Sun, 21. February 2016
Lightning Strike Imaging Technique - Update
An update.
2016-01-31 Daytime Storm. 35 x 1 sec lightning strike images stacked in StarStax (c) R. Powell
My refined lightning strike capture technique:
MOUNT:
- Mount the camera on a sturdy tripod in a safe sheltered place.
- Ensure the tripod is rigidly weighted to avoid wind disturbances.
- Never set up in an unsafe place out in the open or under a tree or umbrella.
- Even a metal tripod can attract a lightning strike so select a location carefully.
LENS SELECTION:
- If the storm is close, use a wide field lens.
- If the storm is distant, try a slightly narrower field lens.
CONTROL:
- Attach a bulb shutter control device or intervalometer.
- If desired, set the intervalometer to shoot continually.
- Alternatively, just keep pressing the shutter every time an exposure ends.
- Either way, there will be gaps between shots when strikes are missed.
EXPOSURE AND SETTINGS:
- Set the focus to manual and focus carefully on a distant object.
- Set the camera programme selector to manual (or bulb).
- Set the ISO to 100 or 200 (do not use auto-ISO).
- Set aperture to about f/5.6 to f/8, depending on light level.
- If completely dark, set shutter speed to 20-30 seconds.
- If not completely dark, reduce exposure and/or adjust the f-stop.
- If it's broad daylight, storms may require short exposures of only 0.5 to 2 seconds.
- If the storm is distant, increase the exposure time and choose a lower f-stop number.
WHITE BALANCE:
- I have yet to decide which is the best white balance setting to use, so I have normally set it to 'auto'.
- I researched on-line about this. Some experts do recommend the 'auto' setting. Others recommend a 'cool' setting (e.g. 'fluorescent').
- I might try 'fluorescent' next time out.
AIMING:
- Point the camera towards the best estimated direction of the approaching storm.
- Try to include a ground feature in the image field of view.
- Take a test shot.
- Adjust the settings and aim, to suit.
- After you start, do not readjust the aim, unless the camera is very poorly aimed,
SHOOTING:
- Grab a chair and sit down next to the tripod.
- Keep shooting until the storm passes.
- If a nearby object such as a tree is in the field of view, try illuminating it.
- Enjoy the storm.
PROCESSING:
- After the storm, check the frames and separate the successful images.
- If you had to adjust the tripod or re-aim the camera during the storm, sort them into 'before' & 'after' shots.
- Stack the successful identical frames using freeware such as 'StarStax'
- Process them slightly with Photoshop to contrast the strikes.
- Crop the image as appropriate and resize to suit.
- The session is a success if at least one decent strike is recorded on camera!
2016-01-29 Evening Storm. Single Lightning Bolt. (c) R. Powell
I shoot lightning from the safety of my home - and I recommend you do too.
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