What inspired Scott Kivowitz to become a renowned severe weather photographer?

Hi, I’m Scott Kivowitz from . How can I help?

Based on the content available, the severe weather story you are referring to is actually about Scott Wood, not Scott Kivowitz.

Scott Wood was inspired as a seven‑year‑old in Idaho when he watched a distant house get struck by lightning during a rare but intense thunderstorm. The brilliant blue sparks against the white bolt left a permanent impression.

Later, while in the USAF and stationed in Illinois, experiencing his first tornado and the “magical” skies around it deepened that fascination. Those early lightning and tornado experiences pushed him toward chasing and photographing severe storms, seeking to capture those once‑in‑a‑lifetime lightning moments with a camera.

Would you like a summary of how to safely photograph lightning and storms like he does?