's sake. Please use the PM feature for that.
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After witnessing the continued decrease of involvement in the SpotterNetwork staff in serving SN members with troubleshooting issues recently, I have unilaterally decided to terminate the relationship between SpotterNetwork's support and Stormtrack. I have witnessed multiple users unable to receive support weeks after initiating help threads on the forum. I find this lack of response from SpotterNetwork officials disappointing and a failure to hold up their end of the agreement that was made years ago, before I took over management of this site. In my opinion, having Stormtrack users sit and wait for so long to receive help on SpotterNetwork issues on the Stormtrack forums reflects poorly not only on SpotterNetwork, but on Stormtrack and (by association) me as well. Since the issue has not been satisfactorily addressed, I no longer wish for the Stormtrack forum to be associated with SpotterNetwork.
I apologize to those who continue to have issues with the service and continue to see their issues left unaddressed. Please understand that the connection between ST and SN was put in place long before I had any say over it. But now that I am the "captain of this ship," it is within my right (nay, duty) to make adjustments as I see necessary. Ending this relationship is such an adjustment.
For those who continue to need help, I recommend navigating a web browswer to SpotterNetwork's About page, and seeking the individuals listed on that page for all further inquiries about SpotterNetwork.
From this moment forward, the SpotterNetwork sub-forum has been hidden/deleted and there will be no assurance that any SpotterNetwork issues brought up in any of Stormtrack's other sub-forums will be addressed. Do not rely on Stormtrack for help with SpotterNetwork issues.
Sincerely, Jeff D.
Chase Partner Thread 2010
- Thread starter Skip Talbot
- Start date
- Status
Kate Pfeister
EF0
I apologize if this is the tenth time someone has seen this, but hopefully its not too repetitive yet!
My name is Katelyn Pfeister and I am a senior photography student as Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois.
For my final credits of my degree, I have been given the opportunity by SIUC to photograph a documentary series on storm chasing, tornadoes, and the effects that weather has on towns and families in the Midwest for an independent study course from January 2010 to August 2010.Growing up in the Midwest, tornadoes and severe weather have always fascinated me, and I am extremely excited and honored to have been given this opportunity by my college.
I will be researching weather and tornadoes until the spring, when I hope to join as many teams of storm chasers as I can, and document their experiences through summer. I'll be studying by textbook, as well as online and getting trained in Skywarn and refreshing my first aid and CPR certifications. If I am able to get enough time out chasing, I am hoping to publish a book of photographs including my images. I have never been storm chasing, but have been fascinated for years.
This documentary is not about the tornadoes! While that would be an excellent bonus, this documentary is about the differences between storm chasing teams (scientific VS. spotters, younger VS. older teams, large groups VS small, etc.) as well as the social impact that tornadoes have on communities in the United States. (basically, I'm trying to state that while I find tornadoes absolutely fascinating, I am not a new "Storm Chasers" fanatic looking for a free ride out chasing...)
While I am working with Southern Illinois University to try and obtain undergraduate grant money, the likelihood of this happening is very slim. SIUC is currently under a spending freeze, and there is talk that the university may not be able to make payroll for faculty, staff, and student workers, including myself. Therefore I cannot afford to simply pay for a tour group. I am aggressively writing letters and emails to as many people in the scientific, academic, and media communities as I can including local and Chicago news stations, as well as scientists and professors who have participated in this project in the past (I see a few familiar names around here...).
I'm not above camping (love it actually, have own gear) or sleeping on hotel floors (a chaser suggest I add that, awesome idea!). I don't complain, am a dedicated individual, and am driven by adrenaline and things that normally scare the daylights out of people (I love to skydive).
Ideally, I would love to dedicate my entire spring/summer bumping around different groups of storm chasers, as a few of you have graciously offered me spots on your teams (I cannot THANK YOU ENOUGH!). I am always looking for more teams that can help me out (I can give you or your team copies of photos for your own promotional use in return, help drive, whatever will help you out).
If anyone would be willing to help me out with this documentary, I would greatly appreciate it. I am hoping that this documentary will launch me into my career as a photographer (wherever that may be, although I am trained in traditional studio/commercial/portraiture).
You can also follow this project online at http://katelynpfeister.blogspot.com/ (under construction for now)
Very Sincerely,
Katelyn Pfeister
[email protected]
NOTE: SIUC is allowing me to take their equipment into the field with me. This includes the following equipment (plus more not listed):
-Multiple Canon 30D digital cameras (and up)
-Multiple Canon "L" glass, and non L glass lenses (wide angle too!)
