Chasing Lightning’s Ghosts: Photographer Hunts Elusive Red Sprites Across North America
Across stormy skies and thunder-lit horizons, photographer Paul M. Smith is on a quest to capture one of nature’s most elusive light shows—red sprites. These rare, ghostly flashes of crimson light, dancing high above thunderclouds, are fleeting electrical discharges triggered by powerful positive lightning. Mysterious and otherworldly, sprites are still only partially understood by science, making them all the more alluring to those who pursue them.
For Smith—affectionately known as the “sprite chaser”—these luminous phenomena have become a lifelong passion. Roaming across North America, he seeks the perfect storm and ideal skies, camera always at the ready. His work not only documents these spectacular bursts but also offers a rare glimpse into the upper reaches of our atmosphere. “They’re visually hypnotic,” Smith told My Modern Met. “There’s a beauty to them that’s hard to describe. And the fact that we still don’t fully understand how they work makes photographing them even more meaningful.”
Though red sprites were first captured on camera only in 1989, Smith has made a name for himself by consistently photographing them—an achievement requiring far more than luck. His approach combines meteorological know-how, atmospheric science, and expert use of photographic gear. This blend of skills enables him to pinpoint the best locations and conditions for sprite activity, often in remote or hard-to-reach places.
But Smith’s mission isn’t just about taking pictures. He leads workshops and tours, inviting others to witness these wonders firsthand and encouraging curiosity about the forces above us. “There’s something awe-inspiring in knowing there are still things we haven’t figured out about our own skies,” he says. “Sprites and other transient luminous events give us a glimpse into the upper atmosphere—a realm we barely understand. Every image is a step toward discovery.”
Through his lens and dedication, Paul M. Smith reveals a hidden world flickering just beyond our view—a reminder that the skies still whisper secrets, waiting for those patient and passionate enough to chase them.
