I caught nature!!!!!! - DPChallenge Forums

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

06/23/2008 12:25:27 AM · #1

I'm on a high right now. For the first time ever I attempted to photograph lightning. It's not the best shot ever but I'm on cloud nine for it!!!

[thumb]//viewmorepics.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewImage&friendID=196403892&albumID=427885&imageID=17497661[/thumb]

crap that didn't work. Anyway I can't post it directly since I can't afford a paid membership at the moment. So if you would do me the honor and have myspace please check it out at www.myspace.com/flipflopphoto it's the very last immage in my portfolio. Let me know what you think!!!

Message edited by author 2008-06-23 00:27:11.

Katmystiry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

06/23/2008 12:31:20 AM · #2

jpochard

Canon EOS-40D

06/23/2008 12:36:29 AM · #3

Very cool shot, Kat. I haven't tried lightning yet - probably should have tried it a week ago or so when we had daily storms for a bit.

Katmystiry

Canon EOS-5D Mark II

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

06/23/2008 12:46:15 AM · #4

Thanks Judy! I didn't take it though .. was helping

angelfire post her picture in the forum :) It is a great shot though!

Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS USM

06/23/2008 12:46:31 AM · #5

Thank You for posting it Kat!!!!!!!

jpochard

Canon EOS-40D

06/23/2008 12:54:50 AM · #6

oops...sorry, Mary! I really like the cloud formations the light caught.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

06/23/2008 01:11:15 AM · #7

LOL that's okay and Thank-You!!!!

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

06/23/2008 01:34:25 AM · #8

Lightning is fun stuff. Lots of noise and light. Getting it in the daytime is a lot more challenging. Here is a recent evening shot.

BeeCee

Nikon D40

06/23/2008 01:48:14 AM · #9

I'm so jealous, we never get lightning, and if we did I'd still not be able to capture it! :)

06/23/2008 09:29:48 AM · #10

Originally posted by MelonMusketeer:

Lightning is fun stuff. Lots of noise and light. Getting it in the daytime is a lot more challenging. Here is a recent evening shot.

It's beautiful. Noise and all!

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

06/23/2008 09:33:43 AM · #11

Originally posted by BeeCee:

I'm so jealous, we never get lightning, and if we did I'd still not be able to capture it! :)

I didn't think I'd be able to capture it either! We had an electrical storm last night and I thought what the heck lets give it a go. I grabbed my blank memory card and counted to six and clicked the shutter. I did this several times (about thirty). I got a lot of beautiful glowing clouds but not very many bolts. ( It also didn't help that my entire property is lined with trees.) :D My problem is focusing. It's very hard for me to focus in the dark so they aren't ever very clear, but practice makes perfect and I can't wait to try it again!!!

dassilem

Nikon D90

06/23/2008 09:35:22 AM · #12

wow...I can NEVER get a lightening shot...always miss it....

good going!

Intelli

Nikon D300

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

06/23/2008 09:37:29 AM · #13

Tripod and long shutter speed actually makes it easier..the problem is getting an interesting scene to go along with the lightning.

Here's mine from a a year and a half ago.. =)

Better version Here

Message edited by author 2008-06-23 09:40:16.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

06/23/2008 09:42:32 AM · #14

Originally posted by Intelli:

Tripod and long shutter speed actually makes it easier..the problem is getting an interesting scene to go along with the lightning.

Here's mine from a a year and a half ago.. =)

Better version Here

Oh WOW! cloud to ground lightning is awsome. I'm always terrified that I'll have too much fun doing it though and get caught in the rain.

Intelli

Nikon D300

06/23/2008 09:43:55 AM · #15

Yes.. that one was a bit scary...since I was standing outside in an open field with those very scary clouds and lightning popping everywhere. I didn't stay long =)

Message edited by author 2008-06-23 09:44:24.

MelonMusketeer

Nikon D7000

Nikon MF 50mm f/1.4

06/23/2008 09:53:04 AM · #16

At night, just manual focus at infinity, and back off just a touch. At night you can shoot long exposures and the lightning bolt will make the exposure. Aperture around f4 at iso 200 if it is nearby lightning. If it is far away use apertrue f4 and iso 400 or 800. Take a couple of shots, and see how long you can make the exposure without getting too much background. f4 gives light in the clouds, and f6 to f8 gives better definition of the actual bolts.
I used 800 for this shot because I wanted to get the whole scene.

Here's a daytime shot. It took about 80 frames to get this one. Bolts were flying about every 6 or 8 seconds, but all around. I got lucky and had one hit right where I was aiming.

BeeCee, you will have to go where the lightning is happening sometime. It's a good excuse to take a vacation. : )

Message edited by author 2008-06-23 09:58:24.

Eisbaer

06/23/2008 10:37:48 AM · #17

The long exposure is a great idea, I will need to try this.