-360 degree tripod (allowing for 360 degree photographs in one image)
-multiple heavy duty professional tripods and monopods
-35mm, 120mm, and large format film cameras, with digital backs
-multiple flash strobe heads, stands, and set up
(This is off the top of my head... I WON'T BE BRINGING THIS ALL, its and idea of what I have access to, and I'll have access to a lot more....)
-I am also in the process of getting permission to take a high end HD camera from the cinema department to capture footage, if given the chance.
Finally, I'd just like to say that this is legit. I've talked to a few people on here (for a great length of time I might add), so a few of you have become quite familiar with me and my endeavors. Please post so others don't think I'm crazy.
Thanks again! -Katelyn
My name is Katelyn Pfeister and I am a senior photography student as Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois.
For my final credits of my degree, I have been given the opportunity by SIUC to photograph a documentary series on storm chasing, tornadoes, and the effects that weather has on towns and families in the Midwest for an independent study course from January 2010 to August 2010.Growing up in the Midwest, tornadoes and severe weather have always fascinated me, and I am extremely excited and honored to have been given this opportunity by my college.
I will be researching weather and tornadoes until the spring, when I hope to join as many teams of storm chasers as I can, and document their experiences through summer. I'll be studying by textbook, as well as online and getting trained in Skywarn and refreshing my first aid and CPR certifications. If I am able to get enough time out chasing, I am hoping to publish a book of photographs including my images. I have never been storm chasing, but have been fascinated for years.
This documentary is not about the tornadoes! While that would be an excellent bonus, this documentary is about the differences between storm chasing teams (scientific VS. spotters, younger VS. older teams, large groups VS small, etc.) as well as the social impact that tornadoes have on communities in the United States. (basically, I'm trying to state that while I find tornadoes absolutely fascinating, I am not a new "Storm Chasers" fanatic looking for a free ride out chasing...)
While I am working with Southern Illinois University to try and obtain undergraduate grant money, the likelihood of this happening is very slim. SIUC is currently under a spending freeze, and there is talk that the university may not be able to make payroll for faculty, staff, and student workers, including myself. Therefore I cannot afford to simply pay for a tour group. I am aggressively writing letters and emails to as many people in the scientific, academic, and media communities as I can including local and Chicago news stations, as well as scientists and professors who have participated in this project in the past (I see a few familiar names around here...).
I'm not above camping (love it actually, have own gear) or sleeping on hotel floors (a chaser suggest I add that, awesome idea!). I don't complain, am a dedicated individual, and am driven by adrenaline and things that normally scare the daylights out of people (I love to skydive).
Ideally, I would love to dedicate my entire spring/summer bumping around different groups of storm chasers, as a few of you have graciously offered me spots on your teams (I cannot THANK YOU ENOUGH!). I am always looking for more teams that can help me out (I can give you or your team copies of photos for your own promotional use in return, help drive, whatever will help you out).
If anyone would be willing to help me out with this documentary, I would greatly appreciate it. I am hoping that this documentary will launch me into my career as a photographer (wherever that may be, although I am trained in traditional studio/commercial/portraiture).
You can also follow this project online at http://katelynpfeister.blogspot.com/ (under construction for now)
Very Sincerely,
Katelyn Pfeister
[email protected]
NOTE: SIUC is allowing me to take their equipment into the field with me. This includes the following equipment (plus more not listed):
-Multiple Canon 30D digital cameras (and up)
-Multiple Canon "L" glass, and non L glass lenses (wide angle too!)
-360 degree tripod (allowing for 360 degree photographs in one image)
-multiple heavy duty professional tripods and monopods
-35mm, 120mm, and large format film cameras, with digital backs
-multiple flash strobe heads, stands, and set up
(This is off the top of my head... I WON'T BE BRINGING THIS ALL, its and idea of what I have access to, and I'll have access to a lot more....)
-I am also in the process of getting permission to take a high end HD camera from the cinema department to capture footage, if given the chance.
Finally, I'd just like to say that this is legit. I've talked to a few people on here (for a great length of time I might add), so a few of you have become quite familiar with me and my endeavors. Please post so others don't think I'm crazy.
Thanks again! -Katelyn
Last edited by a moderator:
James Weatherman
EF0
NEED A CHASE PARTNER
Looking for a chaser partner. I do live in Kansas and willing to travel to meet someone to chase. I don't have much in the way of equipment at this time. I am working getting my laptop set up with GRLevel3 and GPS. I have an old suburban that I was going to use but needs some work before I would trust it much. I have chased for a long time but never done much forecasting and would like to get with someone that could help me learn the ropes. I have taken several meteorology classes but they have been more of the basic stuff. I have a couple classes completed from Penn State in forecasting. I have an old Rebel 2000 EOS camera, a Sony Digital camera and a couple small camcorders. I am hoping to get a mobile HAM radio and get my license shortly there after if not before.
