The Pursuit of Power — Severe Weather Calendar 2026 showcases Europe’s leading storm chasers through their most powerful weather imagery. The sixth month, June 2026, features storm chaser Sandro Puncet and his spectacular display of lightning illuminates the skies near Mali Lošinj, Croatia.
The interview series for featured photographs in each monthly edition of the calendar offers a closer look into the photographer behind the scenes, his approach to photography, his passion, and his striking storm images.
Don’t forget to follow Sandro’s social channels and support his work — you’ll find all the links at the bottom of the interview.
About the Photographer – Introduction: Sandro Puncet
Let’s start simple — who are you? How old are you, and where in Europe do you call home?
My name is Sandro Puncet, 46 years old.
I come from Mali Lošinj, Croatia, Europe.
When did your passion for storms and photography begin? Was there a specific moment that pulled you into chasing?
I grew up right next to a weather station; my grandfather, parents, and wife are weather observers, so I`ve been looking at the sky since I was little.
But the first time I photographed lightning was in 1997 when I bought my first film camera.
Gear & Chasing Setup
What’s inside your camera bag and chase vehicle today? Any must-have gear you never leave home without?
Nikon D750, 16-28 and 50mm lenses, lightning trigger, and tripod.
What part of storm chasing gives you the biggest adrenaline rush or emotional high?
First, the announcement of the storm presents me with the most significant challenge and excitement; then comes the hunt itself; and finally, the anticipation of getting home and looking at the photos I took.
The Chase Experience
The photo we selected for the calendar is genuinely inspiring. What was the atmosphere like around you — the mood, the light, the energy of the storm — and what went through your mind as you pressed the shutter?
The storm was coming, and I was waiting for some lightning nearby, and it finally struck.
It was an awe-inspiring atmosphere; luckily, it hadn’t started raining yet.
How far has this passion taken you? In how many countries have you chased or photographed storms so far?
Croatia, and in 2025, I was chasing in the USA.
Tell us about your chase vehicle — is it a normal car, or have you turned it into a lightning-hunting machine? Do you chase solo or with partners?
For now, it`s a normal car. I had a friend, Vilson, with whom I hunted for a long time, but unfortunately, he moved away, so now I go hunting alone.
Describe your ultimate dream chase: location, storm structure, light, terrain — the perfect scene.
A beautiful supercell with a thick tornado, no further.
Be honest: a powerful supercell forms 20 km away… right as a boring work meeting is about to start. What happens next?
If I don’t have to work at all, I tell my boss I’ll do it tomorrow, get in the car, and hit the pedals.
Inspiration & Milestones
Which storm chasers or photographers have inspired your journey? Anyone you look up to, even today?
At the beginning, it was our Danijel Pavlinović, Boris Bašić, Zvonimir Barišin, and our colleague from Slovenia, Marko Korošec.
What moment in your chasing or photography career are you most proud of — a capture, a trip, or a personal milestone?
The 2025 trip to the USA is to chase storms.
What’s the closest call you’ve ever had? Any dangerous moments you’ll never forget, and what did you learn from them?
13.11.2017, when I was on the lookout above Lošinj expecting a lightning strike to the city, and it struck 2m from me.
I learned only one thing then: that if it’s meant to happen, it will happen, but it’s not good to tempt fate.
Connect With Photographer’s Work
And finally, where can people follow your work and chase adventures online? (Facebook, Instagram, X, website, TikTok,…)
You can find my photos and adventures online at:
- Instagram: @puncets Instagram page
- Facebook: Sandro Puncet Photos Facebook page
Final Note
Thank you, Sandro, for being part of the Pursuit of Power project!
Your story and visuals help showcase the strength, beauty, and diversity of European storm chasing.
The Calendar has 13 pages – a cover page plus 12 monthly pages.
The calendar can be purchased here: Pursuit of Power – Weather Calendar 2026
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