How to photograph lightning?

[bigbadbowtie]

What is the best way to set up and shoot lightning ?
I would like to be prepared for the next storm lol.
thanks
-paul

[robertwgross]

First of all, go to a place where there is a lot of lightning. For North America, the lightning capital is around Orlando, Florida, where there are around 100-110 lightning days per year. Going there simply increases your odds of being there at the lightning time. Also, it is relatively flat land there, and you can see lightning from a distance. Elsewhere, you can just post yourself with your camera and hope that the lightning comes along, but that requires good rain gear and a lot of patience.

Some people have good luck with an optical lightning trigger. It "sees" the flash, and then it triggers your camera shutter. I have never seen one that works with Canon EOS, though.

Others simply set up a slow landscape exposure (regardless of lightning) and then start it, hoping that lightning will accidentally happen during that exposure. If you don't catch anything, then you haven't wasted any film (if this is digital).

If you do situate yourself somewhere exposed to weather and possible direct lightning strike, then stay way from any electrical conductors that will be lighting up for that instant. You don't want to become a crispy critter.

---Bob Gross---

[bigbadbowtie]

So it's more of a luck thing.
what type of set up should i use (i have the a75) to optimize my chances,, when i leave my shutter open how long should i set it? and how will this effect the picture ?

[Andy_T]

Paul,

welcome to the forum!

Don't be afraid to use the 'search' button :wink:

Some resources from the forum:


http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=40348&highlight=lightning

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=39602&highlight=lightning

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=39480&highlight=lightning

Best regards,
Andy