I am really looking forward to chasing with someone that is experience to learn from. I did not get out much last year other then some local storms so really want to jump in this year and get some good chasing in.
If anyone is interested please contact me and if you have any additional question please feel free to contact me.
James
Looking for a chaser partner. I do live in Kansas and willing to travel to meet someone to chase. I don't have much in the way of equipment at this time. I am working getting my laptop set up with GRLevel3 and GPS. I have an old suburban that I was going to use but needs some work before I would trust it much. I have chased for a long time but never done much forecasting and would like to get with someone that could help me learn the ropes. I have taken several meteorology classes but they have been more of the basic stuff. I have a couple classes completed from Penn State in forecasting. I have an old Rebel 2000 EOS camera, a Sony Digital camera and a couple small camcorders. I am hoping to get a mobile HAM radio and get my license shortly there after if not before.
I am really looking forward to chasing with someone that is experience to learn from. I did not get out much last year other then some local storms so really want to jump in this year and get some good chasing in.
If anyone is interested please contact me and if you have any additional question please feel free to contact me.
James
Rob Wadsworth
EF5
I didn't have a chase partner my first two seasons/last two years. But if anyone wants to split gas cost - I will give it a go. I will be in the Storm Lake IA area first week in May, and will be out there for a month. Or longer; if the storm season is persistent.
I have a Honda CR-V '08 (~32mpg/fwy!) and a laptop, GR3, cell phone/internet, Ham/CB radios, DeLorme GPS, and 400 watt power inverter. You reall don't need to bring anything - except your own essentials. I have Rebel XT and some lenses; If you have a video cam - this may work out. I am a new spotter/chaser; so anyone who is at my level or greater can give me PM and we can sort it out. If you are Ham - even better! Especially if you have a solid GR3 understanding and I drive (fully insured). Don't want to catch any severe hail cores; I want to keep this vehicle in relative decent shape if possible...
I have a Honda CR-V '08 (~32mpg/fwy!) and a laptop, GR3, cell phone/internet, Ham/CB radios, DeLorme GPS, and 400 watt power inverter. You reall don't need to bring anything - except your own essentials. I have Rebel XT and some lenses; If you have a video cam - this may work out. I am a new spotter/chaser; so anyone who is at my level or greater can give me PM and we can sort it out. If you are Ham - even better! Especially if you have a solid GR3 understanding and I drive (fully insured). Don't want to catch any severe hail cores; I want to keep this vehicle in relative decent shape if possible...
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Chris Heater
EF3
I'm looking to chase with someone that has experience. I have a person that is my "radar" person in my truck already...but he has only half a year of experience (he is pretty good though navigating). I know a bit about storm structure but nowhere near what some of the veterans know. So...I'm looking to link up with someone, not necessarily a "veteran", but with more experience than me. It's better to learn from someone who has done it much longer than I have. We'll be chasing much more often in 2010 than we did this year.
If anyone is interested, just let me know. As what I have posted elsewhere, we are armoring our vehicle against hail damage so no worries about windows shattering
If anyone is interested, just let me know. As what I have posted elsewhere, we are armoring our vehicle against hail damage so no worries about windows shattering
Mark Ellinwood
EF2
I'm new to chasing, but if I find the time and money to chase in the upcoming season I would like to team up with an experienced chaser.
I don't have a "chase ready" vehicle or any weather gear to contribute at the moment, but I do have a Met. degree (BS in Atmos. Sci. with one semester of grad. school), and I specialize in forecasting and mesoscale meteorology. Also, I love driving as well as photography, so you could put me wherever you want to (driver/forecaster/navigator/photographer/spotter/...deployer?). I will bring my own public-friendly digital camera and HD camcorder (i.e. not the kinds that are ideal for storm chasing) should I find them to be useful.
I don't have a "chase ready" vehicle or any weather gear to contribute at the moment, but I do have a Met. degree (BS in Atmos. Sci. with one semester of grad. school), and I specialize in forecasting and mesoscale meteorology. Also, I love driving as well as photography, so you could put me wherever you want to (driver/forecaster/navigator/photographer/spotter/...deployer?). I will bring my own public-friendly digital camera and HD camcorder (i.e. not the kinds that are ideal for storm chasing) should I find them to be useful.
