Sydney Electrical Storms - Lightning Images

[Cre8tivepixels]

Hey,

Some from last night i missed the guts of it, bloody dinner with the wife (lol)







Cheers
Dan

[bigsue19]

Love #2!

Trying to learn how to do these type of shots...EXIF data?

[sirhc55]

The last shot is fascinating Dan - can’t stop looking at it

[MCWB]

#2 more me Dan, the reflection rocks!

[Biggzie]

All shots are fantastic, esp. #2
Was the light showing up the path around the pool of water coming from a nearby light source or flash?

[gstark]

Dan ...

Great stuff.

And call me picky if you like (well, I am, dammit!), and I know just how hard it is to get these sorts of images, but I'd like to see a little less exposure in them. I think that the shutter's been left open for too long, or your aperture was too wide.

As I said, I'm being very picky ....

[robert]

The foreground/pool in #2 makes it stand out for me, as well as that awesome reflection- ensures no-one wonders if its a composite photo.

I also agree a little with Gary- maybe darken the sky a bit so the "bolt" stands out from the "sheet" lightning.

Also curious as to the exposure details.

Robert

[Ant]

Another vote here for #2, that reflection really makes the shot for me.

Ant.

[Cre8tivepixels]

Thanks guys, and Gary no worries mate, not being picky at all, thanks for the C & C

Dan

[Glen]

Great stuff Dan, really like 2, the pool creates a lot of interest

[SteveB]

Image #2 is wonderful, I like the use of light on the pool to give the image some depth, well done.

[dodge]

WOW nice images dan...no2 is a cracker

[Paul]

No.2 for me, love the strike reflection in the still water.

[stubbsy]

Dan #2 and #4 are awesome. Something I don't usually say about your work I am suitably jealous. Youve not just taken shots of lightning (a challenge in itself), but framed the shots so there is more to keep the viewer interested than a little trickle of electricity. Thanks for sharing these.

[rflower]

Dan #2 is great.

[Alpha_7]

Great shots Dan, you've shown some great lightning shots before but they are taking it to another level. As Peter said it's not just lightning but a whole scene, which makes the images more powerful.

[chrisk]

#2 is unbelievable.

[jethro]

Dan have been watching on the WZone forums this last batch of storms. Have to catch up one stormy night and snap or chase. These are friggin good shots even if the missus screwed your time. PM the next big one along the beaches and Ill try to come along
Cheers
Jethro

[colin_12]

I'll hop on the wagon for #1. It is a great shot.
Regards Colin

[Geoff]

Excellent stuff Dan - #2 is the winner for me! Great work!! I'd also love to know your techniques for capturing these ones!

[Cre8tivepixels]

Hey Guys......wow thanks for all the comments

I have a few rules for lightning photography and they are as follows....

1) Tripod a must
2) Bulb exposure - as soon as the flash of lightning goes of, close the shutter....don't let your exposures go over the 10-15sec mark...
3) Take some black cardboard and hold it close to the lens for longer exposures to get multiple strikes in the one frame (the cardboard prevents blown/over exposed bolts between strikes)
4) The closer the lighting the larger the aperture (ie: storm overhead use f5.6 - f8 / storm far away use f2.8 to 5.6
5) Cable release and Mirror Lock Up if possible to prevent shutter vibration.
6) Manual/Infinity focus....find the furthest light (streetlight etc) and expose then flick over to Manual focus

Thats its not that hard at all

Dan