Lightning shots

[Ridn9high]

We've been getting some good storms come through the last couple nights. I was wanting to learn how to shoot some lightning shots. After some reading on the internet, I put what I learned to use. The 3 building photo's are from my first night ever shooting lightning. The last two pictures are from my second outing to chase the quick flash with a camera.

 

[Caninelaw]

Nice shots!

BTW - One of these can come in handy for this type of photography.

http://www.lightningtrigger.com/

Unfortunately for me my camera is not compatible...shoot!

 

[dustin ray]

Crazy pics vary cool

 

[Ridn9high]

Thanks guys! It was something different I have been wanting to learn. It's a lot of fun to actually try and get the camera pointed in the right area to hopefully catch a shot. Many time I would have the camera taking a picture in one area and the lightning bolts would be striking all over in another. I got out last night during a another storm to give is a try. I got some pictures taken before the rain and very close lightning strikes ran me into the house. Here is one from last night

 

[dustin ray]

Wow hair raising and loud.I would not want to be walking around in that stuff.

 

[THE ROMAN ARCHER]

He77 no, I be out of there.! U will get zapped for sure messing with mother nature wear rubber boots, lol, thanks for risking your life for the great photos......tra

Sent from my ADR6400L using Tapatalk

 

[Ridn9high]

Two nights were shot from a back and front porch. One night the camera was on the dash of the truck because of where the storm was located. This kid isn't getting out in the open when there is lightning either lol

 

[#1Predator]

Wow!! Great pics!

 

[Kit Fox]

Nice, Thanks for sharing!


I've only had the opportunity to photograph lightning once. We haven't had much lightning in my area, in the past few years.


Lightning-1 by sgbofav, on Flickr



Lightning-3 by sgbofav, on Flickr

 

[Ridn9high]

Very nice shots Kit:thumbs up2:

 

[WoodGrain]

Wow, those are great shots. How do you know which way to point your camera? Is there a method to your madness?

WoodGrain

 

[Ridn9high]

Wow, those are great shots. How do you know which way to point your camera? Is there a method to your madness?

WoodGrain

When we get good thunderstorms the lightning will stike a lot around a thunderhead. For example, the first night I had the camera on the tripod pointing to the south. The second night it was pointing to the North and the third night I was shooting to the East. Once you see where the lightning is at, it'll keep striking in that area for a good 30 minutes to an hour. I was shooting with a 20-30 second shutter speed. You are pretty much gambling and hoping lightning strikes in your frame during those 20-30 seconds.

 

[Kit Fox]

Like Mike said, you point in the direction of previous lightning strikes, then use a long shutter speed, to wait for lightning. Long shutter speeds only work when it is very dark outside. Once lighting strikes, you close your shutter. I use an infrared remote to trigger my camera at night.