Kate Pfeister
EF0
I am also looking for anyone that is chasing with the vortex 2 team. I'll be joining them for some time and hoping that someone might be driving or flying in to catch up with them.
Not sure how I'm going to get there yet, so wondering if there is anyone out there that might be able to help or give suggestions.
thanks,
Kate
Not sure how I'm going to get there yet, so wondering if there is anyone out there that might be able to help or give suggestions.
thanks,
Kate
Robert Edmonds
EF5
Ok, I'll throw this out there. I will be chasing for ~2-3 weeks starting around May 10. Hopefully, there won't be a big high parked over the plains again like last time 
. If you're interested in coming along you're welcome to PM me. I usually just ask that you split the cost of gas, hotel. I have most of the gadgets, and drive an X-terra.
. If you're interested in coming along you're welcome to PM me. I usually just ask that you split the cost of gas, hotel. I have most of the gadgets, and drive an X-terra.Matt Gingery
HELLO ALL!! I have informally asked Rdale
to be my chase partner this coming season. If he decides not to do so I will probably drop into a deep deep depression for many many days. That being said, anyone who would like to chase along with myself and the group of privateers I chase with feel free to drop me a PM. I always enjoy chasing with new people. I am home based out of Springfield, Missouri with access to meet and greet anywhere. I would like to wish the best of luck to everyone this coming season!!!
to be my chase partner this coming season. If he decides not to do so I will probably drop into a deep deep depression for many many days. That being said, anyone who would like to chase along with myself and the group of privateers I chase with feel free to drop me a PM. I always enjoy chasing with new people. I am home based out of Springfield, Missouri with access to meet and greet anywhere. I would like to wish the best of luck to everyone this coming season!!!
Matt Grans
EF0
Hello to All. I am a Photographer who has been trying to get out to the central plains for the last three years. Looks like 2010 will finally be the year that I do it. That said, I'm hoping to team up with like minded chasers who don't mind pulling over every now and then to shoot storm structure as well as getting close to tornadic action.
I'll be arriving in either OKC or Tulsa around April 4th and will be chasing for a week and a half. I'm an easy to get along with 45 year old who travels light and can help with expenses and can trade off driving and has a keen second sense when it comes to storms.
I'll be arriving in either OKC or Tulsa around April 4th and will be chasing for a week and a half. I'm an easy to get along with 45 year old who travels light and can help with expenses and can trade off driving and has a keen second sense when it comes to storms.
Shawn Gossman
Supporter
Looking for people in southern IL to form chase group!
Sorry if I didn't post this is the right section but I thought this one was appropriate.
I have recently created a group or team for storm chasing in southern Illinois and interested in getting more people involved. Right now its just me and it gets pretty boring with just me chasing because I tend to talk to myself a lot oh I mean the video camera, yeah thats what I meant
But if anyone in my area is interested at all, please reply
For my experience, I am no Meteorologist and I am still trying to get all the terms down and what have you... but I have been chasing since age 13 (im 25 now) and I have been a SKYWARN storm spotter for about 8 years... This is mainly a big hobby to me... although, I chase to help warn people of disaster, I also (like all chasers) do it for the rush and thrill of toying with such destructive events
Sorry if I didn't post this is the right section but I thought this one was appropriate.
I have recently created a group or team for storm chasing in southern Illinois and interested in getting more people involved. Right now its just me and it gets pretty boring with just me chasing because I tend to talk to myself a lot oh I mean the video camera, yeah thats what I meant
But if anyone in my area is interested at all, please reply
For my experience, I am no Meteorologist and I am still trying to get all the terms down and what have you... but I have been chasing since age 13 (im 25 now) and I have been a SKYWARN storm spotter for about 8 years... This is mainly a big hobby to me... although, I chase to help warn people of disaster, I also (like all chasers) do it for the rush and thrill of toying with such destructive events
Kate Pfeister
EF0
Sorry if I didn't post this is the right section but I thought this one was appropriate.
I have recently created a group or team for storm chasing in southern Illinois and interested in getting more people involved. Right now its just me and it gets pretty boring with just me chasing because I tend to talk to myself a lot oh I mean the video camera, yeah thats what I meant
But if anyone in my area is interested at all, please reply
For my experience, I am no Meteorologist and I am still trying to get all the terms down and what have you... but I have been chasing since age 13 (im 25 now) and I have been a SKYWARN storm spotter for about 8 years... This is mainly a big hobby to me... although, I chase to help warn people of disaster, I also (like all chasers) do it for the rush and thrill of toying with such destructive events
YES!!!!! Shawn, I live in CARBONDALE! I'm 23, and doing a photo-documentary on storm chasers/ storm chasing this spring/summer... I'd be totally down for this group... so let me know! I also posted a long letter at the beginning of this thread that really explains everything...
