shutterbob Loc: Tucson

So I have recently moved to Tucson where there are abundant thunderstorms. Had a whopper of a storm around sunset yesterday so I went out into the desert to try and capture some lightning strikes. Tried nearly every combination of shutter speed, f stop, iso, lens, but could not come up with a decent shot. The direction I was shooting was flashing on avarage every 3 to 4 seconds or so. The sun had just set to my left and was illuminating the clouds. I had my D750 and tried my 16-35 at it's widest. Tried several focal ranges with my 24-70. Tried the 70-200. Also tried the 50mm f1.4 and 20mm f1.8. Nearly all of the shots actually had lightning in them but they were either washed out or too dark......couldn't find a happy medium. I've seen some great shots of lightning on UHH so I know some of you know the secret formula.

Daddeo Loc: Ronkonkoma NY

Leave shutter open for 8-10 second bursts.

Machinedoc Loc: Yorktown Heights, NY

Much easier to do when it's dark - low ISO, wide angle, f 8 and leave shutter open 10 - 20 seconds at a time, or, until lightning occurs - also tripod and patience!

Armadillo Loc: Ventura, CA

Bob,

Consider lightning as God’s photo strobe and external flash all-in-one. When you accept this theory you will be able to set your camera up for dramatic lightning and scenic photographs.

First, the light broadcast from the electrical discharge in the sky is about the same temperature as direct sunlight, but a little more intense. It lasts for only a microsecond so it can freeze action.

Set the ISO = 200
Shutter = “B” Bulb
Aperture = f/11 – f/22

With the camera light meter measure the ambient light from the scene without lightning strikes.
Estimate the average timing for multiple lightning strikes and calculate the exposure value for a decent scenic capture. Adjust the Aperture value for a good exposure.

At the appropriate moment open the shutter for the time required to capture a good scenic exposure and wait for lightning to strike. I suggest you be patient and try this several times during a rip roaring thunderstorm.

Do not take shelter under an Aluminum awning, or hold onto an umbrella.

Michael G

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

Two words,
Lightning Trigger

Dr.Nikon Loc: Honolulu Hawaii

My friend once put the camera on video mode .. left it runing .. then pulled the shots off the frames that caught the perfect lightening ..

I use bulb mode ... manual focus ..24-70 f11 bracket down to f8 .. sometimes I use a polarizing filter ..ISO 100 -400 ...AND for sure post editing ...the darker the better ...or just after sundown with lots of patients ..

LiamRowan Loc: Michigan

I always wondered how lightning was shot! Thanks for all the helpful posts!!

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

Thanks to all for the tips. I will give them a try next time a thunderstorm rolls through.
Bob

Leitz Loc: Solms

Sounds like you have the right technique, no timing problems, but need to work on your exposure. Washed out shots are overexposed ... too dark, they're underexposed. No "secret formula" to it at all. Good luck!

Thomas902 Loc: Washington DC

"went out into the desert to try and capture some lightning strikes..." Bob please realize that you could be placing yourself at risk here... An average of 40-50 people die each year from lightening strikes (in the US)... Before major safety campaigns were instituted on the dangers of lightening there were two to three times as many deaths... The only safe place during a thunderstorm is in a building with four walls and a roof or in a car.

That said if you still feel compelled to walk on the wild side... Might start with this setup and settings... they work...
Solid Tripod
Wide Angle Lens
Manual Focus at the Hyperfocal distance for the aperture your using (or infinity if foreground is absent)
Base ISO typically 100
Auto White Balance
Exposure 30 seconds (fine tune via aperture and/or ND filters)
A remote release and mirror up
Start at f/5.6 and go either way (your histogram is you friend here)
If you are competent with Photoshop consider it's Photo-merge function for more drama
Note: 30 seconds is the default exposure max so if you want to go longer you'll need an additional timer...
It is imperative to use a solid tripod, mirror up and remote release if you hope to merge multiple captures together in post.

I managed a large outdoor swimming facility and we immediately cleared the pool if either thunder was heard or a lightening flash observed...
Even an indirect strike of lightening can be fatal by irreversibly damaging the sinoatrial (SA) node of the heart... resulting in ventricular fibrillation (fatal arrhythmia). If you are anywhere near the path of the electrical discharge you are at serious risk...

My question to you Bob does such a risk warrant the effort?

Please be safe, k?

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

I was at a safe distance. The sound of thunder takes approx 5 seconds to travel a mile (give or take). From flash to boom was taking from 25 to 35 seconds to reach me. The desert here is wide open and I could still easily see the lightning after it had moved (according to radar) 100 miles away. A photo is not worth getting electrocuted for, but I felt no danger here.
Thanks for your concern though.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

There's a new device called MIOPS that does lightning and other things. There seem to be several models.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=&sku=1015042&gclid=CjwKEAjw-Oy_BRDg4Iqok57a4kcSJADsuDK1gSQXvdCMgb1hhS8Bfn93MmnR1tIZRRTgXdBv97VG5xoC0y3w_wcB&is=REG&ap=y&m=Y&c3api=1876%2C116777138042%2C&A=details&Q=

mborn Loc: Massachusetts

I use lighting trigger

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

For one, if you are going to do this on a regular basis and want to eliminate a lot of frustration, get a lightning trigger. These things sense the discharge and trip the shutter without your intervention. There are several models and versions of each available. Check them out.

Secondly, and I've had success with this method, reasonable wide angle lens, 30 second exposure, Low ISO setting, f/8, and hope your camera is pointed in the right direction and shutter open at the time the lightning happens. Though I've caught a few strikes, I've also got a lot of "blank" images. This works best if it is well after sunset.

Also, I've done this from inside my vehicle for safety.
--Bob

shutterbob Loc: Tucson

Took a look at your link and have a concern that does not seem to be addressed in the ad. It has adjustable sensitivity, but how close to the lightning does it need to be to "sense" a change and trigger the shutter? For obvious reasons I do not want to be too close.