EOI: [SYD] Lightning photography

[surenj]

After seeing Kristen's pictures of lightning, I am keen to have a bit of a plan to spot and maybe chase some storms in the Eastern Suburbs area.

It would be nice to have scoped a location for a foreground so that once the lightning arrives, we can spring into action.

Any ideas/hints or comments??

[Remorhaz]

I'm keen (except for the getting wet and zapped part )...

[biggerry]

sounds interesting, having a trigger would be nice, but trying to get to a location when there is a storm is gonna be like getting the planets to align... the other night would have been good (sunday)

probably the only lightning shot i will get, super fast chuck norris reflexes and in teh right place at the right time...

[surenj]

but trying to get to a location when there is a storm is gonna be like getting the planets to align... the other night would have been good (sunday)

I agree but if we had a bit of an action plan, the rest may become more probable....

[bigsarg7]

Well now I'm jealous that there is a few of you wanting to get together to shoot lightning!! Wish
I were able to join u guys.
In regards to finding the areas to go to, I'd study where most storms hit in and around sydney the most. Locally where I am we have a lot of orchards and they always shoot their hail guns up into the sky and break apart the storms as much as possible so their fruit doesn't get damaged by down pours or hail. So I often watched the BOM (beuro of meteorology) radar and tried to figure out where abouts storms would begin to be impacted by the hail guns and discovered that traveling out just 15kms often was enough to get some good shots before it broke up. I also head out when it's around 30km's away. That way I can get shots as it comes before the rain hits! U can usually see the rain during the day as it approaches but at night it's a bit harder!
I find day more challenging to capture lightning but I think with a reverse ND filter
It might be a little easier.
I am by no means good at photographing lightning but I love trying and learning with each shot as to what I did right and wrong! But have a blast, whatever u do don't go stand out with a tripod and an umbrella as I don't think it's the safest move!! Always pay attention around u as quite often a storm might devalop off to the side and if u don't watch out u might get a surprise flash very close by. I take my 7 yr old daughter with me during the day and she loves it and uses my d200 now days to copy / mimic me and I find it safe enough for her to come. So don't be too worried just SMART!!

[biggerry]

There is one brewing off the coast right now !

[surenj]

Thanks for the tips Kirsten.

There is one brewing off the coast right now !

Ahem, say where??