Storm Chasing?

[DannyWOT]

Im just getting into storm chasing and was wondering if anyone else on here is a photographer/storm chaser? I took these pictures earlier this evening here in North Texas. While Im happy I got some lightning shots at all I know I have a long way to go. (It was pitch black when I took these pictures) It was my first time chasing with the camera and I opened the apeture all the way, set manual focus and maxed out the ISO with shutter speed 1/125-1/160. Also didnt help that I shot these while driving, dodging hail wind gusts and other drivers lol.

Anyway was hoping to hear some input/ stories from other chasers or anyone who has experience with this. Cant wait to go out again! I had a blast. I need to find me a driver so I can focus on the pictures lol

[Stump]

I love lightning pictures. If it were me, I would find a place to setup a tripod and lower the iso a lot. I'd just use a real long shutter speed. Probably just use bulb and a remote!

Pictures look good regardless, just a little noisy.

[marubozo]

Yep, storm chaster here. Actually, I'm a Skywarn spotter and try to call in severe weather, but I'll chase as much as spot.

Here's some nice lightning from earlier this year:



And here's a funnel cloud I tracked down last summer:



I'm thrilled the 2011 storm season is kicking into high-gear right now. Lots of photo opportunities I'm sure!

[Stump]

Nice shots Marubozo! I can't wait to see more shots from the both of you guys. Hopefully I'll be able to get some decent ones myself this season.

[marubozo]

Hey, wouldn't you know it. The storm gods shined down on me today! I had to scramble to get into position, but I made it just in time. The wall cloud never did drop a tornado while I was watching it, but it was rotating pretty good. Of course after it passed me and a half hour later it goes on to become severe warned. Oh well.

Here are two of the better shots, but a few more in my flickr link.

[vortexf6]

Here are a couple pics. Best bet for lightning is to know where you want to be before the storm gets to you. Nothing is worse than trying to get somewhere and rushing to set up. Also know the distance of the lightning. This will help you to know which F stop you should be at. The further the lightning the more wide open you should be. Also try messing with you white balance settings. Change the temp will vary your lightning shots greatly. Make sure when you set up you set your focus to infinity and then turn off AF and any IS. I agree with someone above. TRIPOD and BULB setting. Also another good tip is to use mirror lock up to reduce shake of the camera. And finally BE SAFE!!! Never be too far from your car which is one of the safest places to be during lightning!!! Hope that helps any other questions let me know.

[D. Vance]

How are you getting the lightning in your pics? I am just learning how to use the PhotoTrap, I got a bolt going through the corner of a frame, but it wasn't focused right...

[vortexf6]

Originally Posted by CameraClicker

How are you getting the lightning in your pics? I am just learning how to use the PhotoTrap, I got a bolt going through the corner of a frame, but it wasn't focused right...

These are late night pictures. So having the camera on a bulb setting works pretty well. Basically keep the shutter open until the bolt and then close. It is a little luck as well but knowing where most of the stirkes are really helps. Believe me I have missed many bolts because I was pointed in one direction and then move my position to where most of the lightning is and boom the perfect bolt... at my previous position!!! About focusing. The best thing to do is focus to infinity. Because let's face it unless you are trying to catch a bolt 10 feet in front of you it just doesn't matter. Hope that helps

Steve

[DannyWOT]

Sorry for the late responses to my own thread, but Ive been on the road for the last week. Great photos! Man now Im gonna have to see what I can do! lol.I really want to try using bulb to get a good shot. I already have a spot scouted out here where I live to get the picture. Now just waiting for the show.

Marubozo: How do you become a spotter for skywarn? Im definitely interested! Youre pictures are awesome man, hope to get some like it this chase season

[marubozo]

Originally Posted by DannyWOT

Marubozo: How do you become a spotter for skywarn? Im definitely interested! Youre pictures are awesome man, hope to get some like it this chase season

Danny, you'll have to check with the NWS office that handles your area. Each office coordinates their own local Skywarn group. Then from there it's usually just a little bit of training (usually just one weekend) and you're good to go.

Here's more information on how to find the office/training in your area: http://skywarn.org/skywarn-training/

[D. Vance]

I wouldn't like to go over ISO 400.. I'd like to go down to 100; would lightning be bright enough to use that low of an ISO? I normally shoot at 400, but at night I would gt alot of noise..

[marubozo]

Originally Posted by CameraClicker

I wouldn't like to go over ISO 400.. I'd like to go down to 100; would lightning be bright enough to use that low of an ISO? I normally shoot at 400, but at night I would gt alot of noise..

ISO 400 is usually the fastest speed you'd have to go to. Most of my night lightning shots are between ISO 100-400 with the majority at 200. It all depends on how close the lightning is to you. The farther away, the more sensitive your sensor needs to be since the lightning isn't as bright.

[Raylon]

I usually have ISO at 100. Even lightning miles away is extremely bright, will easily be captured by the camera.



More here:

http://rynwohld.smugmug.com/Nature/S...01029418_EgoPb

[DannyWOT]

Thanks for the link! I will definitely check it out. Unfortunately I was out of town for these last storms and will be leaving Sunday again till June so I havent had a chance to get any more photos. You guys have some amazing pics on here though!

[vortexf6]