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07/18/2011 05:27:55 PM · #1 |
Well, I've noticed thousands of pictures of beautiful landscapes just before/after a storm. Obviously that accounts for the incredible lighting. So how do you manage to be out in the mountains during these storms? I don't want to head down the mountain every time I feel a drop of rain (a slight exaggeration, of course), but I don't want to get electrified snapping an award winning photo. :)
I want that great lighting and great atmosphere, so how do I get it SAFELY? |
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07/18/2011 08:29:59 PM · #2 |
I use lightning rods...a hockey helmet makes a great base and strapped to my head it does a good job in getting the lightning close.
Seriously, it is a numbers game... do you know what the chances are that you get struck? I have been shocked AC 440 and popped a capacitor at the pole and shut down the power for two square blocks from an industrial accident. I should be dead from electricity, I had respect for it but do not let the fear of it rule my life. It is like worrying about getting killed in a plane accident, it is possible but entirely improbable. Just understand lighting and do not stand under a tree or in an open field... Try not to be afraid but be understanding and do not take unnecessary chances. Most will say an unnecessary chance would be going out in a storm in the first place but we all have different views, I feel standing under a tree is a higher unnecessary risk.
Message edited by author 2011-07-18 20:33:12. |
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07/18/2011 08:46:37 PM · #3 |
Safety first.
But that said, I will always jump in my car and chase a storm. I have once been caught out in a storm when my hubby had to go get the boys from school so he dropped me off on a hill so I got a good view of the distant storm but as it changed direction and came over my way I got a bit spooked. I crouched down as low as possible next to a wall and watched the storm pass over. Lightning was very close but mostly in the clouds...thankfully. It is a very exciting experience when you chase storms, the adrenalin gets going as the thunder gets louder. I love the whole experience but am always scared.
You also need to know that lightning can travel vary far. The term a bolt from the blue is there because lightning can flash while blue sky is around. This is because it can travel many miles from the cloud that produced it.
I dont know off hand what the stats are but most of the lightning you see is cloud to cloud, percentage wise, only a small amount hits the ground.
I have heard in the past that if you are caught in a storm as derf said, stay away from trees and open fields.
Lightning will find its fastest way to ground so if that means going through you then it will.
If you are in a storm and you feel your hair tingling, hit the deck immediately!
Ignore the myths that lightning never strikes twice...It does.
Most of all though...Enjoy it and dont be shy with your images, we all like to see them!
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07/18/2011 09:29:33 PM · #4 |
The big problem with lighting is that they say not to go under a tree....what they should really tell you is that when there is Hail, and 60 mph winds and the crap is hitting the fan, it is human nature to seek shelter and when outside it is by the windbreak of a large tree...This is the worst time!
I was in a soccer field as a kid and all the parents had yelled at the children to get out of what could only be explained as "The Worst weather you had ever seen in summer" and I layed down in an open field. I watched lighting hit 1/4 mile or so in about ever direction as a small super cell went directly overhead. The rain was so intense that I could feel the wind shift of the massive micro burst as it passed overhead. One large bolt hit a tree about 200 feet away as I watched about 25 people drop to their knees. These are the same people that were yelling at me to get out of the open field as I would get struck by lighting. There are things you can do to minimize the probability but it is almost impossible to take yourself out of the equation. Might as well understand and enjoy it rather than get into a cellar and be afraid your entire life. Lighting is one of those fears that hits just about everyone to a certain degree. Kind of like a dentist drill... if you hear it, it makes your skin crawl....even if your not in the chair! Be respectful, Understanding, and enjoy mother natures greatest lightshow. You either love it or hate it, but all agree...It is awesome!
I should be dead from electricity, I got shocked more than most groups of 10 people being that I work with it. I respect it, Love it and really do not want to feel it ever again so I use my brain around it, and do not let my natural fear of thunder and lighting ruin what is a thrill. |
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