How to photograph Lightning!
My favorite subject to photograph is lightning. In the last few weeks I’ve had several people ask me how to photograph lightning. I figured I would write a blog about how to photograph Lightning. Lightning can be somewhat difficult to shoot. Finding the right spot is key, waiting for the right conditions can be trying, and one needs to have the right gear. Capturing the image of something so powerful, dangerous, and beautiful is exhilarating and nothing short of awesome.
The best way to start is to scout out locations. In the shot on this page, I had found this saguaro a couple weeks previous. I am constantly taking little side roads in search of interesting spots that could make a good photograph without any distracting elements. For lightning, a good spot may be one containing power poles, city lights, light trails from cars, or a large tree. Lightning by itself is can make for an incredible photograph, but not near as much as when there is something else of interest in the photograph to bring it all together. Living in an area that has considerable amounts of lightning is very helpful. Fortune would have it, I live in Tucson which is one of the best places in the world for photographing lightning. During July and August the monsoon season brings plenty of large storms filled with lightning.
Truthfully the hardest part of lightning photography is patience. Unless you are truly lucky, it may be several outings before you get a decent lightning shot. First, there needs to be a storm, and not just any storm. There needs to be one with lots of lightning bolts. Notice I said “lightning bolts” and not just “lightning”. In cloud lightning is pretty, but doesn’t do much for photography. I only head out to chase the storm if I see at least two or three bolts per minute. It’s always best that the storm and the lightning are isolated and for obvious reasons, not directly above you. Getting into position at the right time can be very difficult. Storms come and go very quickly. Waiting until dark is typically when the best lightning shots happen. Night allows for longer exposures and it also allows the lightning to stand out better against the night sky or dark clouds.
There may be an issue of wind and rain. If there is a lot of wind, try waiting it out or go home. Lightning photographs are long exposures that require the camera and the subject to remain still. For the rain, I suggest a poncho or an umbrella, although not a big metal one. I would also suggest some gear to protect your camera. There are many products available, but a standard plastic trash bag is equally effective. I carry at least two in my camera bag at all times. Although a lens hood is helpful, I also carry a microfiber lens cloth in case some rain drops reach the lens. My best advice for rain is to stay close to the car. If it starts raining heavily, jump in and wait it out.
For photographing lightning, any camera with manual settings will work. Most point-and-shoot cameras will not. Setting the camera for a long exposure of ten to thirty seconds is best. A sturdy tripod and a cable release or remote are mandatory. Set the camera up on the tripod and compose the shot where you hope lightning will strike. Focus on the foreground subject. This may be difficult if it is a dark night. If the foreground subject is really close, a smaller aperture may be needed to keep everything in focus. ISO should be set for 100-200 to reduce noise. Getting the right exposure may present another difficulty. This can only be overcome with experience and practice. I typically adjust the camera to take a picture 2-3 stops underexposed since the lightning is going to brighten up the sky. This can vary greatly depending on how dark it is and the distance to the lightning. The photo on this page was shot at f/11 for 30 seconds with ISO set at 200. I shot it at two and one-third stops underexposed.
Lightning photography can be fun, but it can also be dangerous. The inherent risks are deadly. Please be careful especially while learning how to photograph lightning. Capturing that perfect lightning bolt digitally or on film can be an amazing experience. Part of that experience is overcoming the difficulties involved. The raw power of lightning and being out in the elements is a thrill and an adrenaline rush. Capturing that moment forever in a photo is an experience like no other.
You can find all my photos at http://www.saguaropictures.com
Comments(5)