Newbie Question ~ Storm Pictures

[LowSpark420]

So it is suppose to storm and be miserable in Atlanta this weekend. I figured I would try and make something out of it since I am new to dSLR's and photography really in general.

My question: How do you shoot decent storm shots? This might include just dark, heavy storm clouds or even better, lighting strikes.

I would assume to get lighting on film you have to use a tripod, setup the camera and then do a long shutter speed to catch the bolt on the camera? Is that right?

Again, total noob, so bear with me...

Oh, and what I would be shooting with is my Canon EOS Rebel XSi w/ a EF-S 18-55mm lens. Yeah, I don't know what that even means yet either! :)

[stathunter]

Welcome to the forum --
Yep you are right on-- you will need a tripod and then experiment with keeping the shutter open for extended times - start at 15 sec -- see what you get-- then adjust - then 30 seconds ---- the camera will pick up light where you never thought it existed -- it is amazing when you start to play in this area--- it really is a lot of fun!

[LowSpark420]

Ok, a second question:

I understand there are ISO setting on the camera for different shutter speeds, but those aren't 15 or 30 second intervals. Where do I manually set the holding for the shutter on my camera?

[cory1848]

Ok, a second question:

I understand there are ISO setting on the camera for different shutter speeds, but those aren't 15 or 30 second intervals. Where do I manually set the holding for the shutter on my camera?

Shutter speeds of 15 to 30 secs. Set your ISO to 100 for the least amount of noise. Use the timer to avoid camera shake when releasing the shutter button or use a remote. Experiment with your stops as well for DOF effects.

[LowSpark420]

But just setting the ISO to 100 won't keep the shutter open for 15 or 30 seconds will it? How do I adjust the shutter to stay open that long is my question.

I think I understand what you are saying about the timer. Get the shot setup, then set the timer to begin the picture so there isn't any shaking from me pressing down and releasing the shutter button...correct?

[stathunter]

Shoot in Manual mode - then you can adjust the amount of time the shutter stays open. And yes use the self timer to trigger the shutter -- and avoid any shake.

[LowSpark420]

Thanks very much! Now I am almost hoping for some good thunderstorms this afternoon! I have a covered front porch area that looks over a nice tree line and we usually get some good lighting when storms come through hitting over the trees. We shall see if I can get anything decent. I give myself 1 in 3 chance of making it work the first time...haha

[PhotosGuy]

Lightning photography.
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=133278

You used a "good" title, so be sure to look at the "Similar Threads" links at the bottom-left of this page, too.

[LowSpark420]

Thanks for the tip! I never noticed that "Similar Threads" link down there!

[LowSpark420]

Well it doesn't like we are going to get any lightning tonight here in Atlanta. Oh well. I am also not sure if there will be a moon to view tonight.

Is taking pictures of the moon similar to lightning in the sense you need a little longer shutter speed?

[number six]

Is taking pictures of the moon similar to lightning in the sense you need a little longer shutter speed?

Nope. In fact, it's the exact opposite.

Think about it for a second: your subject, the moon, is in full sunlight. So your exposure should be close to a full-sunlight portrait or landscape.

The "sunny 16" rule works well for full sunlight pictures, and what I call the "moony 11" rule works well for moon shots (the atmosphere absorbs 1 to 2 stops of light).

Sunny 16 rule:

- ISO 100, 1/100 second, f/16

Moony 11 rule: ISO 100, 1/100 second, f/11.


As you probably know, this doesn't mean you have to shoot at f/16 or f/11 - you could shoot the moon at 1/200, f/8 or 1/400 f/5.6. And so on...


-js

[LowSpark420]

That makes sense when you spell it out like that. :)

I think that is the biggest hurdle for any newbie when they are not used to having to "think" to take a picture. I messed around last night with the tripod I purchased yesterday taking pictures of my street, the street lights, etc. It is a MUST to have a tripod I guess to take good night shots in low light, and I am glad to have one as I continue my journey.

[number six]

It sure is. You might also look into the use of the "mirror lock up" function to minimize vibration from the shutter when you're using fairly slow shutter speeds on your tripod, especially when using a long lens.

-js