Nature First Attempt at Lightning

AzureC · 06-08-2011, 08:47 PM

I would like to learn how to take lightning shots. After 250 trial and error pics tonight this was my best. Any and ALL help on this would be a huge help, as I am a dry sponge on this topic : )

Attached Images

AzureC · 06-08-2011, 09:15 PM

After 250 shots these were the ones that came out.

K-9 · 06-09-2011, 05:11 AM

It looks like you took them through a window, which hurts image quality and sharpness. Try putting something plastic over the window to overhang the camera and lens, so you can shoot with no obstructions. An umbrella maybe?

AzureC · 06-09-2011, 06:06 PM

Yes, the lightning was all around my vehicle, no way I wanted to get out. I tried again today, however it was quite difficult due to the wind. I need to figure out a way to overcome the elements, Im sure these would have been a lot better had they not been through my windshield lol

DanielT74 · 06-09-2011, 10:03 PM - **1 Like**

An (all plastic) umbrella?

And DA*16-50mm (weather proof).

I still like the shot BTW.

akanarya · 06-09-2011, 11:05 PM - **1 Like**

if you could have tried 250 shots for lightning in one-night, then it should be a very very stormy day

taking lightning in night is not so challenging, just
iso:100, focus manuel infinity, f/11, bulb mode.
press the shutter, until light after strike pass away then release it, and of course dont shake camera
as i remember.

18-55 is not so bad for it.

AzureC · 06-10-2011, 06:56 PM

I have never seen that much lightning in one storm, quite grateful I had the opportunity to practice : ) Thanks for the input, I think I can do better next time around.

vievetrick · 06-10-2011, 08:26 PM - **1 Like**

Are these hand held? I assume yes as you said in a car. 1 is good if hand held and just firing at will. A tripod and shutter release and bulb as akanarya explains.

AzureC · 06-10-2011, 08:40 PM

Yes, hand held 2 sec exposures, resting on the steering wheel, wish I could have used the tripod and shutter release!!

06-08-2011, 08:47 PM	#1
AzureC Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Cape Cod, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 90	First Attempt at Lightning Lens: 18-55 pentax Camera: pentax istD Photo Location:* Sutton, MA ISO: 200 Shutter Speed: 2s Aperture: F8 I would like to learn how to take lightning shots. After 250 trial and error pics tonight this was my best. Any and ALL help on this would be a huge help, as I am a dry sponge on this topic : ) Attached Images

06-08-2011, 09:15 PM	#2
AzureC Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Cape Cod, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 90 Original Poster	The series After 250 shots these were the ones that came out. Attached Images

06-09-2011, 05:11 AM	#3
K-9 Veteran Member Join Date: May 2009 Location: USA Photos: Albums Posts: 1,971	It looks like you took them through a window, which hurts image quality and sharpness. Try putting something plastic over the window to overhang the camera and lens, so you can shoot with no obstructions. An umbrella maybe? Last edited by K-9; 06-09-2011 at 05:54 AM.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Night Lightning	aerodave	Post Your Photos!	4	05-04-2010 08:24 PM
Night Lightning Mk II	Christopher M.W.T	Post Your Photos!	11	04-14-2010 06:30 PM
Night lightning	dandog	Post Your Photos!	5	04-03-2010 08:52 AM
Night lightning	dandog	Post Your Photos!	21	03-12-2010 01:06 PM
Lightning!	Mister E	Post Your Photos!	15	07-19-2009 06:37 PM

06-09-2011, 06:06 PM	#4
AzureC Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Cape Cod, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 90 Original Poster	Yes, the lightning was all around my vehicle, no way I wanted to get out. I tried again today, however it was quite difficult due to the wind. I need to figure out a way to overcome the elements, Im sure these would have been a lot better had they not been through my windshield lol

06-09-2011, 10:03 PM - 1 Like	#5
DanielT74 Veteran Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Australia Photos: Albums Posts: 1,377	An (all plastic) umbrella? And DA*16-50mm (weather proof). I still like the shot BTW.

06-09-2011, 11:05 PM - 1 Like	#6
akanarya Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Çankırı, Turkey Posts: 210	if you could have tried 250 shots for lightning in one-night, then it should be a very very stormy day taking lightning in night is not so challenging, just iso:100, focus manuel infinity, f/11, bulb mode. press the shutter, until light after strike pass away then release it, and of course dont shake camera as i remember. 18-55 is not so bad for it.

06-10-2011, 06:56 PM	#7
AzureC Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Cape Cod, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 90 Original Poster	I have never seen that much lightning in one storm, quite grateful I had the opportunity to practice : ) Thanks for the input, I think I can do better next time around.

06-10-2011, 08:26 PM - 1 Like	#8
vievetrick Veteran Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Easthampton - Massachusetts - USA Photos: Gallery Posts: 5,183	Are these hand held? I assume yes as you said in a car. 1 is good if hand held and just firing at will. A tripod and shutter release and bulb as akanarya explains.

06-10-2011, 08:40 PM	#9
AzureC Forum Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Cape Cod, MA Photos: Gallery Posts: 90 Original Poster	Yes, hand held 2 sec exposures, resting on the steering wheel, wish I could have used the tripod and shutter release!!

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
	Search this Thread: Advanced Search