how do you photograph lightning?

Answer 1

Learning lightning photography is not easy, since it is tough to get proper exposures. There are several different techniques for lightning, but they depend on having some proper equipment:

* Good quality camera, with a "B" (bulb) setting for extended exposure times
* Good quality film (see below)
* Steady tripod
* Cable shutter release

Answer 2

First you will have to have a camera that you can set to manual exposure, have a sturdy tripod (if you do not have a tripod you can use a bag of sand, rice, kitty litter anything that the camera can rest on and stay stable), if you do not have a cable release then you can use the "Self Timer". Set your camera at ISO 100, manual mode, go for a 10" sec exposure to start at F~9. or F~11 (I do not know the camera you are using but one of those should be there). In most case you want to be able to shoot when the storm is at a good distance across a big valley, or along the coast if that is where you live. If this is a good storm you will be able to time when the lightning strikes (ie., every 15 seconds when you count to10 press the shutter your exposure will give a few seconds before and after your lightning). If you can change the settings for your self timer to fire sooner this will help, if not you will have to compensate for this to get your image. Take a look at your image on the back and if you see the "lightning" then you are good and just continue. If you go to long of an exposure on digital cameras you will get "Noise" little white specs that look like it is snowing and that is no good.

Also think SAFETY while doing this you do not want to stand in an open field, or under the only tree in a field.

Hope this helps,
Kevin

Answer 3

Dear Imsoemo :
I am not much a photographer myself, but It seems to Me that everyone else here have posted scientific answers, outstanding...
I am personally looking for lightning rods and other surge supression devices in a DIY mode, since thunderstorms are hitting My area lately and My house has no protection installed...
I know a fun fact : Odds are twice as much that You're struck twice by a lightning that to be killed by a serial killer...

;-)

Answer 4

There are a couple of ways this can be done. Either by using a video camera, then editing the video for a still picture; or, by using a camera which has a multiple image function. The Canon EOS 20D that I have, I can take multiple pictures or frames with each press of the shutter. If you know of an area which is being heavily hit with lightening, just start taking pictures. It's how I was able to get some.

Answer 5

you need to use an prolonged exposure to develop your possibilities of catching the lightning strike. I used a 15 2nd exposure to capture lightning, yet grow to be in basic terms able to get a streak in one. The longer the exposure, the better the prospect which you will capture something. additionally, attempt retaining your aperture small so as that the lightning would be in concentration. you could not have a shallow intensity of field in case you could not anticipate the place the lightning is going to strike. solid success and stay risk-free!

Answer 6

Its gonna be hard to man, take video instead and then just freeze the image.
or instead look for a picture of a lightning on the internet, these pictures are taken with pretty expensive cameras.

Answer 7

Polorizer filter,slow digital speed,( there is no film involved so we can't say film speed) slow shutter speed ,apture f/22. If you dont believe me I'll email you a digital file of the photograph

Answer 8

use remote switched camera like Canon EOS400D mounted on Tripod - this camera has greater shutter opening time.

Answer 9

You have to be lucky! I've tried and missed it every time! Maybe a time-lapse camera!

Answer 10

Backdrop lighting and foreground lighting.