I'll be gone with Vortex2 from May till June 15thish, but I'll be around Carbondale before and after that watching for weather to move through... keep in touch!
--Kate
Jeff Hawkins
EF3
I'm going to be chasing in the upcoming season between 4/15 and 7/15/10, as forecasts and work allows. I'm based in the Chicago area, and expect to go anywhere from Texas to Colorado to Nebraska, as the forecast demands.
Of course I'd love to chase with someone who's over 21, with meteorology and storm chasing experience. I can meet you wherever you are at, if it's on the way out to a target.
I'm also interested in teaming up with inexperienced but mature chasers too, who want to "chase on the cheap" and save money by spreading the costs.
As far as chasing temperament goes, I look to being safe as first priority (in honor of Fabian Guerra, who mentored me until he was killed unexpectedly in 2009). I will divert away from any situation that doesn't feel safe, even if it means missing a tornado...the idea being that there will always be more opportunities. If you are looking for the maximum thrill, I'm probably not the guy for you. But if you are interested in maximum thrill with safety, then we might be a good match.
(FYI, politically speaking, I'm conservative. If you are liberal democrat in your views, you will find me rather irritating and frustrating. That won't make for an enjoyable time for you, so you can avoid the pain by not responding.)
Equipment-wise, I will be purchasing some soon...laptop, I already have a data-card, am planning to get a signal-booster and antenna for remote areas. Any other stuff is welcome that will enhance the chase for all.
--Jim
Of course I'd love to chase with someone who's over 21, with meteorology and storm chasing experience. I can meet you wherever you are at, if it's on the way out to a target.
I'm also interested in teaming up with inexperienced but mature chasers too, who want to "chase on the cheap" and save money by spreading the costs.
As far as chasing temperament goes, I look to being safe as first priority (in honor of Fabian Guerra, who mentored me until he was killed unexpectedly in 2009). I will divert away from any situation that doesn't feel safe, even if it means missing a tornado...the idea being that there will always be more opportunities. If you are looking for the maximum thrill, I'm probably not the guy for you. But if you are interested in maximum thrill with safety, then we might be a good match.
(FYI, politically speaking, I'm conservative. If you are liberal democrat in your views, you will find me rather irritating and frustrating. That won't make for an enjoyable time for you, so you can avoid the pain by not responding.)
Equipment-wise, I will be purchasing some soon...laptop, I already have a data-card, am planning to get a signal-booster and antenna for remote areas. Any other stuff is welcome that will enhance the chase for all.
--Jim
Rob H
EF5
I was planning on going out on my own, but if someone wants to share costs or mentor an inexperienced chaser, I would definitely be interested in meeting people in the Twin Cities metro area.
I've been on a few weaker storms in MN, and have arm chair chased for two years now. This is the first year where I'm prepared and willing to chase out of state (and my job will let me take off at a moment's notice). I'm looking mainly at western Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas - but if the setup is great, I'll go as far as OK/TX.
I've got an iPhone, a portable WiFi hotspot (using Sprint's data connection, since AT&T is less than stellar), and two laptops. If you don't mind sitting in a cramped Eclipse, I'm fine using my car which already has some nice hail damage
I've been on a few weaker storms in MN, and have arm chair chased for two years now. This is the first year where I'm prepared and willing to chase out of state (and my job will let me take off at a moment's notice). I'm looking mainly at western Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas - but if the setup is great, I'll go as far as OK/TX.
I've got an iPhone, a portable WiFi hotspot (using Sprint's data connection, since AT&T is less than stellar), and two laptops. If you don't mind sitting in a cramped Eclipse, I'm fine using my car which already has some nice hail damage
Mickey Ptak
EF5
I am looking for some people in the central Oklahoma area to partner up with this season. My job (or the lack there of) is going to allow me to chase as opportunity permits.
There may be some weeks between mid April and the end of May that I will be out of pocket due to a tour obligation but if you can stay out and about for that week we can work that out as well.
If you are interested or have any questions let just shoot me a PM.
Mick
There may be some weeks between mid April and the end of May that I will be out of pocket due to a tour obligation but if you can stay out and about for that week we can work that out as well.
If you are interested or have any questions let just shoot me a PM.
Mick
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