Lightning (as in electricity in the sky)

[Headbone]

My first few attemps at capturing lightning. C&C welcome.
All done on Manual Focus, IS on 18-200 switched off and tripod mounted.

1. 50D, 18-200IS on 18mm, 30 sec, f/10, ISO 100:
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af338/skully70-3/IMG_0838.jpg

2. 50D, 18-200IS on 18mm, 20 sec, f/10, ISO 100:
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af338/skully70-3/IMG_0834.jpg

3. 50D, 50mm f/1.8, 30 sec, f/8, ISO 100:
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/af338/skully70-3/IMG_0015-1.jpg

[th282]

I'm a photonoob, so this is just my interpretation. Although I find lightning uninteresting as a subject, I do like number 2... I like how the lightning is breaking through the silhouette of the tree's. Its almost violent. Feels a bit dark, but that might work for this one.

[lindsaytblum]

#2 is fantastic!

If you wanted to, you could clone out the man-made lights at the bottom of the photo. They're just slightly distracting...nice job!!!

[ni$mo350]

I like all 3 but #2 is also my favorite. I like how it's broken up int he middle by the clouds. Nice job and wish there was more lightning around here..

[corkneyfonz]

Exhilarating images.

[juanpafer]

Great captures!
#1 The foreground is too blurred (I think you can try shorter exposures, around 10 sec to make this better)
#2 Burn that little light on the bottom.
#3 Crop the top third: it is not interesting.

[darkness77]

I like number two. Looks like the lightning is attacking the tree.

[Robbierob]

wow...i would love to try capturing lightning images..no luck where I live tho :(
great images!

[genedarrell]

I love to try to "catch" lightning so and have not been to successful only getting one good shot, but these, imho, are great!

[Headbone]

Thank you all for the comments. Much appreciated.
Luckily in the area I live, we get some pretty hectic electrical storms, especially in summer.

I have a few more shots that I will upload later.