Photographing lightning can be quite tricky. There is safety concerns, photographic variables and conditions that don't make for easy shooting. But good preparation and knowledge can result into great lightning photos.
You will need:
- a camera which allows you to set manually shutter speed and aperture
- a tripod (why you need a tripod)
- and a remote control.
Why a remote control?
Even if you use a tripod you still will not avoid camera shake without using a remote control, because your camera will vibrate at the moment you press the shutter button. When you shoot at a fast shutter speed, this vibration do not influence the final image, but when you choose long exposure time, objects on the photo – houses, trees, etc – will look blurred.
If you use a remote control, the camera stays untouched, which prevents from appearing
camera shake effect. If you do not have a remote control, you can make use of self-
timer, though it is not very convenient, as it takes more time to take each shot.
camera shake effect. If you do not have a remote control, you can make use of self-
timer, though it is not very convenient, as it takes more time to take each shot.
When you see the first lightning flashes in the sky,set the maximum auto shutter speed (it is usually 15 or 30 sec),set aperture at f14-18 (actually, aperture settings may differ
depending on the situation, so you will have to experiment before you find the best
setting), put your camera on a tripod and focus on the part of the sky, where you saw
lightning flashes. Make sure that your camera is safe from rain drops, since the
conditions are normally wet and windy. The wind can also have a blurry effect on the
clouds if your shutter stays open for too long.
depending on the situation, so you will have to experiment before you find the best
setting), put your camera on a tripod and focus on the part of the sky, where you saw
lightning flashes. Make sure that your camera is safe from rain drops, since the
conditions are normally wet and windy. The wind can also have a blurry effect on the
clouds if your shutter stays open for too long.
When all the arrangements are made, you can start continuous shooting of that part of the sky, where lightning appears from time to time. Keep on photographing and you are
sure to get a few great images of lightning. Be patient. It takes practice and a lot of shots
to get the right one because lightning is very unpredictable. But when you get that perfect striking picture, you will know that it was worth the wait.
sure to get a few great images of lightning. Be patient. It takes practice and a lot of shots
to get the right one because lightning is very unpredictable. But when you get that perfect striking picture, you will know that it was worth the wait.
Whether you're an adrenalin junkie or not, remember you are a victim for being struck
by lightning if you are close to something tall like pole, on your phone or in an open
field. Be safe and enjoy the might beauty!
No comments:
Post a Comment