My Very First Lighting Shots...

[johno]

OK, here are my shots in Arizona during one of the many lighting storms. Granted, the stikes were a long ways away, however, it was moving towards us. Arizona storms pack a punch. It was tough standing out in the open with your camera on a metal tripod. Scary!

Anyway, here are my very first lighting shots... I should have asked folks here for some tips... oh well.
I had just set up my tripod and missed several GREAT strikes trying to get things ready.
http://www.youthimpact.com/photography/light-small.jpg
The sun was setting to the west behind me and created cool pink light on the clouds which was a highlight the storm in the east.
http://www.youthimpact.com/photography/light2-small.jpg

http://www.youthimpact.com/photography/light3-small.jpg

http://www.youthimpact.com/photography/light4-small.jpg

I wish I had known the challenge theme was "dry" when I was down south... But, with weather like this, I don't think I would have had a chance.

peace.
johno~ :D

[rahmonster]

I'm a lightning addict as well, though I have never tried to photograph it. I sit outside in summer and watch for hours..I like the first shot the best:thumb

[wxwax]

Cripes, I hope this fad for shooting lightning doesn't end up with a dgrinner getting struck by lightning.

It doesn't always kill you. Often, it causes nerve damage, long term depression, inability to focus.... a host of lingering health issues which ruin a person's quality of life.

Standing in an open area with a camera on a tripod is a really excellent way to get hit by lightning. Lightning has been documented to strike as far as 10 miles away from the previous bolt.

Johno, I don't mean to rip on you, but this is a very, very dangerous activity.

And I'm really worried that as these shots become popular on dgrin, people are going to take risks they shouldn't. In my opinion you did. And it has to be said before something really serious happens.

[Michael_Hansen]

Cool shots! I really want to photograph lightning...but it doesn't happen all that often where I live.


Thanks for sharing those!

[Khaos]

Cool. I like the first and the last the best. I live in a valley, so it's hard to get set somewhere for good lightning shots, though I would love to try.

The last major storm we had had more lightning than I've ever seen in my life. It was non stop for 30 minutes straight almost. When I mean non stop, I mean constant hits and enough thunder to make you deaf. The building behind us up about 2 buildings got hit and was engulfed in flames.

Maybe I don't want to shoot this stuff.:wxwax

[johno]

Cripes, I hope this fad for shooting lightning doesn't end up with a dgrinner getting struck by lightning.

It doesn't always kill you. Often, it causes nerve damage, long term depression, inability to focus.... a host of lingering health issues which ruin a person's quality of life.

Standing in an open area with a camera on a tripod is a really excellent way to get hit by lightning. Lightning has been documented to strike as far as 10 miles away from the previous bolt.

Johno, I don't mean to rip on you, but this is a very, very dangerous activity.

And I'm really worried that as these shots become popular on dgrin, people are going to take risks they shouldn't. In my opinion you did. And it has to be said before something really serious happens.

I do believe you are correct about the 10 mile reach... I cannot say how close these shots are, however, I was not willing to stick around any longer than the 15 minutes it took to get these shots.

While we were down there a very large storm moved right over where we were staying... It blew out the power for half the night and rattled the entire building. I was not about to go outside for anything.

I like Dgrin, but not that much. I would agree that taking pictures of lightning should not be recommended for fun. It was nerve racking.

I accept your verbal rebuke and say these may be the only lightning pictures I will ever take.

There are many other natural, less dangerous, wonders to capture in this world.

Thanks waxy.

peace.
johno~

[johno]

Cool. I like the first and the last the best. I live in a valley, so it's hard to get set somewhere for good lightning shots, though I would love to try.

The last major storm we had had more lightning than I've ever seen in my life. It was non stop for 30 minutes straight almost. When I mean non stop, I mean constant hits and enough thunder to make you deaf. The building behind us up about 2 buildings got hit and was engulfed in flames.

Maybe I don't want to shoot this stuff.:wxwax

I think the best way would be to set up your tripod and use a wireless remote... Of course you still risk the chance of your camera being hit.
:dunno

Over all I think it may be best left to the pros.

peace.
johno~

[ginger_55]

Nice shots, Johno!:thumb

I have seen lightening strike on a sunny sky. The storm must have been 10 miles away:D .

However, I still felt the need, at some point, to get my tripod out and do some lightening shots.

Sure glad to have the best excuse possible: my life........

ginger:uhoh

[JimM]

Dgrinners can always try to shoot the lightning from under a covered building? Great shots... probably difficult to find a nice garage or shelter in the middle of the desert, right?

[johno]

Dgrinners can always try to shoot the lightning from under a covered building? Great shots... probably difficult to find a nice garage or shelter in the middle of the desert, right?

My very first shot was from the underside of a carport.

http://johno.smugmug.com/photos/32376997-M.jpg

I still didn't feel very safe.

It was surprising to see people stand out in the open going on about their daily business. :dunno

Thanks for the comments.

peace.
johno~