Let there be Light(ning)! I've always wanted to photograph lightning. Last night, after dining out, Maria and I saw clouds in the mountains east of San Diego and she said thunderstorms...

MBSanDiego Loc: San Diego, California

I've always wanted to photograph lightning. Last night, after dining out, Maria and I saw clouds in the mountains east of San Diego and she said thunderstorms were in the forecast. So, we headed east on I-8 hoping to catch a sky show but reached East Willow and saw nothing. On the way I saw a thin downpour in my rear view mirror. As we turned around and headed home, the downpour started lighting up the towering cloud formation. I kept saying, I wish I had my camera! As we continued back home the downpour stayed in front of us. When we pulled in the driveway, neighbors were out in front of their homes watching the same sky show. I ran inside, grabbed my camera, and started shooting. I'll be the first to admit, I didn't know what I was doing but I finally got the long elusive lightning photos I always hoped to catch.

Can't wait to do it again.

Got tips on how to improve these? Please leave them in the comments!

NIKON D7500 ON TRIPOD
TAMRON 70.0-200.0 mm f/2.8
ISO 100 70 mm f/2.8 BULB
Got your Top Twenty by pushing and releasing the shutter-release button 400+ times. Probably missed twice as many in between pushes and even more by not releasing soon enough resulting in complete washouts. Bought a Nikon MC-DC2 Remote Cord to help eliminate future blurs while shooting at bulb!

(Download)

MBSanDiego Loc: San Diego, California

I've always wanted to photograph lightning. Last night, after dining out, Maria and I saw clouds in the mountains east of San Diego and she said thunderstorms were in the forecast. So, we headed east on I-8 hoping to catch a sky show but reached East Willow and saw nothing. On the way I saw a thin downpour in my rear view mirror. As we turned around and headed home, the downpour started lighting up the towering cloud formation. I kept saying, I wish I had my camera! As we continued back home the downpour stayed in front of us. When we pulled in the driveway, neighbors were out in front of their homes watching the same sky show. I ran inside, grabbed my camera, and started shooting. I'll be the first to admit, I didn't know what I was doing but I finally got the long elusive lightning photos I always hoped to catch.

Can't wait to do it again.

Got tips on how to improve these? Please leave them in the comments!

NIKON D7500 ON TRIPOD
TAMRON 70.0-200.0 mm f/2.8
ISO 100 70 mm f/2.8 BULB
Got your Top Twenty by pushing and releasing the shutter-release button 400+ times. Probably missed twice as many in between pushes and even more by not releasing soon enough resulting in complete washouts. Bought a Nikon MC-DC2 Remote Cord to help eliminate future blurs while shooting at bulb!

(Download)

TomKat Loc: Not here

..give you props for bravery. Awesome!

uhaas2009

You catchend some good ones including the rain. The last two I would see if PP could do something for it. On the left side I see blue sky. Next time you shoot lightnig adjust the focus a bit. Have fun

Manglesphoto Loc: 70 miles south of St.Louis

MBSanDiego wrote:

I've always wanted to photograph lightning. Last n... (show quote)

Great set of images!!!!

nimbushopper Loc: Tampa, FL

Great set!

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

Great lightning series.
--Bob

Toment Loc: FL, IL

Good set
Looks like fun as long as you’re in your Faraday cage 😄

BigDaddy Loc: Pittsburgh, PA

Some of the best lightening shots I've seen. I've always wanted to try this but never could connect my interest to the moment. All of these are great on their own, but would also be great for photo compositions where lightening was desired.
You did great.