This summer, Charente Libre is highlighting local residents who, throughout the year, offer readers their most beautiful photographs. Today, we feature Nicolas Mérignac, whose passion lies in storm chasing with his camera slung over his shoulder.

By day, Nicolas Mérignac works as a telephone advisor, but by night, at dusk, or at dawn, he transforms into a storm chaser. At 42 years old, this resident of Douzat maintains an unwavering passion for lightning, thunder, and supercells. The whims of the sky provide him with exceptional photographs that he willingly shares on social media networks and regularly with readers of Charente Libre.

For Mérignac, storm chasing is like "a rush of adrenaline" that drives him through electric nights in pursuit of the perfect shot. His dedication to capturing nature's most dramatic moments has made him a notable figure in the local photography community. The photographer has developed expertise in tracking weather patterns and positioning himself in optimal locations to capture the raw power and beauty of thunderstorms.

Through his lens, Mérignac documents the spectacular light shows that occur when storm systems move through the Charente region. His photographs showcase the dramatic interplay between lightning bolts and the landscape, creating striking images that capture both the danger and beauty of severe weather events. The supercells he photographs are particularly impressive, representing some of nature's most powerful and visually stunning meteorological phenomena.

Mérignac's work represents a unique blend of meteorological knowledge, photographic skill, and personal courage, as storm chasing requires careful planning and risk assessment. His commitment to sharing these images with the public through social media and local publications helps bring awareness to the natural beauty and power of weather systems in the region.