The Photochemist: Photography by Karl Storbeck

23/01/2026

Last week I joined Kyle Goetsch Photography on a trip to photograph elusive Red Sprites in South Africa. Watch our adventure here!

Red sprites are one of the rarest and most elusive lightning phenomena on Earth. These fleeting flashes of crimson light appear high above powerful thunderst...

11/01/2026

First seascape and sunset shoot of 2026. It was a great feeling having the waves crash over my legs again while capturing these shots on a warm summers evening.

This was also my first time shooting with my new 14–30 mm lens (replacing my 16–35). Both images were taken at 14 mm, and I must say I really enjoyed having that little extra width to play with.

01/01/2026

During 2024 and 2025 I was privileged to visit Tiger Canyon Private Game Reserve and spend time with these incredible cats. I’ve finally had a chance to edit a few of my favourite images.

Tiger Canyon is a unique conservation project focused on rewilding and protecting large apex predators within vast, secure landscapes, safeguarding vital genetics, and promoting ethical wildlife tourism alongside long-term habitat restoration.

20/12/2025

A few of my favourite images from 2025.

The year was quite intense work-wise, so I didn’t take (or edit) nearly as many images as I would have liked, but quite happy with what I did manage. Thank you to everyone who has followed along with me.

14/12/2025

Five things I’ve photographed after dark within 3 hours of Cape Town, South Africa

04/12/2025

Over the past two months Kyle Goetsch Photography and I have been on a mission to find and photograph Cape Town’s elusive fireflies. From Hout Bay to Kogelbaai to Newlands Forest, we chased a tiny thirty minute shooting window each night and learnt more than we expected along the way.
The full video is now live on YouTube where we share the story, the challenges, the techniques and the moments that made it all worth it.
Watch it here and let us know what you think.
https://youtu.be/IXh4aW0BF58

01/12/2025

Hey, I’m Karl...

I’m a biochemist and amateur landscape photographer from Cape Town, South Africa. I love chasing weather, light, and fleeting natural moments. As a biochemist, I’m especially drawn to capturing bioluminescence which combines my love for science, nature and photography.

Here are a few of my favourite images.