Well I tried

I stood for a good half hour the other night watching an amazing display of lightning right overhead, I haven't seen a storm like it for years, there was a torrent of water running down the street and almost solid rain pelting down (we do very very good rain in Cumbria LOL). After a while it dawned on me that maybe I should get my camera (not at my sharpest LOL) so 150 pics later, and changing manual settings on the fly I got 1 OK shot and 1 that isn't good but I like it. I understand why, like moon photos, lightning shots is one of those things that can hook you completely.



Just need more lightning now, lots and lots more. LOL

I just read about this the other day as i am interested in getting some lightning shots. What I found out was that you should start with an f-stop around 9-11. Use the camera in bulb mode or for a timed shot of around 30 sec to 3 min. Use a tripod. (obviously this is for night lighting) Then aim the camera where the lighting is happening and keep trying. I have not tried it yet but living in tornado alley, I suspect that I will have an opportunity this summer to give it a whirl.

yes, a tripod and a really slow shutter speed are what you need. Forget trying to catch one as it happens.

If at all possible, try and keep power lines out of the frame. I know this is sometimes hard to avoid or even do, but they distract badly from the subject.

Just what I need now. Something else to try. Thanks theregsy. I'll add this to my bucket list. I'll also note not to try this from under a tree or in an open field. For now I'll try to stay contented learning to take Macro Shots.

For you people out there "thinking about" playing with Lightning please check this Nikonites Forum link with my extended reply.

http://nikonites.com/d3000-d5000/1717-help-pleaseee-lightning-shots.html


I have had a VERY slow start this year next chance might be in a few days when we have a 20 - 30 degree temperature change and we should get some storms. This is where I'll be posting my best of each storm this year.

http://nikonites.com/general-photography-forum/2489-lightning-chase-2011-a.html

PLEASE BE SAFE!

Rick

Thanks Rick. Very helpful. Now we just need a storm... when I'm not asleep.