Lightning tonight

box · 15 Jun 2009 at 21:25

I'm not normally one to go starting my own posts for only a couple of pics, but I happen to be quite proud of these and would appreciate some opinions. First time I've tried to capture something like this. I know they're a little bit rubbish!

Anyone got anything similar to show off?

All the best

robertgilbert86 · 15 Jun 2009 at 22:12

Someone's not going to watching TV tonight...

Nice work, I've still to get my first lightning

ScarySquirrel · 15 Jun 2009 at 22:34

Cool!

How did you do this?

box · 15 Jun 2009 at 22:51

robertgilbert86 said:
Someone's not going to watching TV tonight...

Nice work, I've still to get my first lightning

Thanks

ScarySquirrel said:
Cool!

How did you do this?

Set the tripod up at the window with an umbrella (lots of hail coming down!), and framed up on where most of the strikes were taking place. Since it was still only 6pm, I could only get shutter speeds down to 1/2s, even at F29. Not ideal, but my work-around was to set the camera to continuous shooting mode, and just hold my finger on the button. No doubt this hasn't done the shutter any good, and meant I had to wade through 500 shots afterwards, but I'm pleased with the result. I need a remote shutter control as well, hence the softness.

Amp34 · 16 Jun 2009 at 11:35

Lightning is always good to catch, just a shame it was too light when you were shooting (not that that made you loose your shots.)

I managed tto catch some lightning in a similar way to you last summer, except it was dark and I had a remote timer, f/4ish and 2-3minute exposures with it covered by a porch.

aztechnology · 16 Jun 2009 at 14:34

ScarySquirrel said:
Cool!

How did you do this?

He didn't use one, but google "Lightning Trigger".

There are modified remote release that "see's" the lightning, then trips the shutter. Kind of pricey, but about the only way to get lightning photos in daylight conditions.