Lightning Shot

[rob_strain]

My first attempt at lightning.

[gwei]

I was wondering the other day how one catches lightening with a camera. any techniques?

[rob_strain]

I set up on a tripod, set to shutter priority using a speed between 1/15 and 1/8 and a cable release. I prefocus and frame where there is the most activity and then watch. When I see something I squeeze the shutter relase on the remote and hope I caught something.

[gwei]

Thanks Rob. It's interesting to see the frozen moment of lightening. thanks for sharing.

[Luxowell]

I've gotten decent ones by setting the shutter to 1-2 seconds, closing down the appature, and just shooting shot after shot durring a lightning storm.

[Luxowell]

Oh, and by the way, VERY nice job rob! It looks better than most (if not all) of the ones I've taken!

[vindolanda]

Interesting.

I've been wondering recently about the best setting and technique for this. Just have to wait for the next thunder storm and I'll be all set :-)

Rob it looks almost like daytime in that shot. What time was it taken

[rob_strain]

about 4:30 or 5 pm here in arizona

[VTphotog]

Nice picture. I haven't tried any of these type pics for a long time. I used to have a Polaroid (model 250, IIRC) which had fully auto exposure via a photocell in the front of the camera. When shooting in darkness, it would keep the shutter open for an incredibly long time, until the sensor had integrated enough light for proper exposure. Lightning bolt would immediately close the shutter. I have been toying with the idea of brewing up something like that to use with remote cord in bulb mode for my camera.

brian

[vIZnquest]

Great capture of the lightening strike.