Fearless storm chaser captures incredible images of some of the world's most ferocious weather systems

Photographer James Smart, 31, from Melbourne, chases some of the world's most intense storms[CN]

詹姆斯·斯玛特，摄影师，来自墨尔本，追逐世界最强风暴的人。

He has won awards for his snaps of ferocious cyclones and looming dark cloud structures in United States[CN]

他因拍摄美国的迅猛飓风和压城黑云结构而获奖。

Mr Smart says he often reverts to handheld equipment because of the strength of the storms[CN]

斯玛特说，因风暴的强度，他时刻使用手杖设备。

Stunning images have been captured by fearless self-taught photographer, James Smart, who chases some of the world's most intense storms[CN]

这惊世骇俗的照片由詹姆斯·斯玛特拍摄，他是个无所畏惧、自学成才的摄影师，追逐世界最强的风暴的人。

Mr Smart said: 'We chase to capture these amazing forces of nature, but we know the impact severe weather has on the people living in these areas and do not wish any harm to them during these events'[CN]

斯玛特说，我们追逐拍摄大自然令人惊叹的力量，同时我们也知道这种天气对住在附近的居民产生恶劣影响，不希望他们在这种天气下受到伤害。

His award-winning shots feature swirling cyclones, looming dark cloud structures, and bright flashes of lightning covering the sky

'The unpredictability is what fascinates me the most. It's so fascinating heading out on a chase and seeing the total diversity of storms that are produced,' the 31-year-old from Melbourne said[CN]

“未知是最令我着迷的。着迷到一头冲出去追逐，去看风暴产生的多样性。”这位31岁的摩尔本人说道。

'The structure, size, and amount of hail it all just makes it such a fun and unforgettable experience. When you see your first tornado it is surreal to say the least,' he said[CN]

“它的结构，尺寸，冰雹的数量使得追逐体验趣味环生，难以忘怀。至少你第一次看到龙卷风时会觉得在梦境中。”他说道。

The 31-year-old photographer first started chasing storms in the United States in 2013 with brother, Rick. He often reverts to shooting handheld because of the strength of the storms

He said capturing such storms can be an intense process - with the ferocious storms not making it easy for the photographer to set up his equipment

His storm-chasing has seen him photograph across America - in states such as Colorado, Texas and South Dakota - as well as his native Australia

Mr Smart plans to return to the United States at the end of May to shoot more gems for his portfolio

Last year he won the $10,000USD Grand Prize at the National Geographic 2015 Photo Contest for a powerful swirling tornado that he photographed ripping through Simla, Colorado, USA

Stunning images have been captured by a fearless self-taught photographer  who chases some of the world's most intense storms.

James Smart's award-winning shots  feature swirling cyclones, looming dark cloud structures, and bright flashes of lightning covering the sky.

'The unpredictability is what fascinates me the most. It's so fascinating heading out on a chase and seeing the total diversity of storms that are produced,' the 31-year-old from Melbourne said.

'The structure, size, and amount of hail it all just makes it such a fun and unforgettable experience. When you see your first tornado it is surreal to say the least.'

Mr Smart first  started chasing storms in the United States in 2013 with brother, Rick.

He said capturing such storms can be an intense process - with the ferocious storms not making it easy for the photographer to set up his equipment.

He often reverts to shooting handheld because of the strength of the storms.

His storm-chasing has seen him photograph across America - in states such as Colorado, Texas and South Dakota - as well as his native Australia.

Mr Smart plans to return to the United States at the end of May to shoot more gems for his portfolio.

Last year he won the $10,000USD Grand Prize at the National Geographic 2015 Photo Contest for a powerful swirling tornado that he photographed ripping through Simla, Colorado, USA.

Mr Smart said: 'We chase to capture these amazing forces of nature, but we know the impact severe weather has on the people living in these areas and do not wish any harm to them during these events.'