Lightning Pics
Mar 16, 2012 00:04:05 #
Nasty storm came through NW GA bout and hour ago. Lightning was flashing everywhere. I always tried to shoot lightning but I could never get any actual shots. Wasn't sure what settings to use so I just played until I got some to come out viewable. I had my 50mm set on f1.4, ISO 800 1/640sec. little grainy but I enjoyed taking the pics. Now my dang eye is all fuzzy and seeing lightning strikes every time I blink. Its really bright when you see lightning in a view finder. You can comment if you like and make suggestions about my settings b/c I would like to do this again someday.
Look at the top of the lightning bolt. It starts to vanish. The 2 small lights are neighbors porch light
This was really close and it scared the crap out of me. Went inside and changed my shorts after that one.
Mar 16, 2012 00:26:40 #
Mar 16, 2012 00:28:34 #
thanks
Laurie wrote:
I like number 3 the best. Some strange looking lightning!
Mar 16, 2012 00:39:29 #
I like them all. Very dangerous when it is that close as it can strike up to 10 miles from a storm but wow. You nailed it in my opinion. You could've went a little lighter with the neighbor one but that is the only change I see that could help. Be careful and keep up the great work.
Mar 16, 2012 00:46:02 #
Thanks...All of these were taken from my front porch.
photo guy wrote:
I like them all. Very dangerous when it is that close as it can strike up to 10 miles from a storm but wow. You nailed it in my opinion. You could've went a little lighter with the neighbor one but that is the only change I see that could help. Be careful and keep up the great work.
Mar 17, 2012 11:29:33 #
There is no reason to be afraid of lightning. Douse it with pepper spray, drop into the fetal position and play dead.
Mar 17, 2012 13:49:04 #
rmcquese wrote:
Nasty storm came through NW GA bout and hour ago. ... (show quote)
I actually like them all. You took a real chance being that close my friend.
I've shot lightning several times but as opposed to your shutter I've always set up on a tripod - perhaps you did,
used my 10-second self timer to avoid movement blur.
I've used my shutter at 15-seconds and let the camera decide the aperture.
In my experience it's impossible to catch lighting by just snapping away and hoping so I leave my shtter open. When it closes, I simply fire again and then over and over.
You did pretty well with these and that's a good thing.
This is one example of this style of lightning shots. I agree I don't like the poll and neighbor's house and palm tree but I'm kind of locked into my neighborhood. This was shot from my driveway and the storm was passing south of us.
Shutter open 15 Seconds at f/4, ISO 100. (several different strikes)
Mar 17, 2012 16:41:06 #
Had a storm move through my area last night but not enough lightening to photograph.
Mar 17, 2012 23:30:15 #
I submitted the pics to 11alive News in Atlanta yesterday and they aired them today. I was really surprised. First time my pics have been recognized publicly. They said my name and said that they were really good shots. I was really glad. Felt kinda good to see my pics on TV.
Mar 17, 2012 23:33:54 #
Nice shot...I like the Palm tree but maybe you could photoshot the house out of the pic. Great shot though. It is difficult to capture lightning. I did not use a tripod these were all handheld.There will be a tripod and shutter release next time b/c lightning in a view finder makes you blind.
jimmya wrote:
quote=rmcquese Nasty storm came through NW GA bou... (show quote)
Mar 18, 2012 00:02:48 #
rmcquese wrote:
I submitted the pics to 11alive News in Atlanta yesterday and they aired them today. I was really surprised. First time my pics have been recognized publicly. They said my name and said that they were really good shots. I was really glad. Felt kinda good to see my pics on TV.
Congrats..:) great lightning shots..like you I have always tried to get a good shot of lightning...As soon as a storm comes I grab my camera I love storms...Haven't got a good one yet...
Mar 18, 2012 00:48:09 #
rmcquese wrote:
Nice shot...I like the Palm tree but maybe you cou... (show quote)
Congrats on getting your shots on the air... nice going.
Also thanks for the kind words on the shot. I don't have photo shop because I'd have so little use for it and it's expensive - can't justify that cost for what I'd get out of it.
Yes, a tripod, 15-second shutter and the 10-second timer the only way for me. I don't remember if I mentioned it but that shot actually consists of perhaps 3 or 4 strikes.
Good Luck, keep shooting.
Jim
Mar 18, 2012 01:42:34 #
rmcquese wrote:
I submitted the pics to 11alive News in Atlanta yesterday and they aired them today. I was really surprised. First time my pics have been recognized publicly. They said my name and said that they were really good shots. I was really glad. Felt kinda good to see my pics on TV.
Congratulations on the news. I know how you feel as I have had photos published in the local newspaper and one state-wide magazine. I am starting to make connections with some of my local media so maybe I can get more out.
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